Illinois: Windy Wonders Await
- Kaitlen Daigle
- May 23, 2024
- 3 min read
On our roadtrip from Ohio to Minnesota, one of the most important stops was to stop in Chicago, IL. Before heading into the city center, we stopped at Pullman National Historic Park. When we got there, there was a bunch of people there and it turns out that we were there on the day of their grand opening of their visitor center. Pullman National Historic Park in Chicago, Illinois, preserves the historic Pullman Company town, offering insight into the industrial history and labor movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The park, original a monument, was designated by President Barack Obama on February 19, 2015, making it the first National Park Service unit in Chicago. Walking around this historic park was so cool to see. I definitely recommend it.
Now, I'm not much of a city person but I enjoyed my time in Chicago and I would definitely go back. I made sure to check out Cloud Gate because it was something I had always seen pictures of online. I love the park area where Cloud Gate was located, it was full of art and lots of trees. After visiting that, we made a beeline to pick up some true Chicago deep dish pizza from Giordanos. The line to eat there and the to-go line were both so long that we ended up getting a frozen one and drove it through a couple state before cooking it on the house boat in Minnesota. It was amazing! Years later I went to Las Vegas and saw that Giordanos was there and I just had to stop. It was just as amazing as the first time I had it.
If you want to visit Illinois, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Chicago: Explore the vibrant city of Chicago, known for its stunning skyline, world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, iconic architecture including the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center, and Navy Pier for entertainment and dining.
Millennium Park: In the heart of Chicago, visit Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as "The Bean"), Crown Fountain, and enjoy outdoor concerts and events.
Lake Michigan: Take a stroll along Lake Michigan's shores, enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, or relax on the beaches like North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach.
Route 66: Drive along historic Route 66, which stretches across Illinois and offers glimpses of Americana, including quirky roadside attractions, diners, and nostalgic motels.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: Located in Springfield, this museum offers an immersive experience into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most iconic presidents.
Starved Rock State Park: Explore the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park, known for its scenic canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails along the Illinois River.
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail: Architecture enthusiasts can follow the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, which includes several of the renowned architect's masterpieces such as the Robie House in Chicago and the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield.
Shawnee National Forest: Discover the outdoor paradise of Shawnee National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring unique geological formations like Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock.
Galena: Step back in time in the charming town of Galena, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, boutiques, wineries, and historic sites like the Ulysses S. Grant Home.
Illinois Wine Country: Explore the vineyards and wineries of Illinois Wine Country, particularly in regions like the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and the Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Illinois, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
Comments