Saturday, June 22, 2013

A Guide for an Illinois Staycation


Are you ready to get out and enjoy the delights of your own backyard? Illinois offers a bounty of exciting places to visit for residents of The Prairie State who opt for a staycation. From unqualified thrills to intellectual satisfaction, you’ll find something to satisfy your need for recreation.

Amusement Parks

With thrill rides with names like Raging Bull, Wipeout, and THE DARK KNIGHT Coaster, 6 Flags Great America in Chicago is one park where you’re sure to lose your voice from screaming in delight. If you want to cool off, dive into the fun offered by Hurricane Harbor, the water park inside 6 Flags Great America.


If 6 Flags seems like old hat by now, why not check out some of the other water parks in Illinois? Choose from Knight’s Action Water Park and Caribbean Adventure in Springfield, Raging Waves Water Park in Yorkville, or Splashdown Water Park in East Peoria.

Natural Attractions

Let the striking natural beauty in Illinois steal your breath away. If the outdoors calls your name, visit the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, where you can camp, swim, boat, and hike.  
Another natural attraction worth your attention is Starved Rock State Park, where you can feast your eyes on masterpieces of nature that took millions of years to form. Gorgeous canyons, waterfalls, and trees wait you at this peaceful retreat.
Craving to connect with Illinois’ native wildlife? The Wildlife Prairie State Park near Peoria contains 50 different species that naturally find their home in Illinois. See mighty bison and black bears, otters, elk, and cougars, among others. You can even hop on a train to get a faster-paced perspective on the park.   

Other Places Worth a Visit

Sometimes it’s all too easy to take nearby wonders for granted. Have you taken the time to check out Skydeck Chicago? The Sears Tower is the third tallest building in the world, and the view from the 103rd floor will give you fresh perspective on Chicago and the surrounding areas. If heights don’t scare you, step out onto the Ledge, a glass-floor balcony that extends four feet out from the Skydeck.  
While you’re in Chicago, don’t pass up the opportunity to see other landmarks like Wrigley Field and the Buckingham Fountain. Or, stop by and feast your mind at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Make the trip to Metropolis, Illinois to see everyone’s favorite superhero. The Super Museum houses more than 20,000 items, all of them related to the icon in blue and red. Not far from the museum is a 15-foot tall statue of the man himself. What a great photo opportunity for the family!
For those who stand in awe of mankind’s ingenuity, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park is worth a visit. See the home of the famous architect, the place where some of his most famous designs came to birth, including the Robie House and the Unity Temple.
Your longing to explore your home state is easy to fulfill when you know where to go and which Illinois hotels best fit your budget and your itinerary. Enjoy your staycation!

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