Illinois Travel Guide
The mid-Western American state of Illinois offers on one hand
the giant, bustling city of Chicago, and on the other the
experience of small-town America. Most of the state is covered in
rich farmlands, dotted with agricultural communities and half a
million acres of state parks. Tucked away in the rolling hills are
some Amish communities carrying on their traditional rural way of
life without modern conveniences.The metropolis of Chicago on the shore of Lake Michigan in the
north is the focus for most visitors, with its amazing collection
of museums and high class shopping areas. Travellers who venture
downstate, however, can find plenty of diversions, particularly
those interested in history or outdoor activities.The state capital, Springfield, 200 miles (322km) south of
Chicago, is a city with a small-town atmosphere, revelling in its
fame as having being the home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US
President, who practised law here and was laid to rest in the local
Oak Ridge Cemetery after his assassination.Visitors seeking life in the open air are drawn to the expanse
of natural beauty in south Illinois where the Shawnee National
Forest offers hiking, biking, camping, and fishing opportunities in
serene woodlands.
Illinois Travel Guide
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Time:
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).
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Illinois Travel Guide
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Description:
An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the
Art Institute of Chicago in South Michigan Avenue, housing one of
the greatest art collections in the world. Works date from 3,000 BC
through to the present, including a renowned collection of
Impressionist art featuring numerous Monet paintings. The Institute
has it all, from Japanese ukiyo-e prints and ancient Egyptian
bronzes to masterpieces of 20th century sculpture. Exhibits include
paintings and drawings, photographs, textiles, sculpture and
architectural works. The Institute has two restaurants, one set in
a garden, as well as a gift shop.
Address:
111 South Michigan Avenue
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 443 3600
Email:
Website:
www.artic.edu
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Description:
Chicago's wildly popular Field Museum of Natural History in Lake
Shore Drive is home to 'Sue', the largest and most complete
Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came to rest here
after being unearthed in South Dakota when the Museum bought her
remains for more than $8-million. Sue is just one of the drawcards
at the museum which offers other marvels like getting a bug's eye
view in an underground adventure; descending into an Egyptian tomb;
watching a glowing lava flow; and getting up close and personal
with the man-eating lions of Tsavo. The museum specialises in
interactive and diorama-type exhibits across its nine acres of
exhibition space, and is a must-visit for families on holiday in
Chicago.
Address:
1400 S. Lakeshore Drive
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 922 9410
Email:
Website:
www.fmnh.org
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Description:
America's most renowned architect lived and worked in the
complex, which served as private residence, studio and
architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career,
between 1889 (when he was 22) and 1909. Wright's haven started out
as a simple cottage and was continually added on to by the
architect resulting in unusual features such as a balcony suspended
on chains. The complex is administered by the Frank Lloyd Wright
Preservation Trust which offers guided tours. The neighbourhood of
Oak Park contains the world's largest concentration of
Wright-designed buildings and self-guided exterior audio tours of
the 26 structures in the area are available.
Address:
951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 994-4000
Email:
info@wrightplus.org
Website:
www.wrightplus.org
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Description:
Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore
of Lake Michigan northwards for several miles, is Chicago's largest
park. It contains several attractions, bathing beaches, a botanical
conservatory, golf course, grassy meadows, formal gardens and
sports fields. Pride of place is held by the standing statue of
Abraham Lincoln, sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. His sitting
Lincoln is in Chicago's other famous park, Grant Park. The most
popular attraction within the park is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which
not only houses hundreds of exotic animals in natural habitats, but
offers experiences like paddle boat rides, a virtual safari trip,
and the Endangered Species Carousel with 48 artisan-crafted wooden
animals that accommodates up to 50 riders at a time.
Address:
2001 N. Clark Street (zoo)
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 742 2000 (zoo)
Email:
Website:
www.lpzoo.com
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Description:
Top of the list of attractions for families on holiday in
Chicago, the Six Flags Great America is a must for children of all
ages. Featuring some of the country's most exciting theme park
rides, such as the Dark Knight Coaster, Bedrock Boulder Roller and
the Condor, the Six Flags Great America Park is a great way to
spend the day with the kids, who will love meeting their favourite
comic book superheroes and cartoon characters. You can also cool
off on a hot day with the rides at Hurricane Harbour, the attached
water park.
Address:
542 N. Route 21, Gurnee
Postcode:
Telephone:
(847) 249 4636
Email:
Website:
www.sixflags.com
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Description:
One of Chicago's best known attractions the Shedd, which opened
in 1930, remains the world's largest indoor aquarium. The octagonal
marble building houses more than 8,000 river, lake and sea
creatures. The main attraction is the Caribbean Coral Reef exhibit
and other marine habitat exhibits like a recreation of the Amazon
basin and a 'Seahorse Symphony'. The aquarium also features an
indoor saltwater Oceanarium housing marine mammals where dolphin
shows are scheduled daily.
