Experiences

Sights & Landmarks

Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

7 Truly One-of-a-Kind Buildings You’ll Only Find in Illinois

Discover the most unique buildings in Illinois, from a pyramid home to the World’s Largest Mailbox. See seven buildings that you can’t find anywhere else.

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Feb 18
A white temple stands surrounded by green trees and a road.
Experiences

The Congress Plaza Hotel Is One of My Favorite Haunted Places in Illinois

by Noah Morriss
on Sep 18
The Congress Plaza Hotel seen from across the street.
Experiences

I’ve Lived In Illinois For More Than 2 Years And I’ve Never Been To The Skydeck

by Daisy Dow
on May 31
Two people in a glass elevator overlooking a city skyline from a tall building, with clouds in the background.
Experiences

The Coolest Visitor Center in Illinois Is Home to Bald Eagles, River Views, and Massive Barges

by Linze Rice
on Jun 11
View from the observation deck of a massive river lock gate with cargo barges lined up in the waterway.
Experiences

The Edgewater Beach Apartments Are A Magical Place In Illinois That You Thought Only Existed In Your Dreams

by Linze Rice
on May 26
A tall, pink building with numerous windows, viewed from the ground looking up against a clear blue sky.

Latest Sights & Landmarks

Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Hop In The Car And Visit 7 Of Illinois’ Covered Bridges In One Day

Discover seven charming covered bridges in central and southern Illinois through a day-long road trip itinerary.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Aug 30
Map showing a road trip route through Illinois, highlighting covered bridges with a car icon and text overlay.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Someone Flew A Drone High Above Chicago And Captured The Most Breathtaking Footage

Drone footage captures iconic scenes of Downtown Chicago, showcasing its diverse architecture, parks, and waterways.

by Linze Rice
on Mar 29
Aerial view of Chicago's skyline, parks, and Lake Michigan, featuring a stadium and marina along the waterfront.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of DeKalb, Illinois

Explore three historic landmarks in DeKalb, Illinois, perfect for a day trip.

by Linze Rice
on Feb 21
Historic Egyptian theater at dusk, featuring a marquee for a horror film series, surrounded by charming architecture.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Breathtaking Mansion In Illinois You Must Visit This Year

Wall Manor in Mound City, Illinois, offers tours and stays in a historic home with rich cultural and architectural significance.

by Chris Muras
on Nov 11
A large, elegant Victorian-style house with a turret, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

This Breathtaking Destination In Illinois Looks Like It Was Ripped From The Pages Of Harry Potter

Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago offers a magical experience reminiscent of Hogwarts with its Gothic architecture and enchanting details.

by Chris Muras
on Nov 9
Aerial view of a cathedral surrounded by trees and buildings, with a city skyline in the background during autumn.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Beautiful Illinois Library That Looks Like Something From A Book Lover’s Dream

Newberry Library in Chicago offers a beautiful and spacious environment for book lovers to explore rare books and manuscripts.

by Will Suphan
on Oct 21
Historic building facade at night, featuring arched windows and decorative stonework, illuminated softly.
Experiences
Attractions
Sights & Landmarks

6 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Displays in Illinois the Whole Family Can Enjoy

Discover some of the best Christmas light displays in Illinois, ranging from zoo exhibits to drive-through shows.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Nov 15
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Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Stunning Building In Illinois That Looks Just Like Hogwarts

Bettendorf Castle in Fox River Grove, Illinois, resembles Hogwarts and offers a magical experience with its authentic architectural details and seasonal events.

by Trent Jonas
on Sep 22
A stone castle with red-tiled roofs surrounded by trees, featuring turrets and a scenic outdoor area.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Play Tourist For A Day In The Charming Town Of Cedarville, Illinois, The Birthplace Of Jane Addams

Cedarville, Illinois, is a quaint town known for being the birthplace of social activist Jane Addams.

by Marla Stein
on Oct 11
A white two-story house with black shutters, surrounded by greenery and a paved driveway leading to a garage.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

There Are 4 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Batavia, Illinois

Batavia, Illinois, is home to several must-see historical landmarks, including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house and the Fabyan Windmill.

by Melissa Mahoney
on May 23
A vibrant orange train station building with a red train car nearby, set in a park with trees and pathways.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Unique Temple In Oak Park Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Illinois

Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, is a unique architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Feb 16
A modern building with illuminated architectural features, surrounded by trees at dusk.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Spend The Day Exploring These Three Swinging Bridges In Illinois

Pontiac, Illinois, features three charming swinging bridges that offer scenic views and historical significance.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Dec 6
A wooden suspension bridge spans a river, surrounded by lush green trees and a cloudy sky.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Bettendorf Castle In Illinois Took 36 Years To Complete And It’s Spectacular

Bettendorf Castle in Illinois, built over 36 years by Theodore Bettendorf, offers public tours and special events showcasing its European-style architecture and history.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Nov 9
A whimsical stone castle with red-tiled towers, surrounded by lush greenery and a manicured lawn.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

