Introduction to Vandalia, Illinois
Vandalia, Illinois, in Fayette county, is 61 miles S of Decatur, Illinois (center to center) and 67 miles E of St. Louis, Missouri.
Vandalia History
Vandalia is the county seat of Fayette County, which was founded in 1821. Fayette County was named after Marquis de LaFayette and was formed from Clark, Bond, and Crawford Counties. The city was founded in 1819, but the history of the city's name is uncertain. Some believe that its name came from a Germanic Vandal tribe, while others believe that it was named after an Indian tribe which existed during the 19th century.
Vandalia and Nearby Attractions
- Vandalia Statehouse
- Archway Skydiving Center
- William Jennings Bryan Museum
- Keck's Marsh
- Carlyle Lake Wildlife Management Area
- Wolf Creek State Park
Things To Do In Vandalia
Vandalia Lake Marina provides camping, fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. Fayette County Museum has a large collection of artifacts from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, and Spanish American War. Some interesting places to visit in Vandalia are Old State Capitol, Lincoln Park, Tiger Lily Art Gallery, Madonna of the Trail, Farmers Monument, and Little Brick House. Proximate parks include Sangchris Lake State Park, Beaver Dam State Park, Stephen A. Forbes State Park, and South Shore State Park.
Vandalia Transportation
Flights are available at Lambert St. Louis International Airport.
Vandalia Higher Education
Colleges nearby include Kaskaskia College, Greenville College, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Millikin University, and Lake Land College.
