If you take the term sightseeing literally, you might enjoy a visit to Cloud Gate, the popular sculpture in Chicago’s downtown Millennium Park. The oblong, reflective statue is also known locally as "The Bean." As you walk under and around its silver surface, you can reflect on the name and on artist’s intention. The statue aims to show how appearance and perceptions change with position and distance. After that, you can take a step back and see Cloud Gate the way kids do: It’s a very large and shiny jelly bean.
Before heading to the rest of Illinois, check out the end markers for historic Route 66 in downtown Chicago. The route was once America’s main highway from the Midwest to the West Coast. The markers stand at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. There’s not much to see besides a small sign, but take a moment to think about how Route 66 inspired songs, a TV show and a national obsession with going places.
Long before "Seinfeld" made Superman cool, the town fathers of Metropolis were doing the same. Capitalizing on the name Metropolis (Superman’s adopted city), they declared their city the official home of Superman. Today, visitors can find a giant statue of the Man of Steel plus a similar statue for reporter/friend Lois Lane. There’s also a Superman museum with exhibits on the superhero’s role in pop culture. June is a great time to visit, when the annual Superman Celebration draws fans from throughout the world for a celebration of the world’s mightiest fictional hero.
Time stopped in some parts of Galena, and that’s good news for visitors. Not only are the streets of this historic town lined with preserved homes and businesses, but some of the original 19th-century brick streets have been maintained as well. Tours are available for Victorian mansions, a blacksmith shop, and structures from the Old Mine District. In keeping with the historic theme, you can wave down a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the town. Linmar Gardens are a scenic stop, with 3.5 acres of gardens to wander through. History buffs might enjoy the chance to see the home of Civil War hero and President Ulysses S. Grant.
Caterpillar and John Deere are Illinois institutions famed for their agricultural, construction and industrial vehicles. Both companies have robust fanbases, who proudly display their CAT and John Deere caps, boots and T-shirts. If you are among that legion of fans, take a trip to the Caterpillar Visitors Center, located in downtown Peoria. The center provides exhibits that let you take a virtual ride on CAT machinery, explore the history of the company, see proposed designs for future equipment, and, of course, add to your souvenir collection.
