These 13 Hidden Gems In Illinois Hold Historic Keys To The Past

Illinois is not one of the oldest states, but it is full of unique history. There are many historical places in Illinois where you can connect with the past in a way that reminds us of important periods in time.

1. Pullman (Chicago)

Pullman was a town where Pullman train employees lived. They were charged rent by George Pullman. Eventually, the town was sold to Chicago, but residents here really try to preserve their homes as they were.

Learn more about the fascinating history of Pullman, Chicago in this video from It's History:

2. Dana Thomas House (Springfield)

This is the best example of Frank Lloyd Wright's "prairie period" dwellings. The Dana Thomas House has organic architecture but also has a Japanese flair. Tours are available.

3. International Museum of Surgical Science (Chicago)

Surgery has come a long way, thankfully. See how surgery used to be performed in this fascinating museum. This museum is cool not only for those obsessed with the field of medicine but with those generally interested in history.

4. Morrow Plots (Champaign)

Marrow Plots is an experimental cornfield. It is the oldest in the United States, and it is the second oldest in the world. It was designated as a national landmark in 1968.

5. Cahokia Mounds (Collinsville)

The Cahokia Mounds were once home to one of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations north of Mexico. They built these massive mounds, which you can walk over.

6. Grosse Point Lighthouse (Evanston)

The Grosse Point Lighthouse did not get built until 1873, following several shipping disasters. Some say that Father Jacques Marquette landed at this spot. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Enjoy some footage of the Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, Illinois in this video from Urban Media Chicago:

7. Hull-House Museum (Chicago)

Jane Addams helped Chicago's poor with her innovative settlement house programs. The Hull House Museum highlights her work and educates people about life in Chicago during those times.

8. Lincoln Home (Springfield)

There are not many places still standing where President Lincoln lived in Illinois. The best preserved is the Lincoln Home in Springfield. He lived here from 1844-1861, before serving as President. You can tour the home.

9. Modoc Rock Shelter

The Modoc Rock Shelter is a rock cliff on the edge of the Mississippi River Valley. Its claim to fame is that it has evidence of four separate periods of archaic occupation. There are 28 feet of sediments containing artifacts from different periods.

10. Nauvoo

Nauvoo was the home of Mormons trying to escape religious persecution. Come see some of the old structures. There are also some historical reenactments so you can truly get the feel of what this town was like.

11. Old State Capitol (Springfield)

This capitol building was built in the Greek revival style. It was the

old state capitol while Abraham Lincoln was in town, which is also why it is revered.

12. Cave in Rock

Cave-in-Rock has a 55-foot mouth and is right off of the Ohio River. It has been home to numerous pirates and bandits throughout the years.

13. Unity Temple (Oak Park)

Unity Temple was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is considered one of his most important designs. Many architects consider it to be the first modern building in the world.

Take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL in this video from

Gather & Go Travel:

With numerous historical towns and events in Illinois, we must hang on to these memories. Have you been to any of these historical places in Illinois? If you have a memory of any of these historical spots, please share a story with us in the comments.