Getting to Know Charleston

There are several activities you can find to do in Charleston that are reasonably priced and a lot of fun. Charleston actually provides more options for fun than you might think. This means you can have fun in Charleston, even on your college budget! Here are a few of the favorite local pass-times in Charleston and the surrounding communities.

    1. Bowling
      Most of the time, bowling is cheapest at EIU's Bowling and Billiards, located in the basement of the Union. For more information on EIU’s Bowling and Billiards, please visit: http://www.eiu.edu/union/bowling.php
      2. Also, a local bowling alley “Charleston Lanes” runs many specials throughout the week. Charleston Lanes is located at 1310 E Street, Charleston, IL 61920. Call 217-345-6630 for more information. Bowling is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening.


  1. Fishing
    A fishing license is only $13 (licenses can be purchased at local Wal-Mart) and gives you open access to Lake Charleston for the entire fishing season. Lake Mattoon and Lake Shelbyville are a short drive away, but offer a wide variety of activities such as paddle boats, canoes, etc. Give yourself a relaxing day away and enjoy the local lakes including EIU’s Campus Pond.
  2. Outdoor Activities
    Maybe going for a walk around Panther Trail sounds good to you. Or, maybe you’re more of a jogging around the track type of outdoorsman. You have options: the quad, tennis courts, and basketball courts all offer great opportunities to get some sun, enjoy the outdoors and entertain yourself all at the same time. Get a couple buddies together, and have some fun.
  3. Sporting Events
    No matter what time of year it is, there is always some type of sporting event going on at EIU. Best part? As EIU students, you can get in free to any of EIU’s home games! Did you read that? Free? Yes, that’s right, FREE. You can’t beat the price, and with many division wins and titles, EIU Athletics provides great fun and super talent by our EIU students! Visit http://www.eiupanthers.com/ for more information and the schedules of EIU sports. GO PANTHERS!!
  4. Movies
    EIU’s University Board Movies Committee hosts weekend movies in the Buzzard auditorium or in the Charleston/Mattoon room of the Union. Movies are shown on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. for FREE!
    Mattoon’s Showplace 8 is another great place to view your favorite new flicks!   Want to rent? Check out the wide section of movies at Family Video! Plus, most movies costs only $1 to rent!
  5. Paintball
    Norman Paintball, located on 19085 State Hwy 16 in Charleston, may just be up your alley for a good time. There are some important things to remember before you go: 1. if you are under the age of 18, please print out and have your parents sign a waiver. 2. Come prepared, having safety in mind at all times. 3. Make sure they are open, call (217) 549-4577 to confirm.
  6. Volunteering
    Want to share a skill? Learn a new hobby? Volunteering is a great way to help others and help yourself too! Check it out by visiting EIU’s Student Community Service office. The office works with over 40 different agencies ranging from after-school programs, senior visits, animal shelters and much more! Come and Make the Difference! Call the Student Community Service office at 217-581-6048 or visit http://www.eiu.edu/volunteer/
  7. Join an Intramural Team
    The intramural program offers students, faculty, and staff participation opportunities in nine structured team sports, nineteen sport-related special events, and five racquet/paddle sports. 95 separate tournaments are conducted yearly in these sporting activities. Come enjoy the Student Recreation Center, a 6.4 million dollar, 70,500 square-foot, air-conditioned facility. Visit http://www.eiu.edu/crecsrc/Intramurals.php
  8. Go See a Production
    EIU’s Theatre Department offers performances throughout the entire year. To make the show even more memorable, student tickets are at super saving price! Call (217) 581-3110 or visit http://www.eiu.edu/theatre for reservations or ticket information. The University Board also provides non-stop entertainment for EIU students. Visit their website for a list of all the activities coming soon, and there are a lot of them. Visit: http://castle.eiu.edu/uboard/
  9. See a Concert at Kiwanis Park
    Kiwanis Park is an 8 acre park located at Division & Jackson Streets with an entrance on Harrison. Kiwanis Park has playground equipment, picnic areas, softball/baseball areas, a large pavilion, and an amphitheatre. During the summer months, Kiwanis has their Community Band Concerts where local bands can play at the amphitheatre. Those concerts are on Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m. During the fall months, Concerts in the Park is also offered. Charleston Parks and Recreation bring several genres of music to please everyone. Those are also held at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings. For more information visit www.charlestonillinois.org