Top 14 Historic Landmarks in Illinois

Illinois is an exciting state to visit or to live in. There are lots of attractions that bring visitors to this area each year including the Willis Tower, Millenium Park, and Lake Michigan.

There are many other landmarks and locations you’ll want to check out in Illinois when visiting this state. It is rich in culture, art, and music, and you’ll find many things that will appeal to your sense of adventure while there.

The history of Illinois is also fascinating. The first Europeans visited Illinois in 1673 before the United States formed as a nation, but it was ceded to Britain following the French and Indian War.

Chicago was and always will be a center of activity for the state and it still is to this day. But there is much more to Illinois than Chicago, and thousands of people enjoy coming to the state each year to enjoy the tourist opportunities and lovely accommodations.

Wanting to adventure in Illinois? Enter your ZIP code above and compare at least three to four policies before hitting the road!

Fun Story about Illinois

If you want a fun experience while in Illinois, why not stay in a treehouse? This accommodation near Shawnee National Forest is unique in the extreme.

People who have visited this location have said that they enjoyed the experience of staying in a treehouse while listening to the birds and other creatures in the trees. You can relax there as well and get a “birds-eye view” of the world below!

You can find out more here about this unique vacation experience. It’s certainly one you won’t want to miss.

Top 14 Historic Landmarks in Illinois

One of the challenges of planning a trip is to plan so that you will make the best use of your time. Trying to do too much too fast may cause you to be stressed out.

But if you plan in plenty of time, you will be able to enjoy every activity to its fullest. When planning your trip to the Prairie State, you’ll want to visit the following historical landmarks in Illinois to write home about.

#14 — Chicago Children’s Museum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8k8vokVKmw

Cost: Free to children under one, children and adults $14.95, and seniors, $13.95
Age: 1 and up

The Chicago Children’s Museum offers a wide variety of activities for children of all ages. Experience the Tinkering Lab or Waterways exhibits as well as many of the other educational activities designed for kids of all ages.

You can become a member of the Chicago Children’s Museum to get discounts on future packages and to keep up with the museum’s activities.

It is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out this unique museum when you are in Chicago. You won’t regret the experience.

#13 — Gateway Arch

Cost: Varies according to season
Age: Any but children should be supervised by adult

The Gateway Arch is one of the fascinating aspects of the Illinois area. You can visit their website to contact them for pricing and ticket information. The museum administrators recommend that you make reservations ahead of time due to the high demand for tickets.

You can take a tram ride to the top of the arch or engage with many other activities for a real vacation treat!

#12 — Anderson Japanese Gardens

Cost: 5 and under get in free, Adults, $9.50, Seniors 62+, $8.50, Students, $7.50
Age: Any

Do you need to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the Chicago traffic?

If you are planning a trip to the state of Illinois, you’ll want to include a trip to the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Experience a calm, serene, and beautiful natural retreat from the world at this premier Japanese Garden.

You’ll see goldfish swimming peacefully in a brook, beautiful waterfalls cascading into a quiet pool below, and enjoy the breeze among a beautiful well-maintained garden and also cultural events. It’s a unique and relaxing experience you won’t want to miss!

#11 — Cahokia Mounds

Cost: Free
Age: Any

Cahokia Mounds is one of the oldest Indian grounds that includes one of the best museums in Illinois. You’ll get a glimpse into one of the earliest civilizations in American history and see how the Native Americans lived while enjoying walking the grounds of an ancient civilization.

Located in Collinsville, Illinois, you will be amazed at the great mounds and hills that span the beautiful landscape and get a true sense of how the Indians survived for so long in the sanctuary of the hills.

It’s a fascinating place to visit, and you’ll want to keep a journal of the exciting things you learn about this picturesque vista.

#10 — Buckingham Fountain

Cost: Free to the public
Age: Any

Buckingham Fountain is one of the highlights and significant landmarks of Chicago. Located in the center of Grant Park, it was dedicated in 1927 as one of the largest fountains in the world.

It was built in the style of a rococo wedding cake that was inspired by Latona Fountain in Versailles, France.

The fountain is in operation from April to October, and they also feature regular water shows and light shows at night. Some people come to this destination just for the night shows.

#9 — Field Museum of Natural History

Cost: $36 for adults, $25 for children
Age: Any

The Field Museum of Natural History is a great educational opportunity for kids of all ages. It also appeals to adults because of the vast variety of science exhibits and modern inventions.

You can visit the exhibits and activities that interest you the most and explore things you usually wouldn’t get a chance to explore.

From dinosaur exhibits to the Hall of Birds, you’ll find something that will peak your educational curiosity. Enjoy this experience with your kids and learn more about extinct animals like dinosaurs and more.

The admission is a bit on the pricey side but what you get in return may be well worth the expense.

#8 — Museum of Science and Industry

Cost: $16 for Adults and $9 for children (when purchasing online)
Age: 3 and up

If you want a modern museum experience that focuses on new robotic technology, this may be the experience for you.

