Top 5 Illinois Cultural Tours: Explore the Prairie State

Thinking about planning a trip to Illinois? You know, the Prairie State has a rich history and a vibrant collection of culture just waiting to be discovered. It’s almost overflowing with stories. From the glimmering skyscrapers of Chicago to the serene landscapes downstate, Illinois offers something for everyone who’s looking to explore. It’s almost a cultural playground! We’ve gathered up the top 5 Illinois cultural tours that you should know about. You should find that each one is uniquely designed, that is, if you really want a helpful insight into the real Illinois. Each one promises to engage your senses and help you discover what makes this state so unique.

1. Chicago Architecture River Cruise

First, when you think about a good way to experience Chicago, you know, seeing its breathtaking architecture from the river has a charm all its own. Arguably, the Chicago Architecture River Cruise does just that, since it offers you a special view of the city’s most iconic buildings. With the very knowledgeable guides onboard, this tour will give you background and details that you probably didn’t know before about each landmark you’re seeing, very including the history of places like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, since they loom so large along the river. The cruise itself is that relaxing, as you move quietly along the water, and really enjoy the city in a totally new way.

Whether you live here or you’re just visiting, this tour really puts the stunning design and planning of Chicago on full display, is that awesome? With very positive ratings, it’s typically cited as one of the most interesting and highly valued tourist things that people want to experience while in Chicago. So, the river cruise usually gives something for people of all ages and really any amount of interest levels.

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2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield

Next, heading on south to Springfield, Illinois? In a way, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is not just a destination; it’s almost a profound historical trip. I mean, through very careful exhibits and impressive recreations of moments from Lincoln’s life, you’ll likely be transported to the time that defined his presidency. It often includes very touching personal items, so expect an emotional look at the man behind that amazing legacy.

The museum usually doesn’t hold back; they put on full-scale scenes, really like the Lincoln family’s Springfield home. A large theater presents a look into some key times that made Lincoln the man he was. The Library and Museum has tons of interactive stuff; I mean, anyone who visits really gets to think a lot more about Lincoln and the times that this country went through under his leadership. Usually visitors describe the museum as something really special, something worth spending extra time thinking about what it has to offer. Just imagine diving into such an important part of U.S. History! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Library and Museum Details)

3. Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac

Route 66 is almost synonymous with Americana; you know, that open-road spirit that runs so deep in the American identity. This landmark brings it to life, so people passing through have a lot of stories to absorb. Pontiac’s Hall of Fame has that stuff on full display. That is, when they take things from really small town history all the way up to tales that could cover that highway from end to end. Really, what you’ll experience is the story that built Illinois towns as Route 66’s culture kept on growing.

Traveling across Illinois often goes hand in hand with this stretch of historic byway. Very naturally, this part of the road often captures tourists’ interests as you pass through some of the smaller towns Illinois is so well-known for, because it gives them a unique and insightful glance at roadside treasures. Is that cool? Roadside sights are one of the big appeals to Pontiac, so many will consider it very memorable.

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4. Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby

Starved Rock isn’t just about looking at great land, although you should, too it’s also a look into earlier Illinois settlers who were the first ones to mark some parts of it and live off it, that is, very if the many stories about native cultures draw you to Illinois, it might draw your curiosity even further, as the amazing hiking trips give an insight into the way that Native Americans passed their legacy onto Illinois.

Visiting this particular park isn’t that much of a sightseeing trip, because as the narratives that came to shape Starved Rock come out, you get something really special: A new consideration and almost new way to treasure time outside while seeing more about nature. Do you have an interest? You’ll love to hear this – Starved Rock State Park has just an amazing assortment of plant types and many stunning waterfall landscapes. It’s one of those rare scenic places that usually gives you the best chance at calm that one could hope for while spending some needed time out of doors.

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5. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville

Moving down into Collinsville, Illinois; very unexpectedly, Cahokia Mounds opens a window back to a time we mostly don’t consider that often, to do with Native civilization as early as right around 1100 A.D., since Illinois wasn’t always towns that you’ve probably driven through so many times. See? People have made a settlement in this state as a home, and so the historic landmarks are some interesting peaks into older societies of the land that now consists of modern Illinois.

Arguably, this gives people very interesting historical contexts as to why this part of the region carries its uniqueness in how communities can make a foundation. Visiting the mounds typically brings together different communities from near to far, for a really enriching time in thinking more about indigenous landmarks. That being said, expect this trip to fill you up to overflowing in thinking of how civilizations change!

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