SOCIAL

Social

In all four seasons, Morgan and Scott county residents know how to have fun! The Jacksonville region boasts numerous public parks and five beautiful golf courses, including The Links, Northridge Hills, Plum Creek, and the Jacksonville Country Club course - considered one of the finest in the state.

Lake Jacksonville is abuzz with activity throughout the warm spring and summer months at its beaches, campsites, and hiking trails traversing approximately 1,000 acres of surrounding woodland. Water-lovers enjoy fishing, boating, and skiing on the 500-acre lake. Illinois Fishing Magazine ranked Lake Jacksonville as the fifth best lake in the state for 2002 and it is home to about 30 fishing tournaments per year, including the Annual Jacksonville Rotary Bass Tournament. The Illinois River provides another convenient venue for water sports, with recreational access available in Meredosia and Naples.

Beautiful Nichols Park is home to Jacksonville's public swimming pool, golf courses, lakes, picnic areas, and large playgrounds. Families flock to Jacksonville Community Park and its soccer complex, basketball and baseball facilities, and spacious grassy areas - perfect for picnics and outdoor concerts. The Sherwood Eddy YMCA, a premier swimming and fitness facility, sponsors many enrichment programs for all ages. Numerous communities in the region host summer celebrations and fairs, such as the South Jacksonville Celebration, the Franklin Burgoo and the Jacksonville Prairie Land Chautauqua.

Thanks to the efforts of Jacksonville Main Street, Downtown Jacksonville is alive with numerous events and celebrations, including an annual Plaza Auto Show for antique cars and one of central Illinois' largest flea markets. The Prairie Land Heritage Museum is the site for the annual Prairie Land Heritage Museum Antique Steam Engine Show and the Prairie Land Bluegrass Festival. A recent addition to the region's annual line up is the River Country Quilt Show. For a complete listing of annual events visit the Jacksonville Area Visitors and Conventions Bureau.

The brilliant fall colors of the Midwest provide the backdrop for homecoming festivities, parades and sporting events at both MacMurray College and Illinois College. Winter weather brings another kind of fun - ice-skating on local ponds, snowmobiling, sledding and the "Christmas on Main Street" celebration.

The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in the Jacksonville region. Many church and service organizations, such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Ambucs, and Lions Clubs, sponsor important community events and celebrations.

Less than 250 miles from the metro regions of St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Kansas City - the Jacksonville region also offers easy access to regional destinations.