There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small Town In Illinois

Illinois is full of mind-blowing natural wonders. From natural bridges to rock formations to waterfalls, we have an incredible amount of magic in our landscape here in the Prairie State. There is always something to do outdoors in Illinois, though something truly exciting happens when our natural wonders and man-made wonders collide into something thrilling. In fact, this outdoor man-made wonder in Schaumburg, Illinois is reminiscent of the type of fairytale charm we've read about in books, only this time it's right in front of us.

In suburban Schaumburg sits the Chicago Athenaeum's International Sculpture Park, an enchanting 20-acre oasis of forestry, flowers, art, and water features. The park features stunning sculptures and works of art from artists across the United States and around the world.

One of its most beloved sculptures is "Awaking Muse" by artists Don Lawler and Meg White. Installed in 2006, the massive piece is truly a sight to behold.

A plaque near the limestone statue explains that the woman is "stirring from her slumber beneath the earth." The piece is meant to excite the imagination and bring inspiration to its viewers, according to the sign. It's a nod to Greek mythology, in which muses were "goddess sisters who inspired mortals with great thoughts in the arts and sciences."

She is covered in grass as if the earth is her blanket, creating a magical feel. As you can see from her hand, the sculpture is quite large, making visitors seem like small birds or fairies perching upon her.

Her grand frame is even more impressive from a distance. Thanks to her placement on the water banks, she's also usually kept company by the pond's resident swans. How lovely is that? I feel a sense of calm just looking at this photo.

Though the work is made by people, the way it merges with the natural elements and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape makes it a truly unique man-made wonder. The earth flows with the stone to become a living canvas in an outdoor gallery that the public can enjoy.

In winter, she hibernates under a bed of snow, but locals know that spring is officially here when she reemerges in March.

Have you ever visited this fascinating man-made wonder in Schaumburg, Illinois? Tell us about it in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Village of Schaumburg's website and the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design's website. Interested in even more amazing man-made wonders in Illinois? Check out this top-rated Chicago architecture river cruise! But hurry, these tend to sell out fast!