All The Best Things About Illinois You'll Ever Need To Know
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
We’ve featured everything from strange festivals to odd roadside attractions, and due to our readers liking and sharing our content, we’ve got a list of the best things there are to do in Illinois. From places to eat and sleep to astounding sights to see, these are the top places in the state for a memorable experience.
This roundup will take you through all the best Only In Illinois articles, so don’t worry if you might have missed one. Click the links below the descriptions for more information about each activity. Keep scrolling for 12 best of the best attractions Illinois has to offer.
What began as a general store in 1912 was transformed into the best burger joint this side of the Mississippi in 1982. Moonshine is a tiny town of very few residents, and many know it as a "wide spot in the road," yet it sometimes attracts more than 1,000 customers in a single day.
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Located in LaGrange, this hidden oasis is a wonderland of calm and tranquility. Himalayan salt is an ancient treatment for the respiratory system, and it involves surrounding yourself with it. Patrons crush the rocks under thier feet and breathe in ionized air cleansed with pulverized salt.
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Leading throughout the state, this epic journey of Mexican delights will turn your taste buds inside out. Stop off at seven different places on this bucket list road trip of the best taco restaurants in the state. It is certainly one of the best things you can do with a lazy weekend.
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In Central Illinois, there is a tiny, remote town that most have never heard of but which is home to one of the coolest themed hotels in the state. There are nearly a dozen different themes to choose from like Under the Sea, Safari Adventure, and Space Odyssey. During winter, we suggest this charming arctic-themed room.
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This popular sports bar has been a Lombard staple since 2012 serving up amazing concoctions that involve bacon. Bacon-wrapped chicken wings and mozzarella sticks, bacon meat loaf, B.L.T.s, bacon-stuffed burgers, and more await at this delicious eatery. The restaurant even serves bacon-themed drinks that you have to try to believe.
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Featuring more than 150 animals, this summer attraction is one of the best places to visit in the state. Located in Arcola, the zoo allows visitors to drive through or ride the safari wagon to view the lovely critters. Camel rides, a petting zoo, and more abound at this wonderful spot.
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Nothing is more fun than a day at this incredible fantasy park. Kids of all ages can play make believe with artificial dragons, castles, and knights. Created as a memorial to his son, who passed away in a car accident, Mr. Rochman bought the 3.5-acre plot and transformed it into a Dungeons-and-Dragons-lovers paradise.
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Though once an old dairy barn, this farm is now a family-owned restaurant. Tucked away in a remote part of Ottawa, it is the best farm restaurant in the state. Known for its down-home cooking and comfort food, this eatery will send you home fuller than a tank of gas.
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During the holidays, people from Illinois and neighboring states make their way to Chicago for a Christmas event that will never be forgotten. Based off the Tom Hanks film, patrons are treated to music, dancing, food, and, of course, hot cocoa.
Click here for more details and climb aboard before rides cease on January 1, 2018.
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Taking place each year in June, this is the shopping event of the year for some Illinoisans. Forget Black Friday, as this 100-mile yard sale spans the length of US Route 34 between Aurora and Galesburg.
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This epic nature area features a 1.7-mile loop trail that leads to a huge rock formation and a set of stone stairs that lead to the valley floor. It is part of the Shawnee National Forest and is a great place for camping and other outdoors activities.
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Another one of the best things you probably didn't even know you could do in Illinois is swim in a waterfall. Best during the warm/wet months, this amazing section of the Shawnee National Forest is rife with natural attractions you'd have to see to believe.
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Another one of the best things about Illinois are the views. Check out 16 unimaginably beautiful places you must see before you die.
Which of these amazing attractions have you visited? Share your favorites with us!
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