There is only one Maquon in the world and it's right here in Knox County. The former Potawatomi Indian Village is located on the Spoon River, which the Native Americans called Amaquonsippi. Amaquon means mussel shell, which they used for dipping food, just like we use spoons today and sippi means river. The white settlers had trouble with the subtle, beautiful Native American sounds, so dropped all of the syllables except Maquon.

Attractions

Fruit Hill School Wooden Footbridges Maquon Village Park United Methodist Church Maquon Cemetery Main Street

Maquon on the Scenic Drive

One popular location at this stop is the 125 year-old Fruit Hill School, one of seven rural school houses in the Maquon Township. It was saved from demolition and moved to its current location in 1981. Three years later, a basement was added that currently houses a museum full of artifacts from the Native American tribes and first white settlers in the area.

The school was used for educating students from 1882, when it was built, to the early 1950's. On September 22, 2007, a 125th anniversary celebration, sponsored by the Maquon Historical Association, was held at the school. Former students and their families attended.

The Maquon Historical Association maintains the school and gives guided tours from noon to 4:30 p.m. each day of the Knox County Scenic Drive.

Near the park are two scenic wooden footbridges, the planks and railing of which were erected in 1898. Go where thousands have gone before as you stroll over the main paths of foot traffic before the the days of the automobile.

Between the footbridges and the Maquon Village Park is the United Methodist Church. One of the oldest church buildings in Knox County, this church was the first church built in Maquon in 1877 and it still stands today. The frame structure with its striking stained glass windows will hold regular services at 11 a.m. Sunday morning.

For genealogy fans, the Maquon Cemetery, located one mile northeast of town, has tombstones dating back to the 1830s. The wrought iron fence surrounding the first addition to the cemetery was constructed in 1877.

Just north of the Maquon Village Park, biscuits and sausage gravy will be served inside the Maquon Fire Station from 7 - 10:30 a.m. both weekends of the drive. Stick around for lunch and fill up on ham & beans from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Or, stop on North Main Street where the Masons are serving their delicious pork chop, ribeye and pork sausage sandwiches. There is inside dining at the Masonic Lodge. Food stands in the park will be serving curly fries, corn dogs, sandwiches, elephant ears and other gourmet delights.

Maquon offers one of the largest produce selections on the drive. Of course, there is shopping galore featuring many hand-made items, collectibles and antiques in the park.This year a gospel group, Joyful Noyz, will perform on the village park stage from 2 to 5 p.m. both Saturdays of the drive.

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scenicdrive@gallatinriver.net