When considering a visit to Illinois, most people think of the world-class city of Chicago. Chicago is, to be sure, one of the most engaging places you’ll find. However, Illinois is full of natural wonders, historical places and points of interest… if you know where to look. From movie locations to natural oddities, Illinois is flush with fun. The best news is that visiting these sites won’t cost you a Lincoln cent!
Woodstock, IL – Most people believe the film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray was actually filmed in Punxsutawney, PA or on some Hollywood set. In reality, the majority of the exterior shots and a number of the interior ones were filmed in Woodstock, IL in northeast McHenry County. The town has embraced its claim to fame, celebrating Groundhog Day every year with their own version of Punxsutawney Phil, Woodstock Willie. Each year they celebrate with a festival of their own, complete with free showings of the movie continue throughout the day, a dinner dance and a walking tour of many of the areas used in the movie. You can visit most of the sites on your own, year round. Exterior buildings appearing in the film include the Woodstock City Lanes (bowling scene), the opera house (the exterior of the Pennsylvania Hotel), the Woodstock Theater (movie theater), the Cherry Street Inn (B&B; where Phil stayed) and the residence at 348 Madison St (the piano teacher’s home). It is a trip you will want to take again and again and again.
Cache River Wetlands – Swamps in Illinois? You bet. Located in southern Illinois, just north of Anna, the Cache River Wetlands contain some of the most diverse habitats in the country. Created by the great Ice Age, the wetlands are comprised of three nature preserves and are home to more than 56 state0endangered plants and animals. Some of the unique features found here are huge cypress trees, some more than 1000 years old with bases that measure 40 feet in circumference. A boardwalk winds its way through the swamp in the forest in the Upper Cache area. In the Lower Cache section, canoes can be paddled through 6 miles of aquatic trails. With a sharp eye, you may spy a bald eagle, great horned owl, red-headed woodpecker or one of any number of bird species. Even more rewarding are the occasional sightings of otters and bobcats. A visit to the Cache River Wetlands will make you think you’ve stepped into a time machine. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The Kincaid Mounds – Illinois was home to the Mississippians, a Native American civilization that led a settled life based on agriculture rather than following prey. They built their communities on earthen mounds. The Kincaid Mounds is one of the lesser known sites of such communities in Illinois. The site is open daily from dusk to dawn where viewers can observe the mounds, 19 in all, from the viewing platform. The surrounding farm land and nearby lake create an atmosphere of tranquility.
Lincoln-Douglas Valentine Museum – Located in Quincy, IL, this little museum will only take a few minutes to view but is well worth the trip if you’re a connoisseur of all things Valentine-related. Housed here are samples of the heart-shaped candy boxes made by The Quincy Paper Box Company for years before it closed and antique valentines. Donations of Valentine-filled scrapbooks and unusual creations line the walls and shelves. The museum is accessed by appointment only. Call 217-224-3355 for more details.
Robert Wadlow Statue – Alton, IL, just across the Mississippi from St. Louis was home to Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man. When he entered kindergarten he was already 5 feet, 6.5 inches tall. At the time of his death, Wadlow scraped the sky at 8 feet, 11.1 inches tall. Lovingly referred to by the people of his hometown as the Gentle Giant, the life-sized statue was erected across from Alton’s museum of history. If you stop in the museum, you can see a pair of his size 37-1/2 AA shoes. Alongside the statue is a bronze replica of the oversized chair specially made to accommodate his size. Viewing the statue is free. The museum charges $1.00 for adults, .50 for children to enter.
Sources
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1868
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/cachervr.htm
http://www.lib.niu.edu/2002/ihy020226.html
http://www.quincynet.com/howtos/ValentineMuseum.htm
http://www.greatriverroad.com/cities/alton/wadlow.htm
