The 10 Coolest Attractions In Illinois That Not Enough People Visit
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published September 23, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Everyone is familiar with Six Flags, Starved Rock State Park, and many other prominent things to see and do in Illinois, but some of the coolest attractions are the ones people don’t visit nearly enough. You’ll never regret a visit to these 10 lesser-known places.
Don’t miss stunning grounds, museums, and weird statues that can only be found in Illinois. Scroll through to check them all out and click the links below the images to get more information about each one.
Open May through October, this family-friendly amusement park has been in operation since 1974. It includes a museum, play gold mining, slingshots, archery, pony rides, train rides, a carousel, and more.
Click here for more details.
Situated in a town along the Kaskaskia River, this coin-operated attraction blows fire, seemingly scorching the statue of a man below. It greets visitors on their way into town, making sure no one forgets it.
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This marina is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. It features nautical-themed house wines as well as tastings and food pairings for patrons while they enjoy views of the suronding rocky bluffs, water, and forestry.
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4. Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (University Park)
Locals love this spot that spans 30 acres and houses nearly 30 works of art. It was established in 1978 and contains some of the best abstract art in the Midwest, several of which are by Illinois natives.
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5. St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats (St. Charles)
Enjoy Illinois in one of the best ways aboard this beautiful boat. Since 1945, it has been sailing the scenic Fox River and giving sight-seeing tours guided by a boat captain.
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This wall is 62-feet long and contains representational depictions of different time periods. It celebrates the culture of the 1960s while showing disdain for the 1980s.
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Nestled in Illinois' most picturesque countryside, this resort includes walking grounds, a gazebo, and a reflecting pond with fountain. Guests enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning as well as private cottages with whirlpool tubs, walk-in showers, and flat-screen televisions.
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Situated around a Georgian mansion built in 1900, this park contains 1,500 acres of gardens, woodlands, and prairies plus 100 ornaments and statues. It is perfect for weddings, family gatherings, and other events.
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This restaurant is known for a slew of mind-blowing eats, yet it is still one of Illinois' lesser known attractions. Enjoy one-pound pizza slices, gigantic mozzarella sticks, pizza puffs, and so much more.
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This unique museum features old and new farm equipment, including machines like a dozer and other notable tractors. There are plenty of hands-on activities for children of all ages as well as various exhibits taking guests back in time.
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