A must-see attraction in Centralia is Railroad Village which features a historic 2500 Engine and 9415 Caboose on display in Fairview Park. Tours of these authentic rail cars once used by the Illinois Central Railroad, can be arranged upon request.
Fairview Park hosts a static display of military aircrafts, each with their own purpose. The airplanes are a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star and a Republic F-105 Thunderchief.
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was flown by Vietnam Veteran Lt. Col. William “Bill” Pachura. Pachura flew many different planes in his 26 year career in the Air Force, from 1953 to 1979. He clocked over 1000 hours in the F-105, with over 100 missions in Southeast Asia as a member of the 355th TFW (357 TFS) based at Takhli Royal Thai Air Base. During his career he earned 15 Air Medals, 1 Commendation Medal, and 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses. The specific plane at Fairview Park is the exact plane Pachura was assigned to at Takhli.
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an Air Age Memorial dedicated to the fighting men and women of all wars. It was placed on April 30, 1967 as a project of Centralia Post 2055 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Other Amenities include:
- Baseball & softball fields
- 11 sheltered picnic areas
- Playground
- Tennis courts
- Skate park
- Horse shoe pits
- Sand volleyball courts
Visit Railroad Village to see the historic 2500 Engine and 9415 Caboose. Tours by request.
Flown during the Vietnam War, the Republic F-105 Thunderchief is on display.
Fairview Park offers many unique features for youth – including a skate park.
1035 W McCord St.
Centralia, IL 62801
