Illinois Tourist Info

The fifth most populated state in the United States, Illinois is known as "the land of Lincoln" because it is the birthplace of the 16th president of the country. But this is not the only president that has hailed from the state, in fact, four including Lincoln have come from Illinois often causing the state to be called "the birthplace of presidents". This is, but one way that Illinois has made an impact on the story of America. Even today, Illinois is considered a pivotal part of the American experience. The state is at the center of not only the country's geography, but also at the heart of politics, social change, cultural development and more. When traveling cross country Illinois is a place that must be visited. Rich with history, culture, politics and natural wonders, Illinois is a treasure trove of things to do, places to see, and experiences to have. All of this and more is the reason that Illinois is included here on boston2portland.com.

The state has a widely varying climate from its northern border to its southern one. Most of the central portion of the state has a humid, climate with hot, humid summers and cold wet winters. The southern portion of the state has a sub-tropical climate which provides for very dry, warm summers and mild, light winters. This variation of climate regions across the state creates a highly diverse array of options in terms of outdoor activates year around.

Some of the most popular attractions in the state include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Art Institute of Chicago and The American Museum of Science and Industry as well as Major League Sports and several attractions of special interest such as the Polish Museum of America and Ulysses S. Grant home and museum. These attractions and more make Illinois one of the most activity rich states in the central portion of the country.

The Lincoln Library and Museum follows the life and times of the country's 16th president and the man who led the country and gave his life for the cause of freedom and unity for all Americans during the civil war. It is the most visited presidential library in the country and not only follows the life of the president, but also provides an opportunity to learn more about the war from the perspective of the man who led it and his closest advisors at the highest levels of union government.

The field museum of natural history is part of the large "museum campus" located in Chicago. The campus is one of the largest collections of museums in one central location in the world. The Museum is home to the largest and most complete tyrannosaurus skeleton in the world, affectionately known as "Sue", as well as the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the western hemisphere. The Museum also has extensive departments of Native American Archeology, North American Paleontology, Native American Sociology and linguistics, and what is believed to be the largest taxidermy collection in the world.

These are just two of the attractions that can be enjoyed while traveling through the state of Illinois. No matter if your interests are geared toward natural wonders, science and history or culture and politics, Illinois has something to offer everyone.