Visiting Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL

Illinois College, one of the best small colleges in Illinois, is more than an institution for higher learning. It is a great place for guests of Villa DeWolf to experience the history of Jacksonville as well as a host of fun events throughout the year. Come learn of the rich history and fill up your itinerary with some fun things to do in Jacksonville with our guide to visiting Illinois College.

Visiting Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL

Illinois College Background

Illinois College boasts a student population of 1,000 studying across 45 different areas. It was the first college in Illinois with the school building its first building in 1829. The first graduates were in 1835. Illinois College has hosted numerous historical giants as visitors and lecturers including Abraham Lincoln, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bronson Alcott and Mark Twain.

The school also has a deep history in abolitionism during the 1800s. There's a lot that goes into the history of Illinois College so be sure to read up on it before visiting.

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Illinois College Background

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Where is Illinois College?

Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., sits on the west side of Jacksonville. This is about a 10-minute, half-mile walk from Villa DeWolf.

Where is Illinois College?

Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., sits on the west side of Jacksonville. This is about a 10-minute, half-mile walk from Villa DeWolf.

IC Events Calendar

Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., sits on the west side of Jacksonville. This is about a 10-minute, half-mile walk from Villa DeWolf.

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Illinois College Athletics

One of the more popular activities at Illinois College is the various athletic events. IC competes at the Division III level of the NCAA in the Midwest Conference, which includes schools from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Illinois College is home to 18 men's and women's teams including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, swimming and volleyball.

Illinois College's teams carry the Blueboys and Lady Blues names as their mascots. This refers to the soldiers in the Union Army, which included many IC students during the Civil War. Most of Illinois College's sporting events are free but there are ticket prices for all home football, men's and women's basketball, and men's and women's indoor track and field.

Ticket prices are $5 for adults; $3 for students and free for children under 5. You can buy tickets at the building and gate entrances for the events.

Illinois College Music and Performing Arts

Illinois College features several performing art programs including music and theater. Both programs regularly offer shows and events throughout the year.

One way the school showcases its immense pool of talent is through the Illinois College Fine Arts Series, which has been running for over 40 years. The series features a lot of different concerts throughout the year. Tickets for this event are $15 per concert.

As for theater, the school hosts several productions through TheatreWorks. This includes two faculty-directed shows and several student-led productions. Productions include improv troupes, cabarets and poetry slams. General admission for these shows is $10. Check out the IC events calendar for specific dates and times.

ILLINOIS FINE ARTS SERIES

THEATREWORKS

Illinois College Music and Performing Arts

ILLINOIS FINE ARTS SERIES

THEATREWORKS

Beecher Hall at Illinois Collee

Illinois College features a host of excellent events for guests of all interests. Another great option for guests is to take a stroll around campus to take in the history of it all.

A stop that is worth visiting is Beecher Hall. This structure was built from 1829-30 and is the oldest building on campus. The building carries the name of Edward Beecher, who served as Illinois College's first president.

The building used to be called College Building but it was renamed in 1888. The National Parks Services recognizes Beecher Hall as a stop on the Underground Railroad. It also housed the first medical school in Illinois from 1843 until 1848. Other uses throughout the years included a dormitory, library, fraternity house and a meeting place for campus literary societies.