Illinois Poi Jan 2009

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    Information sources: A=AAA Travel Guidebook, AC=AAA Camping Book, H= Highways magazine (Good SamClub), L=loop tours book (Readers Digest, hardbound), X=Xerox copy, T=1992 Texas travel soft-cover book,RVJ=RV Journal spring 2008,

    NOTE: Key to map-location numbering system:05, 06, 07, etc = date when data was current & typed into our system

    NOTE: Info may NOT contain CURRENT phone numbers, prices, times of operation, etc. due to publication

    dates for info sources. ALWAYS check with the attraction / location / venue for updated info rather than driveto the location and be very disappointed !

    ILLINOIS 2009 (3-09)AAA Gem Sites:

    Brookfield: Brookfield ZooChicago:

    Adler Planetarium & Astrology Museum Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop & Archicenter The Field Museum John G. Shedd Aquarium Lincoln Park McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum Millennium Park Museum of Science & Industry National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) Navy Pier Sears Tower SkydeckCollinsville:Cahokia Mounds State Historic SiteGalena:Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic SiteGurnee:Six Flags Great AmericaJoliet:Joliet Area Historical MuseumLisle:Morton ArboretumNaperville:Naper SettlementOak Park:Architectural ToursPetersburg:Lincolns New Salem State Historic SiteSpringfield:

    Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site Lincoln Home National Historic Site Lincolns Tomb State Historic SiteUtica:Starved Rock State Park

    IL001 Arcola (A41)Illinois Amish Interpretive Center & Amish Country Tours 09 is off I-57 exit 203, 6 blockswest on Springfield Rd. (SR133), then 1.5 blocks north to 111 S. Locust St. Dedicated to presenting the Amish way oflife, the center offers an 18-minute videotape introducing visitors to the life of the Old Order Amish. Exhibits depictAmish history, culture and life today. Amish Country Tours include guided 90-minute trips through the Amish

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    community, combination tours of Amish homes and farms, museum tours, and meals served in Amish homes. Allow 1hour. Interpretive center open Mon-Sat 9-5, MarNov; by appointment rest of year. Guided tour schedules vary;phone ahead. Closed major holidays.AAA discount implied. Interpretive center $5; $4 ages 62+; $3 ages 6-11.Fees for guided tours vary. Ph: 217-268-3599 or 888-452-6474.IL002 Bishop Hill(A42) Bishop Hill State Historic Site, 09 2 miles north of US34 on a 5-acre tract,commemorates the Swedish communal settlement with five museums. Skills & crafts of colony life are demonstrated,and 16 of the buildings have been restored. Bishop Hill Museum contains an outstanding collection of early American

    primitive paintings by Olof Krans, now recognized as one of Americas foremost folk artists. Cultural events are held.Allow 4 hours. Daily 9-5, Mem Day thru Labor Day; WedSun 9-5, Mar 1 thru day before Mem Day and day afterLabor Day thru Oct 31; WedSun 9-4 rest of year. Closed Jan 1, Nov 11, Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Donations. Ph:309-927-3345.IL003 Chicago

    1. Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum[Gem site], 09 (A54) is just east of Lake Shore Drive (US41) at1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. The renovated 1930s planetarium building has a collection of sundials, earlyscientific instruments, rare books, photographs, early maps, charts and star atlases as well as anintroductory gallery where the role of light, gravity, motion and energy is explained through interactiveexhibits that display an image of the sun. The Sky Show Theater presents the night sky, with views of stars,planets and constellations as well as astronomy shows. The Sky Pavilion features five galleries and the

    StarRider Theater, a virtual reality space journey. Shoot for the Moon includes interactive learning stationsand the restored Gemini 12 spacecraft, manned by astronauts Jim Lovell and Edwin Buzz Aldrin in 1966. Asolar telescope displays in image of the sun. A self-guiding audio tour of the planetarium is available. Foodavailable. Allow 2 hours. Daily 9:30-6 (also first Fri of the month 6-10pm), Mem Day thru Labor Day;9:30-4:30 (also first Fri of month 4:3010pm) rest of year. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Shows in theStarRider and Sky Show theatres are presented daily; phone for show selection and times. Admission(includes one Sky Show and the audio tour) $16; $15 for ages 65+; $14 for ages 4-17. Additional Sky Shows$5 each. Other combination tickets are available. Ph: 312-922-7827.

