Hidden Gems of Pontiac
Unique & Unforgettable Attractions
Once you’re in Pontiac, you can see why we’re a don’t-miss destination on so many lists — you can hardly walk half a block Downtown without spotting a museum, mural, or the friendly face of a resident. Spending a weekend exploring and enjoying every minute of it is the easy part, but if you’re looking for something unique, look no further than our list of hidden gems!
Pontiac’s Swinging Bridges
Pontiac is one of the only Midwestern towns able to boast three pedestrian Swinging Bridges. All three span the Vermilion River and have iron support structures and wooden treads. Two were built in the late 1800s/early 1900s to get from one side of the town to the other. The third was built in the 1970s for recreation. One is in Humiston-Riverside Park on the southern edge of the downtown district. The others are just a few blocks away in Play Park and Chautauqua Park.
Riverview Disc Golf Course:
Outdoor enthusiasts might be surprised to learn Pontiac has a championship-level disc golf course. The 18-hole Riverview Disc Golf Course spans two city parks, carrying players across one of the Swinging Bridges AND fling a disc across the Vermilion River. The best part? It’s just a few blocks from Downtown. For more information — including a course map — visit Pontiac Parks and Recreation.
The Seasons of Life Statues
Located just a few blocks east of Downtown, the larger-than-life Seasons of Life Statues were some of the first pieces of public art in Pontiac. Tucked in a cozy neighborhood park, they’re easy to miss if you don’t know they are there. Each of the three statues represents a stage of life: Childhood and Youth, Middle Age, and Old Age. Though the statues are large and immobile, they serve as a fascinating reminder that “all things change, and we change with them.”
