Eureka, Illinois - Attractions

Attractions

Eureka is known for Eureka College, a private liberal arts college associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the alma mater of former president Ronald Reagan. Reagan graduated in 1932 with a degree in economics and sociology and, throughout his life, remained very close to the college. Reagan returned to the town at least twelve times, including twice as President of the United States. In 1947, serving as the grand marshall for Eureka's annual pumpkin festival parade, the largest recorded parade crowds in the history of Eureka gathered along the streets to welcome back the Hollywood actor to his college hometown. Reports are the crowds were more than tenfold the town's 4,000 residents at the time. In 1967, as newly elected Governor of California and widely rumored prospective presidential candidate, Ronald Reagan returned to Eureka to dedicate the Melick Library at his alma mater. drawing more than 5,000 spectators. Eureka had styled itself the "pumpkin capital of the world" until its pumpkin-processing plant moved to nearby Morton, Illinois. The Reagan Museum and Peace Garden at Eureka College is a top tourist attraction in the community, especially after the 2010-2011 renovation of the Museum and of the Reagan special collection section at Melick Library at Eureka College. It is now estimated to be the largest center of Reagan memorabilia after the Reagan Presidential Library in California.

Kaufman Park is the local 9 hole golf course. Eureka Lake Park is enjoyed for its picnic grounds and occasionally fishing, but big catches are rare. The park is also well known for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display. People from all over the world visit the Ronald Reagan museum at Eureka College.

As of August 2012, world famous Joe's Pizza of Minonk, IL opened another branch in Eureka, IL. This was seen as a major milestone in the community, especially in its pursuit of finding pizza perfection.

Eureka High school also boasts an award winning marching band. From 2000-2006 the Marching Hornets were class 1A state champions. They were also state champions from 2008-2010, and in 2008 they were awarded the University of Illinois Governor's Trophy.