What is a milestone?
From ancient Native American mounds to the most modern and up-to-date high-tech buildings, Illinois has all sorts of amazing US attractions to offer. From landscapes to man-made engineering and everything in between, we dive below into some of the best Illinois landmarks to put on the map on your next trip.
What Are Some Famous Landmarks in Illinois?
1. Torre Willis
2. Millennium Park
3. Marinepier
4. Mississippi Palisades State Park
5. Starved Rock State Park
6. Prairie Wildlife Park
7. Dana Thomas House
8. Lago Rend
9. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
10. Garden of the Gods
Marcos aus Illinois
Here are just some of the incredible sights worth exploring in the state of Illinois!
1. Torre Willis
One of the most recognizable landmarks in every U.S. state, the Willis Tower is an imposing building that stands 1,729 feet above the Chicago skyline at its peak (and 1,450 feet tall if you're just measuring the building itself). With 108 stories and a single roof, this impressive skyscraper has been an iconic part of the Windy City skyline since its construction in 1973, then known as the Sears Tower. It has also earned a solid reputation as the tallest building in the world, reigning in that superlative between the years 1973 and 1988 when it was surpassed by the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For visitors, one of the most exciting attractions is theskydeck, which allows the brave to look straight down through a glass floor.
Things to do near Willis Tower:The city ofChicagois full of incredible urban adventures, from museums and art galleries to restaurants and more. It is also just a short drive away from some amazing local natural areas such as James Pate and Philip State ParkIndiana Sand Dunes National Park. Here are some areastrailer rentaleLagerView.
2. Millennium Park
Think of it as Chicago's version of Central Park, if you will—though this 24.5-acre green space bears no comparison. Worth a visit aloneMillennium Parkis a landmark in its own right while still being homeOthersimportant US landmark; it is, if you will, a reference reception. (The smaller landmark in question: Cloud Gate, that iconic metal sculpture known locally as "The Bean" that you absolutely must Instagram photo in front of.) Originally opening in 2004, Millenium Park was four years behind schedule ...which is why his name doesn't match his actual opening date. However, this park has been a cultural icon and must-see landmark for 20 years. So don't miss it.
Things to do near Millennium Park:Millenium Park is right in the heart of downtownChicago, where it is surrounded by other major attractions like theArt Institute. Meanwhile, some bigstate parksare just a short drive away - here are a fewtrailer for rentin the area you should consider for your vacation.
3. Marinepier
Not far from Millennium Park,Navy Pieris a landmark and well-equipped tourist destination full of fun activities for the whole family. The pier itself has a long and colorful history, having been built and opened for military use over 100 years ago. Today, however, the pier is teeming with green spaces, gardens, restaurants, and even carnival attractions; The beautiful Ferris wheel is a well-known sight, especially at night when it is illuminated by colorful lights. Eat or drink on one of the rooftops and enjoy the sunset: the perfect end to a perfect day of people and family fun.
Things to do near Navy Pier:Another Illinois landmark calling the cityChicagoBack home, Navy Pier is gated and full of fun things to do... Check them outRVshare rentaleCampgrounds in the Chicago areato brainstorm!
4. Mississippi Palisades State Park
If you get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago and head west toward the big river, you'll be rewarded when you reach itMississippi Palisades State Park. Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Lesser Apple Rivers, this 2,500-acre park offers many exciting outdoor recreation opportunities and also offers a well-developed RV campground with hook-up electricity at over 100 sites. This park is a particularly good place to witness the fall foliage change, although it offers many year-round recreational opportunities. It's also a short drive across the border to some of Iowa's towns and wilderness areas to explore.
Things to Do near Mississippi Palisades State Park:Nestled among a handful of small towns along the Illinois-Iowa border, Mississippi Palisades State Park is surrounded by other wilderness areas such asMorrisonRockwood State Park or IowaBellevue State Park, which offers another view of the river. Here are someRVshare rentalin the area to make your vacation perfect!
5. Starved Rock State Park
Another unique wilderness that Illinois residents are fortunate to have in their own backyard,Starved Rock State Parkoffers a range of views that will make you feel like you've traveled so much further. Characterized by carved sandstone canyons and tranquil waterfalls, this 2,300-acre wilderness is worth the drive no matter where you start. (Plus, it's only 100 miles from Chicago and there's RV parking on-site, with ample space for large rigs that require hookups.)
