Two Takes on Illinois: City Vibes vs. Nature Escapes

Illinois, a state in the Midwestern region of the United States, offers a diverse range of attractions, from vibrant cities to scenic natural areas.

Illinois, named after the Illiniwek people, has a rich history shaped by its strategic location and diverse cultures. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Illiniwek and Potawatomi, the region became part of New France in the 17th century. After the French and Indian War, Illinois came under British control and later became a territory of the United States.

It achieved statehood in 1818, growing rapidly due to its fertile soil and transportation networks like the Illinois and Michigan Canal and railroads. During the 19th century, Chicago emerged as a major industrial and transportation hub, playing a crucial role in the nation’s economy. Today, Illinois remains a dynamic state known for its agriculture, industry, and cultural contributions to the Midwest and beyond.

Regions

While Chicago often dominates perceptions of Illinois, the state offers much more than its famous city. (Though for urban enthusiasts, Chicago is truly exceptional.) Illinois encompasses several distinct regions:

Northerneast & Chicagoland: This region encompasses the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Chicago is a major cultural, economic, and transportation hub known for its skyscrapers, museums, theaters, and diverse neighborhoods. Outside of Chicagoland, Northern Illinois includes cities like Rockford, Aurora, and Joliet.
Central Illinois: Known for its flat terrain and fertile soil, Central Illinois includes cities such as Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and Springfield, the state capital. Agriculture is a major industry in this region.
Southern Illinois: Southern Illinois is more rural and geographically distinct, featuring the Shawnee Hills and the beginnings of the Ozark Mountains. Cities like Carbondale and Marion are located here, known for outdoor recreation and Southern hospitalit
North Western Illinois: This region is characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and small towns. Cities like Quincy and Macomb are located in Western Illinois, which borders the Mississippi River and includes parts of the Illinois River Valley.

The Same

As children, we visited the Chicago area to see our Aunt who lived there. One memorable day, we ventured into the city and the adventure we had remains vivid in our memories to this day.

Northern Illinois & Chicagoland:

Navy Pier:

Navy Pier is a popular tourist destination located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in downtown Chicago. Originally built in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, Navy Pier has evolved into a major entertainment complex with attractions, shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces. The Centennial Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel standing 200 feet tall, offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Navy Pier also hosts seasonal events such as fireworks displays, festivals, and concerts throughout the year.

“Married with Children” Fountain:

The “Married with Children” fountain is located in Grant Park, near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Congress Parkway. It is officially known as the Buckingham Fountain, named after philanthropist Kate Buckingham who donated funds for its construction. The fountain gained fame as the opening shot in the television sitcom “Married… with Children,” which aired from 1987 to 1997. The show’s opening credits featured a shot of the fountain with the Chicago skyline in the background. The Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world and operates from April to October, with water displays and light shows every hour. It is a popular attraction for visitors to Grant Park and Millennium Park, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and sightseeing.

Cloud Gate

“The Bean” in Chicago is actually called Cloud Gate, a famous public sculpture located in Millennium Park. Designed by artist Anish Kapoor, it was unveiled in 2006 and has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The sculpture is made of polished stainless steel plates, which reflect and distort the surrounding skyline and park, creating fascinating visual effects. The curved, bean-like shape makes it a popular spot for photos, as people love capturing their reflections and the city’s architecture in the smooth, mirrored surface.

Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America is a popular amusement park located in Gurnee, Illinois, USA. Six Flags Great America offers a wide variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. From thrilling roller coasters like Goliath, Raging Bull, and X Flight to family-friendly rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Included with admission to Six Flags Great America, Hurricane Harbor is a water park featuring water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones. It’s the perfect place to cool off and have fun on hot summer days. In addition to rides and water attractions, Six Flags Great America features live entertainment, including shows, concerts, and character meet-and-greets throughout the park.

Local Cuisine:

Chicago, known for its vibrant food scene, offers a diverse array of dishes that reflect its cultural heritage and culinary creativity.

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: Indulge in Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, known for its thick crust, hearty toppings, and gooey cheese. Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Gino’s East are among the city’s most popular deep-dish pizza spots. Luckily for the Family who avoids the city, there are Giordano’s outside the city as well.
Chicago Hot Dog: Try a classic Chicago-style hot dog, topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt, served on a poppy seed bun. Portillo’s and Gene & Jude’s are renowned for their delicious hot dogs.
Italian Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced roast beef slow-cooked in seasoned broth, served on an Italian-style roll and often dipped in the cooking juices. It can be topped with giardiniera (pickled vegetables) for extra flavor.
Chicago Mix Popcorn: A unique blend of caramel corn and cheese-flavored popcorn, creating a sweet and savory snack that’s addictive. Garrett Popcorn Shops is famous for this combination.
Pierogi: Chicago’s large Polish population brings delicious pierogi to the table. These dumplings are filled with ingredients like potatoes, cheese, or meat, then boiled or fried.

The DINKs

Chicago

Chicago, often referred to as the “Windy City,” is the largest city in Illinois and one of the most iconic cities in the United States. Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and diverse culinary scene, Chicago offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors. We love everything this city has to offer.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise: Take a boat tour along the Chicago River to admire the city’s world-renowned architecture, including skyscrapers designed by legendary architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe.
Willis Tower Skydeck: Visit the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) and step out onto the glass-floored Skydeck for panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan from 1,353 feet above street level.
Millennium Park: Visit this iconic urban park in downtown Chicago, home to the famous “Bean” sculpture (Cloud Gate), the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, and various public art installations.
Museum Campus: Explore the Museum Campus, a lakefront park area that houses some of Chicago’s top museums, including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.
The Magnificent Mile: Shop, dine, and explore along this upscale shopping district on Michigan Avenue, featuring luxury boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Chicago Water Tower.

