Things to Do
Attractions in and around Wyanet
The biggest attraction for Wyanet is the Hennepin Canal Lock 19. The lock is a part of the Grand Illinois Trail. Local residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, boating, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and picnicking within walking distance from the Village. Just West of town camping is available near the historic lift bridge. This site does have an area available for campers with horses. To the East of town you can see the aqueduct which allows the canal to pass over Little Bureau Creek.
Two miles South of the Village was a stagecoach stop for travelers on the Galena Trail and Coach Road. Three miles North is a monument dedicated to the home of one of the first white settlers in Bureau County, Henry Thomas. Fort Thomas, named for Mr. Thomas, was located to the East of this monument on Little Bureau Creek. The fort was built during the Black Hawk War. The Henry Thomas Museum in Wyanet on North King Street is open on weekends throughout the summer and by appointment at any time during the year. The museum is packed with not only personal items from the Thomas family but local history as well. The Wyanet Historical Society also, maintains its own museum on South Maple Street.
The Village is a prime area for train enthusiast to come and photograph passing trains. Outside of town to the West was once the location of a historic three story train station. This is the spot where the Burlington Railroad passed over and above the Rock Island Rail Road. Just to the East, behind the Forest Hill Cemetery is the high trestle bridge where the Burlington Northern Railroad passes over Little Bureau Creek.
The Forest Hill Cemetery was platted in 1885 and has a cannon honoring Civil War Veterens.
The town is very fortunate to have a wonderful and modern library, The R.A. Sapp Memorial Library. Visitors can enjoy Memorial Park located at the heart of town. A picnic area is there along with a playground for children and a horse shoe pit for the adults. Recently renovated basketball courts are open to enjoy as well.
Office Phone
Village Office
116 North Locust Street
Wyanet, Illinois
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