These 13 Hidden Gems In Illinois Hold Historic Keys To The Past
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Laura
Author
Illinois is not one of the oldest states, but it is full of unique history. There are many historical places in Illinois where you can connect with the past in a way that reminds us of important periods in time.
1. Pullman (Chicago)
Pullman, Chicago, IL, USA
Pullman was a town where Pullman train employees lived. They were charged rent by George Pullman. Eventually, the town was sold to Chicago, but residents here really try to preserve their homes as they were.
Learn more about the fascinating history of Pullman, Chicago in this video from It's History:
Learn more about the fascinating history of Pullman, Chicago in this video from It's History:
2. Dana Thomas House (Springfield)
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, 301 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
This is the best example of Frank Lloyd Wright's "prairie period" dwellings. The Dana Thomas House has organic architecture but also has a Japanese flair. Tours are available.
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3. International Museum of Surgical Science (Chicago)
International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Surgery has come a long way, thankfully. See how surgery used to be performed in this fascinating museum. This museum is cool not only for those obsessed with the field of medicine but with those generally interested in history.
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4. Morrow Plots (Champaign)
Morrow Plots, 1102 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
Marrow Plots is an experimental cornfield. It is the oldest in the United States, and it is the second oldest in the world. It was designated as a national landmark in 1968.
5. Cahokia Mounds (Collinsville)
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, IL, USA
The Cahokia Mounds were once home to one of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations north of Mexico. They built these massive mounds, which you can walk over.
6. Grosse Point Lighthouse (Evanston)
Grosse Point Lighthouse, 2601 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
The Grosse Point Lighthouse did not get built until 1873, following several shipping disasters. Some say that Father Jacques Marquette landed at this spot. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Enjoy some footage of the Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, Illinois in this video from Urban Media Chicago:
Enjoy some footage of the Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, Illinois in this video from Urban Media Chicago:
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7. Hull-House Museum (Chicago)
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Jane Addams helped Chicago's poor with her innovative settlement house programs. The Hull House Museum highlights her work and educates people about life in Chicago during those times.
8. Lincoln Home (Springfield)
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701, USA
There are not many places still standing where President Lincoln lived in Illinois. The best preserved is the Lincoln Home in Springfield. He lived here from 1844-1861, before serving as President. You can tour the home.
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9. Modoc Rock Shelter
Modoc Rock Shelter National Historic Site, Prairie Du Rocher, IL 62277, USA
The Modoc Rock Shelter is a rock cliff on the edge of the Mississippi River Valley. Its claim to fame is that it has evidence of four separate periods of archaic occupation. There are 28 feet of sediments containing artifacts from different periods.
10. Nauvoo
Nauvoo, IL 62354, USA
Nauvoo was the home of Mormons trying to escape religious persecution. Come see some of the old structures. There are also some historical reenactments so you can truly get the feel of what this town was like.
11. Old State Capitol (Springfield)
Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 526 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701, USA
This capitol building was built in the Greek revival style. It was the
old state capitol while Abraham Lincoln was in town, which is also why it is revered.
12. Cave in Rock
Cave-In-Rock, IL 62919, USA
Cave-in-Rock has a 55-foot mouth and is right off of the Ohio River. It has been home to numerous pirates and bandits throughout the years.
13. Unity Temple (Oak Park)
Unity Temple, 875 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301, USA
Unity Temple was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is considered one of his most important designs. Many architects consider it to be the first modern building in the world.
Take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL in this video from Gather & Go Travel:
Take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL in this video from Gather & Go Travel:
With numerous historical towns and events in Illinois, we must hang on to these memories. Have you been to any of these historical places in Illinois? If you have a memory of any of these historical spots, please share a story with us in the comments.
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More to Explore
Things To Do In Illinois
What are some historical sites in Illinois?
Illinois has done a good job preserving many historically significant spots throughout the state. If you love going back in time to learn about what life was like generations ago, you'll find these historical sites in Illinois quite interesting:
- Architecture, windmills, and museums, Batavia, IL: Batavia is a charming small town in Illinois that was founded in 1833. With a town of that age, you just know it is holding some historical gems. There are several interesting historical sites in Batavia including the A.W. Gridley House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Batavia Depot Museum (the Batavia Depot was the main station for several big railroads in the 1800s), the Fabyan Windmill, and the Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Gardens.
- Wall Manor, Mound City, IL: Mound City is well-known for its Indian burial mounds that date back more than a thousand years. Another historically significant item is Wall Manor. This architectural gem was built in the Romanesque and Victorian style sitting atop a hill overlooking the city. It was designed in 1910, completed in 1913, and lived in by the Warner A. Wall family until the early 2000s. You can take a guided tour of the home and even rent a bedroom for a unique weekend getaway.
- Kinmundy Log Cabin Village, Marion County, IL: This interesting site is a recreation of a Civil War-era village with 12 log cabins set up just like a typical town in the 1800s. These are original log cabins of the time that have been gathered to preserve the beautiful history of these homes. Not only can you enjoy the old-world charm of these cabins, but you will be taken back in time with the help of actors dressed in 1800s garb sharing history through fascinating stories and music.
Illinois has a rich history with many wonderful historical gems to enjoy to this day. One of our favorite ways to see some of the best spots is by taking a historical site road trip. Hop in an RV from RVShare and go on an adventure through time.