All of us have seen an awesome place and thought “I’ve got to see this sometime.” And, realistically, sometime never comes. We don’t make seeing these things a priority, and with the business of day-to-day life, we realize that ten years has gone by. Illinois is a large state, with both city and country, and a ton of things to see. So for fans of bucket lists, here are eleven places in Illinois you must see before you die:
- Willis Tower
Kristin Wall/Flickr Okay, hear me out. Yes, a lot of us have been here at some point. But when is the last time you went? Have you been brave enough to step out onto the glass, absorbing the city below? This is one of the most iconic places in Illinois and America, and we really should experience it anew.
- iFly (multiple locations)
IFLY Chicago/Facebook Most people have skydiving on their bucket lists, but we don’t do it because it’s pretty freaking scary. Indoor skydiving takes the risk out while still giving you that awesome experience.
- Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest
Michael/Flickr Yes…if you’re from Chicago, it’s a long drive. But–shocker–Illinois extends beyond Springfield. And the beautiful part of Illinois, IMHO, is way down south here at the Shawnee National Forest. It’s a true MUST SEE.
- Wrigley Field
Rex Hammock/Flickr Yes, you should go even if you are a Sox or Cards fan. Any fan of baseball should enjoy one summer game at Wrigley Field.
- Drive down Route 66
Ron Frazier/Flickr The most famous road in America, and it starts right in your backyard. Take a drive and think about the effort it took to build it. Feel free to listen to “Life is a Highway” while you do.
- Chicago Botanic Garden
Michael Lehet/Flickr You need to stop and smell the roses. Literally. This place is just beautiful. Even if you aren’t a huge admirer of gardens, it will take your breath away. Oh, and did I mention that it’s free?
- Walk the I&M Canal Towpath
Teemu008/Flickr You can experience up to 61 miles of bluffs, rolling hills, wildlife, and stops for numerous state parks.
- Cahokia Mounds
Steve Moses/Flickr Did you know that the most sophisticated prehistoric civilization north of Mexico is right here in Illinois? It’s incredible to see.
- Metropolis, Illinois
James Jordan/Flickr Unleash your inner superhero. Strike a pose. You know you want to.
- Experience Arthur, Illinois
Castaway in Scotland/Flickr Explore the Amish parts of Illinois. If nothing else, go for the pie. REALLY.
- Rub Lincoln’s nose
Eden, Janine and Jim/Flickr Illinoisians are proud of Abraham Lincoln, one of the best presidents we’ve ever had. Spend the day in Springfield. But make sure you rub his nose.
What’s on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
Kristin Wall/Flickr
Okay, hear me out. Yes, a lot of us have been here at some point. But when is the last time you went? Have you been brave enough to step out onto the glass, absorbing the city below? This is one of the most iconic places in Illinois and America, and we really should experience it anew.
IFLY Chicago/Facebook
Most people have skydiving on their bucket lists, but we don’t do it because it’s pretty freaking scary. Indoor skydiving takes the risk out while still giving you that awesome experience.
Michael/Flickr
Yes…if you’re from Chicago, it’s a long drive. But–shocker–Illinois extends beyond Springfield. And the beautiful part of Illinois, IMHO, is way down south here at the Shawnee National Forest. It’s a true MUST SEE.
Rex Hammock/Flickr
Yes, you should go even if you are a Sox or Cards fan. Any fan of baseball should enjoy one summer game at Wrigley Field.
Ron Frazier/Flickr
The most famous road in America, and it starts right in your backyard. Take a drive and think about the effort it took to build it. Feel free to listen to “Life is a Highway” while you do.
Michael Lehet/Flickr
You need to stop and smell the roses. Literally. This place is just beautiful. Even if you aren’t a huge admirer of gardens, it will take your breath away. Oh, and did I mention that it’s free?
Teemu008/Flickr
You can experience up to 61 miles of bluffs, rolling hills, wildlife, and stops for numerous state parks.
Steve Moses/Flickr
Did you know that the most sophisticated prehistoric civilization north of Mexico is right here in Illinois? It’s incredible to see.
James Jordan/Flickr
Unleash your inner superhero. Strike a pose. You know you want to.
Castaway in Scotland/Flickr
Explore the Amish parts of Illinois. If nothing else, go for the pie. REALLY.
Eden, Janine and Jim/Flickr
Illinoisians are proud of Abraham Lincoln, one of the best presidents we’ve ever had. Spend the day in Springfield. But make sure you rub his nose.
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