    2. Art Institute of Chicago[Gem site], 09 (A54, A56) is at 111 S. Michigan Ave at Adams Street in GrantPark. The institute houses well-known paintings ranging from the 13 thcentury to the present. Theimpressionist and post-impressionist 20th-century and mixed media collections are among the best in theworld. Also outstanding are the museums collection of Chinese, Japanese and Korean art as well asAmerican paintings and furniture. Also displayed are prints, drawings, decorative arts, photographs, textiles,architectural fragments, and drawings and art from Africa and the Americas. See further details on A56 ofAAA TourBook. Allow 4 hours. Mon-Fri 10:30-5 (also Thur & Fri 5-9), Sat-Sun 10-5, Mem Day thru LaborDay; Mon-Fri 10:30-5 (also Thur 5-8), Sat-Sun 10-5 rest of year. Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25.Admission $12; $7 ages 6-14 & 65+ and students with ID; free on Thur & Fri 5-9, Mem Day thru Labor Day,and Thurs 5-8 rest of year. Ph: 312-443-3600.

    3. Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop & ArchiCenter, [Gem site], 09 (A56) is at 224 S. Michigan Ave inthe Santa Fe Building, and features exhibits and lectures detailing Chicagos contributions to architecture. Itis the starting point for more than 90 architecture tours of Chicago and the surrounding area via foot, bus,boat and bicycle. Among the many walking tours available are 2-hour tours that focus on either Chicagoshistoric or modern skyscrapers. Departing from the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge and WackerDrive, the 90-minute Architecture River Cruise highlights more than 50 architecturally significant sites alongthe Chicago River. Food is available. Allow 2.5 hours. ArchiCenter open daily 9-6; closed Jan 1, Thanksgivingand Dec 25. Architecture cruises depart daily early May thru mid-Nov. Cruise departure times vary; phoneahead. ArchiCenter is free. Walking tours $5-$17. Walking/bus tours $30-$65. Cruise fare (Mon-Fri) $26.Cruise fare (Sat-Sun) $28. Ph: 312-922-3432.

    4. Chicago History Museum (A57) 09 is at the south end of Lincoln Park at 1601 N. Clark St. at the junctionof North Avenue and houses the first museum and library in the city. Its collection of more than 22 millionitems includes prints, photographs, architectural drawings and models as well as building fragments;

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    paintings and sculpture; books and other published materials; more than 50,000 costume and textile artifacts;decorative and industrial arts such as stained glass, furniture, and pottery; and archives of oral histories, filmand video. Interactive exhibits and a research center also are featured. A 45-minute audio tour, available ineither English or Spanish, also is included. Food is available. Allow 2 hours. Museum Mon-Sat 9:30-4:30(also Thur 4:30-8), Sun nooon-5; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Research center Tues-Thur1-4:30, Fri-Sat 10-4:30, day after Labor Day thru day before Mem Day; Tues-Wed 1-4:30, Thur-Fri 10-4:30,rest of year. Closed Apr 8-12, July 4, and Dec 25-Jan 1. Research center hours may vary; phone ahead.

    AAA discount implied. Museumadmission $14; $12 ages 65+ and students with ID; free ages 0-12 andFREE on Mondays. Research centerfee $5; free to students in grades 1-12. Under 6 are not permitted inthe research center. Ph: 312-642-4600.

    5. The Field Museum [Gem site], (A57) 09 is across from Grant Park at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive and ranksamong the worlds foremost museums of natural sciences. Established in 1893, the Beaux Arts-style buildinghouses more than 9 acres of exhibits consisting of world-renowned collections of some 20 million artifactsand specimens. The museum serves as an international center for public learning and scientific study of theworlds diverse environments and cultures. Exhibits include: Sue: the largest and most complete T-Rex;Africa; Inside Ancient Egypt; Gems; The Webber Resource Center for Native American Cultures; andTraveling the Pacific. Allow 4 hours. Daily 9-5; closed Dec 25. Last admission 1 hour before closing.AAAdiscount implied.Admission $12; $7 for ages 4-11, 65+ and students with ID. Parking is $15.Ph:

    312-922-9410.6. John G. Shedd Aquarium(A59) 09 on the Museum Campus of Grant Park at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive

