Resorts in Illinois - US

Illinois is dominated by vast agricultural tracts and the skyline of the City of Chicago, the third largest city and metropolitan area in the US. Chicago's growth arises from its strategic position connecting trade between the Mississippi River system and the Great Lakes (and since 1959, the Atlantic). It is also a major center of manufacturing, and the transportation and communications hub of the Midwest.

Passed to the US as part of the Northwest Territory, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state in 1818. Illinois is significant to two presidents: Abraham Lincoln, who launched his political career here; and Ronald Reagan, who was born and schooled here.

Central Illinois is noted for shrines and memorials associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln. In Springfield are the Lincoln Home, the Lincoln Tomb, and the restored Old State Capitol. Other points of interest are the home of Mormon leader Joseph Smith in Nauvoo and, in Chicago: the Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Merchandise Mart, and Chicago Portage National Historic Site.