The Museum of Science and Industry is a robot and computer-based museum that showcases some of the latest inventions in technology.

If you have someone in your family who is fascinated with robots or modern computer technology, this is a great chance to let them learn more about science and how robots are created and programmed for the world of technology.

#7 — Brookfield Zoo

Cost: Adults, $19.85, Children 3-11, $14.50. Save $1 by ordering tickets online.
Age: 3 and up

The Brookfield Zoo is a fun experience for animal lovers of all ages. It’s not just an ordinary zoo; it’s a petting farm, interactive animal experience, and more.

You can see and interact with a variety of animals while touring the beautiful facilities. It’s an animal experience like no other. Don’t just look at the animals. Interact with them!

#6 — Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Cost: $18 for adults, $15 for students, children under three get in free
Age: Any

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio offers a look into the world of architecture that dates back to the days of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs.

Wright is known as the “father of modern day architecture, ” and the home tours at this location are certainly something to put on your list.

You’ll want to book ahead of time as the tours sell out quickly. Check the website for more information and to buy tickets online.

#5 — Chicago Cultural Center

Cost: Free to the public
Age: Any, children supervised by adult

If you want a truly cultural experience in Chicago, visit the Chicago Cultural Center. Located in downtown Chicago, you’ll find something that will capture your attention at this center.

The center is visited by many tourists each year, and it is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago.

The main landmark building features two stained-glass domes. You’ll also get to hear free music and theater events, as well as films and lectures or art exhibits.

#4 — Lincoln Home

Cost: Free ($2 for parking)
Age: Any

If you want to visit a truly historical site, start by making arrangements to visit the Lincoln home. It’s the site of President Abe Lincoln’s former homestead, and you’ll learn all about the civil war with a variety of activities and information you’ll have access to.

Visit the site for more information. Admission is free to all.

#3 — Morton Arboretum

Cost: $14 for adults, $9 for children, $12 for seniors
Age: Any

If you love and appreciate trees, make a trip to the Morton Arboretum. This unique museum is based on nurturing and appreciating trees and their ability to replenish the earth.

You’ll find a wide variety of trees and enjoy many different activities and light shows. Taste the wine and enjoy an evening on the grounds with fine dining.

#2 — Wrigley Field

Cost: Varies
Age: Any

One of the biggest attractions of Chicago is to attend a Cubs Baseball game at Wrigley Field. The fans at Wrigley enjoy seeing the Cubs play each year through season tickets or individual games.

You can buy tickets online during the regular season or before it. They are currently in the off-season but be sure to bookmark the above site to return when you plan your next trip to Chicago during the baseball season.

Tours are even available at the Wrigley Field if you want to get a behind-the-scenes look.

#1 — Art Institute of Chicago

Cost: $29 and up
Age: Any

If you are an art lover, you’ll want to visit this Chicago landmark. The Art Institute of Chicago features some of the finest art you could ever see in the state of Illinois.

Thousands of visitors come to the Institute each year in search of great artwork or to find out more about Illinois culture and talent. There is also an online shop where you can find some of the best deals on the artwork.

Traveling Safely in Illinois

When traveling in Illinois, you should study up on the car insurance laws in the state and decide if you may need additional coverage while traveling. Illinois requires the following insurance coverage:

• $20,000 for the injury or death of one person (yourself, a passenger, another driver, pedestrian, etc.)
• $40,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a single accident
• $15,000 for property damage

Illinois is also a fault state that requires that the driver at fault in an accident pays for the damages. You would need to use caution at all times and always make sure that you have adequate coverage to cover all types of injuries and liabilities.

The following tips may help you to keep up with the requirements in the state of Illinois and be aware of the obligations you have to make sure you are covered in any situation while driving in the state of Illinois.

• Have right coverage
• Review policy every six months
• Compare three to four policies
• Don’t make decision solely on cost

— Safety Tips for Traveling

When planning a trip to the state of Illinois, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:

• Know the landmarks you want to see
• Map your trip ahead of time
• Tune-up your car ahead of time
• Travel with an emergency kit — Always carry an emergency kit with you. You never know what type of situation you may face on the road, so it’s wise to be prepared. Your emergency kit should include a First Aid kit, extra clothing, food, water, and other supplies.

When Traveling Alone

If you plan to travel alone, you will want to take some extra precautions. Plan your trip so that most of your driving is during the daylight hours. Don’t drive alone at night or in situations where you cannot predict your route.

Plan well and pack extra items to be safe; make sure your cell phone has extra batteries and keep it charged up.

With some careful planning, you should be able to enjoy a safe trip without the worry of unpredictable events. When traveling, anything can happen.

But you will have fewer frustrations or problems if you are prepared and think ahead. Plan your trip to Illinois soon and remember to check with your car insurance company to see if you should increase or change your coverage.

If you’re planning to travel across Illinois soon and want better coverage beforehand, enter your ZIP code below and start comparison shopping today!