White County: History, Recreation, and Golf

White County offers several specific themes to consider when planning your trip: historic architecture, Carmi’s past, golf, and recreation along the Wabash. The places differ depending on whether you’re interested in buildings, a historic event, outdoor activities, or golf.

Getting Oriented for Your Trip

The Wabash River forms White County’s eastern boundary, and Interstate 64 runs east to west through the county. The river boundary and east-west route provide different regional reference points.

History in Buildings

The L. Haas Store was built in 1896 and features a cast-iron storefront manufactured by the J. B. Mesker Company of Evansville. The façade makes the material as tangible a part of the building’s history as its construction date.

Abraham Lincoln stayed at the Ratcliff Inn in Carmi in 1840. After the White County Historical Society saved the building from demolition in 1960, it established its first museum there.

The Matsel Cabin offers a different focus: the two-story, 19th-century log cabin was moved from rural White County to Carmi’s historic district in 1995. The two sites highlight different stories: the Ratcliff Inn’s connection to Lincoln and its history as a museum, and the Matsel Cabin’s origins and later relocation.

Trails, Parks, and Water

At Burrell Woods Bicentennial Park, an approximately 400-meter loop trail runs behind the pond. The short loop can provide structure for a walk; check current trail conditions before your visit.

Grayville Memorial Park offers access to trails and a paved, steep boat ramp. The park also has a picnic pavilion, a playground, a ball field, and a swimming pool. At Grayville’s boat launch, located on an oxbow of the Wabash River, you can launch human-powered boats and small motorboats.

Hilltop Campground is also located in Grayville Memorial Park and has 15 campsites with water and electrical hookups. Check whether the campground is currently operating before your visit.

Golf and Events

Carmi Country Club has a regulation nine-hole golf course. From the back tees, the course measures 2,794 yards and plays to a par of 71. If golf is an important factor in your trip planning, the number of holes, course length, and par offer concrete details for assessing the course.

Grayville Days is an annual celebration hosted by the Grayville Community Arts Association. The 2026 edition also includes food offerings in its three-day program. If you’re considering Grayville Days for your trip, check the dates for that year’s event.

Choose a Hotel to Suit Your Travel Plans

If you’re looking for hotels in White County, first decide which of the themes mentioned above matters most to you. Then compare specific options based on location, amenities, and booking conditions to find what suits your needs.

Discover more destinations: Carmi, Grayville, Gallatin, Lake, Clinton County, Peoria, Franklin County, Fayette County.

For the broader travel overview: Illinois.