ILLINOIS -  UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - TRAVEL & LODGING GUIDE

The state of Illinois, the 21st state admitted to the United States of America, is the most populous and demographically diverse Midwestern state and the fifth most populous state in the nation.  With Chicago  in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and western Illinois, and natural resources like coal, timber, and petroleum in the south, Illinois has a broad economic base. Illinois is an important transportation hub; the Port of Chicago connects the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River via the Illinois River. Illinois is often viewed as a microcosm of the United States; an Associated Press analysis of 21 demographic factors found Illinois the "most average state", while Peoria has long been a proverbial social and cultural bellwether.

Illinois, USA - A Prime Holiday Spot   by Frederick Williams

Most of Illinois State was inhabited by the Indians until the French landed here, and then many more followed. Of course they started exploring the land and began trading fur with the local Indians.

In 1673, after a local war, under a treaty all French held land, east of Mississippi River, was ceded to the British. The British controlled this area until 1778, and then after a battle local citizens took over Illinois until around 1787 when it joined the US.

In 1818 Kaskaskia was made capital of Illinois. In 1839 it was moved to Springfield and the capital buildings are now open to the public as a historic site.

Bishop Hill State Historic Site has a long history, and it depicts a picture of the first Swedes who had bought land and built some of the buildings. They were among the first permanent settlers.

This site is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except major holidays.

The most sensitive and ancient Indian city in North America was at Cahokia Mounds. They built the city in a preplanned way keeping their agricultural farms outside and residences inside their city's periphery.

The French came to this place after the locals had vanished a while back due to climatic changes, spread of disease, economic and other reasons. In 1982 it was declared a World Heritage Site and is open from 8am to Dusk.

Abraham Lincoln's early adulthood was spent in village New Salem. The site was reconstructed and named, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Park. He also spent his time here doing various jobs.

The site is open from Early March to Late October - 9am to 5pm and for the remaining year - 8am to 4pm.

On July 4, 1837 the construction of the Old State Capitol State Historic Site began. Due to many reasons it could not competed on time. As the new administration had to move from one place to another and it took time.

The building is similar to ancient Greek architecture, which was a popular design during the early 1800s. The building was dismantled in 1966 and rebuilt with modern methods.

The atmosphere comes alive on every Fridays and Saturdays (except in May) when a program "Mr. Lincoln's World" is enacted. This can be viewed on a guided tour from 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm.

Fort de Chartres is an old building on the banks of Mississippi River, which depicts the life of people during the French regime. It was built in 1750 and abandoned in 1771, and of course had to be recreated partially.

It preserves the archaeology of remains of earlier wooden forts. The Site is open from 9am to 5pm daily except major holidays.

Lots of excitement is at Six Flags Great America, created recently in 1997 as an amusement park with rides for the whole family. Experience the ride of going up and then plunging back to earth.

It is a home for Warner Bros. Stunt Show and many roller coaster rides.

Many varieties of animals are there at Scovill Zoo and Park Complex. You can enjoy watching these on an Express train ride.

Events are organized throughout the year and it has a museum, oriental garden and playground.

Illinois deer hunting is one of the most sought after adventures for every hunter. Illinois offers acres upon acres of land that in 1980, the white-tailed deer has been hailed by Illinois' very children to be the State animal. In the middle of 1800's the demand for deer rose up that the species diminished completely from their land.

Fortunately enough, years after, the State's Department of Conservation created a method to bring back the population of deer that have grazed their land in earlier times. Today, Illinois has become one of the Mecca for deer hunters from all walks of life. In fact, so many private owners have turned their wide expanse of private lands to cater to deer enthusiasts who travel far and wide for a good game and by chance, have come knocking on their doors. Many of these private lands are inhabited by deer herds that there is only a few options left for locals to hunt on today.

Public properties that carry good games have become scarce and people who would want to avail of these public lands need to share with quite a number of hunters enjoying the season for hunting deer. Thus, the only option left for those who value the gifts of perseverance is the Shawnee National Forest which located at the southern part of Illinois. The land, unlike any other area visited in Illinois, is rugged and the environment is covered with hickory and oak. Illinois deer hunting is also an adventure in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie which is situated in the Northeastern part. This public land features 6,409 acres of habitat for deer hunting which would be small feat compared to Shawnee National Forest. The only effort a hunter would consider is to walk before getting to the habitat itself. The State law also encourages every resident and non-resident alike to own their own license before they take themselves hunting, this makes it easier for the government to regulate hunting activities. In 2008 deer hunting was priced to about 15 dollars for residents and 30 dollars for those who are not. Illinois' deer population was estimated to be 800,000 and the amount of recorded deer harvest went up to 198,670 with hunters amounting to 380,000.

As a precaution to the possibility of unintended accidents in hunting trips, Illinois deer hunting community and other hunters alike are supported by the State to undergo a hunter education program lasting to a minimum of ten hours of instruction about wildlife management and conservation, their responsibilities as hunters and field safety training. This also includes the art of archery and muzzle loading and education on state regulations and how to apply first aid in cases of accidents. Every participant who would spend time to completing this course would be awarded with a graduate patch and a Certificate of Competency. This program created by the State of Illinois would not only guarantee the safety of their hunters but also the promotion of their wildlife protection programs because people are educated on their roles as citizens and hunters.