Visiting Chicago and Northern Illinois

It could be the cultural hub that is Chicago, or the northwestern city of Galena set along the Mississippi River, or the interestingly-named city of – wait for it – Sandwich, that make northern Illinois full of interesting sights and attractions. A diverse and pleasant region to visit, northern Illinois features towns like Evanston, home of the Frances Willard House Museum, or Romeoville – where you can visit the Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve. The City of Moline is an interesting visit – home of first John Deere manufacturing plant, and features John Deere Pavilion and Homes, the world’s most comprehensive agricultural exhibit. Set your sights on the Prairie State this spring.

With an ideal backdrop of Lake Michigan to the east, Chicago is the largest and most diverse city in Illinois. With professional sports, museums, and a myriad of festivals, events and even the Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago offers a variety of options for visitors. Spring is a great time to venture out into the iconic Lincoln Park Zoo – built in 1868, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the United States. You’ll want to check out the legendary Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs – they’re getting ready for the 2012 season, but tours of the ballpark are still available. You can head to the United Center and watch the high-flying Chicago Bulls slam and jam their way into the NBA Playoffs. Many Chicago visitors plan an afternoon of exploration at the Clarke House Museum, where tours are available though spring.

West of Chicago, and easily accessed from I-88, is Naperville. Home to the Burlington Park County Forest Reserve, Naperville is a fine city – be sure to get out and explore. Plan a visit to Naper Settlement, a 12-acre museum/village where history comes to life; it’s set adjacent to Riverwalk Park. You can spend the afternoon with the little ones to DuPage Children’s Museum, or enjoy the music of Joe Pug and the Hundred Mile Band, set to perform at The Union at North Central College.

Continuing west brings travelers to Sandwich – the city. A friendly and charming town in the Land of Lincoln, Sandwich yields an array of attractions and events for visitors. Scheduled for February 18, don’t miss out on the FVOAS Cheeseburger in Paradise event, set at the Fox Valley Community Center – keep an eye open for that cash bar, too. You can explore Sandwich’s history at the Wagner Memorial Museum, enjoy an authentic taste of northern Illinois at the Fox Valley Winery Tasting Room. If the weather cooperates, don’t miss a chance to do a bit of boating and fishing on Lake Holiday, set just minutes southwest downtown Sandwich. It's all happening this spring in northern Illinois.

Chicago and Northern Illinois Hotel Map