    (US41) exhibits more than 22,000 aquatic animals in naturalistic settings. Watch divers hand-feed fish in the90,000 gallon Caribbean Reef; wander through the Amazon rainforest in the Amazon Rising exhibit; orobserve coral shrimp, a giant octopus, blue iguanas and map turtles in the Waters of the World exhibit. Seefurther details on A59 of AAA TourBook. Contains largest indoor marine mammal pavilion in the world withbeluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Alaska sea otters, California sea lions, and a colony ofpenguins; an array of sharks in the 750,000-gallon Wild Reef exhibit. Allow 2 hours. Aquarium, Oceanarium,and Wild Reef open daily 9-6, Mem Day thru Labor Day; Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat & Sun 9-6, rest of year. ClosedDec 25. Oceanarium and Wild Reef exhibits offer extended hours Thur, late-June thru Aug 31. Lastadmission 1 hour before closing. Aquarium only (includes Waters of the World, Amazon Rising, andCaribbean Reef exhibits) $8; $6 ages 3-11 and 65+; free (Mon-Thur, Sept-Feb). All-Access Pass (includes allShedd Aquarium exhibits) = $23; $16 ages 3-11 and 65+. Tickets can be purchased in advance thruTicketmaster (note: a service charge is added). Ph: 312-939-2438, or 312-5599-0200 for Ticketmaster.

    7. Lincoln Park[Gem site], (A59) 09 lies along Lake Shore Drive from North Ave to Hollywood Ave. Thelargest park in the city, it contains Augustus Saint-Gaudens standing statue of Abraham Lincoln, a monumentto Alexander Hamilton by John Angel, a statue of Ulysses S. Grant and many others. In addition to severalbeaches, a bird sanctuary and playgrounds, there are facilities for boating, golf and tennis. Ph:312-742-7726.

    8. Lincoln Park Conservatory (A59) 09 is at 2391 N. Stockton Drive in Lincoln Park and covers 4 acres andhas four display houses. The show house presents a spring show early February through early May, asummer tropical show early June thru early September, a chrysanthemum show mid-October thru late-November and a winter show early December thru early January. Flower gardens can be viewed all summer.Allow 30 minutes. Daily 9-5. FREE. Ph: 312-742-7736.

    9. Lincoln Park Zoo(A59) 09 is on Cannon Drive at Fullerton Pkwy and houses more than 1,000 mammals,birds and reptiles from almost every part of the world; some are endangered species. See further details onA59 of AAA TourBook. Allow 3 hours. Grounds open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat & Sun and holidays 9-7, Mem Day thruLabor Day; 9-6, Apr 1 thru day before Mem Day and day after Labor Day thru Oct 31; 9-5 rest of year. Animalexhibits and farm open daily 10-6:30, Mem Day thru Labor Day; 10-5 Apr 1 thru day before Mem Day, andday after Labor Day thru Oct 31; 10-4:30 rest of year. Zoo is FREE.Parking is $14-$24.Ph: 312-742-2000.

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    10. McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum [Gem site], 09 (A60) 445 N. Michigan Ave, features interactivedisplays relating to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A short orientation film called So Its A FreeCountry is shown in the Freedom Theater. Exhibit galleries include the Roots of Freedom, What DoesFreedom Mean?, Marketplace of Ideas, Freedom For All? And Freedoms Future. In the center of the facilityis 12151791, a sculpture consisting of steel plates inscribed with quotes about liberty. Beginning with theBill of Rights ratification date, together, hundreds of glistening metal squares form this suspended timelinedocumenting the history of First Amendment privileges. Allow 2 hours. Wed-Mon, 10-6; closed Jan 1,

    Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Admission $5; free for ages 0-5. Ph: 312-222-4860.11. Millennium Park [Gem site], 09 (A60) is at 55 N. Michigan Ave,; a welcome center is at 201 E. Randolph