Address:
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 939 2438
Email:
contactus@sheddaquarium.org
Website:
www.sheddaquarium.org
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Description:
Illinois' second city, Rockford, is just a hop and skip to the
northwest of Chicago, set in rolling hills. It is worth a visit for
culture vultures and golfers, in particular. The city is known for
its 'cultural corridor' of which the highlight is the Rockford Art
Museum's stunning permanent collection focusing on 19th and 20th
century works. There is also a wealth of private galleries and
historical museums in the city centre. Rockford is also known for
its antique shops and markets, and the many golf courses in the
city and vicinity that have earned it the title of Illinois'
'holey' city.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.gorockford.com
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Description:
The pretty two-storey home of Abraham and Mary Lincoln was the
only home the lawyer/president ever owned. He and his wife lived in
the house between 1844 and 1861 when he was elected President. The
home has been restored and stands as it was in 1860 in the midst of
a four-block historic neighbourhood, which the National Park
Service is restoring. The neighbourhood, like the house, will also
soon appear much as Lincoln would have remembered it.
Address:
413 South Eighth Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(217) 492 4241, ext. 221
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/liho
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Description:
The Capitol building in the Downtown Mall, Springfield, was
where Abraham Lincoln tried several hundred cases in the Supreme
Court, borrowed books from the state library, and read and swapped
stories with other lawyers and politicians in the law library. On
May 3 and 4 in 1865 Lincoln's body laid in state in the Capitol's
Representatives Hall as a crowd of more than 75,000 people filed
past to pay their final respects to this beloved historic
figure.
Address:
5th and Adams Streets
Postcode:
Telephone:
(217) 785 7960
Email:
Website:
www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/old_capitol.htm
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Description:
Abraham Lincoln was buried in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery
after his assassination in 1865. Today it is the second most
visited cemetery in the United States, being the resting place not
only of Lincoln but several other notable historic figures as well.
Lincoln's tomb monument was designed by Larkin Mead and is one of
the highlights of the Historic Monument Tour by guided audio
cassette, obtainable from the Oak Ridge Cemetery office. A Civil
War Retreat Ceremony is held at Lincoln's tomb each Tuesday evening
during the summer.
Address:
1441 Monument Ave
Postcode:
Telephone:
(217) 782 2717
Email:
Website:
www.state.il.us/HPA/hs/Tomb.htm
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Description:
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library opened in October 2004,
with the Museum opening on 19 April 2005. They are part of a $115
million complex dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln
and form the largest presidential library complex in the nation.
The Library houses the world's largest collection of Lincoln
material, with more than 46,000 items. Included in this collection
are nearly 1,500 documents written or signed by Lincoln, including
handwritten copies of the Gettysburg Address and the Second
Inaugural Address. The collection also contains important family
documents and artefacts, including the Lincoln's marriage license,
a tablecloth from their wedding reception, the nameplate from their
front door, and Mr. Lincoln's shaving mirror. The museum has been
designed to be an amazing experience, using creative 'immersive'
exhibits taking visitors through phases of the president's life
from his boyhood cabin in Indiana to his 'homecoming' funeral in
Springfield.
Address:
212 North Sixth Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(217) 558 8844
Email:
Website:
www.alplm.org
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Description:
Situated on the lakefront, Navy Pier has developed into one of
the city's main tourist destinations, offering year-round
attractions, events and entertainment for the whole family. Navy
Pier encompasses acres of parks and gardens, shops, restaurants,
and numerous attractions and rides, as well as serving as an
embarkation point for tour and excursion boats. Its 150ft (46m)
Ferris wheel attracts more than eight million people annually;
other main attractions include an IMAX theatre, Chicago's
Children's Museum, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows.
Other special attractions are offered throughout the year.
Address:
600 East Grand Ave
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 595 7437
Email:
navypierinfo@mpea.com
Website:
www.navypier.com
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Description:
'You haven't seen Chicago until you've seen it from the Skydeck'
is what many visitors will hear from locals and other tourists in
the city. The iconic Sears Tower was renamed on 16 July 2009 to the
'Willis Tower', and located on its 103rd floor the Skydeck is 1,353
feet (412m) above street level and one of Chicago's most famous
tourist attractions. Elevators whisk visitors up to the observation
deck where the views stretch out across the city and Lake Michigan,
and as far as neighbouring states on a clear day. Inside, there are
some interesting, interactive exhibits and computer information
terminals for a tour of the city's landmarks. The Willis Tower,
standing at 110 stories high, is the tallest building in North
America and one of the tallest in the world.
