Beardstown, Illinois, is a small American hometown where the people are friendly and life is easy and relaxed. With a history linked to the Illinois River, the Port of Beardstown has a rich cultural heritage.

The Port of Beardstown has a humid continental climate with big differences in temperatures from season to season. Summers are warm to hot, and frequently humid. Winters can be severely cold and snowy. Temperatures range from an average high of 30.3°C (86.5°F) in July to an average low of 0.6°C (33°F) in January. The Port of Beardstown receives over 24 inches of snow each year and about 35 inches of rain, most of it falling from April through August.

One of the most famous sites in the Port of Beardstown is the Old City Hall and Historic Lincoln Courtroom. This is the site of Lincoln's famous 1858 "Almanac Trial," and it is the only courtroom where Lincoln practiced law. The courtroom is the same now as it was in 1844.

Behind the Port of Beardstown Courthouse is the Black Museum holding Civil War memorabilia and guns collected by Rudy Black. The Museum also has a large array of artifacts created by the indigenous peoples of the area. There is also a display of dishes owned by the wife of town's founder, Nancy Beard, among many other interesting objects.

The River Museum is in the Port of Beardstown's Chamber of Commerce office. It contains items that tell the story of the Illinois River's role in the development of the Port of Beardstown and surrounding areas. Visitors will find hand-made models of riverboats, antique equipment used to work the river, boat and barge gear, and fishing and hunting tackle. The Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the Port of Beardstown and how its people lived.

The Grand Opera House in the Port of Beardstown is restored to boast beautifully frescoed ceilings, antique 1893 electric lights, a large stage, and dressing rooms. Still used for theatrical performances, the 1872 Grand Opera House is one of the Port of Beardstown's treasures.

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