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These 17 Illinois Locations Will Change The Way You See The State
Illinois might just surprise you with its range of must-visit places. From vibrant cityscapes to serene natural retreats, this state has a little bit of everything to keep you entertained. Want a bustling urban city? Got it. Prefer some quiet time surrounded by trees and trails? Yeah, that’s here, too.
And let’s not forget the spots that make you wonder if you’re still in the Midwest or accidentally ended up somewhere way cooler. This list isn’t your average tourist guide; it’s more like a nudge to get out there and explore this underrated playground that is part of the “flyover states” we usually skip.
Starved Rock State Park
Who knew Illinois was hiding geological masterpieces like Starved Rock State Park? With 18 canyons carved by glacial meltwater, this place is proof that nature can out-sculpt any artist. And waterfalls cascade throughout the seasons, giving you a reason to return again and again.
Hiking trails? Oh, they’ve got plenty, and they reward you with breathtaking views that make you wonder why you haven’t been here sooner. Bonus points if you can find a parking spot during peak times since, apparently, half the Midwest has discovered this place too. But trust me, it’s worth battling the crowds for these epic sandstone sights.
Millennium Park, Chicago
Millennium Park is where Chicago shows off its artsy side… because nothing says “modern metropolis” like a giant shiny kidney bean plopped in the middle of a plaza. Known as Cloud Gate, it’s the unintentional photo bomber in every tourist’s selfie.
But don’t stop at the Bean. The crown jewel, literally, is the Crown Fountain, where faces spit water in the most polite way. And if you head over in the summer, there’s an amphitheater hosting free concerts, proving that big cities can actually be generous once in a while. Just remember, deep-dish pizza is nearby (you’ll need it).
Garden Of The Gods, Shawnee National Forest
Garden of the Gods brings the kind of rock formations that leave you marveling at how time and erosion somehow made Illinois look like a mini desert paradise. These 300-million-year-old beauties were once submerged in an ancient inland sea (basically, Illinois had its moment as beachfront property).
The dramatic cliffs and formations, like Camel Rock, are fun to explore, assuming heights don’t make your palms sweat. And sunset views here are the stuff of magic, but wear good shoes because those rocks are slippery, and taking a tumble isn’t quite the “experience” you came for.
Galena
Stepping into Galena feels like traveling back in time… without the awkward period costumes. This beautifully preserved town looks straight out of a history book, with nearly 85% of its buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stroll down Main Street, and you’ll meet the charm offensive head-on, from boutique shops to wine-tasting rooms. It’s the kind of place where even the sidewalks seem quaint. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a reenactor or two reminding you that life in the 1800s was mostly horses and hard work. It makes today’s Wi-Fi outages feel a tad less tragic.
Cahokia Mounds
Think you know history? Cahokia Mounds will school you. This UNESCO World Heritage Site marks what was once North America’s largest pre-Columbian city, with a population around 1250 AD that could rival London. That’s right, this wasn’t some backwater village; this was an ancient metropolis.
But don’t just glance at the giant earthen mounds; climb them! Monk’s Mound, the largest, offers a panoramic view that’s worth every step. And the museum here dives deep into the lives of the Mississippian people.
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford
Who would expect a slice of Kyoto tucked away in Rockford, Illinois? Yet here it is, a serene wonderland that’s so precisely crafted it could make a monk jealous. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this garden features winding paths, koi-filled ponds, and a waterfall that’s perfect for daydreaming (or contemplating your grocery list).
It’s not just beautiful; it teaches you to slow down (though good luck slowing your kids down if they spot a frog). Inspired by authentic Japanese landscaping traditions, it’s one of North America’s best Japanese gardens, proving once again that Illinois knows how to surprise us.
Route 66 Start Sign, Chicago
Route 66. If this iconic highway could talk, it would have a LOT of stories to share (and tire marks to show). And standing at the official starting point in downtown Chicago is like shaking hands with a piece of road trip history.
The sign is a humble reminder of a time when people drove for miles to nowhere in particular, just for an adventure. Snap your obligatory photo, then grab a hot dog because this is Chicago, and it’s basically a rule. And if you meet anyone who claims to have traveled all 2,448 miles, prepare to hear a tale… or twenty.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield
What’s cooler than visiting the home of a U.S. president? How about walking into Abraham Lincoln’s actual living room? This is the only house Lincoln ever owned, lovingly restored with original furnishings. And if you’ve been scraping by with IKEA furniture, prepare to marvel at sturdy craftsmanship from a time when people built things to last.
It’s a little humbling to stand on the same floors Honest Abe once paced on, probably working through some world-changing ideas while you’re thinking about lunch. But you could try to channel his wisdom and leave with a deeper appreciation for history (ok, or at least a selfie).
