We can’t believe we are almost at the end of 2015. This was our first year of producing content for Only in Illinois, and it has really resonated with readers. We are so glad you are all here! Thanks so much for your comments and your great photos. It was super hard to choose, but these are the best user-submitted photos from 2015.

1. A sunset over the Mississippi River is truly a sight to see.
Connie Zink/Facebook
2. There are so many awesome shots of Cloud Gate, but this one of just a lone man is too cool.
Brian Abeling/Facebook
3. Chicago traffic isn't usually beautiful, but this is an awesome shot.
Henry Matthiessen/Facebook
4. Chief Black Hawk stands guard over the Rock River.
John Bullock
5. Nothing is more romantic than a quaint covered bridge, like this one in Cowden.
Donna Niemann/Flickr
6. This photo is just quintessential Illinois, don't you think?
Jeff Slamp/Facebook
7. These are just the friendliest cows hanging out in Milan.
Kelly Steiner/Facebook
8. Check out this dramatic, stormy sky over Warren County.
Chad Fengel/Facebook
9. The yellow is so intense here at Banner Marsh.
Gina Ford-McCoy/Facebook
10. This photo surely makes you want to thank a farmer.
Ashley Duncan Rincker/Facebook

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11. Don't you love this intense pink sky out in Volo?
Jody Preston Little/Facebook
12. This is a preview of what will likely be coming in 2016.
Ron Wilcox/Facebook
13. This is just a truly phenomenal shot of sunset in West Union.
Gary Bonesteel/Facebook
14. But the sunsets in Oswego are pretty nice, too!
Ronda Kesterson-Bennett/Facebook
15. Doesn't this look like an inviting place to walk beside the tracks?
Ronda Kesterson-Bennett/Facebook
16. When in Rome (Illinois), check out the sunsets.
Kevin Mileur/Facebook
17. Jo Daviess County always looks so serene.
Henry Matthiessen III/Facebook
18. This little cow is loving Illinois winter--even though we haven't seen too much of it yet (thankfully).
Tonia DeLong/Facebook
19. What an absolutely gorgeous reflection shot in Claremont.
Scott Shouse/Facebook
20. Nowhere in the country is fall more gorgeous than in Illinois.
Tiara Karatkivcz/Facebook

Thanks so much for submitting so many awesome photos. Here’s to a great 2016!

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