Illinois: The Land of Lincoln and the Hub of the Midwest. The Prairie State is home to both open fields and the sprawling mess of Chicagoland, and is absolutely jam-packed with history and attractions.
History of Illinois
Cahokia. It’s a name that looms large in pre-Columbian history as the most impressive settlement in what is now the United States of America. Located in southern Illinois near the banks of the Mississippi, this town was once capital to a thriving kingdom and an impressive culture. Monk’s Mound is the largest pre-European structure north of Mexico, containing over 800,000 cubic yards of earth and hailing from an age before bulldozers. Native Americans in Illinois were definitely industrious, but sadly had caved to warfare and resource depletion by the time American settlers arrived. (For more on Cahokia.)
Monk’s Mound at Cahokia.
Largely isolated from the American Revolution, Illinois became a state in 1818 as people came to plow under its fertile soil. Illinois resident John Deere’s invented a handy steel plow and turned the state’s rich prairie soils into a breadbasket of the world. A hub built up at Chicago, a natural harbor on Lake Michigan, allowing Illinois’ crops and other products to ship out across the Great Lakes Region and the world. Today Chicago’s status as America’s Third City still relies on this convenient location.
The Windy City in all its glory.
Illinois’ success in agriculture, mining and transportation industry brought a healthy stream of immigrants in from the American South, Europe and elsewhere. This industrious spirit is evident in the many movers and shakers that have come out of Illinois. Abraham Lincoln, Ulysees S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama all have strong ties to the Prairie State. In the private sector, Illinoisan Jane Addams opened Hull House in Chicago in 1889; she is often considered the mother of the social work profession.
Today, a diverse economy keeps the state humming as a center of industry and immigration. Today’s Illinois keeps its heritage alive with museums, festivals and a very accessible parks system.
Travel Tips for Illinois
Illinois is one of the great states that charges no fee for its parks. Enjoy!
As with most states in the Midwest, violent and sudden storms can hit Illinois during the spring season and produce tornadoes. If traveling in spring or summer, pay close attention to the forecast.
Watch out for traffic. Drivers in Illinois can be a bit insane, even outside busy Chicagoland. Speeding and driving through yellow lights are a state pastime.
Top things to do in Illinois
Chicago – America’s largest inland city, and home to a Museum of Science and Industry, Hull House, and the Field Museum of Natural History.
Springfield – Home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the enormous State Capitol, and Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Galena – Site of the Ulysses S. Grant Home and a well-preserved historic district.
Cahokia – The largest Pre-Columbian site in the United States. Includes Monks Mound and several other remains of an ancient city not far from the banks of the Mississippi.
Shawnee National Forest – Trails, lakes, waterfalls, weird rocks, this national forest in Southern Illinois has it all.
Attractions
These are places I have been in Illinois and/or recommend to other visitors.
