Prairies and Prosperity in Illinois

The Land of Lincoln sprawls over 56,400 square-miles primarily of prairie, but half of its population of 12 million is concentrated in the greater Chicago area. Let’s explore the five regions of downstate and then discover Chicagoland.

Southern

This region is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which is a 25-mile trail through the Shawnee National Forest that visits five wineries. They are Alto Vineyards, Owl Creek Vineyards, Winghill Vineyard, Von Jakob Vineyard and Pomona Winery. The newest winery is the new Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, a Tuscan-themed winery featuring a 360-degree mural in its tasting room. Many of the wineries stage special events during September, which is Illinois Wine Month.

Nearby Metropolis is the official adopted “Home of Superman.” Stop for a photo with the 15 foottall Superman statue and cross the street for the Super Museum, featuring Superman memorabilia and props. There is a Superman Celebration here each June, with superhero-themed entertainment and celebrity appearances.

Southwest

More than 1,000 eagles migrate to the Alton and Grafton areas to spend the winter on the bluffs along the Great River Road. Pere Marquette State Park offers eagle-watching programs from late December through February. The new National Great Rivers Museum in Alton tells the story of the Mississippi River through over 20 interactive, animated displays. Tours of the Melville Locks and Dam allow guests to view the river traffic from atop the eight-story dam. Nearby, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Hartford tells the story of the famous journey that began in Illinois. Groups can explore a full-scale model of one of their keelboats, watch a film entitled “At Journey’s Edge” and view a replica of Camp River Dubois.

Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville are the remains of an ancient Mississippian Indian culture that existed here from 700 to 1400 A.D. Sixty-eight of the original earthen mounds have been preserved, including the 100 foot-tall Monks Mound. Each August, artisans demonstrate fire starting, pottery making and flint knapping on Archaeology Day.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville has twelve different devotional areas. The Lourdes Grotto is a replica of the religious site in France. A free guided trolley tour is available through the 200 acres of grounds. Each year from November to January, the shrine features carriage rides, caroling, a display of decorated trees and outdoor light sculptures that tell the Christmas story in an event called “Way of Lights.”

Learn about what the rest of Illinois has to offer.

by John Kloster
Courtesy of Leisure Group Travel