    St. in the Northwest Exelon Pavilion. Adjacent to Grant Park and Chicagos lakefront, this 24.5-acre parkfeatures sculptures, gardens, a tree-lined promenade, a theater, and an outdoor music pavilion. An ice rink atMcCormick Tribune Plaza accommodates skaters in winter. The 1,500-seat Harris Theater for Music andDance hosts productions by several performing arts organizations. The parks focal point is the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion with its distinctive band shell framed by huge folded ribbons of stainless steel.An impressive trellis made of interlaced steel pipes supports the pavilions sound system. The MillenniumMovement, a replica of a 1917 neoclassical peristyle that once stood at this location, dominates the parksWrigley Square. Free 45-minute guided tours depart from the welcome center in summer. Self-guidingaudiotape tours of the park can be rented from the first-floor shop in the Chicago Cultural Center (for location

    see A57). Allow 2.5 hours. Grounds open daily 6am-11pm. Welcome center daily 9-7, Mem Day thru LaborDay. Grounds free. Self-guiding audiotape tour $5. Ph: 312-742-1168 or 312-334-7777 for the Harris Theaterbox office.

    12. Museum of Science and Industry[Gem site], 09 (A60) is in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood at 57thStreet and S. Lake Shore Drive and encompasses more than 14 acres with 80-0 displays and more than2,000 interactive units. A museum favorite, the U-505 Submarine is the only German sub captured duringWWII. After 50 years outdoors, the sub now occupies an indoor, underground exhibit hall and is surroundedby displays that tell the story of its capture. Other favorites include The Coal Mine, a working replica of anIllinois coal mine complete with moving equipment and underground train; Toy Maker 3000, a toy factorystaffed with an assembly line of 12 robots; The Great Train Story, a model train featuring more than 1,400feet of track and 30 trains, and the Baby Chick Hatchery, where visitors can watch chicks hatch. The HenryCrown Space Center houses a 5-story, domed OmniMax Theater. Allow 3 hours. Mon-Sat 9:30-4, Sun 11-4;closed Dec 25. Museum admission $11; $9.50 for ages 65+; $7 for ages 3-11. Combination ticket withOmniMax Theater (includes one OmniMax show) = $17; $14.50 ages 65+; $12 ages 3-11. Parking is $12.Ph: 773-684-1414 or 800-468-6674.

    13. National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA)[Gem site], 09 (A61) is at 1852 W. 19thStreet in ChicagosPilsen / Little Village district, home to a large Mexican-American community. The museum highlights Mexicanculture on both sides of the border. Its permanent collections include prints and drawings, ceramics, painting,photography, popular art and sculpture. Works by Mexican masters are represented. Mexicanidad: Our Pastis Present is an exhibition tracing the development of Mexican art, culture, religion, history and politics. Allow2 hours minimum. Tues-Sun 10-5; closed Mondays and Jan 1, July 4, Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Donations.Ph: 312-738-1503.

    14. Sears Tower Skydeck[Gem site], 09 (A62) is at 233 S. Wacker Drive. The Skydeck entrance is onJackson Blvd between Wacker Dr. and Franklin Street. The observation platform at North Americas tallestbuilding 110 stories allows views of the city from 1,353 feet above the street. InfoVision kiosks presentinformation in six languages, and interactive exhibits describe Chicago history. Knee-High Chicago is a 4-foot-high exhibit designed for children. Food is available. Allow 2 hours. Daily 10-10, May-Sept; 10-8, rest ofyear. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Hours may vary; phone ahead. Admission $12.95; $10.95for ages 65+; $9.50 for ages 3-11. Ph: 312-875-9696.

    15. Mercury: Chicagos Skyline Cruiseline(A63) 09 departs from the south end of the river on the southeastcorner of Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Dr. Ninety-five minute narrated sightseeing cruises travel past

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    historic buildings, bridges and downtown landmarks. Also offered are a special canine cruise welcoming dogson board, available July thru September, and a 2-hour summer evening cruise. 90-minute sightseeing cruisesdepart daily at 10, 11:30, 1:30, 4, 5:30 and 7:30 (also Wed at 8:30pm). 90-minute sightseeing cruise = $20;$9 (ages 3-12). Tickets are on sale 1 hour before departure. Ph: 312-332-1353.

    16. Shoreline Sightseeing(A63) 09 departs from Navy Piers west-end dock. The companys 30-minutenarrated cruises highlight the Chicago skyline. Guides provide a historical background of Chicago and pointout the citys main buildings. The sightseeing cruises also depart from the Shedd Aquarium and the dock

    near Bucking ham Fountain. A 1-hour architecture tour on the Chicago River and water taxi service also areavailable. Sightseeing cruises depart Navy Piers west-end dock daily every half-hour 10-10, June-Aug; dailyon the hour 11-5 in May and Sept; Sat & Sun on the hour 11-5 in Apr and Oct-Nov (weather permitting). Fare= $14; $13 for ages 66+; $6 for ages 0-11. Price may vary; phone ahead. Ph: 312-222-9328.