This Historic Bank Building Has Been Transformed Into An Impressive Art Gallery In Illinois

The Vault Art Gallery in Tuscola showcases and sells works from approximately 60 local artists in a historic former bank building.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Apr 6
Historic brick building with large windows, featuring a sign for "The Vault" and showcasing art and gifts.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Oldest Church In Illinois Dates Back To The 1790s And You Need To See It

The Church of the Holy Family in Cahokia, Illinois, is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the state, built in 1799 with a rich history and unique French colonial architecture.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 22
A rustic wooden church with a bell tower, featuring vertical stripes and surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes under a blue sky.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Chain Of Rocks Bridge Is A Remarkable Bridge In Illinois That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

The Chain of Rocks Bridge, a historic Route 66 landmark, spans the Mississippi River and offers stunning views despite being closed to traffic since 1968.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jan 28
A large metal bridge spans a river, with a small building on the shore and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Longest Covered Bridge In Illinois, Cumberland County Covered Bridge, Is 200 Feet Long

The Cumberland County Covered Bridge in Greenup, Illinois, is the state's longest covered bridge and a picturesque historical site.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jan 20
A wooden covered bridge surrounded by trees and foliage, set against a cloudy sky.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Visit The Burial Site Of The World’s First Nuclear Reactor At Red Gate Woods In Illinois

Red Gate Woods in Illinois houses the buried remains of the world’s first nuclear reactor, Chicago Pile-1, and offers hiking trails and historical markers.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Dec 27
A large stone marker and informational sign in a grassy area, commemorating the world's first nuclear reactor.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Holy Name Cathedral Is A Pretty Place Of Worship In Illinois

Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago is a stunning architectural feat with a rich history and magnificent design.

by Marisa Roman
on Nov 7
Interior of a church featuring tall stained glass windows and wooden pews, with ornate arches and a vaulted ceiling.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Few People Know That One Of The Greatest Civil Rights Speeches Was Given In Springfield, Illinois

Frederick Douglass delivered significant speeches in Illinois following Abraham Lincoln's assassination, influencing civil rights and changing perspectives on slavery.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Jul 14
Historic building with a red dome, stone facade, and columns, surrounded by greenery and a decorative fence.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Visit The Gemini Giant On Route 66 At The Launching Pad, A Newly Reopened Restaurant In Illinois

The Launching Pad in northeast Illinois, home to the Gemini Giant statue, is a must-visit Route 66 diner with a rich history and classic Chicago-style eats.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Jun 30
A colorful building named "Launching Pad" with a large green figure outside, surrounded by autumn trees and wet pavement.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Few People Know The Historic Background Behind Fred Hampton Pool In Illinois

The Fred Hampton Aquatic Center in Maywood, Illinois, honors civil rights leader Fred Hampton and offers various amenities for family fun.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Jun 26
A speaker addresses a crowd at the entrance of Fred Hampton Pool, with a red tablecloth in front.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Few People Know America’s First Gay Rights Organization Was Run Out Of The Henry Gerber House In Illinois

The first gay rights organization in the United States was founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago in 1924.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Jun 23
Historic building facade with ornate architectural details and large windows, surrounded by greenery under a blue sky.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

5 Landmarks And Memorials In Illinois That Symbolize Peace

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Jun 6
A serene outdoor scene featuring a sculptural fountain with figures, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Most-Photographed Skyline In The Country Is Right Here On The Illinois Lake Shore

Chicago's skyline, featuring some of America's tallest buildings, is meticulously curated and iconic.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on May 12
Chicago skyline at dusk, featuring illuminated skyscrapers against a twilight sky over the water.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

A Drone Flew High Above Chicago And Caught Illinois’ Most Populated City Looking Nearly Uninhabited

Drone footage reveals an uninhabited Chicago during the lockdown, showcasing empty streets and closed parks.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Apr 29
Empty city street beneath an elevated train track, with buildings lining the sides and no pedestrians or vehicles in sight.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

12 Photos Of The Most Colorful Places In Illinois

Discover 12 of the most colorful and unique places to visit in Illinois.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Apr 27
Colorful mural reading "Greetings from Chicago" with various images representing the city. Bright blue sky in the background.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Here Are Some Of The Very First Photos Ever Taken Of Illinois

Explore historic photographs of Illinois, showcasing significant events and landmarks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Apr 8
A historic black-and-white photo of a damaged barn and farm structures, with trees and people in the background.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

These 12 Aerial Views Of Chicago Will Leave You Mesmerized

Discover 12 breathtaking aerial views of Chicago that showcase the city's beauty from unique perspectives.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Mar 25
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Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Oldest Crop Fields In The United States, Morrow Plots, Are Right Here In Illinois

Morrow Plots at the University of Illinois is the oldest experimental crop field in the U.S. and a National Historic Landmark.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Mar 24
A large brick building with glass windows, surrounded by green fields under a cloudy sky.