16 Iconic Landmarks in Illinois You Need to Visit
Illinois is famous for its culture, historical background and the diversity of rural and urban areas. Regardless of your interest whether it is history, art, or just a landmark lover, there is so much to see in Illinois that will make your jaw drop.
Every place, no matter how famous or obscure, has a history that has helped to make Illinois what it is today. Take a tour through Illinois with these 16 extraordinary sites that contribute unique hues to the state’s palette.
Millennium Park
While Millennium Park is a park, it is much more than a park; it is downtown Chicago’s gathering hub. As the location of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture – not to mention the distinctive High Line-style pedestrian bridge – it’s an area where culture and creativity meet in full. It should not be visited without seeing the Crown Fountain and the outdoor concert venue, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry.
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower, standing in Chicago is one of the most easily recognizable giants of modern architecture. The Skydeck has a view that spans across four different states at a glance on a clear day. For the adventurer, the ledge is the ultimate thing and going out on it makes you feel like you are floating over the city.
The Magnificent Mile
Located in Chicago, Magnificent Mile is home to brands, luxury retail outlets, hotels and dining facilities. It a good place to go for a walk and just watch people, or even just look at the windows of shops and stores. This mile has everything ranging from high end fashion houses to specialty stores.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the remaining free zoos across the nation and is a valuable gem located in the middle of the city. It is open all year and is perfect for walking around the animals and enjoying the sights of nature while still being in Chicago. Look out for the lions and the monkeys as well.
Starved Rock State Park
Throughout the year, Starved Rock State Park is enriched with beautiful canyons of sandstone formations including waterfalls. The park is great for hiking with trails that pass through forest and over the rivers. It is where you can expect to take a breather from all the concrete jungle and step away into the countryside for a while.
Navy Pier
This is an active commercial and entertainment complex located on the shore of Lake Michigan and attracting both residents and guests. Navy Pier has got everything from Ferris wheel to boat rides and during summer it is the best place to watch fire works on Chicago skyline.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
This is a quiet and beautiful garden located in Rockford. The garden is in the Japanese style and includes ponds with koi fish, water and stone bridges and well-trimmed foliage. It can be said that Anderson Japanese Gardens is a world for nature lovers, which is so far from the bustle of a big city.
Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum
Located in Pontiac, this hall of fame museum tells the history of the famous Route 66, which once ran through six states from Chicago to Los Angeles. Filled with information on Route 66 and old automobiles, it is a trip down memory lane that the car and history buffs will enjoy.
Illinois State Capitol
That wonderful looking building in Springfield isn’t simply home to house legislators, it houses history and architectural prowess as well. The Capitol is as magnificent on the outside as it is on the inside with its high dome and a number of carvings. Tours provide a look at the legislative history of the state and a view of the Illinois government.
Shedd Aquarium
Since it is one of the largest indoor aquarium in the world, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago now houses thousands of water animals. From colourful coral reef exhibits to a touch tank filled with local stingrays, it’s a great fun for children and kids at heart. A day here is like swimming in the ocean but never having to get out of the city.
Ulysses S. Grant Home
In Galena, the birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant is a typical example of preserved Civil War era architecture. This was the home of a former president and the public can visit the place and get a glimpse of the life of this president. The town itself has a pleasant historic vibe, and is perfect for a day trip.
Cahokia Mounds
A few miles outside of St. Louis there is the Cahokia Mounds which is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, and representatives of an ancient native civilization. Indeed, the mounds give the archeologist today a peek into the existence of the Mississippians who lived here. When you are on the Monks Mound, the biggest of them all, you will be able to look around and feel the history.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a paved walkway along the Chicago River which is very good for a walk. It is decorated with restaurants, bars and many pieces of street art which means that you will notice and do something. If you are in search of a new view, then a boat tour will be a good idea to see the architecture of the city from the water.
Morton Arboretum
Situated in Lisle, the Morton Arboretum is a 1700 acre site that comprises of gardens, woodlands and prairies. A number of opportunities for children are available, such as trails, trees, and exhibits. For those who enjoy spending their time in close proximity to nature it will do very nicely and it is only a short drive from Chicago.
Old State Capitol
One of the historical destinations that have been well developed and Consistently attracting many tourists is the Old Capitol State in Springfield. Preserved as a structure from the 1860s, groups may visit this Greek Revival edifice and actually stand in the very position where once, Lincoln stood and felt the sweep of history.
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum is a gold mine of information about the history of Chicago including the fire of 1871 and prohibition. It’s a place to learn the interesting stories that have formed Chicago and you will leave with a new perspective of this vibrant city.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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