Address:
233 South Wacker Drive; entrance on Jackson
Boulevard
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 875 9447
Email:
Website:
www.theskydeck.com
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Description:
Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular destinations
and is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The
award-winning park is famous for its innovative architecture and
landscape design, featuring the work of several prominent artists,
architects and designers. The park's most outstanding feature is
the state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, the Jay Pritzker
Pavilion, which seats more than 4,000 people and hosts regular
concerts. Another fascinating piece of architecture is the polished
stainless steel Cloud Gate, shaped like a 66-foot (20m) long bean
with a 12-foot (4m) high archway. Other interesting features
include the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, BP Bridge, and the
Millennium Monument. Visitors can also enjoy changing exhibitions,
local art works, and ice skating in winter.
Address:
On Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe
Streets
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 742 1168
Email:
millennium-park@cityofchicago.org
Website:
www.millenniumpark.org
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Description:
Located on Lake Michigan, the Adler is America's first
planetarium and is the only museum in the world with two full-size
planetarium theaters. The night sky has been visible from the
historic Sky Theatre since 1930, while the all-digital StarRider
Theatre is the first of its kind in the world and affords a virtual
outer space experience in its 55-foot (17m) wide and three story
high area. The Adler is also home to numerous exhibits including
antique astronomical instruments dating back to 12th-century Persia
and interactive displays.
Address:
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 922 7827
Email:
Website:
www.adlerplanetarium.org
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Description:
The John Hancock building is Chicago's third highest skyscraper
with a distinctive x-bracing exterior skin, and its Observatory
competes with the facilities of the Sear's Tower Skydeck across
town in the Financial District. Located on the 94th floor 1,000
feet (305m) above street level, the Observatory boasts the city's
only open-air skywalk, as well as 360-degree views, a talking
telescope, audio Skytours that provide an overview of the city with
16 stops, and the History Wall, with more than 100 photos featuring
Chicago's history. Visitors can also have fun with some unique
'daring' photo opportunities. An annual 'Hustle up the Hancock'
stair climb race up the 94 floors is held every February; the
record time is nine minutes 39 seconds.
Address:
875 N. Michigan Ave
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 751 3680
Email:
Website:
www.hancock-observatory.com
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Description:
The Chicago Children's Museum is a must for kids of all ages.
Located on Navy Pier, the museum offers three floors of interactive
exhibits offering plenty of hands-on fun. The main attraction at
the museum is without a doubt the three-storey tall replica of a
1850s Schooner. The 'Inventing Lab', 'Waterways' and Dinosaur
attractions are also highly popular with the little ones.
Address:
700 East Grand Avenue
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 527 1000
Email:
Website:
www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
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Description:
A great place for families to unwind and relax with a picnic, is
the Chicago Botanic Gardens. With plenty of wide-open space for
kids to run around, the Botanic Gardens is one of Chicago's most
tranquil and beautiful attractions. During the summertime, the Rose
Garden, where over 7,750 plants are in full and glorious bloom, is
a must and an unforgettable experience to wander through. There are
also children's programmes available during the summer, check the
website for information.
Address:
1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe
Postcode:
Telephone:
(847) 835 5440
Email:
Website:
www.chicago-botanic.org
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Description:
The Loop Art Tour is a great way to see the stunning public art
that adorns downtown Chicago, created by world-renowned artists
such as Pablo Picasso, Joao Miro, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall,
Henry Moore, and David Smith. This walking tour is accompanied by a
free audio guide that can be downloaded from the Chicago Loop
Alliance and includes visits to some of the city's best-known works
of art, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park,
the Aon Center Plaza, Thompson Center, Daley Center, Chase Plaza,
Federal Plaza, the Chicago Board of Trade Building, and Sears
Tower. The entire tour takes about two hours, and is a good way to
see the most scenic parts of the downtown Chicago Loop.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.chicagoloopalliance.com/looptheloop/artloop/
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Description:
The Museum of Science and Industry is by far one of the best
attractions for children in Chicago. Featuring an exciting array of
interactive exhibits, kids will love exploring all the museum has
to offer. With an IMAX Theatre showing new films and educational
documentaries, the learning experience is made fun.
Address:
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Postcode:
Telephone:
(773) 684 1414
Email:
Website:
www.msichicago.org
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Description:
Located alongside Millennium Park and the Art Institute of
Chicago in Grant Park, often referred to as the city's front yard,
Buckingham Fountain is one of the city's most popular attractions
and was the official starting point of US Route 66. Donated to the
city by Kate Buckingham in memory of her brother on 26 August 1927,
Clarence Buckingham, the fountain represents Lake Michigan and each
sea horse symbolises a state bordering the lake. Water shows run
every hour on the hour and last for 20 minutes. The last show of
the night is at 10pm.
