Sitting just beyond the southwestern fringe of Chicago, Oak Lawn is a culturally diverse suburb with ample green space. In fact there’s more than 300 acres of public parkland in Oak Lawn, and the superb amenities managed by the local park district include a pool and splash pad, a nature preserve, a fantastic golf course …
In Central Illinois, Bloomington is a city of 80,000 but with a metropolitan population more than double thanks to the presence of the town of Normal, directly next door. Feted for its hospitality and quality of life, this is a charming place to spend some time, endowed with great amenities, a lot of history and super …
The oldest European settlement in the state, Peoria grew up as a port on the Illinois River and continues to be an important manufacturing center. One company established here in 1910 is the heavy machinery maker Caterpillar, and this brand’s Visitors Center is part of a series of inviting attractions along the riverfront. Another is …
Founded in the early 19th century, Decatur is a university city in Central Illinois steeped in history and with a lovely location on the lake of the same name. Decatur was Abraham Lincoln’s first home in Illinois and the scene of the Illinois Republican Convention in 1860. If you’re on the Lincoln trail you can …
Named after the famous Roman consul, this western suburb of Chicago is a blue collar town long associated with manufacturing. In the 1920s Cicero was where Al Capone relocated to escape the attention of the Chicago police, and there are a couple of landmarks around town harking back to his time. A manufacturer at the …
As one of the largest cities in the US, Chicago will definitely be somewhere you’ve heard of, no matter how far away from it you are. Overlooking the stunning Lake Michigan, this city has the benefit of being an exciting, bustling metropolis with fantastic access to gorgeous countryside and lakeside activities. Known for its museums, …
The Windy City is the third largest city in the United States and comes with a variety of delights for any visitor. From food and craft beer to architecture and history, the Midwestern metropolis is packed with exciting experiences. There are a variety of great tours run by locals across the city that help you …
Despite Illinois being a relatively flat State, it has plenty to draw hikers and those who enjoy the great outdoors. State Parks are intent on preserving large areas of natural terrain and the annual rainfall guarantees that the water courses are regularly replenished. When the water levels are high, waterfalls are at their best, and …
When you’re visiting Chicago, head for the downtown district and you’ll be in The Loop. It’s more than an urban spread of cloud-high skyscrapers and cultural recreation centers. You’ll be amazed by what you find. The Loop is a community area of the city which covers over one and a half square miles, is fronted …
Chicago is a city known for its food, particularly for hot dogs, deep-dish pizza and jazz music. There’s also gangster legend Al Capone, but did you know that Chicago has some beautiful beaches? As many know, Chicago gets cold and snowy in winter, but during the warmer months, the shorelines are a popular place to …