Mason County
Calling all outdoor lovers! Mason County is an outdoor lover’s haven. Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge in Havana, one of four Wildlife refuges in the state of Illinois, is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services and is also ADA accessible. This refuge is packed with beautiful wetlands, woods and wildlife.
Discover historic Havana where you can spend the day shopping local boutiques, enjoy a beautiful riverfront park and historic architecture. On the first Friday from May-October, downtown historic Havana comes alive with evening shopping, live music, art shows, demonstrations and much more! The shops and boutiques offer evening shopping, food and drink specials in the local restaurants and free live music. Havana also hosts a Saturday morning Farmers’ Market through the summer and start of fall where you can shop fresh treats and produce. Don't miss Havana's annual Oktoberfest, a festival full of food, music and things to do that the whole family will love.
If you're looking for a good meal, Tall Timbers Marina in Havana is a fun stop for burgers, hot dogs and cold drinks. Visit the marina on foot or by boat, and enjoy you food with the relaxing sights and sounds of the Illinois river. Also in Havana is Rockwell Mound Park, a welcoming landmark of Native American culture. The park consists of a playground as well as traditional Indian burial mounds.
Mason County is also home to Sand Ridge State Forest, a conservation area filled with native oak-hickory woodland, pine plantations, open fields, grasslands and sand prairies. Enjoy unspoiled nature in a beautiful and unique setting. Sand Ridge State Forest is ideal for a number of recreational activities including archery, camping, hiking, hunting, cross country skiing and geocaching. The forest also has snowmobile, mountain biking and equestrian trails.
