Illinois is the state of paradox. There are uber-modern cities next to very quiet towns. You can often expect to drive through bustling cities into rural farmlands. It’s located in the Midwest of the United States. Illinois is surrounded by Kentucky in the Southeast, Missouri in the southwest, Iowa on the northwest, and Wisconsin to the North. Last but not the least, Lake Michigan is on the northeast of Illinois right by Chicago, its largest city.

Things to do in Illinois

In the central part, you have Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and Peoria. Springfield is the capital of Illinois and also the birthplace of two American Politicians and Leaders, Barrack Obama and Abraham Lincoln. Carbondale, in the south of the state, is known as its educational hub.

Bloomingdale-Normal has the Illinois State University. Tourists from all over the world come here to visit the grave of Adlai Stevenson. Illinois might be a super-literate state because it has so many universities. Next on the list is Urbana-Champaign, which has the University of Illinois.

If you are done with educational cities, go to Galena for a refreshing break. Nestled on the shores of the Mississippi, Galena has a lot of historical sites which are worth a visit. For a party break, go to Chicago, Rockford or Joliet. You can find crazy partying options here, as well as gambling, particularly in Joliet.

Nauvoo is a quaint old town, where you can explore age-old wineries and do some wine tasting. You can unleash your adventurous side, and hike on the Lewis-Clark Trail or wander through the Shawnee National Forest. See how America was centuries ago at Cahokia mounds.

Chicago is the most popular destination in this state. It has something for everyone. Music lovers head to Grant Park; Shopaholics can buy at The Magnificent Pile; Adventure seekers head to the top of Willis Tower. If you want a taste of everything, Navy Pier Center has diverse entertainment options. The Field Museum (a giant T-rex skeleton), the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry are a must go if you want to indulge in history and science.

January 16, 2017 8:28 pm Published by Staff Writer