Located in the mid-western United States, Illinois is the fifth most populous state. The state features several large and mid-sized cities as well as many small rural towns. Illinois' main industries include agriculture, manufacturing and technology. Some of the largest cities in Illinois are located near the Chicago area.
The largest city in Illinois and the third largest in the United States, the city of Chicago is home to more than 2.8 million people. More than 9.7 million people reside in the Chicago metropolitan area. Located in northeastern Illinois, Chicago lies on the edge of Lake Michigan. The city offers diverse neighborhoods filled with eclectic food and sights as well as sophisticated shopping, museums and nightlife. Some top attractions include the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Sears Tower. Upscale shopping can be found on Michigan Avenue also known as the "Magnificent Mile." The city also features professional sports, beaches, parks and blues clubs.
Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with more than 180,000 residents. Located 37 miles west of Chicago, Aurora blends characteristics of both small town and big city life. Fox River runs through Aurora offering waterfront recreation such canoeing or kayaking in Glen D. Palmer Whitewater Park. The Red Oak Nature Center features bald eagles, mallard ducks, geese, finches and herons. Aurora also features several golf courses, historic museums, water parks and luxurious accommodations.
Located in northern Illinois, Rockford has a population of more than 157,000. Rockford features in excess of 176 city parks as well as several gardens including Anderson Japanese Gardens, Khlem Arboretum and Botanic Garden and Sinnissippi Gardens & Greenhouse. Several miles of biking and hiking trails are available in Rockford. The city also offers art galleries, theater and museums. Rockford is home to one of the state's largest waterparks, Raging Waters. Rockford Speedway features NASCAR weekly racing series as well as concerts, car shows and other special events.
Located 45 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet has more than 145,000 residents. Joliet features two casinos with high-stakes gambling as well as the Chicagoland and Route 66 speedways. Historic attractions include the Old Joliet Prison Park, Rialto Square Theatre, the Joliet Historical Museum and the Slovenian Women's Heritage Museum. The city also offers golf courses, a water park and minor league baseball. The Will County Forest Preserve provides hiking and biking trails throughout the city.
With more than 111,000 residents, Springfield is located in central Illinois and is one of Illinois' largest cities aside from the Chicago metropolitan area. Home to President Abraham Lincoln and the capital of Illinois, Springfield offers many historic sites. Visitors may tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln Tomb, Old State Capital, the Executive Mansion, the Illinois State Museum and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Other attractions include the Dana Thomas House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Lloyd Wright's Lawrence Memorial Library. Annual events include the Illinois State Fair and the Route 66 Mother Road Festival.
