Transform Your Town into a Tourist Destination

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Havana, Illinois, a town rich in history and innovation, owes much of its legacy to Stephen Forbes, a pioneering ecologist who established the University of Illinois-affiliated field research station there in 1894. This station, which has since evolved into the Forbes Biological Station and the Illinois River Biological Station, remains a cornerstone of ecological research, contributing significantly to the understanding and management of river ecosystems.

This small town in central Illinois located on the banks of the Illinois River faced a decline similar to many rural communities. However, under the visionary leadership of previous council member Cecil Gilson, current Mayor Brenda Stadsholt, leaders like Brenda Davenport-Fornoff and April Burgett, and a dedicated group of community members, the town has experienced a remarkable transformation, demonstrating that its innovative spirit remains strong. “Since 2013, Havana has been blessed with people with visions, dreams and the desire to preserve our history,” Stadsholt told Illinois Country Living Magazine. “The stars aligned, and owners were motivated to save our downtown.”

What began with the formation of a volunteer committee to renovate the Riverside Club, a historic USO club, evolved into a comprehensive revitalization effort for the downtown area. Utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds from the TIF district created in the 80s, they created a façade program that to covers 75% of improvements for historic buildings in the downtown area, sparking a wave of restorations. This vision led to modernized streetscapes, enhanced safety measures, and new business opportunities, attracting tourists and invigorating the local economy.

Havana, Illinois, is not only preserving its history and restoring the downtown, but also embracing innovation through activities like the use of state-of-the-art fishways to protect native fish species and the hosting of vibrant cultural events for community members and visitors to enjoy. “We get a lot of visitors from St. Louis and the Chicago area, because it’s a short drive—three hours. You can leave either of those places in the morning, and at noon, you can walk into a different world that just embraces you,” April Burgett told Illinois Humanities. “You just feel like you’re wrapped up in this quaint, cozy, beautiful downtown that has this amazing river and all these really friendly people, and we get a lot of return visitors.”

In addition, they host “First Friday” events throughout the summer, right in the middle of the downtown.  The events feature live music, extended shopping hours, an art show, and a farmers' and crafters' market.  The town's ongoing revitalization efforts support tourism and include hosting concerts at Riverfront Park, promoting local businesses, and featuring the Smithsonian Institution's "Spark: Places of Innovation" exhibition, which celebrates Havana's unique blend of heritage and forward-thinking initiatives.

Havana's success story is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the belief in a shared vision. Leaders like Stadsholt and economic development director Brenda Davenport-Fornoff have emphasized teamwork and inclusivity, particularly engaging residents aged 25-55, to drive change. The dedication of local business owners, many of whom are women, has transformed historic buildings into vibrant spaces for lodging, boutiques, and dining. Events like First Fridays and Riverfront concerts have further enriched the town's cultural scene. The community’s collective effort has not only preserved Havana’s history but also positioned it as a promising hub for tourism and growth. Their journey inspires other small towns to envision and work towards a brighter future, demonstrating that with determination and collaboration, revitalization is possible.