Illinois – Eloray

Chicago River ferry (John Picken, Wikimedia CCA 2.0)

Let’s Visit Illinois

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Illinois
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Illinois

Highlights

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in in Illinois.

Millennium Park (Chicago) is famous for its iconic public art installations, including the reflective Cloud Gate (also known as The Bean), and its beautiful outdoor concert venues. It is a major cultural hub in downtown Chicago.
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) (Chicago) is renowned for being one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can experience breathtaking views from the Skydeck, including the glass-floored Ledge.
Navy Pier (Chicago) is known for its family-friendly entertainment options, including the Ferris wheel, theaters, restaurants, and boat cruises along Lake Michigan. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago) is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., famous for its impressive collection of works, including American Gothic by Grant Wood and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield) is dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. It features exhibits on his life and presidency, as well as artifacts from the Civil War.
Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby) is famous for its stunning canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails, making it one of the most scenic natural areas in Illinois, especially popular for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield) is the preserved home of Abraham Lincoln, where he lived with his family before becoming president. It provides a glimpse into his domestic life and his journey to the White House.
Chicago Riverwalk (Chicago) is known for its beautiful urban waterfront path, lined with restaurants, parks, and public art. The river is also famous for being dyed green during Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford) is one of the top Japanese gardens in North America, known for its serene landscapes, waterfalls, and carefully cultivated plants, offering a peaceful retreat from the city.
Shedd Aquarium (Chicago) is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, known for its diverse marine life exhibits and interactive experiences that attract visitors of all ages.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Discover these little-known facts about Illinois.

The First McDonald’s Opened in Illinois
The very first McDonald’s restaurant was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955. It marked the start of what would become one of the biggest fast-food chains in the world.
Home to the World’s First Skyscraper
The world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was constructed in Chicago in 1885. It was 10 stories tall, a groundbreaking architectural achievement at the time.
Illinois Once Had a Creepy “Exotic” Animals Law
In the 1970s, Illinois had a strange law banning people from owning exotic pets, including iguanas and tarantulas, but it was repealed after protests from reptile enthusiasts.
The Ice Cream Sundae Was Invented in Illinois
The ice cream sundae was reportedly invented in Evanston, Illinois, in the late 19th century when a law banned selling ice cream sodas on Sundays, so shop owners created a new treat using just ice cream and syrup.
Chicago River Is Dyed Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Every year, Chicago dyes its river bright green for St. Patrick’s Day in one of the city’s most beloved traditions. It’s an odd but fun way to celebrate Irish heritage.
Illinois Was Once Home to a Giant Landlocked Whale
Fossils of a 40-million-year-old whale were discovered in central Illinois, surprising scientists since the state has no coastline. The discovery suggests that Illinois was once underwater.
The Chicago Fire Started a Baseball Team
After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the city, including its baseball stadiums, the Chicago White Stockings (now the Chicago Cubs) had to take a break from playing but rebuilt their team in the aftermath.
Superman’s Hometown Is in Illinois
Metropolis, Illinois, is officially recognized as Superman’s hometown. The small city has a giant Superman statue and a museum dedicated to the superhero, drawing comic book fans from across the country.
Illinois Was the First State to Ratify the 13th Amendment
Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1865, which abolished slavery, making it a key state in the history of American civil rights.
The World’s Largest T-Rex Lived in Illinois
Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered, was found in South Dakota, but her remains are displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago, where she draws huge crowds of dinosaur enthusiasts.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from Illinois.

Famous Men

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) was born in Kentucky but lived most of his life in Illinois, where he built his political career. He became the 16th President of the United States and is famous for leading the country through the Civil War and abolishing slavery.
Walt Disney (1901–1966) was born in Chicago, Illinois, and became one of the most influential figures in entertainment history. He is best known for creating Mickey Mouse, founding Disney Studios, and building theme parks like Disneyland and Disney World.
Barack Obama (1961– ) was born in Hawaii but began his political career in Illinois, where he served as a U.S. Senator. He became the 44th President of the United States and was the first African American to hold the office.
Hugh Hefner (1926–2017) was born in Chicago, Illinois, and became famous as the founder of Playboy magazine. Hefner was a significant figure in popular culture and the sexual revolution of the 20th century.
Miles Davis (1926–1991) was born in Alton, Illinois, and became one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He is known for revolutionizing jazz music with albums like Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew.

Famous Women

Michelle Obama (1964– ) was born in Chicago, Illinois, and became the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is known for her advocacy on health, education, and military families, as well as her memoir Becoming.
Jane Addams (1860–1935) was born in Cedarville, Illinois, and became a social reformer and peace activist. She co-founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.
Hillary Clinton (1947– ) was born in Chicago, Illinois, and became the First Lady of the United States, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State. She was the first woman to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.
Betty White (1922–2021) was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and became a beloved actress known for her roles in TV shows like The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. She had one of the longest careers in Hollywood, spanning more than seven decades.
Oprah Winfrey (1954– ) was born in Mississippi but rose to fame in Chicago, Illinois, where she hosted The Oprah Winfrey Show. She became one of the most influential media moguls and philanthropists in the world.