Higer Education in Illinois
Illinois is recognized as the 6th most popular state and Chicago is the 9th most visited U.S. city by overseas visitors. Below are just a few of the attractions to see during breaks or much needed down time from studying.
Chicago Attractions:
SEARS
TOWER, CHICAGO
The highest building in the U.S. stands tall in a city that gave birth
to the skyscraper and near the western suburb that legendary Frank Lloyd
Wright put on the architectural map.
SHOPPING / MAGNIFICENT MILE
Your Chicagoland shopping experience can encompass one of the world's
most luxurious retail streets, one-of-a-kind stores in quaint Long Grove
or Geneva or comfortable strolls through terrific suburban malls.
MUSEUMS
Visit our world-class Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, Field
Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium and others along Chicago's stunning
lakefront.
NAVY PIER
Find parks, shops, restaurants, live entertainment, fireworks, boat rides,
Shakespeare and, of course, the signature 15-story Ferris wheel, all in
one action-packed spot on Chicago's lakefront.
WRIGLEY FIELD/SOLDIER FIELD/UNITED CENTER/U.S.
CELLULAR FIELD
Chicago is the home of two professional baseball teams (Cubs and White
Sox), a professional football (Bears), and professional hockey team (Blackhawks).
Want to play and not watch sports? Chicago’s parks are ideal for
all your sporting ambitions.
Northern Illinois Attractions:
ANDERSON
JAPANESE GARDENS, ROCKFORD
A national gem. You'll find waterfalls, koi ponds and a teahouse transported
from the 16th century in this museum-packed, All-American city that celebrates
a rich heritage, sports and good times.
I&M CANAL STATE TRAIL
Hike, bike, fish or cross-country ski through miles of scenic views, historic
sites and state parks.
RONALD REAGAN'S BOYHOOD HOME, DIXON
See where the former president grew up in this fully restored home, one
of several fascinating stops on the Ronald Reagan Trail.
STARVED ROCK STATE PARK, UTICA
Stay at the lodge, watch for eagles, go horseback riding and explore canyons,
bluffs and waterfalls in a breathtaking setting along the Illinois River.
GREAT RIVER ROAD
Tracing Illinois' entire western border, this 550-mile route traverses
charming river towns, sacred sites and breath-taking limestone bluffs.
JOSEPH SMITH HISTORIC CENTER, NAUVOO
Once a seat of Mormon followers, today it's a scenic wine-producing region
celebrating a rich heritage.
Central Illinois Attractions:
WILDLIFE PRAIRIE PARK, PEORIA
See native animals in their natural habitat -- then enjoy this river town's
culture, casino and lively waterfront.
LINCOLN
HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, SPRINGFIELD
Feel the history -- from the village Lincoln lived in as a young adult
to the city he made his family home – with visits to some of America's
best-known Lincoln sites.
DIXIE TRUCKERS' HOME, McLEAN
Get your kicks at the Route 66 Hall of Fame and its must-see American
memorabilia at this stop on Illinois Route 66, where the Mother Road begins.
BEER NUTS, BLOOMINGTON
Visit the home of Beer Nuts, nestled in a university community filled
with historic mansions.
Eastern Illinois Attractions:
MIDDLE FORK NATIONAL SCENIC RIVER, near DANVILLE
Take in the Illinois' only designated scenic river, plus acres and acres
of state parks filled with wildlife and lakes.
ILLINOIS AMISH INTERPRETIVE CENTER IN ARCOLA
Learn about the history and culture of Illinois' Amish community at this
authentic and interactive museum.
Southern Illinois Attractions:
OHIO RIVER NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
Pack a picnic or your camping gear and enjoy the drive along the bluffs
above the Ohio River.
REND LAKE, INA
Make a splash in a vast lake. Both Carlyle and Rend offer outstanding
opportunities for fun, with lodging, camping, fishing, boating, hiking
and golf.
GARDEN OF THE GODS, near HEROD
Step back 200 million years, hiking scenic bluffs, and experience the
incredible diversity of the Shawnee National Forest, which stretches across
277,000 acres between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, taking in several
beautiful state parks and natural areas.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Rock climbing, cycling, hiking, you name it -- you'll find the adventure
trails and views you're looking for.
Southwestern Illinois Attractions:
CAHOKIA MOUNDS, COLLINSVILLE
Discover the only prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico at
this U.N. World Heritage Site.
GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, MADISON
Experience the thrill of racing at this action-packed track. From NASCAR
to Indy Racing League to drag racing, something's happening all season
long.
LEWIS & CLARK
Walk in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark at sites along the east bank
of the Mississippi, where the Corps of Discovery launched its exploration
of the Louisiana Purchase.
ALTON AREA
From a Civil War prison and Underground Railroad tours to shopping for
antiques, steep yourself in history at the charming riverfront town.
FORT DE CHARTRES, PRAIRIE DU ROCHER
See the oldest building in Illinois, a powerful fort built by French colonialists
in 1753, while touring well-preserved sites established from Chester to
Cahokia by Illinois' earliest European settlers.