Things to Do near Starved Rock State Park:Surrounded by small but friendly Midwestern towns like Hitt and Oglesby, there's a lot to explore in the area - but again, if you need brighter lights and taller buildings,Chicagoit is only an hour and a half away. There are also other state parks in this area that you can explore and camp like Matthiessen State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park andillini state park, all tracing the Illinois River. Here are someRVshare rentalin the area to be considered.
6. Prairie Wildlife Park
Think of it like a zoo—except there aren't any cages to speak of. Located on the outskirts of Peoria,Wildlife Prairie ParkIt is a 1,800 hectare area that is home to more than 150 animals from almost 60 species. All are currently or were once native to this part of the Midwestern United States, and visitors can hike, hike, and even mountain bike through the areas to get acquainted with these creatures. Private and organized community events take place in theThe installation, and educational programs are also available.
Things to do near Wildlife Prairie Park:Just minutes from Peoria, Wildlife Prairie Park is also conveniently locatedDes Jubilee College State Parkand all the worthy adventures that the city of Bloomington has to offer. Here are someRVshare rentalin the area.
7. Dana Thomas House
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built 1902-1904 for Susan Lawrence Dana, heiress to a Rocky Mountain silver fortuneDana Thomas HouseIt is a stunning example of organic architecture, including Japanese influences. This landmark in the city of Springfield is open to the public with guided tours and also contains the largest collection of site-specific original Wright memorabilia.
Things to do near the Dana Thomas House:Springfeldis packed with fun activities like the Henson Robinson Zoo and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and don't miss the area state parks like Sangchris Lake State Park, Edward R. Madigan State Park, and others. Here are some areasRVshare rentalnavigate.
8. Lago Rend
Totaling 13 miles long and 3 miles wide, Rend Lake is a stunning, sparkling body of water that offers plenty of outdoor recreation any time of the year. With over 40,000 acres of water, Rend Lake is the perfect place for fishing, boating, paddling, swimming and more in the summer months and a great place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Biking trails, museums and small communities nearby provide accommodation and dining, making the entire area a perfect getaway.
Activities near Lake Rend:Tucked away on the huge greenway west of St. Louis, Rend Lake is close to some other great outdoor areas like WayneFitzgerrellState Park and the Rend Lake State Waterfowl Management Area. Here are some areasRVshare rentalhold.
9. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Across the Mississippi from the great city of St. Ludwig, theCahokia Mounds State Historic SiteIt houses something truly unique and special: the remains of a pre-Columbian Indian city, most clearly identified today by the mounds that these ancient residents built. Cahokia was not a small town in its day; it was larger than London in AD 1250. In addition to simply strolling the grounds, visitors can visit the on-site museum, which displays artifacts and provides educational information about these original Illinois residents.
Things to Do near Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site:On the outskirts of St. Louis and near the mighty Mississippi River and its confluence with the Missouri River, there's a reason this place has been an attractive place to live for eons. Today there are many things to see, do and eat in this area, as well as some wonderful onescamper pitchesetrailer for rentexplore with.
10. Garden of the Gods
Move, Colorado: The eastern version of Garden of the Gods is every bit as impressive as its better-known cousin, with an incredible collection of rock formations sprawling across its 3,300 acres of wilderness. Hidden in Shawnee National Forest, IllinoisGarden of the GodsThe nature area offers a wealth of hiking opportunities, from short, easy scenic trails to longer, more challenging ventures. Equestrian trails and campsites are also available, and picnicking along the way is a popular option.
Things to do near Jardim dos Deuses:Located on the southern tip of Illinois, Garden of the Gods isn't very close to major communities, although there are plenty of small towns nearby for groceries and gas. Here are someRVshare rentalto consider in the area - they are the perfect way to experience this wilderness area.
Planning an RV trip to Illinois
We hope this in-depth guide has helped you see just how much beauty Illinois has to offer - and we hope it has inspired you to get out and see that beauty for yourself.
An RV road trip is a great way to experience Illinois, and we have all the details you need for the perfect vacation.
First we write guides for the manyamazing state parksin Illinois as wellIndiana Sand Dunes National Park, which isn't technically in that state, but is pretty close. We also have guides for thosevarious cities in Illinoisfor those looking for an urban adventure, as well as guides forThe 10 Best Campgrounds in the State.
As always, we hope to make this available to youPerfect trailer rentalfor your trip to Illinois, and when you rent with us, our customer service team is ready to help you every step of the way. what are you waiting for now Start planning – then get going!