    17. Wendella Boats(A63) 09 departs from the Wrigley Building at the northwest corner of the Michigan AvenueBridge. The Combined Lake and River Tour is the companys signature narrated cruise through Chicagoslocks. Architectural and historical points of interest also can be seen during the 90-minute sightseeing trip.The Chicago River Architecture Tour, lasting 60 minutes, and a 2-hour sunset cruise also are offered. Lakeand river tours depart daily at 10:30, 11:45, 1, 2:15, 3, 4:30, 6, AND 7 (also Fri & Sat at 8:45pm). Apr-Nov.Hours may vary; phone ahead. Lake and river tour $22; $20 senior citizens; $11 ages 0-10. Tickets are onsale 1 hour before departure. Ph: 312-337-1446.

    18. Walking tours 09 (A64) Free1-hour downtown walking tours departing from the InstaGreeter booth in thecultural center are offered on a first-come, first-served basis on Fri-Sun from 10-4. The Cultural Center islocated at 77 E. Randolph St. at Michigan Avenue (ph: 312-742-1190).

    [ start of Chicago vicinity ]

    IL004 Brookfield (A74)1. Brookfield Zoo [Gem site], 09 is at First Avenue and 31stSt, and is accessible by Eisenhower or

    Stevenson expressways. (!-290 or I-55) First Ave exit or the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Ogden Ave exit. The216-acre zoo contains an exceptional collection of mammals, birds, and reptiles in cageless enclosures thatsimulate their natural habitat. The Living Coast is a recreation of the western coasts of Chile and Peru. Herevisitors can see small sharks, Humboldt penguins, vampire bats, Inca terns and chinchillas. For more detailssee page 74 in AAA TourBook. Zoo open daily 9:30-6 (also Sun 6-7:30pm), Mem Day weekend thru LaborDay; Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 10-6, day after Labor Day thru late-Oct; daily 10-5, rest of year. All indooranimal exhibits close 30 minutes before the zoo. Zoo $10; $6 for ages 3-11 and 65+; FREE on Tuesdays,Thursdays and Sat-Sun in Jan & Feb, and Tues & Thurs in Oct, Nov & Dec. Motor Safari $3; $2 ages 3-11and 65+. Carousel = $2.50. Parking is $8. Prices for individual exhibits (see below) may vary; phone ahead.Phone 708-688-8000.

    a. The Fragile Kingdom, 09 near the north entry gate to the Brookfield Zoo, reveals how animals inAfrica and Asia depend on their environments and one another to survive. Three exhibit areas areunified by a global theme the ecology of survival and the role humans play in the destruction andpreservation of these worlds. African desert and Southeast Asian rain forest habitats are

    represented. The third exhibit area features African lions, tigers, snow leopards and Amur leopards.b. Seven Seas Panorama, 09 near the north entry gate to the Brookfield Zoo, has a 2,000-seat indoordolphinarium where dolphins perform daily. Schedules are posted throughout the park. Near thebuilding is a re-creation of a rocky Pacific Northwest seascape called Pinniped Point, which featuresseals and sea lions. Dolphin show = $3; $2.50 for ages 3-11 and 65+.

    c. Tropic World: A Primates Journey, 09 near the south entry gate to the Brookfield Zoo, representsthree rain forest regions: Africa, Asia, and South America. A pathway overlooking pools andwaterfalls allows visitors to view the animals coexisting amid 50-foot-tall trees. Rainstorms occur ineach exhibit area, though the animals are the only ones who get wet.

