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Information on Illinois
Mid-west America is home to the state of Illinois, which contains the massive bustling metropolis of Chicago and the small-town American experience. Most of the state is covered in rich farmlands, dotted with agricultural communities and half a million acres of state parks. Tucked away in the rolling hills are some Amish communities carrying on their traditional rural way of life without modern conveniences.
Chicago is situated on the banks of Lake Michigan and is the destination to most visitors in the region, with a spectacular collection of shopping areas and museums available and the energy of a thriving metropolis. Travellers who venture downstate, however, can find plenty of diversions, particularly those interested in history or outdoor activities.
Illinois' state capital is called Springfield and is two hundred miles south of Chicago. Springfield has a quiet small town atmosphere and was the home of Abraham Lincoln, who was the sixteenth US President and practised law here, prior to being buried in the local Oak Ridge Cemetery after his assassination.
Visitors who wish to have some outdoor adventures will be enthralled by the unspoilt natural beauty of Illinois, which is also home to the Shawnee National Forest, where visitors can try biking, camping, hiking and fishing in the lush woodlands.