Address:
Grant Park, Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
This stretch of Michigan Avenue in Chicago that runs from
Chicago River to Oak Street is known as the Magnificent Mile. Famed
for its nightlife, it also served as the main thoroughfare between
Chicago's Loop business district and the Gold Coast. Visitors will
love discovering everything the Magnificent Mile has to offer, from
over 460 exclusive stores and boutiques to over 200 restaurants
such as Spago, there is also fabulous architecture to be admired on
a boat or trolley tour, including the Wrigley Building and the John
Hancock Center. Indulge in a deep dish pizza, stroll past media
houses like the
Chicago Tribunenewspaper, stop to enjoy the local
street performers, or watch the ambience of the Magnificent Mile
change with the seasons where everything from tulips and lush
gardens to weekly fireworks displays.
Address:
Michigan Avenue
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.themagnificentmile.com
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Description:
The world loves Oprah Winfrey and a visit to her production
studios, Harpo, is a must for anyone visiting the windy city. While
her famous talk show is no longer filming there, the television
diva still uses the studios as one of the bases for her OWN tv
network, and Rosie O'Donnell is now set to film her show for the
channel at Harpo Studios.
Address:
1058 W Washington Blvd, Near West
Postcode:
Telephone:
312 591 9222
Email:
Website:
www.oprah.com
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Description:
The world-famous Route 66 is colloquially known as the 'Main
Street of America' or the 'Mother Road' as it originally ran from
Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New
Mexico, Arizona, and California, before ending in Los Angeles. The
stretch of highway has been immortalised by famous singers such as
Nat King Cole and even the Rolling Stones and it has undergone some
changes in the last few decades. The starting point in Chicago has
moved a few times over the years and in 1933, the start (and end)
was moved to Jackson and Lake Shore Drive. To cut a very long and
complicated story short, the starting point remained here, so even
while Adams Street at Michigan Avenue is marked as the starting
point, Route 66 never actually departed from there. The recognised
end of Route 66 is located at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard
and Michigan Avenue (which is marked as the terminus).
Address:
The sign is located at Adams St between Michigan &
Wabash Avenues
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.historic66.com
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Description:
Designed by architect David Adler and built in 1899 for Dr
George Swift Isham, the original Playboy Mansion was a 70-room
classic French brick and limestone residence in Chicago. Playboy
founder and editor in chief, Hugh Hefner, bought the mansion in
1959 and adorned the front door with a brass plate that read in
Latin,
Si Non Oscillas, Noli Tintinnare- If you don't swing, don't
ring. Playboy is one of the most recognised and popular consumer
brands in the world, and although the Playboy Mansion is now
located in Los Angeles, the original Playboy Mansion is still a
popular attraction for those visiting the city. Playboy's Corporate
Headquarters are still located in Chicago.
Address:
1340 N State Parkway, Chicago
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
Chicago has a colourful and fascinating history, ranging from
devastating fires to gangster assassinations and more. The Chicago
History Museum has fascinating collections of artefacts from the
city's past, including the first passenger car to operate on the
Chicago L system, Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls jersey, and every
postcard ever made of Chicago.
Address:
1601 N. Clark Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(312) 642-4600
Email:
Website:
www.chicagohistory.org
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Description:
While Chicago is not well-known as a beach holiday destination,
its position on the shore of Lake Michigan gives the city access to
an extensive network of waterfront recreational areas operated by
the Chicago Park District. There are over 26 miles (42km) of open
and free lakefront to enjoy, including popular spots like Oak
Street Beach and North Avenue Beach, the most fashionable places to
see and be seen while enjoying the sun of a Chicago summer. The
Rogers Park Beaches are also excellent: Howard Beach has a
playground for children, while Pratt Beach offers tennis courts and
jogging paths. Kathy Osterman Beach (formerly Hollywood Beach) is
popular with is a great place for beach volleyball and has
child-friendly shallow waters at the north end.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/beaches
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Description:
Knights Action Park is a family entertainment centre outside of
Springfield, Illinois. Featuring an arcade, driving range, batting
cages, go karts, mini golf, kiddie rides and a ferris wheel, the
park is a great place to let children run around after touring
historic Springfield. Caribbean Water Adventure is a water park
with attractions for the whole family, including bumper boats,
water slides, a wave pool, pedal boats and a lazy river. An added
attraction to the theme parks is the Route 66 Twin Drive-In
Theater, offering nightly double features.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.knightsactionpark.com
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