THE FOLLOWING STORY IS BY BILL PICKETT
A series of summer bus tours will help celebrate Vermilion County’s 200th birthday. Todd Lee, chairman of the Vermilion County 200th Anniversary Celebration Committee, says the guided tour are to help people learn about the county’s history.
AUDIO: So this summer, beginning in June, on Saturday mornings; we’re going to have tours at certain parts of the county. We’ll have tour guides, school buses; and we’re going to go around and talk about historical spots in the county, past history.
Lee says the tours will be held throughout the county, starting with the Oakwood, Fithian, and Muncie areas on June 6th.
AUDIO: We’ve got tours planned for the Route 9 – Hoopeston area, the Bismarck – Rossville area, the Potomac – Armstrong – Collison area, from Danville west to the county line on Route 150; the southwest portion of the county, with Indianola, Sidwell – Fairmount; Georgetown – Ridge Farm area, and also Westville – Grape Creek Area, and the Tilton – Catlin area.
The tours are being sponsored by the Vermilion County Museum Society. Each will involve riding a school bus on a trip that will last two to three hours with stops along the route. The program is an adult level presentation; any children attending must be 12 years of age or older and accompanied by an adult. There is a $10 non-refundable fee for each tour, with registration opening Friday, March 20, 2026. Call 217-442-2922 to make your reservation or obtain additional information. Payment of the fee will reserve you a spot on the bus, but seating is limited.
The current schedule for the summer bus tours includes:
June 6 – Oakwood, Fithian, Muncie areas.
June 13 – Westville, Grape Creek, Hawbuck and Belgium areas.
July 18 – Sidell, Indianola area
July 25 – Hoopeston area (involves walking).
October tours are being planned for the following:
The Bismarck, Rossville, and Alvin areas.
Potomac, Armstrong, and Collison areas.
Catlin, Fairmount, and Jamaica areas.
and Ridge Farm and Georgetown areas.
Check the Vermilion County Museum’s website for updated information as tours are added.
