15 Reasons Central Illinois Needs To Be On Your Travel List This Year
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
Believe it or not, central Illinois is actually one of the most exciting parts of the state. As you’re curating your travel bucket list, make sure to add these close-to-home attractions.
From hotels to restaurants to stores, this list has them all. Check it out:
Owned and operated by the Illinois State Museum, this Native America burial ground is named for the man who first excavated it in 1927. In use between 800 and 1250 CE., there are two cemeteries, ten burial mounds, and a platform mound to explore at this site. For more details from previous coverage, click here.
Spanning 45 miles, this is the longest paved trail in the entire state. Passing through various parks and neighborhoods, it is a system of paths that connects Normal and Bloomington, and it has been in use for more than 30 years. Nature lovers will find a wealth of classic park features to enjoy. Learn more by clicking here.
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Of course, you'll need somewhere to stay while you complete this portion of your travel bucket list. For a vintage stay you'll never forget, this historic bed and breakfast is a must. From the unique decor to the gourmet morning meals, this wonderful hotel is truly something special. Click here for more details.
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For something even more unique, this fabulous hotel has about a dozen themed rooms that will blow you away. From outer space to under the sea to a winter wonderland, each room will transport you to a whole new world. Learn more about this excellent getaway and each of its suites here.
If you love vintage goods but hate paying boutique prices, there is an Amish goods store you need to visit. Specializing in furniture, the outlet also sells meats, cheeses, crafts, and more. Click here to learn more about the amazing deals you can find at this huge store.
This best thing to know about this store is that it gives out free books daily. It's first come, first served at this shop that has been in business since 1980, and the titles are typically placed outside. Otherwise, you'll find a myriad of budget-friendly books and other fun items inside. Learn more about this wonderful place here.
Book lovers can make a whole day out of used book shopping in central Illinois. Spanning 14,000 square-feet, this warehouse sells books, CDs, DVDs, classic titles, and audio books. There are more than 250,000 different books in this one store, and you can learn more about the place here.
When the weather is nice, this fantastic outdoor attraction will give you memories to last a lifetime. There are various courses for different skill levels and each features zip lines, bridges, tight ropes, and more. Click here to find out what else this exciting adventure park has to offer.
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Your travel bucket list is not complete without this incredibly unique river adventure. Step aboard a vintage 70-passenger canal boat that tours the Illinois River and is pulled by a mule. Guests learn all about the mules, the boat, and the scenery. You can learn more about the tour here.
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No trip is complete without something to eat, and why not start with dessert? This place is more than 150 years old but the sweets are fresh as the morning dew. Homemade bread, cookies, pies, danishes, croissants, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, cheesecakes, homemade candy, and more are always available at this marvelous shop. Learn more here.
For a savory meal, try these restaurants. With three locations in central Illinois (including one on the beach), this wonderful chain is known for its fun decor and delicious burgers. Drinks, desserts, and so much more are also on the menu, but you'll have to click here to get more details.
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In business since 1980, this place is known for its burgers, breakfasts, and fresh ingredients. The menu is full of all your favorite comfort foods as well as a mess of baked goods you'll be seeing in your dreams. Click here to get more details about this place.
If you enjoy remote bars, you'll want to pay a visit to this casual joint. It is known for its thin crust as well as specialty pizzas with unique toppings. Get more details about them here.
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Since 1934, this Route 66 eatery has been known for its home-style meals and handmade pies. Guests can't get enough of the vintage decor and old-fashioned dishes, which you can learn more about here.
This little-known eatery is a secret the locals would rather you didn't know about. The budget-friendly meals and beautiful views make this oasis the perfect diner to place on your travel bucket list. Sandwiches, wraps, fried chicken, steak, seafood, and a plethora of appetizers await. Learn more about this joint here.
For more like this, check out these 10 underrated attractions in Illinois that belong on anyone’s bucket list.
Which of these attractions will you add to your travel bucket list this year? Share your thoughts with us below in the comments.
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