Illinois is a great place to visit if you want to see the American Midwest. Both pastoral farms and bustling cities can be found in the Land of Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln, the Windy City, and many other things can be found in Illinois. A summary of the top attractions in Illinois.
Best Places to Visit in Illinois
1. Chicago
Without a doubt, Chicago is the most visited place in Illinois, if not the entire Midwestern region of the United States. There is so much to discover in this massive city, but the Loop is the best place to find many of the highlights. The mirrored artwork known as The Bean is seen at Millennium Park, which is situated in the Loop.
Chicago is renowned for its skyline and architecture. You can see iconic buildings like the Aon Center, the curving Chase Tower, and the Mies van der Rohe-built Federal Center, which dates back to the mid-1900s, on a walking tour.
2. Springfield
Springfield, the state capital, is another location where Abraham Lincoln once resided. If you're interested in anything Lincoln-related, this is the greatest site to visit in Illinois, and there are plenty of activities to do here.
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the place where he spent more than 17 years of his life. It is here that Abraham Lincoln and the majority of his family are buried.
Related article: Best Places to Visit in Texas.
3. Galena
The city of Galena is one of the most fascinating locations in Illinois for those who enjoy history. You can tour the house of former President Ulysses S. Grant, who resided there before the Civil War, or cross the Galena River on the pedestrian bridge.
4. Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is situated along the Illinois River's banks. The park is 100 miles from Chicago so draws a large number of visitors from the city and outside. The sandstone canyons seen in Starved Rock State Park are the result of glacial melting.
Trekking is an excellent way to explore Starved Rock State Park, and a route leading to the Lover's Leap Overlook provides access to the park's best view. Keep an eye out for migratory birds and deer when hiking.
5. Cahokia Mounds
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Park is located over the state line, just outside of St. Louis. An intriguing landmark created by American Indians who inhabited the area more than 800 years ago is the Cahokia Mounds.
The 69 mounds that are still present are now covered in vegetation. Monks Mound is known as the biggest mound and has a height of 100 feet. A fascinating feature of Cahokia is Woodhenge, a massive circle made of 48 wooden pillars that form a solar calendar, much like Stonehenge in England.
6. Shawnee National Forest
Visit Shawnee National Forest when your spirit is calling to the great outdoors. This national forest, which is in the state's southernmost region, was formerly totally encased by the Laurentide Ice Sheet.
The Garden of the Gods is the main draw in Shawnee. The Garden of the Gods is surrounded by a brief observation trail, which makes it simple for guests to appreciate its beauty from every viewpoint.
7. Lincoln’s New Salem
There is no denying that Abraham Lincoln was one of the most important American presidents. Visit Lincoln's New Salem to honor the great man, regardless of your interest in American history or President Lincoln's administration.
This national site is a replica of the original New Salem, which was located in Illinois and was home to Abraham Lincoln from 1831 to 1837. Lincoln's New Salem offers tours of twenty-three open structures. Several of them are log cottages with one or more guides dressed in period attire.
Lincoln's significance in Illinois may be well understood because of the period-appropriate furnishings, clothing, and even the horses.
8. Tunnel Hill State Trail
The Tunnel Hill State Trail, located near the southernmost point of the state, is a lesser-known yet fantastic destination in Illinois that is well worth seeing.
The trail passes through a lot of reclaimed strip mines and agricultural areas, with some amazing views. You can use the crushed gravel trail to walk, jog, or cycle and experience breathtaking ravines, streams, and bluffs.
9. Champaign-Urbana
The largest university in the state, the University of Illinois, has its main campus in Champaign-Urbana. This location is an excellent illustration of a college town. Although Champaign and Urbana are technically two separate cities, they coexist as a single city.
Visit the Spurlock Museum to embrace the spirit of higher learning. It features an interesting assemblage of interesting objects from all around the world. The Market at the Square is a bustling, enjoyable spot to hang out, especially on Saturdays, whether you're looking for some delicious coffee or you're doing your weekly shopping.
10. Anderson Japanese Gardens
The Anderson Japanese Gardens are located near Rockford, the third-largest city in the state. This location is regarded by many as the greatest Japanese garden in the country, and it's undoubtedly a fantastic day trip destination.
