18 introducing
Illinois – Chicago and beyond – M
ention Illinois and the chances are you will think
only of Chicago. And indeed America's vibrant third- largest city deserves your attention with its colourful history, Lake Michigan- fronting beaches and parks, cutting-edge architecture, cultural scene and shopping opportunities, says Mary Moore Mason
But out there beyond the cloud-piercing skycrapers is another, quite different, Illinois which will interest those fascinated by America's unique history and folk culture.
ROUTE 66 Start by heading south on legendary Route 66. Mile-on-mile, the Illinois portion of the 'Mother Road' holds more attractions than any of the other seven states it crosses on its 2,448-mile route to California. Among them are such quirky roadside attractions as the Gemini Giant spaceman and the world's largest ketchup bottle and covered wagon, picturesque 1950s-style diners, drive-ins and petrol stations and Route 66-themed welcome centres and museums. In Springfi eld, the state capital, you can visit US president Abraham Lincoln's home; his law offi ce; the Old State Capitol where he served as
a legislator; the family tomb and the impressive, visitor-friendly Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum which is staging special exhibitions this year to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's death and the ending of the American Civil War.
WORLD HERITAGE Near the end of the Illinois portion of Route 66 are the Cahokia Mounds, a World Heritage site and the remains of the largest prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico. North from here are such interesting 19th-century Mississippi riverside towns as Alton, famous for its antique stores, ghosts and nesting bald eagles; Grafton and Moline, bases for paddleboat river cruises; and Rock Island, with its lively nightlife. Among the most appealing is Galena, tucked
away beside the tributary Galena River in the north-west corner of the state. Explore its historic district on a guided carriage ride, visit the home of Civil War hero and later US President, Ulysses S. Grant, and enjoy shopping, wine tasting, golfi ng and kayaking. Back in Chicago other unmissable attractions include the masterpiece-fi lled Art Institute of Chicago and nearby Oak Park's Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings, the view from the 1,353ft-high Willis Tower's Skydeck and a narrated cruise along the Chicago River.
sellingtravel.co.uk
“US history buffs will want to visit Illinois this year because of Springfield's 150th anniversary commemorations of President Abraham Lincoln's death and the end of the American Civil War”
The details
LOCATION: Between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi and Ohio rivers in the Great Lakes Region. TIME ZONE: Central Time GMT - 6 hours CAPITAL: Springfi eld GATEWAY CITY: Chicago, served from the UK by
aa.com;
batraveltrade.com;
united.com; usairways. com;
virgin-atlantic.com WHEN TO GO: Winter can be extremely cold; summer is best for beach activities along Lake Michigan; late spring and autumn are also extremely pleasant.
TOURIST OFFICES:
enjoyillinois.com 08456 020574 BOOK IT: Travel2 offers a May 1 - June 21 18-day Route 66 trip into Chicago/ out of Los Angeles from £1,799 (Belfast) and £1,939 (London), with departures also from Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. Included are 17 nights’ accommodation and 17 days' car hire. Travel2. com, 0141 226 6140, OTHER OPERATORS:
Funwayholidays.co.uk;
USairtours.co.uk
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