Missionary Jacques Marquette and explorer Louis Jolliet were probably the first white men to come to Illinois. The word Illinois comes from the French version of an Indian word meaning "men" or "warriors." Illinois is nicknamed the "Prairie State" because the region once had many treeless plains covered with tall grass.
Illinois - Amish Country
Illinois - giant chair in Casey
Illinois - Joilet Prison
Illinois - Route 66 Pontiac
Illinois - Navy Pier fountain
Illinois - fireworks
Illinois - State Capitol Springfield
Illinois - Chicago River
Illinois is an East North Central state bordered by Wisconsin to the north, Indiana to the east, Kentucky to the south, and the Mississippi River on the west. It is the most populated Midwestern state. It has become an important state because its central location south and west of Lake Michigan makes it close to both raw materials and markets. Illinois is a continental centre for business and travel because of the many transportation routes that run through it including railroads, highways, waterways, and air routes. The Illinois Waterway connects Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River and the Mississippi River with the Gulf of Mexico. O'Hare International Airport is the world's busiest airport.
Illinois is a leading urban, agricultural, and manufacturing state. Chicago, Illinois' largest city, is an important shipping centre on Lake Michigan. It is also the home of the Chicago Board of Trade, the world's largest grain market. Because of it size and output, Chicago was known as "America's Second City" until the mid-1980s when Los Angeles passed it in population. About half of the state's residents live in and around Chicago.
Chicago is also known as the "Windy City," because its residents bragged about it so much. The nickname stuck because of the gusts of wind that blow across the city from Lake Michigan. In fact, by New Years, the fierce wind makes the temperature seem like 50 degrees below zero F (wind chill factor). If you're in Chicago, take in an incredible view from the Skydeck Observatory of the Sears Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings. Other important cities in Illinois include Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield, the capital.
• Willis Tower Skydeck
• Millennium Park & Cloud Gate
• Navy Pier
• Anderson Japanese Gardens
• Starved Rock State Park
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
• Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
Below is a small selection of the USA holidays we offer featuring Illinois. Call us for more.
USA Train Holidays
USA Road Trips
USA Self Drive Holidays
USA Fly Drive Holidays
USA RV, Motorhomes Holidays
USA Train Holidays
USA Fly Drive Holidays
USA Fly Drive Holidays
USA Fly Drive Holidays
USA Train Holidays
USA Escorted Tours 2024, 2025
Below is a small selection of cities we have on offer in Illinois. If you want to visit elsewhere, just give is a call.
At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
Request a Callback
Enquire
At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
Make An Enquiry
Request A Callback
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