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    IL005 Elgin(A75) Elgin Area Historical Museum 09 is 1 mile south on SR25, then 1/2 mile west to 360 ParkStreet. Exhibits are housed in an 1856 neoclassical building that once was home to Elgin Academy, one of the oldestpreparatory schools in the Midwest. Included are displays about the history of the Elgin National Watch Company,Elgin Road Race memorabilia, an American Indian exhibit and other items that relate the areas past. Allow 2 hours.Wed-Sat noon-4, Mar-Dec. Admission $3; $1 for students with ID; ages 0-5 free. Ph: 847-742-4248.IL006 Glencoe (A75) Chicago Botanic Garden 09 is 1/2 mile east of Edens Expressway on Lake Cook Rd.(County Line Rd.) and is a 385-acre living museum featuring 23 gardens including an English walled garden, a three-

    island Japanese garden, a fruit and vegetable garden and a native woodland prairie habitat. The Gardens of theGreat Basin features a carillon; a lake ordered by flowering crab apples; water gardens; and pedestrian bridgesoffering views. The education center houses 3 greenhouses and offers classes, lectures and exhibits. A narrated tramtour is available (weather permitting). Open tram tour $5; $4 for senior citizens; $3 for ages 3-12. Parking = $12. Ph:847-835-5440.IL007 Joliet(A77) Joliet Area Historical Museum 09 at 204 N. Ottawa St. presents the history of Joliet throughinteractive displays, movies and life-size reproductions. Featuring lovely stained-glass windows, a neoclassicalchurch built in 1909 houses the museum. Exhibits explore such topics as the Illinois and Michigan Canal, Route 66,Joliet Prison, the Des Plaines River, and the local gaming industry. Visitors can take a virtual ride aboard a trolleyreplica. A childrens activity room and a welcome center are available. Temporary art exhibitions are also offered.Allow 2 hours. Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun noon-5; closed Monday and Jan 1, Easter, Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Admission

    $5; $4 ages 60+ & students with ID; $3 ages 4-17. Ph: 815-723-5201.IL008 Lisle(A77-78) Morton Arboretum[Gem site], 09 is on 1,700 acres about 0.25 miles north of I-88 SR53exit. More than 3,800 types of trees, shrubs, and other plants are displayed in woodlands, wetlands, gardens and arestored native prairie. Crab apples, lilacs and daffodils blown in spring, while prairie flowers abound July thru Sept.The fall foliage color display is outstanding Oct-Nov. Guided one-hour tours in open-air trams are available. Trees &shrubs are labeled for identification along the 14 miles of trails and 9 miles of roadways; further info is available at thevisitor center. The Garden Maze challenges visitors to find their way through seven outdoor rooms formed by hedges.Designed for kids ages 2-10, the Childrens Garden offers 4 cares of trees, play areas, and water features; youngvisitors can wade in a pond, slide down giant tree roots or play games that teach them how to identify different typesof trees. Pets are not permitted. Grounds open daily 7-7. Visitor center open daily 8-6, Mar-Oct; 8-5, rest of year.Maze garden daily 9:30-7, mid-Mar thru early-Nov; 9:30-5 rest of year. Childrens Garden open daily 9:30-5, mid-Marthru early-Nov; 9:30-4 rest of year (weather permitting). Visitor center and childrens garden closed Thanksgiving andDec 25. Tram schedule and holiday hours vary; phone ahead. Admission (Thurs Tues) $7; $5 ages 65+; $4 ages3-12. Admission Wed-only $4; $3 ages 65+; $2 ages 3-12. Ph: 630-968-0074 or 630-719-2400 for 24-hourinformation.IL009 Naperville(A78) Naper Settlement[Gem site], 09 is 2 blocks west of Washington Street at junction ofAurora Ave and Webster St. Visitors relive history from the pioneer era thru the Victorian age in this recreated colony.Set on park-like grounds are a blacksmith shop, chapel, print shop, schoolhouse, log house, fort, meetinghouse, andother buildings interpreted by costumed villagers. Highlights include the 183 Martin Mitchell Mansion, a grandVictorian original to the grounds; two galleries; and a hands-on activity center called the History Connection. Thereare special events throughout the year. Audiotape tours are available. Allow 3 hours. Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4, Apr-Oct; Tues-Fri 19-4, rest of year. Closed Monday, Jan 1, Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Admission (Apr-Oct) $8; $7 ages63+; $5.50 ages 4-17. Admission rest of year$4.25, $3.75 for 63+; $3 ages 4-17. Ph: 630-420-6010.IL010 Oak Park(A79)

    1. Architectural Tours[Gem site], 09 depart from the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio at 951 ChicagoAve. Self-guiding and guided walking tours through local structures emphasize but are not limited to thehistoric district. Lasting approximately 60 minutes, the tours allow participants to view the exteriors of 13Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings. Self-guided tour audiotapes are available daily 10-3:30. Guided oursdepart on the hour Sat-Sun 11-4, Mar-Oct; noon-2, rest of year. Self-guiding audiotape or guided tour $12;$10 ages 11-18 and 65+; $5 ages 4-10. A combination ticket is available with the Frank Lloyd Wright Homeand Studio. Ph: 708-848-1976.

