Nickname: Land of Lincoln
Area: 55 646 sq.mi. (144 122.5 km2)
Highest point: Charles Mound 1 235 ft. (376.4 m)
Population: 12 112 400
Capital: Springfield
Largest city: Chicago

Illinois is one of the most populous and densely populated states of the United States. It is bordered by Wisconsin and Lake Michigan on the North, Indiana State and the Wabash River on the East, Kentucky and the Ohio River on the South and the Mississippi River, Missouri and Iowa from West. It would be pointless to search for higher highland territories in the state, since entire state is a flatland, crosses by several smaller rivers and a lake. The largest city is Chicago, which is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan in the North-Western part of the state. There are some other middle-sized cities, like Springfield as well, all over Illinois.

Photo: Country, Sterling, Illinois, USA, flickr.com, by jimfrazier

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The well-known american city, Chicago is the third largest city of the USA. The city is the transformational, financial, commercial, educational and cultural center of the region of the Great-Lakes. The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the second busiest in the USA.

Photo: Chicago, Illinois, USA, flickr.com, by DScott28604

We make a difference between Chicago, with 3 million inhabitants, and Great-Chicago (Chicago with its suburbs), which has a population of over 10 million people. Millions of people visit the downtown every day. Museum, historical memories, and alternative entertainment possibilities are waiting for the visitors. The famous Sears Tower skyscraper is situated in the downtown, which is the tallest building in the USA. It offers a splendid view from its highest storey onto the city. It’s also worth to visit the John Hancock Center, which isn’t much smaller. We must definitely walk along the famous avenue of Chicago, de Magnificent Mile. The classiest shops are waiting for the customers here, and we can buy the products of such famous fashion houses, like Gucci or Versace. Visit the magnificent building of the Chicago Historical Society, and you’ll get to know the history of the city and Illinois ad well. The Art Institute of Chicago offers an awe-inspiring collection of statues and photos.

Photo: Chicago at night, Illinois, USA, flickr.com, by davesag

Let’s visit the famous museums of the city: the Museum of Science and Industry, which has an exhibition about the development of the scientific and technological development of the past two centuries; the Chicago Children’s Museum, which offers interesting things, primarily for children and the Museum of Broadcast Communication, which introduces the development of the tele-communicational instruments to us. A further interesting sight is the Museum Campus, where three different museums are to be found. These are: the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, where a fantastic astronomical exhibition is on display; the Field Museum, which is a collection related to natural science; and the John G. Shedd Aquarium, where we might become familiar with several species of animals. If you’re looking for a little rest, visit the entertainment center of the city, the Navy Pier, where you’ll find an ice-skate rink, mini golf course, a Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds. Or, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is magnificent, with over 1000 animals. It is worth to visit the University of Chicago, since the Smart Museum of Art and the Oriental Institute Museum have many interesting things to show us.

The capital of Illinois is Springfield, which is located in the central part of the state. It’s primarily famous for the former, popular President; Abraham Lincoln lived here for 24 years. We get to know his life in the Lincoln Home National Historical Site.

Photo: Abraham Lincoln Presidental Library, Springfield, Illinois, USA, flickr.com, by Mattp9

The city of Rockford is situated North-West from Chicago. The city has beautiful parks; the most famous ones are the Sinnissippi Gardens and the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. It’s worth to visit the Midway Village and Museum Center, which talks about the history of the city.

Photo: Anderson Gardens, Rockford, Illinois, USA, flickr.com, by judyb12

If you have some extra time, take an excursion the giant forests in the Southern part of the state, to the Shawnee National Forest, where you may take part in an exciting adventure trip.