Although it is nicknamed the Prairie State, and there are a lot of prairies, Illinois has its share of farmland, coasts, hills, forest, wetlands, cities and much more. It is home to rich historical landmarks that makes it stand out, both in the middle of its small towns like Peru and LaSalle, or in its major urban center of Chicago. There are so many things that you can learn just by touring these places.
Check out these historical landmarks of Illinois that you shouldn’t miss!
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
If you want to take a tour of the late president’s library, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is situated in Springfield. It also offers an excellent opportunity to learn not only about Abraham Lincoln but also about Illinois and its history.
Officially opened in 2004, the museum’s collection has been a work in progress for at least a century. The facility is also used for research, so not all of it is open for public viewing. Still, there are plenty of things you can learn about Abraham Lincoln here, and about America as well.
Ulysses S Grant Home State Historic Site
The Ulysses S. Grant Home was built in 1860 and was designed by William Dennison. It is the former home of Civil War general and the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. This house was presented to him upon his return from the war in 1865, where he lived in before becoming president and moving out in 1869.
The Grant residence has been fully restored to how it looked in the 1860s, furnishings and all. It also contains many of Grant’s belongings. It is open to the public for tours and is a comprehensive way to learn about an American Civil War Hero. The house has been preserved as a memorial to Grant since 1904, and today it’s a historical museum with rooms furnished in typical 1860s fashion.
Leaning Tower of Niles
Standing proud in the Chicago suburbs is the Leaning Tower of Niles—a miniature version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa—that was built in 1934, after the city of Pisa and the village of Niles established a sister city pact in 1991.
It was initially intended to conceal the water tower that supplied to large pools in the park with water, so they created it as part of a 22-acre amusement park. Admission is free of charge, and visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic on the landscaped grounds, take photos or attend one of the open-air music concerts put on by the city.
The Field Museum
One of the largest museums in the world, the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago was established in 1893. It has permanent exhibits cover topics from the life of bugs to ancient Egypt. You’ll be amazed when you see the fossil of Sue, the Tyrannosaurus rex.
There are several working laboratories in the museum, and tourists can watch real scientists as they extract DNA, prepare fossils for study, and perform other tasks. It also offers 3D movies and educational programs for people of all ages.
LaSalle County Historical Society
Located at the heart of Downtown Utica, the LaSalle County Historical Society’s museum campus has five outstanding facilities. There’s the 1865 One-Room School House, the 1848 Canal Warehouse, the 1875 Barn, the 1892 Blacksmith Shop, and the Heritage Center.
With its extensive collection, the Canal Warehouse offers a broad range of Native American artifacts, pioneer furnishings, and more.
The Heritage Center’s displays focus primarily on the 20th century and the military. The Barn next to the Blacksmith Shop offers agricultural shows from 19th-century veterinary tools to horse-drawn farm equipment. The Blacksmith Shop is still an operating shop with forge and smith, just as it has since it first opened in 1892.
Don’t miss your chance to witness a bit about the rich history of Illinois. The state has historical landmarks that will leave you in awe. While you’re out for the day, let professionals take care of your home! You’ll feel relaxed once you get home with a spotless house.
