Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan, Illinois’s accessible location has for centuries made it an important hub. Historically emigrants from Mexico, Ireland and Poland would make the long journey over in search of work and a new home. Abraham Lincoln was among those who called Illinois home and the state honoured him by naming the small city of Lincoln after him – before he became president.
Most travellers booking flights to Illinois would probably pick Chicago as their city of choice for its renowned restaurant scene and shopping but there’s so much more to see in including 6,900 kilometres of shoreline and more than 50 state parks, making it one of the most scenic states in the US.
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Winters along the Great Lakes are long and cold. From late November into April, there is plenty of snow, icy winds, and subfreezing temperatures. Conversely, July and August can be hot and sticky. Spring and autumn tend to have perfect weather and are great times to visit, although the tornado season is March through May.Chicago summers can have temperatures well into the 30s (Celsius) with humidity to match. Winters are cold and raw with temperatures in the teens and occasional blizzards. Yet, mild winters are not uncommon.
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Peak Season:
Winter is a prime time for skiing and snowmobiling in Illinois. Summer is the peak of the festival season in the Chicago area with major events taking place in the parks and neighbourhoods every weekend, despite the heat and humidity.
Off Season:
September is the best time to book flights to Illinois, it's also the most enjoyable and mildest month of the year, but there is less going on during this period. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the rest of the state and enjoy the milder temperatures and changing foliage. January to March is when Chicago is least busy and deals on hotels are usually attainable. However, it can be cold and windy.
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A tough city to drive in, Chicago has convenient public transportation, taxis are easy to come by, and many areas are a pleasure to walk through. The Chicago Transit Authority operates the El, a system of elevated trains that run 24 hours a day. There is also a River Bus that runs during rush hour in the summer, and the city is becoming increasingly bike friendly.
Except for Chicago, Illinois is mostly a quiet, rural state. Yet Amtrak trains, numerous commuter railroads, and, to a lesser extent, buses make getting around on public transportation feasible. Cycling is also generally easy on the state’s flat plains.
Once you reach your destination, check for local transportation, but be prepared to rent a car.
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- Illinois’ biggest city, Chicago has a plethora of things to do and see. To get a view of the whole city at once, however, it's best to head upwards. At 442 metres (1,450ft), the famous Sears Tower is the tallest building in North America and the views from the top are stunning. Visit the Skydeck on the 103rd floor to see the city laid out beneath you. Less popular, but with even better views is the Hancock Building. You can pay to visit the observation deck here, or, for free, head to the cocktail bar two stories up.
- Springfield is the state’s capital and the “home of Lincoln”. As well as his tomb at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, the city is also home to a 15-metre (50ft) totem pole, topped with an eight foot statue of the 16th President. The pole was carved in 1883 by the Raven clan in Alaska. Visit it at the entranceway to the Illinois State Museum.
- Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s home for the first 20 years of his career is on Chicago Avenue in Oak Park. Today, the building houses the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum, perfectly restored to the way it was in 1909, the last year he lived here. A must-visit destination for architecture fans.
- Just off Route 66 in central Illinois is a cluster of Amish villages that welcome visitors. Discover the history and culture of the Amish community in the Illinois Amish Interpretative Centre in Arcola. Tours are available, including the chance to see supper at an Amish family’s home and visit a working Amish farm. All offer a fascinating and genuine insight to the lives of the Amish people.
- The Shawnee National Forest covers more than 270,000 acres. As well as the usual national park pursuits of walking, biking, orienteering, bird-watching and game-hunting, you can also walk the Trail of Tears. This is a national historic trail designated to commemorate the route the Cherokee people were forced to take during the winter of 1838-9. Many died of cold and starvation on the way. The trail nowadays stretches between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and commemorates their loss.
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