Andover, Illinois - a hidden treasure you must see, where Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale, left a lasting legacy
Welcome
Andover, which celebrated its 185th+One birthday on June 5-6, 2021. is strategically located between the Quad-Cities (22 miles), Galesburg (28 miles), Geneseo (18 miles), and Kewanee (22 miles). Within this western Illinois area of over 400,000 persons, you will find the amenities usually only offered in large cities: shopping, educational opportunities, recreation, art, museums, healthcare facilities, and restaurants.
Served by Interstate 74 and IL Route 81, Andover is a community where some 600 persons live, work, raise a family, and retire. Old historic homes are blended with new homes and historic buildings as you travel in all four directions from the former colony square - now the beautiful ten-acre Andover Lake Park.
This brief video and these photos highlight Andover's tourist attractions.
2021 Events in Andover
Sunday, April 25, 4 pm – Virtual Founders Day Service, Jenny Lind Chapel
Saturday & Sunday, June 5 & 6 – Andover's June Festival – parade photos
Wednesday, December 1, 7:30 pm - The 50th Joy of Christmas in Andover will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 7:30 pm. Students and faculty from Augustana College join the area-wide community for this beautiful service of worship and music that starts at Augustana Lutheran Church. The Christmas story will be read in several different languages, and beautiful choral and instrumental music is provided by the college. Pastor Melinda Pupillo, Campus Chaplain & Director of Spiritual Development at Augustana College will give the message. The service concludes with a procession to the Jenny Lind Chapel, which is illuminated by 100 candles, and where Holy Communion will be celebrated to the strains of familiar Christmas carols. Immediately after the service, cookies & hot chocolate will be served in Luther Hall back at Augustana Church. The service will be live-streamed at jennylindchapel.org.
Saturday, December 4, 4:45-7:30 pm - Andover Christmas Walk
4:45-5:00 p.m. Andover Lake Park Gazebo
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sing-a-long
5:00-7:00 p.m. Andover Village Hall
Soup supper and Christmas goodies
Holiday Craft Making
Face Painting for the Children
Christmas Card Making
Santa & Mrs. Claus handing out treats to the children
Silent Auction featuring a variety of Christmas items
Vendor Booths with Christmas Crafts and Goodies
5:30-7:00 p.m. Andover Lake Park
Tractor-pulled wagon rides (weather permitting)
Drop-off and pick-up by west pavilion
Stroll through the park to see the lighted Christmas displays
Drive around town to see the holiday decorations