Pullman National Historical Park
Get ready to travel to the 19th century, where Pullman wasn’t just a brand of sleeper cars; it was a whole town built for factory workers. Pullman National Historical Park preserves the first model industrial town in the U.S., showcasing everything from its architecture to its pivotal role in labor and civil rights history.
Wandering these streets feels like stepping into a history book (except way cooler because it’s real life). Learn how workers stood up for fair treatment, and walk away inspired. Even if the biggest labor struggle you face is figuring out coffee machine settings.
Illinois Beach State Park
Beaches in Illinois? Yes, they exist. Illinois Beach State Park offers the last naturally occurring beach ridge shoreline in the state, complete with rare black oak savannas and dunes that make you feel like you’ve wandered into a different world.
Sure, the water here isn’t salty, and there’s no crashing surf, but Lake Michigan slaps (sometimes literally, if you’re too close to the edge). Whether you want to hike, swim, or just stare at the horizon pretending it’s the ocean, this park has you covered. It’s nature and relaxation rolled into one… sand in your shoes included at no extra cost.
Illinois State Capitol, Springfield
Bigger is better, at least when it comes to domes. The Illinois State Capitol’s 405-foot dome beats out the U.S. Capitol Building in size because, you know, go big or go home. And this iconic structure gleams brighter than your dreams after a fresh coat of wax, catching the sunlight in a way that’s both blinding and beautiful.
Inside, the grand staircase and rotunda will have you wondering if you accidentally wandered into a royal palace instead of a government building. And honestly, it’s worth a trip just to feel underdressed in sneakers while surrounded by so much marble fanciness.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Ever wondered what Illinois looked like before it was all roads, cornfields, and fast-food stops? Enter Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, a rare glimpse into the state’s native past. This massive restoration project is bringing back tallgrass prairie ecosystems, proving that even grass can make a dramatic comeback.
And if grass doesn’t excite you, how about bison? The park reintroduced a herd in 2015, and now you can spot these shaggy, four-legged lawnmowers roaming around the place.
Matthiessen State Park
Everyone raves about Starved Rock (which was earlier on our list if you remember), but Matthiessen State Park is that one friend who’s a little quieter but low-key amazing. You’ll find fewer crowds here, and the waterfalls and dells are the perfect backdrop for showing off your hiking (or mildly ambitious walking) skills.
The views are worth every step, and just when you think it can’t get better, you spot the calm streams snaking through its canyons. It’s the perfect place for peace and quiet… you can hear actual birds instead of people yelling about where to take the next group photo.
Mount Carroll
Think your town has personality? Mount Carroll might raise an eyebrow at you. Because this place does spooky and quirky all at once. Situated in scenic northwest Illinois, it’s the perfect small town with a twist. What twist? Haunted tours, naturally.
And then there’s Raven’s Grin Inn, a year-round haunted house so bizarre it could freak out even the bravest skeptics. Think optical illusions, rooms that defy logic, and art that’s equal parts fascinating and weird. It’s charmingly chilling, and by the time you leave, you might just appreciate your boring, ghost-free basement.
Lincoln’s New Salem
Step back in time and walk through Lincoln’s New Salem, a village straight out of the 1830s. This is where young Abe Lincoln spent his pre-political days, perfecting the completely practical skills of splitting logs and debating neighbors.
They’ve painstakingly reconstructed everything, from the general store to the log cabins, so you can take a photo where Abe possibly pondered… Taxes? Life? Dinner? Who knows. It’s charmingly rustic, and while there’s no Wi-Fi, you’ll leave appreciating a time when cutting-edge tech meant a really sharp axe.
Tunnel Hill State Trail
If you’ve been waiting for a trail that makes you question your life choices around mile 30, this is for you. But don’t worry; the gorgeous scenery and history make it worth it. This 45-mile trail guides you effortlessly (okay, fine, maybe not effortlessly) through lush forests, soft hills, and abandoned towns left behind by the railroad boom.
You’ll even pass through a 543-foot-long tunnel that’s equal parts awe-inspiring and mildly terrifying. Is it haunted? Unclear. But it’s dark enough that you’ll start cycling just a little faster and wondering if you’re starring in the opening scene of a horror movie.
Mermet Springs, Belknap
Diving at Mermet Springs means entering another dimension… or at least the belly of a Boeing 727 that somehow ended up underwater. Fun fact: This plane was actually used in the movie U.S. Marshals. You can swim around it, through it, or just float and think, “How did I get here?”
It’s not every day you stumble into a scuba paradise in the middle of Illinois, but it’s perfect for both seasoned divers and enthusiastic beginners who just realized breathing underwater is not as easy as the movies make it look.
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