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Peoria - The eye-catching Peoria Riverfront Museum is the hub of Illinois's Bicentennial celebrations. Running to 3 June is the fascinating "Celebrate Illinois: 200 Years in the Land of Lincoln" exhibition. A must for anyone interested in the state's past and present.

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Springfield - The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is hosting a major new exhibition, "From Illinois to the White House: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, Obama". These four presidents called Illinois home and the exhibition, which runs to 30 December, explores their connections with the Prairie State.

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Springfield - The home in which Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861 is the only house the future president ever owned. The building and surrounding district is now the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. 

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Springfield - With so much of Illinois history revolving around Abraham Lincoln, it makes sense to pay respects to the 16th President of the United States in his final resting place, the Lincoln Tomb. Don't forget to rub the great emancipator's nose for good luck!  

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Springfield - On 26 August—the 200th anniversary of the Illinois Constitution—the Bicentennial Plaza pedestrian walkway will be inaugurated. It will connect Lincoln's home with the newly restored Executive Mansion (pictured) and the State Capitol building.  (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Springfield - The Illinois State Capitol dates back to 1868, the sixth to serve as capitol since Illinois was admitted to the United States in 1818.

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Gurnee - Well-known for its insane rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America amusement park is set to inaugurate the world's largest loop coaster, at 100 ft tall. Be among the bravest by arriving in time for Opening Weekend, 21-22 April. You've been warned! (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Malta - In fact, fall is a rewarding time to explore Illinois, period.  Jonamac Orchard, for example, has a 10-acre corn maze, filled with all sorts of surprises, to get lost in. Afterwards, try a glass of their signature apple wine.

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LaSalle - Boating enthusiasts can opt for an excursion on the LaSalle Canal Boat, which is pulled by mule along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Departures are from the Lock 16 visitor center.

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Chicago View from the Willis Tower - The city's Willis Tower (still commonly referred to as the Sears Tower) is the second-tallest building in the country. Head for the Skydeck for dizzy, jaw-dropping views of everything.  (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Chicago - Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, was designed by Zachary Taylor Davis (1869– 1946). The architect is the inspiration behind the swanky new boutique Hotel Zachary, which nestles in the heart of the city's Lakeview neighborhood.

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Chicago - Incredibly, the Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere! Where else can you manipulate a 40-ft tornado, or float outside the International Space Station?

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Chicago - Among other extraordinary exhibits, The Field Museum of Natural History is home to "Sue," the world's largest, most-extensive, and best-preserved T. Rex skeleton, which was unearthed in South Dakota. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Chicago - Chicago's upmarket Gold Coast Historic District is known for the man-made Oak Street Beach, a sun-seeker's dream come true. Interestingly, the entire area rose out of the ashes of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire.

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Chicago - The Windy City skyline is a familiar canvas, so where can you see a different perspective of the same view? Try gazing  at the funky Cloud Gate sculpture, the centerpiece of the city's AT&T Plaza.

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Chicago - Attached to the end of the city's historic Navy Pier is the landmark Centennial Wheel, one of several outdoor rides that attract kids and grownups alike. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Chicago - The Pullman Historic District embraces the country's first planned industrial community and includes the Pullman factory and the Hotel Florence.(Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Chicago - Over 32,000 denizens of the deep call the Shedd Aquarium home. Explore by habitat, but make a special effort to see the delicate, luminous "Jellies" exhibit. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Chicago - Soak in the cosmopolitan atmosphere by following the Riverwalk, an open, pedestrian esplanade lined with lively bars, restaurants, and cafés. This is also where to flag down a sightseeing river cruise.

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Chicago - Completed in 1924, the iconic Wrigley Building was inspired, in part, by the Giralda bell tower of Seville's cathedral, in Spain. It rises opposite the city's Magnificent Mile. 

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Harrisburg - Located in southern Illinois, the outstanding Shawnee National Forest is celebrated for its awesome Garden of the Gods sandstone rock formations. Just follow the Rim Rock Recreational Trail. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Galena - The annual Great Galena Balloon Race takes off mid-June. But if you can't make the festival, several companies offer hot air balloon rides from sunrise to sunset, year-round. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Galena - Some of the oldest wineries in Illinois are sited in and around this historic city. The Galena Cellars host regular tastings of its award-winning wines. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Oglesby - Searching for the remote? Get lost in Starved Rock State Park, an expansive wilderness crisscrossed with hiking trails and renowned for its collection of magnificent canyons and tumbling waterfalls. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Pontiac - Also on 26 August, the governor of Illinois will lead a motorcycle ride on Route 66, from Chicago to Edwardsville. He will stop by the engaging Route 66 Museum, among other famous landmarks.

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Rockford - The serene Anderson Japanese Gardens celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018. The tranquil 12-acre park features koi-filled ponds, cascading waterfalls, and is embroidered with rare and colorful flora.

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Collinsville - Believe it or not, Cahokia was once one of the greatest cities in the world. The remains of this ancient Mississippian metropolis are hidden under the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Savanna - A National Natural Landmark, Mississippi Palisades State Park straddles the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers. Follow the Sentinel trail, flanked by giant boulders and  mysterious caves. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Makanda - The only way to really appreciate Giant City State Park is on horseback. An equestrian campground is located off the horse trail, in the southwest corner of the park.  

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Grafton - Escape to wide-open Pere Marquette State Park for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and plenty of other outdoor activity options. Fall is an especially beguiling and seriously copper-toned time of year to visit.

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Oak Park - Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) lived in Oak Park, where he designed and built a house. It still stands today as the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, which is open to the public as a museum of architecture. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Arthur - Fall means one thing to many... Halloween! For pumpkin picking, head out to The Great Pumpkin Patch. By the way, did you know that Michael Myers came from Illinois? (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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