Where’s our GPS taking us now?
Illinois. From vast expanses of nature and rocks sculpted by time to a macabre museum that shows us the gory details of our medical history, Illinois is one state you won’t want to miss touring. We’ve picked out the most interesting sites in the state to thrill everyone from nature enthusiasts to history buffs. Sit back and enjoy, and then decide where you’ll go when you visit the Prairie State!
A path that’s been walked throughout time
Do you ever feel like you’re following in someone else’s footsteps? Well, if you’re at Mississippi Palisade State Park, the feeling is true. Hike the Sentinel Trail, and discover ferns, oaks, natural stone outcroppings, and wildflowers galore. Experience the lookout, and see the nature and wildlife that surround you in this verdant haven. If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with nature after all the excitement of the other states you’ve visited, this is the best place to do it.
Gardens the gods call home
Nature is a patient sculptor, and through millennia, it’s worked to make the Garden of the Gods the perfect spectacle. This sandstone landmark has never been touched by human hands, which makes the sights even more amazing to behold. Educate yourself about the Garden of the Gods as you traverse more than 5 miles of trails. Nearby campgrounds allow you to set up camp and enjoy the garden for however long you wish to bask in the glory of the gods.
A museum not for the faint of heart
You won’t find another museum like this in North America. The International Museum of Surgical Science is made up of more than 10,000 square feet of artifacts, history, and art that detail medicine and surgery throughout human existence. They host a range of exhibits as well as permanent features. You can stroll through the museum on your own or take guided tours. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop when you’re done so you can pick up a souvenir to remember your visit!
Forest fun for the family
Some destinations are meant for adults, while others cater to children only. The Shawnee National Forest has something for both. While you won’t find waterslides and crazy lines like you would at an amusement park, there’s plenty in this forest to delight your children and invite play. Adults can take in the natural beauty and history of the location without worrying whether the children are entertained.
A haunting cemetery with an impossible burial
We’re all aware that February never has more than 29 days, but in 1882 a witch was hanged and buried February 31. The town has since been abandoned, and nothing remains of it except the graveyard where one headstone marks the grave of four people. Could the witch have driven them out? Was her final curse one that drove people to abandon the town? No one can say, but if you find yourself at the St. Omer Cemetery Witch Grave on a full moon, the glowing headstone may tell you the answer.
What is time doing to us?
Anyone who lives long enough will see how time impacts the human body, but if you visit the Fountain of Time, you can see that passage depicted in cement. Just like us, the figures on display at the fountain are marching toward their future, apparently unaware of the present moment they’re trudging through. The sculpture was commissioned in 1905 but wasn’t dedicated until 1922, and though it’s gone through its share of renovations, it stands proud to this day as a reminder to people everywhere that our time is limited, even if the fountain’s time isn’t.
Is your warranty expiring? You could trade in your RV to get a new warranty on another one, but your RV is your home, and you’ve made a lot of memories in it, including traveling from state to state. Instead, why not extend your warranty? The RV Advisor has great deals on extended warranties, and you’ll love all we cover! Take a look at our extended warranty, and order yours before heading off to the Midwest.
