Murals

A number of murals are located throughout Centralia depicting our rich heritage of industry, athleticism and serving and talented individuals.

Service Men

(image above)
117 S Poplar
Centralia, Illinois 62801

This mural features 4 branches of the military at a medal award ceremony at an American Legion dinner. The coal train in the background and the wheat field is actually a mural within a mural on the rear of the meeting room. Centralia was founded in 1854 and brought into existence by the Illinois Central Railroad, the train symbolizes that history. The wheat fields recognize our proud farming heritage.

 

 

“Illinois Playboys”

117 S Poplar
Centralia, Illinois 62801

This mural depicts a frequent event at the American Legion in the 20’s and 30’s, the “Illinois Playboys” band from Wamac playing at a dance. The mural behind the band features amber waves of grain reflecting our rich farming heritage and the flag in the background carrying over from the center mural again symbolizes patriotism.

Area Residents

117 S Poplar
Centralia, Illinois 62801

This mural represents a cross section of area residents at a chicken dinner at the American Legion. The chandelier is a wagon wheel, with the stars and stripes in the background symbolizing patriotism.

Historic Trout Gym

112 E Broadway
Centralia, IL 62801

Home of the Centralia Orphans October 27th, 1936 – February 27, 2006
Trout Gym was named after Arthur L. Trout who continues to hold the state record of the most wins at one high school. From 1914-1950 Trout had recorded 809 team wins. The mural is an artist rendition of a photo taken of the last game played in Trout Gym on February 27, 2006. The photograph was taken by Centralia Morning Sentinel, Brian Hunt.
 

Orphan History

The nations winningest basketball team in the 20th century with 1890 wins! In 1937, the Centralia Basketball Cardinals were playing in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament when a Chicago sports writer noted that the team arrived in bedraggled warm-ups without buttons. The next day he wrote a story and said “Centralia looked like orphans but they could sure play basketball” coach Arthur L. Trout liked the saying and remembered the old movie “Orphans of the Storm” and he tagged the club “Orphans” and the name stuck.

 

CHS Legacy Mural

1224 E Rexford
Centralia, IL 62801

Dedicated on October 15th, 2016, The Mural Goal and Vision By Deborah Eubanks

 

 

 

 

 

Growing up in Centralia in the late 70’s many can probably remember the day high school students were allowed to paint Halloween motifs on the windows of the local business that line Broadway.

Those ‘good ol days’, became a topic of conversation with fellow classmates at a 2015, Centralia High School class reunion, which led to discussions about how many famous and successful individuals have graduated from CHS. It seemed obvious that a mural depicting some of our past “legacies,” would serve many positive purposes to benefiting the community.

The vision of the mural was that it would feature past CHS students that have gone on to pioneer successful lives. It would not be an exhaustive list of all the success stories graduating from CHS, but it would be as start. It would have to illustrate individuals from all backgrounds, with skills and intelligence across multiple disciplines and areas of interests. It would need to inspire and encourage children growing up in a smaller community to reach and exceed their dreams.

Exactly one year to this date (dedicated on October 15th, 2016) and hundreds of volunteer hours later, today, the mural compromises 15 successful CHS legacies spanning the arts, commercial business, math and science, music, politics and of course athletics. The goal of the artwork: To illustrate to youth that it doesn’t matter what their race, background, religion or socio-economic status is, that if they have the skill, intelligence, talent and drive, they can achieve their goals and aspire to greatness.

It was this mural team’s goal and vision to have successfully illustrated, through art, town pride but more importantly, to have extended an inspirational message to our youth for years to come.

Trolley Rental

We have a proud heritage and are eager to share our history, recreational resources, and festivals with others. The Tourism trolley is utilized at local and regional events to promote tourism in Centralia. Due to overwhelming requests, this trolley is now available for charter, more information is at the bottom of this page.

Trolley Rates

Rate: $125.00 per hour with a minimum of two hours = $250.00
Every hour thereafter is $100.00

Deposit: 50% of charter is due at the time of agreement.

The trolley easily seats 20 individuals.  If traveling beyond 35-mile radius of the City of Centralia, an additional fuel fee will be assessed at the discretion of the City.

Drivers of the trolley are licensed and well-trained by South Central Transit.

Those interested in chartering the trolley are encouraged to complete the Trolley Charter Agreement.

Trolley Charter Agreement

 

Email: tourism@cityofcentralia.org

Call: 618.533.7623

 


 

The trolley can be seen at Centralia festivals and activities and is colorfully covered in images of a few of our recreational and historic features including:

Balloon Fest

This annual event brings thousands to the area and has been enjoyed for over 30 years.

Locust Street Historic Fair

Each year during May portions of Locust Street are closed for historic walking tours, crafters, artisans, food vendors, antique car shoes, and historical presentations.

Carillon Park

The Centralia Carillon towers 165 feet and is the sixth-largest bell tower in the world. It can be heard during concerts and routinely throughout the week.

Fall Festival and Parade

The last Saturday in October in Downtown Centralia, this all-day event is packed full of special events for the whole family. You will enjoy food, fun, and entertainment featuring the Centralia Halloween Parade in the evening with floats, bands, and fun for all.

Lakes

With Raccoon Lake and Lake Centralia, there is plenty of opportunity for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying time on the water.

Trains

Centralia was formed in 1853 by Illinois Central Railroad. You can get up close to a steam engine in Fairview Park’s Railroad Village and also see two airplanes.

Bicentennial Park

Centralia is blessed with beautiful parks and recreation areas. This Park depicts a historic wooden water tower and tells a brief history of Centralia.

Water Tower

One of the water towers for the City shows a few images of what we are known for, 1) an image of our Orphans, the winningest High School basketball team in the United States, 2) a train, and 3) a hot air balloon.

