Havana is a historic river city with ample recreation and businesses
Havana's historic streets have stories to tell. Before the red brick roads were built and paved paths were carved, it was home to the ancient Havana Hopewell culture. In the mid-1800s, Abraham Lincoln notably delivered a speech atop the Rockwell Mound, a preserved Native American earthwork. By the 1900s, Havana thrived on manufacturing and became a gambling hub frequented by Al Capone. As the city entered the 21st century, its industries and tourism declined. Still, the present-day community is revitalizing its historic areas, boosting the economy and attracting more seasonal visitors. Outside these efforts, everyday life includes enjoying abundant outdoor spaces along the Illinois River and driving through tranquil older neighborhoods. City events, both large and small, invite neighbors to make connections and explore local businesses.
Outdoor spaces with waterfront views and history draw visitors
City parks along the Illinois River are a major attraction. "We're definitely getting an abundance of tourists in the summer and fall," says city clerk Jesse Hall. At Havana Riverfront Park, people watch boats and barges float past the shoreline as kids play on shaded playgrounds. Visitors can also launch boats onto the river from a public ramp. One block away, people set up RVs at Riverfront Campground and use the floating docks at Havana Nature Center. The center also loans fishing poles to kids wanting to cast a line. Nearby, Rockwell Park is home to the city pool and the Rockwell Mound Historic Site, where Lincoln made a two-hour campaign speech in 1858. The site is the largest prehistoric Havana Hopewell earthwork in the Illinois River Valley. On the opposite end of town, youth leagues use Veterans Park's ball fields and batting cages. Residents are also within 20 miles of several lakes and nature preserves, like Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.
Although Havana follows the river, Hall says flooding is rare. "We're well-protected," he says. "Sometimes the water will get high, but we haven't had a flood since probably the '90s." First Street reports that Havana's risk from flooding is minor.
Leafy trees, 20th-century homes and residents define neighborhoods
Most neighborhoods have wide roads shaded by tall trees. Cars sit in driveways, if not in a garage or carport. Homes were almost exclusively built before the 21st century, primarily in the early to mid-20th century. Bungalow, Craftsman and ranch-style houses are standard, but historic homes often have Colonial, Victorian and American Foursquare architectural elements. The city's median price is $97,000, significantly less than the national median of around $420,000.
Hall says that while not every Havana resident knows one another, people tend to be well-connected with their neighbors.
A walkable downtown blends preserved architecture with local shopping
Havana's historic downtown underwent major revitalization in 2022, preserving its red-brick roads and Italianate-style buildings. Awnings jut out from storefronts, partially shading wide sidewalks lined with vintage lampposts. Brightly colored murals add to the atmosphere. The area has a range of boutiques, offices and restaurants, like Stag Tap and Babe's On Plum. Havana Street Market opens every Saturday morning to sell local produce and honey. In the Havana Business Park off Highway 136, County Market sells groceries, and Havana Farm & Home Supply has everything from clothing to ammo.
First Fridays and festivals energize downtown and the riverfront
The city has a range of annual celebrations and smaller events. Four months out of the year, downtown hosts First Fridays, where local businesses offer dining specials and stay open late for evening shopping. The event also includes art shows and concerts at the Stag Tap beer garden. Oktoberfest is the city's biggest downtown event. Attendees participate in a Polka Pace Race and various competitions, from brat eating and sausage throwing to best German attire. Havana Riverfront Park is another event hub, hosting summer concerts, a car show in August and an arts and music festival in June.
Havana CUSD uses credit-based grade levels in high school
Students attend Havana Community Unified School District No. 126, which has three schools inside the city. At Havana High School, grade levels are determined by how many credits a student completed the previous year, not by how many years they have been in school. Both the district and the high school have B-minus Niche ratings.
Jobs are local, but highways connect to Peoria and Springfield
"Most people work in Havana," Hall says. "Jobs are primarily based in small businesses and our hospital." Mason District Hospital is within city limits and offers primary and emergency care. When locals commute, Highway 136 and state Route 97 are the main thoroughfares. Drivers are about 45 miles from Peoria and 49 miles from Springfield . Both have major commercial airports.