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    2. Oak Park Conservatory 09 at 615 Garfield Street, features three environments filled with botanicalspecimens. In the Fern House flowering plants are displayed among many species of ferns; exotic plantssurround a lagoon with a waterfall in the Tropic House; and the Desert House blazes with cactus blooms inseason. Herbs, perennials and rare native flowers thrive in the outdoor garden. Live birds are on displaythroughout the buildings. Open Tues-Sun 10-4, Mon 2-4. Donations. Ph: 708-386-4700.

    IL011 Skokie (A81) Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park 09 is 2.8 miles east off I-94 Dempster Street exit; thepark spans 2 miles along the east side of McCormick Blvd between Dempster Street and Touhy Ave. More than 70

    sculptures are presented along the Chicago Rivers north channel. Open-air art gallery is divided into four 1/2-mile-long sections with pieces made of aluminum, steel, concrete, wood, stone and clay. Benches line a walking andbiking trail. Picnicking permitted, Allow 2 hours. Daily dawn to dusk. FREE. Ph: 847-679-4265.IL012 Volo(A81-82) Volo Auto Museum & Antique Malls 09 are 1 block north of SR12 and SR120 on VoloVillage Road. A complex containing more than 300 vintage automobiles and cars from several films, plus displays ofmilitary vehicles, uniforms and weapons. Also antique mall with almost 350 dealers. Daily 10-5; closed Easter, ThGvand Dec 25. Last museum admission 30 minutes before closing. $9; $7 ages 66+ and active military; $5 ages 5-12.Antique mall admission free.IL013 Woodstock(A83) The Chester Gould Dick Tracy Museum 09 at 101 N. Johnson Street in the OldCourthouse on Woodstock Square. Chester Gould was a cartoonist for Chicago Tribune, created fast-paced DickTracy comic strip in 1931. Museum contains original artwork, photographs, and memorabilia documenting the artists

    life and legacy; childrens activity area with hands-on exhibits. Allow 1 hour. Thurs-Sat 11-5, Sun 1-5, Feb-Dec; Sat1-5, rest of year. Closed Dec 24-25. $2; $1 ages 56+; free ages 0-12. Ph: 815-338-8281.IL014 Collinsville(A84) Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site[Gem site], 09 is off I-255 exit 24 (Collinsville Rd),then 1.5 miles west. A 200-acre site preserves 65 tribal mounds. Largest mound is 14 acres at the base and 100 fttall. Site of once-flourishing Mississippian civilization and enormous trade empire spanning years AD900-1500.Estimated 20,000 population at its peak. Interpretive center houses exhibits; 15-minute film documents history ofCahokia; life-size recreated Indian village; one-hour guided tour; hiking trails; self-guiding audiotape tours; and 17-minute video tour of grounds. Picnicking permitted. Grounds open 8AM to dusk. Interpretive center daily 9-5, MemDay thru Labor Day; Wed-sun 9-5, rest of year. Closed Jan 1, Election Day, Nov 11, ThGiv, and Dec 25. Guided toursgiven Wed-Sat at 10:30 and 1:30, Sun at 12:30 and 2:30, Jun-Aug; Sat-Sun at 1:30, Apr-May and Sept-Oct.Admission $2; $1 ages 0-12. Ph: 618-346-5160.IL015 Effingham (A88) My Garage R&D Center / Corvette Museum 09 is 1 mile north on US45 at One MidAmerica Place. Museum showcases collection of Corvettes & related memorabilia in 1950s-60s setting includingstorefronts & jukebox music. Also race cars, experimental & commemorative cars, & cars used in movies. Allow onehour. Mon-Sat 8-5; closed Sundays & major holidays. FREE. Ph: 217-540-4700 or 800-500-1500.IL016 Galena (A90) Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site[Gem site], 09 500 Bouthillier St. House waspresented to Gen. Grant upon his return from the Civil War in 1865. He lived in home until1867 when he becameSect. Of War and again in 1879-81. The 1860 house contains many of Grants possessions & original furnishings.Wed-Sun 9-4:45, Apr-Oct; 9-4 rest of year. Closed Mon & Tues, Jan 1, Nov 11, ThGiv, Dec 25. Hours may varyMemorial Day thru Labor Day; phone ahead. Donations. Ph: 815-777-3310.IL017 Mahomet (A93-94) Early American Museum & Botanical Gardens 09 is in Lake of the Woods Park,1/2 mile north on ST47. Museums collection includes thousands of items reflecting early 20th-century home & farmlife in east-central Illinois. Two floors of interpretive exhibits, vignettes, and period furnishings. Also botanical gardensadjoining. Allow 2 hours. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5, Jun-Aug; daily 1-5, Mar-May and Sept-Dec. FREE. Ph:217-586-2612.IL018 Makanda (A94) Giant City State Park, 09 2 miles east at 235 Giant City Rd. Named for large cubicalblocks of stone that rise from its canyons. 8 hiking trails in rugged, hilly section often called Illinois Ozarks; plushorseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, 10-minute orientation film, 50-foot-tall observation deck. Picnicking permitted.Food available. Park open daily 6AM10PM. Visitor center open daily 8-4. Trails open daily dawn-dusk. FREE. Ph:618-457-4836.