Bars & Restaurants: We are always on the hunt for some hidden gems. Fair warning, if you do visit some of these you might be thinking . . . “where are these people sending me.” But we promise they are good.

Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots: This is a legendary hot dog stand in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1972. They’re famous for their classic Chicago-style hot dogs, but their most unique item is the “Mother-in-Law” – a tamale nestled inside a hot dog bun and dressed with all the Chicago dog fixings. The Mother-in-law was okay. I personally preferred the regular Chicago dog.
Calumet Fisheries is a renowned seafood shack on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. It’s a haven for those seeking authentic wood-smoked fish and a taste of Chicago history. Established in 1948 by families Kotlick and Toll, Calumet Fisheries has been a Chicago institution for over 75 years. It’s currently run by the same families, ensuring the recipes and methods used are passed down through generations. Unlike most modern fish smokers that use artificial flavors, Calumet Fisheries prides itself on its time-tested method of smoking fish over natural oak logs. This imparts a unique and delicious smoky flavor to their seafood. Their menu offers a simple selection of smoked and fried fish options. Some of their popular items include smoked salmon, trout, sturgeon, sablefish, shrimp, and even eel (subject to availability). They also have a signature “mild sauce” that pairs well with everything on the menu. We got some smoked trout and it was amazing.
The Green Door Tavern is a historic Chicago bar and a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. Established in 1921, it’s reputedly Chicago’s oldest surviving drinking establishment, though the building itself dates back to 1872, making it one of the first buildings constructed after the Great Chicago Fire. The Green Door Tavern operated as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, adding to its intriguing history. There’s even a hidden speakeasy room in the basement that can be rented out for private events.
Billy Goat Tavern is a legendary Chicago landmark established in 1934 by Billy Sianis, a Greek immigrant. It’s famous for its no-nonsense atmosphere, delicious cheeseburgers, and its connection to the infamous “Curse of the Billy Goat.” Billy Goat Tavern has achieved fame through a combination of factors, including media mentions by Chicago newspaper columnist Mike Royko, a supposed curse placed on the Chicago Cubs by a tavern owner after being refused entry with his pet goat in 1944, and a hilarious Saturday Night Live skit featuring the late John Belushi loudly demanding a “Cheezborger. Cheezborger. Cheezborger!” While the menu offers a wider selection these days, cheeseburgers (served on a buttered poppy seed bun) and hot dogs are the stars of the show.
The Cubby Bear is an iconic sports bar located in the heart of Chicago, just steps away from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Known for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and dedication to the Cubs fandom, the Cubby Bear is a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. With its historic roots dating back to 1953, the bar has become a legendary fixture in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, offering patrons a chance to soak in the excitement of game day or enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the year. Whether you’re grabbing a cold beer before a Cubs game, indulging in classic bar fare, or dancing the night away to live music, the Cubby Bear offers an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit and passion of Chicago sports culture.

Chicago is a sports-loving city with a rich history of athletic excellence across various professional sports leagues. Whether you’re a fan of baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or soccer, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of live sports. We visited during the summer and were able to get two baseball games in.

Chicago Cubs: One of the oldest and most storied baseball franchises in Major League Baseball, the Chicago Cubs play their home games at Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago. Wrigley Field is known for its iconic ivy-covered outfield walls and historic atmosphere.
Chicago White Sox: The Chicago White Sox are another Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, playing their home games at Guaranteed Rate Field on the city’s South Side. The White Sox have a passionate fan base and have won multiple World Series championships in their history.

The Family

Due to the constraints of our cross-country journey, we had limited time to spend but we were able to avoid big cities and find some fun family friendly activities.

North Western Illinois

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is a popular destination known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Located along the Illinois River in LaSalle County, Illinois, the park boasts dramatic landscapes sculpted by glaciers. 13 miles of trails that wind through the canyons and forests, leading to waterfalls, natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and scenic overlooks It was the perfect place for us to stop and stretch our legs on our cross country road trip.

Casey

Casey, Illinois has embraced the motto “Big Things in a Small Town” and doesn’t disappoint. These giant structures are not only fun photo ops but a lot of them you and go in & interact with them.

World’s Largest Wind Chime: Standing at 64 feet tall, this giant wind chime is a sight to behold and hear on a windy day!
World’s Largest Mailbox: This 12-foot-tall mailbox is a functioning mailbox where you can actually send letters.
World’s Largest Teeter Totter: This 42-foot teeter totter is a fun spot for kids and adults alike to test their balance.
World’s Largest Rocking Chair: Climb into this 51-foot rocking chair for a unique photo opportunity.
World’s Largest Key: You won’t be able to open any doors with this 28-foot key, but it sure is a giant key!
World’s Largest Swizzle Spoon: Standing at 15 feet tall, this swizzle spoon is a tribute to the history of mixed drinks.

Summary

It’s evident that both experiences in Illinois offered distinct perspectives on what the state has to offer. While both parties started with a shared memory of Chicago from their teenage years, their divergent paths reflected their preferences. The DINKs chose to revisit the vibrant city life of Chicago as adults, immersing themselves in its cultural and culinary delights. On the other hand, the Family opted for a quieter, more nature-centric experience, exploring the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park and the unique attractions of Casey, IL. Each approach had its merits: one embracing the bustling urban scene and the other savoring the tranquility of rural Illinois. Ultimately, the question of who did it better comes down to personal preference—whether one prefers the excitement of city exploration or the serenity of natural landscapes.

Doubletake Travel