Amazing location for this university campus. Right by the Michigan Lake. I am so jealous for all students who can afford study here. Great spot. And it is not so far from the Chicago downtown. Just hop on the eL train. See more..
4.5Historic Nauvoo(328 reviews) - Heritage town Sunday: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Educational sites
Tribute to Mormon industry and vision. Glimpse of 1840's life in Illinois' 2nd largest city. Beautiful location on banks of the Mississippi. Restored homes and shops. Horse-drawn wagon rides. Pioneer craft demonstrations. Live entertainment. Free to the public. Open 365 days a year.See more..
It is beautiful temple I ever seen in temple. Excellent architecture. Very peaceful and nice. Must seen temple if you are close by. See more..
4.5Quad City Botanical Center(90 reviews) - Gorgeous Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens • Educational sites
The staff was very helpful and kind. It was $5 to go in. You get a map and then get to explore. If you sweat easily, don't go on a warmer day, it gets steamy in the main house. See more..
Rock Springs Center is not just a beautiful and peaceful place to be in nature. They offer a very nice visitors' center and frequent activities. It's one of Decatur's gems! I really enjoy walking my dog on the trails and also the folk music once a month on Sundays.See more..
4.5University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign(38 reviews) - If You Want A Job - Graduate from the U of I Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites
The U of I has over 150 undergraduate majors. 95% of the graduates have a job in their major field within 6 months of graduation. Companies want U of I graduates.See more..
... for a stroll or for enjoying wildflowers or for spotting wildlife or for photographing scenery or just to get outta the house for a change. The Nature Center volunteer staff have added at least one new structure along the pondside trail since my wife & I first visited a year ago (a shelter for a bench), and they continue to maintain the Center trails & amenities for the enjoyment of visitors of all ages and abilities. Being adjacent to a city park offers other useful amenities for spending more time enjoying the outdoor spaces (public restrooms, picnic tables, playground), and paved parking is abundant. It's a great place for a visit any day of the week.See more..
4.0Japan House(34 reviews) - The Area Was Beautifully Landscaped Sunday: Gardens • Educational sites
The Japan House is actually part of the College of Fine and Applied Arts of the University of Illinois. The actual "house" was closed when we were there, so we just strolled around the area. I'm not sure where the Arboretum ends and the Japan House grounds begin. But, we walked around and could clearly identify the Cherry Tree "Lane," the Dry Garden, and the Tea Garden. Some of the trees there were really old and massive.See more..
Almost as soon as you leave the parking lot, you cross a beautiful pond and enter a well-maintained, secluded nature preserve. . Most of the specimen trees in this lovely little park are clearly identified. As you bike or hike the winding half-mile trail, you will also pass many memorial plaques. On a typical visit, you might see dog walkers, young parents with strollers, kids on bikes, and possibly me -- with my tree and shrub field guide. Give yourself a 20-30 minute break as you relax and connect with nature at the Keay Center.See more..
4.0Creek Bend Nature Center(5 reviews) - Beautiful forest preserve with historic buildings Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Educational sites
Love this place for walks all year round. Has it all - nature center, trees, open spaces, river and historic buildings including schoolhouse, big red barn and old guest house. The buildings are open at limited times, so check ahead if you really want to tour, but this is a beautiful preserve to wander, and to just admire the buildings from outside in such a lovely setting.See more..
Many well informed people are there ready to help - very kind and patient - ask good questions to uncover the mystery of those who lived in Lee County previously.See more..
Nice easy path for walking, all paved.. Beautiful water and gorgeous scenery! Watch for butterflies, flowers and deer. See more..
5.0Norma Jean the Elephant Memorial(1 review) - The Story Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites
Norma Jean, from a small traveling circus, was struck and killed by lightning, and the townspeople buried her on the spot. So as to never be forgotten, a memorial was built in her honor. This visit will take you 5 minutes, but it is inspiring, and will help you learn about an old-time traveling circus if you do a little research. If you are driving through Oquawka, do stop by. See more..