Due to overwhelming requests, this trolley is now available for charter.

 


 

Dog Park

Oh, what fun your dog will have playing in our Dog Park! Opened in late 2018, pets play off-leash in this controlled environment, under the pet owner’s supervision. The Centralia Dog Park is separated for the pleasure of small and large dogs.

 

 

There is a separate double-gated entry, water, tunnels, jumps and other play areas, tools to pick up and dispose of animal waste in covered trash cans, along with shelters and benches for humans too. Parking is close so there is easy access at the old Ever’s Field at 650 South Perrine Street.

Don’t forget, for your and your pet’s safety, a dog tag is required; visit the City Website for more details.

 

 

 

Recreation Complex

The Centralia Recreation Complex is a 60,000 square foot multi-sport facility located in historic downtown Centralia, Illinois. Built near the site of the former railroad depot, the Complex sports the look of an “old fashioned” train station from the front while housing some of the most modern equipment and facilities in the fitness industry today.

Features of the Centralia Recreation Complex include an elevated walking and jogging track, an oversized gymnasium with two full courts and six adjustable goals, a fitness room with weight stations, treadmills, stair stepper, exercise bikes, and an elliptical machine. There is a 6 lane, 25 yard competition pool, a 130-foot waterslide, a 2,000 square foot heated family leisure pool, a raindrop fountain, a heated whirlpool spa an observation deck and poolside spectator seating. The Recreation Complex also has Locker Rooms, shower facilities, family change room, a full service conference center, and a youth activities room with video games, big screen TV and more.

 

Visit Website

 

 

Golf Courses

Centralia Disc Club

Centralia’s Foundation Park
Phone: (618) 780-2380

  • 36-hole Course

Visit Website

Greenview Golf Club

U.S. 51, (South of Centralia)
2801 Putter Ln.,
Centralia, IL
Phone: (618) 532-7395

  • 18-hole Golf Course
  • Pro shop
  • Restaurant – open 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

 


 

 

 

 

Memorials

A number of Memorials are located throughout Centralia honoring U.S. Servicemen and fallen Coal Miners.

 

Vietnam Memorial

Quad County Vietnam Memorial Commission was behind its creation and dedication on November 8th, 1992. This memorial features veteran names from Clinton, Washington, Jefferson and Marion County.

WWI Memorial

Fairview Park
Centralia, Illinois 62801

Dedicated in 1920 by the Clinton Co. Chapter of War Mothers.

WWII Memorial

Fairview Park
Centralia, Illinois 62801

Now resides in Fairview Park after being moved from its original location in Library Park. Erected by the American War Mothers Centralia Chapter No. 12, in gratitude for Honorable Service.

Korean War Memorial

Fairview Park
Centralia, Illinois 62801

The City of Centralia’s Veterans Affairs Committee dedicated this memorial on July 4, 2019, to honor those who served in the Korean Conflict. Two local Korean War Veterans stood before the monument as it was unveiled; the 4th of July Veteran’s Day Parade Grand Marshall, Gerald Chappel, and Sergeant First Class Don Baldridge.

Wamac’s Centralia #5 Mine Memorial

113 S Wabash
Centralia, IL 62801

Dedicated on March 25, 2009, a tribute to those who lost their lives on March 25, 1947, when Centralia #5 Coal Mine exploded killing 111 miners.

Read Full Article

Veterans Tribute at Kaskaskia College

27210 College Road
Centralia, IL 62801
A monument that honors the men and women who have served, currently are serving, and those who will serve our Country in the future.

Read Full Article

 

Pittenger War Memorial

 

710 Gragg Street
Centralia, IL 62801

Located in Elmwood Cemetery, The Pittenger Memorial was dedicated in memory of Col. G. L. Pittenger and erected by his son G. W. Pittenger in 1942 and the inscription says presented to The American Legion Post No. 446 In Memory of Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Departed.

Four memorial benches, added in 2009, circle the Pittenger Memorial to pay respect to a number of conflicts and wars including Civil War, World War I, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Revolutionary War, Spanish-American War, World War II, Korean War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan War.

Illinois Theatre

The Illinois Theatre, located on South Locust in downtown Centralia, Illinois, is currently under renovation and will have approximately 500 seats available for professional entertainment performances. This former vaudeville & movie theatre will have all new seating, air conditioning, handicapped restrooms, lighting & sound system.

Historical Society Museum

At the Centralia Area Historical Society Museum you can experience the area’s rich railroad history through vintage pictures, tools, clothing and even a tour of a real caboose. Civil War items, military uniforms, equipment, ration books, flags, awards and other artifacts mark special times in the history of this country and the Centralia area.

Centralia is rich in mining history, and detonators, lunch buckles, rescue equipment, and newspaper reports of the #5 Mine Disaster can be viewed at the Museum. The experiences you can have here are too numerous to list, but we know you won’t want to miss the history of this unique area.

 

Visit Website

 

(618) 545-0657
240 South Locust Street
Centralia, IL 62801

 

Fairview Park

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. While you are at Fairview Park, you should also see the rare Republic F-105 Thunderchief #318. The late Lieutenant Colonel William Pachura earned two Distinguished Flying Cross awards while operating this aircraft, known as the “Red River Queen”, during the Vietnam War.

Amenities

  • Public swimming pool
  • 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.

An outdoor public swimming pool is available to enjoy during the summer months.

 

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

 

Centralia Cultural Society

A visit to Centralia can be enriched by the Centralia Cultural Society. You may catch a performance by the Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra, the Choral Society, the Little Theater Players, Bronze Expression Handbells or maybe an exhibit by the Palette and Brush Club or Light and Lens Club. The Cultural Society facility has an auditorium that seats 250.

 

Visit Website

 

(618) 532-2951
(618) 533-ARTS

1250 E. Rexford
Centralia, IL. 62801