Illinois is exciting with something new awaiting you at every turn. Filled with wonder, the state of Illinois is known for many things like fantastic cities and attractions. From the iconic Route 66 to the well-renown Chicago city, Illinois always has something for you to look forward to.
Here in Illinois, road trips are a big thing. Specifically, a road trip down the Route 66. Popularised in cartoons and movies, Route 66 is still a pop culture icon today. Built in the 1920s, this road is more popular now with road trip enthusiasts as it still holds many interesting relics of the past like neon-lit diners and awe-striking roadside attractions. Be prepared to greet the huge Muffler Men that line the route or stop for a picture with the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle. The route starts in Chicago, so you can grab a car rental from a Hertz Car Rental kiosk in the city and start your journey.
Illinois has many different museums, from the historical to the wacky, each with their own story to tell. Take a trip down to the town of Oswego to visit the Little White Schoolhouse Museum. The building holds its own history, functioning as a school for the past 50 years and has since been converted into a museum. Or visit the Orpheum Children’s Museum in Champaign. This museum teaches children science in an informal and enjoyable setting, a great place for the family.
Shopping is an essential part of any trip, and luckily, Illinois has many options to choose from. Interested in doing some specialty shopping? Head down to some of the historic main streets in Illinois, havens of rare knick knacks dating back to the 1920s. Shops there such as You Gotta Be Kidding, in Galena sell an eclectic collection of retro memorabilia, rare Barbie dolls, and other assorted gifts. Another such shop is Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past in Princeton, where you can visit to find vintage china and crystal tableware dating all the way back to the 1940s. If you would much rather shop for some modern stylish wares, drive down to The Magnificient Mile in Chicago. A renown commercial district in Chicago, The Magnificient Mile is home to 900 North Michigan Shops, a large contemporary mall that houses many brand name stores. If you’re a technology lover, stop by Apple North Michigan Avenue, a mall that features Apple’s products and workshops.
Illinois has so much to offer that you might not have time to see it all! Before hitting the roads in your car rental, it would be good for you to plan your route in detail. Illinois offers multiple visitor guides and maps available at both visitors’ centres and online. These guides detail all of the state’s interesting landmarks and attractions and are a worth a read before planning your journey. You wouldn’t want to miss out on some cool sights while on your journey!
