Tuscola, the seat of Douglas County, is about 23 miles from Champaign
Tuscola in central Illinois is a small city with rural surroundings, with a population of about 4,700. "It's the county seat, so this is where the courthouse is for Douglas County. You can go to the bigger cities, but if you don't want to, you can find everything you need here," says Cathy Means, a resident of Tuscola and a Realtor with the Hillard Agency. Tuscola is about 23 miles south of Champaign . Tuscola developed around agriculture and the railroad industry and was incorporated in 1859. It has a long history as a presidential campaign stop, hosting candidates from Theodore Roosevelt to Barack Obama.
Victorians to ranch-style, contemporary and golf-course homes
Tuscola is walkable; many streets have short blocks, sidewalks and shade trees. Portions of some streets have antique bricks in place rather than asphalt. Home options include late-1800s and early-1900s Victorians, Craftsman houses and some Sears Catalog kit homes. Ranch-style homes were most common during the second half of the 20th century, followed by a variety of contemporary and custom designs. Some early 2000s homes are by the Ironhorse Golf Course, which is open to the public. Overall, prices typically range from about $190,000 to $420,000. Means says there's room to grow: "You can build in Tuscola. There are still spots for brand-new homes."
Downtown has seen a resurgence with new businesses
Downtown retains its vintage charm, with shops like Flesor's Candy Kitchen, which was established in 1901. Newer businesses are also part of the mix. "We have a wonderful downtown that has kind of revived in the last five to 10 years," Means says. The Cast Iron Pub opened in 2019 and offers burgers, sandwiches and local beers on tap. Live music, trivia nights and a dart league are part of the fun, and watch parties celebrate teams like the Illinois Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois. The pub is owned by chef Kenny Hogue. "He's a graduate of Tuscola High, who went on to culinary school and then came back. The new Hometown Grounds coffee shop is also owned by a Tuscola graduate," Means says. Kirby Foods has groceries covered. Sweet Petunia is an antique shop that opened in the former site of the outlet mall. Tuscola Breakfast Place and Star 57 Diner are also nearby.
Community parks, events and the Tuscola Farmers Market
The Kelly Lock Memorial Dog Park is on the north end of Ervin Park, which also has a playground, pickleball courts, a soccer field and a swimming pool. The park, on the northwest side of town, hosts Tuscola Sparks in the Park for Independence Day, car shows and an annual high school baseball showcase. On the southeast, Wimple Park has a small lake with a fishing dock and has been used for a Cub Scout summer day camp and monster truck shows.
The Tuscola Farmers Market is held downtown on Wednesdays twice a month from June to September. The nationally known Rural Life Antique Show comes to town for weekends in the spring and fall.
Kids may enroll in schools in the Tuscola Community Unit District
The Tuscola Community Unit District 301 serves the area. North Ward Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche, and East Prairie Middle School has a B-minus. Tuscola Community High School, also called Tuscola High, has a B-plus and offers athletic programs including football, basketball and track and field. The high school's homecoming football game in the fall has inspired an annual, week-long celebration for the entire community. Some years, Tuscola goes up against Arcola. The school rivalry, which has lasted over a century, is nicknamed the Cola Wars.
Walkability, Dial-A-Ride and three highways in the area
Dial-A-Ride public transportation for Douglas County residents is available by reservation. U.S. Route 37 is on the south side of Tuscola, U.S. Route 45 is on the west, and Interstate 57 is on the east. "People work in businesses in town, for the University of Illinois and at surrounding hospitals," Means says. The Carle Foundation Hospital is in Champaign, and health center Sarah Bush Lincoln is in Mattoon .
Amtrak and freight trains pass through but don't stop; the closest stations are in Champaign and Mattoon. "I live a block and a half from the tracks," Means says. "Trains probably go through four times a day, and they don't really create any issues." About 20 miles to the north, the University of Illinois-Willard Airport offers nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Some had considered Tuscola a sundown town
From its early years and into the 20th century, Tuscola was considered by some to be a sundown town, a racially discriminatory municipality that warned non-whites to leave before sunset. These days, Tuscola’s population is listed as about 91% white according to U.S. Census estimates.
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Robin Silberman
