Harrisburg is the small-town gateway to Shawnee National Forest
As a booming coal town in the early 1900s, Harrisburg gained its reputation as the center of southeast Illinois. Today, it remains one of this rural region's most prominent cities because of its proximity to Shawnee National Forest. "This is a recreation-based area. There's so much to do in the national forests and wildlife areas," says Ayn Bartok, owner of All in One Real Estate since 2005, who's lived in the area her entire adult life. "So many people here ride horses, hike, bike, hunt and fish." Still, the town's blocks of early-1900s homes haven't changed much since its mining heyday. "This isn't a place with a lot of new homes," Bartok says. "It's an old community with a strong foundation."
Tree-lined blocks of early-1900s homes
Harrisburg's grid is lined with grassy lawns and large mature trees. Early-1900s homes, including 1910s farmhouses, 1920s American Foursquares and 1940s bungalows, are prevalent. Some of these rows of older homes even sit along original brick streets. Small bungalows and cottages in need of updates can sell for under $70,000, but the median price is $100,000, which is typical for well-preserved bungalows and midsize 1960s ranch-style homes. Larger Foursquares, farmhouses and brick ranch-style homes range from $120,000 to $180,000. While older homes dominate, there are a few tracts of newer homes on the edges of town. These new traditional homes can cost $180,000 to $315,000.
City parks, hiking and fishing around the Garden of the Gods
In town, residents find ample green space and athletic facilities at Harrisburg Township Park's shady walking paths, ponds and ball fields. However, when it comes to outdoor recreation, Harrisburg is best known as the Gateway to Shawnee National Forest. The forest covers 270,000 acres, and its most popular viewpoint, the Garden of the Gods, is less than 25 miles southeast of Harrisburg. The Garden of the Gods is a stunning display of limestone pillars, eroded by time, providing remarkable views over the wooded landscape. Beyond the garden, there are hundreds of miles of trails and streams for hiking, mountain biking and fishing. There's also the Sahara Woods State Fish and Wildlife Area, about 10 miles west of Harrisburg's town center. Sahara Woods is an old strip mine that's now a protected wildlife area. It's popular for fishing, kayaking and hiking.
All levels of school are in town
The Harrisburg Community Unit School District No. 3 serves local students. Kids begin at West Side Primary School, rated a B-minus on Niche. West Side teaches kindergarten through second grade, and it also offers prekindergarten. Third through fifth grades are completed at East Side Intermediate, given a C-plus. All move on to Harrisburg Middle and finish at Harrisburg High, which both receive a B-minus.
Small-town businesses on Main Street and chains on Commercial Street
The intersection of Main and Poplar streets marks the heart of Harrisburg. The adjacent blocks make up Harrisburg's small downtown, home to local businesses like Steam Café and Morello's Restaurant. Over the years, many of these early-1900s buildings have emptied, but events and local engagement are bringing activity back to the town center. "We're having a resurgence in town," Bartok says. "All the mom and pop shops went out of style years ago, but now there's more opportunity for new business in town." Harrisburg's chain restaurants and large stores are outside downtown, on aptly named Commercial Street. There's a Walmart on South Commercial Street, and there's a Kroger, Tractor Supply and ALDI on North Commercial Street.
Calling all Sasquatch enthusiasts to the Shawnee Sasquatch Festival
Local folklore and suspected sightings claim Shawnee National Forest to be the home of Sasquatch. Harrisburg celebrates this elusive woodland creature every October during the Shawnee Sasquatch Festival. It's an all-day event, starting with the Run Like a Squatch 5K in the morning. Then, there are unique activities like a roundtable discussion with Sasquatch experts and Sasquatch calling contests for kids and adults. While these events are happening, food vendors and artists line Main Street, and there are multiple live music performances.
Multiple highways cater to commuters
Harrisburg's mining industry has slowed, but this has allowed for a diversification of industry. Agriculture and hospitals like Harrisburg Medical Center are now prominent employers. Still, Harrisburg is a center of southeast Illinois, where multiple regional highways intersect. State Route 13, also known as the Harrisburg Bypass, runs east to west through Harrisburg. It leads west to Marion, Illinois, less than 25 miles away. Despite being in a different state, St. Louis is the closest major city, about 130 miles north. It also has one of the closest major airports.
