Village of Wapella
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History

Wapella was founded in 1854, but settlers were arriving in Wapella as early as 1829 due to the dense timber and rich soil. The name of the Village comes from Chief Wapella of the Musquakee Indian tribe. A group of settlers from Kentucky were the first Europeans to call Wapella home.  A short time later a substantial group of Irish immigrants moved to Wapella to build and work on the Illinois Central Railroad. Wapella was laid out by David Augustus Neal, Vice President and a surveyor of the Illinois Central Railroad Line. The Village population was approximately 500 residents by the beginning of the Civil War.

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Wapella Fire Protection District

The Wapella Community Fire Protection District is made up of the best volunteer fireman in the state!  These 100% volunteer fireman responded to 150 calls in 2014, many times assisting neighboring communities.

For almost 60 years the fire department has hosted an annual Oyster and Chili fundraiser each February.  In addition to delicious food, which includes hotdogs for those who don't eat oysters, they raffle off numerous prizes and homemade bakery donated by our excellent resident bakers!


School and Worship

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There are two houses of worship in Wapella.  St. Patrick's Catholic Church hosts Sunday service at 9:30 am.  Wapella Christian Church's worship service begins at 10:00 am.

The children in Wapella ride a school bus to Clinton and attend Clinton Unit School District #15.  Member schools include Clinton High School, Clinton Junior High School, Clinton Elementary School, Douglas Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School.
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Recreation

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area 
Clinton Lake, owned by the Department of Natural Resources, is 15 miles from Wapella and attracts campers, hikers, swimmers, boaters, water-skiers and anglers. The park is an expansive 9,300 acres and is home to 4,900 acre Clinton Lake with it's 1,000 foot sand beach.  

Weldon Springs State Recreation Area
Weldon Springs State Park is also owned by the Department of Natural Resources.  It offers 550 acres of nature where you can spend time fishing in the 29 acre spring-fed lake stocked with large-mouth bass, catfish, bluegill and sunfish.  There are excellent hiking trails, and in the winter sledding and cross-country skiing are popular activities.
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Apple 'n Pork Festival

Since 1968, the Apple 'n Pork Festival has been drawing over 70,000 people from Dewitt County as well as neighboring counties.  Early autumn brings food, crafts, antiques, performers, face painting, pony rides and much more to the C.H. Moore Homestead.  Indulge in corn-on-the-cob, ice cream, grilled bratwurst and a variety of apple and pork treats!
Village of  Wapella
312 Main Street
P. O. Box 148
Wapella, Illinois 61777
(217) 935-3259