While Illinois has more than its fair share of cultural landmarks, you could easily argue that the Woodstock Opera House (woodstockoperahouse.com) in the northern Illinois town of Woodstock is one of the state's most impressive and significant. Built in 1889, the venue has previously played host to the likes of Orson Welles and was prominently featured in the cult film "Groundhog Day." The Opera House continues to host a wide selection of plays, lectures and concerts throughout the year, ensuring that visitors have a great opportunity to explore its interior marvels along with its external architecture.
Although it long ago stopped hosting commercial transportation, the majority of this picturesque man-made canal has been preserved for today's fortunate visitors to enjoy. Running southwest from Chicago into western LaSalle County and completed in 1848, the canal now provides opportunity for hikers and bicyclists to appreciate beautiful scenery on its 62-mile nature trail. Additionally, there are historic buildings along the canal featuring displays pertaining to the canal. For many visitors, the canal is a great location for enjoying a picnic and fresh air with friends and family during the state's warmer months.
Formally known as Sears Tower, this spectacular Chicago skyscraper was the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years after it opened in 1973. Continuing to remain one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions, Willis Tower (willistower.com) is much more than just an impressive piece of American architecture. Of particular note is its spellbinding observation deck, allowing visitors to set foot on a transparent platform and observe the city below their feet. Visitors can experience a high-speed elevator ride that takes them to the top of the building in under a minute to appreciate the view. On a clear day you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular sights of Lake Michigan from the rooftop. Just be sure to carry a camera.
Dedicated in 1874, this striking and gracious white tomb (lincolntomb.org) in Springfield is Abraham Lincoln's final resting place and serves as an inspirational reminder of the man and his legacy. Visitors will be able to see a bronze reproduction of Gutzon Borglum's head of Lincoln (from the U.S. Capitol) and a bronze statue of the former president. Lincoln's burial site is marked by an enormous granite cenotaph and the presidential flag and is surrounded by flags representing states in which the Lincoln family lived. The interior of the memorial is a beautiful but respectful place, giving visitors a chance to contemplate Lincoln’s place in history while admiring the fine marble, imported from all around the world.
