The Metamora Courthouse was built in 1845 and served as the center of county government until the county seat was moved to Eureka in 1896. It is one of two surviving courthouses on the historic Eighth Judicial Circuit traveled by Abraham Lincoln. In 1978 the Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The first floor of the two-story brick structure contains a central hall flanked by two exhibit rooms, one displaying artifacts of early local history, the other with exhibits describing the 1850s court system and Lincoln's life on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. On the second floor, the former courtroom and two small chambers are furnished to represent the era during which Lincoln practiced law.

Visitors may take guided tours of the building or view the rooms and exhibits on their own. A ten-minute video history of the building, which includes images and interpretation of the second floor, is available for viewing. The building’s first floor is accessible to persons with disabilities, the second floor is not.

Metamora Courthouse annually hosts an evening “Christmas in the Courthouse” (first Friday in December). Contact the site for details.

Address: 113 E. Partridge St., Metamora, IL	Contact: (309) 367-4470
Hours: March - October, Tues - Sat : 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm November - February, Tues - Sat : 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Stevenson House is an austere two-story Federal style structure built before the Civil War. It is located a block south of the southwest corner of the Village Square and faces north on a corner lot. The home is approximately 35 feet wide and 30 feet deep and is set back from both front and side streets.

It is constructed of “faded pink” brick made locally. The interior of the home contains eight rooms, four on the upper level and four on the lower, with room sizes and arrangements identical on the two levels. Excavations in the late 1970’s have uncovered the foundation of a small building which sat directly behind the house. This was either a servants quarters or a separate kitchen and was most likely connected to the main house by a porch or walkway.

In 1858, Adlai E. Stevenson I began practicing law at the Metamora Courthouse. After his marriage to Letitia Green on December 20, 1866 they moved into this home. In 1868 they moved to Bloomington, IL where he opened his own law practice. In 1979, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

www.historicmetamora.com/StevensonHP.htm

Address: 104 W. Walnut St., Metamora, IL	Contact: (309) 367-4470
Hours: May - October, Sun : 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Or by appointment.

The Lee Cabin, built in 1836 and one of the oldest structures in Woodford County, now occupies a spot in the Metamora Park District’s Black Partridge Park. The cabin is open for tours and is often the site for educational experiences which introduce children to “yesteryear.”

Black Partridge Park is the crown-jewel of Metamora parks. It is a 450-acre park that features areas of sports fields, playground equipment and pavilion facilities. The extensive trail system through the park provides both an opportunity for recreation and to commune with nature. New walking and mountain biking trails have been constructed. Not only will each visitor get a chance to see more of Lincoln’s landscape, but see just how the people lived when he began his journey to greatness!

Address: Black Partridge Park, Metamora, IL 61548	Contact: (309) 367-4470
Hours: The cabin is open May - October, each Sunday : 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Beginning in the 1830s Mennonites and Amish Mennonites from eastern states, and directly from central Europe were among the pioneers looking for a homeland in Illinois. They first settled in timbers in central and northern Illinois, then were among the first to the prairies. For over a century their rural congregations retained a strong work ethic and faith community apart from the world and public life. Here you can research the story of Anabaptist origins; find a family lineage in their library; visit the museum exhibits and the restored Sutter Barn; enjoy the Resser Prairie Arboretum and tidy Schertz Grandfather Haus; or just share a visit with friends and family.

The museum, built in 1984 with a Gallery in the upper level, houses a collection begun in 1978 in Congerville. Period furnishings of households, schools, and congregations include distinctive clothing, medical equipment, and toys. Current exhibits are African Missions, Hand Corn Planters and Vintage Quilts. An assembly area, the library, archives, and office occupy the lower level. Like stepping back in time directly to Lincoln’s Illinois, this is the journey of a lifetime.

www.imhgs.org

Address: 675 State Route 116, Metamora, IL	Contact: (309) 367-2551
Hours: April - October, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Fri - Sat : 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Sunday, except: Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and Sundays before Memorial and Labor Days. Allow at least an hour for a guided tour of museums and grounds.