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    IL025 Roscoe (A103) Historic Auto Attractions09 is off I-39 exit 3, 1.1 mile west on CR9, then north to 18325Metric Drive. Ten exhibit rooms highlight automobiles, clothing, and memorabilia of entertainers, politicians, andracecar drivers. Displays include presidential limousines, NASCAR champion cars, film & TV vehicles, and carsbelonging to famous people. Allow 2 hours. Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4, closed Mondays, Mem Day thru Labor Day;open Sat10-5, Sun 11-4, rest of year. Hours may vary; phone ahead. $10; $8 ages 61+; $6 ages 6-15. Ph:815-389-7917.IL026 Shawnee National Forest (A103) 09 Hiking trailsinclude the Rim Rock Forest Trail, a .7-mile circuitwinding past some of the states most striking geological features; .5-milr Garden of the Gods Trail, which explores200 million-year-old rock formations, and Bell Smith Springs Trail, exploring caves and a natural bridge. A short trailbegins at an iron furnace 4 miles north of Rosiclare; 52-foot tall furnace built in 1837, used in Civil War, reconstructed1967. Ph: 618-253-7114 or 800-699-6637.IL026 Springfield (A104)

    Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, 09 on N. 6thStreet between Madison & WashingtonStreets. Offers galleries with numerous exhibits, multimedia presentation, lifelike dioramas, h=theater shows.Presidential library is across the street. Allow 2-3 hours. (Weve been here. GREAT!) Museum daily 9-5;closed Jan 1, ThGiv, and Dec 25. Library Mon-Fri 9-5; closed state holidays. Last museum admission 1 hourbefore closing Thurs-Tues; 90 minutes before closing wed. Museum $7.50; $5.50 ages 62+ & students &military w/ ID; $3.50 ages 5-15. Library free. Ph: 217-782-5764, 800-610-2094, 217-558-8844 for library.

    Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, 09 301 E. Lawrence Ave, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wrightfor socialite Susan Lawrence Dana of Springfield. Built 1902-04, one of Wrights first Prairie homes. Muchstained glass and Wright furniture. Guided tours only including 7-minute video. Allow one hour. Tours Wed-Sun 9-4; closed Mon & Tues, and major holidays. $3, $1 ages 0-16. Ph: 217-782-6776.

    Lincoln Home National Historic Site[Gem site], 09 at 8th& Jackson streets. The only home Lincoln everowned. Self-guiding walking tour of neighborhood. Visitor center open daily 8:30-5; closed Jan 1, ThGiv, &Dec 25. Admittance to Lincoln home only by ranger-led guided tour; tickets on first-come, first-served basison day of tour at visitor center. Last tour begins 30 minutes before closing. Admission by donation. Parking$2 per hour. Ph: 217-492-4241 ext 266.

    Lincolns Tomb State Historic Site[Gem site], 09 about 2 miles north of the Capitol in Oak RidgeCemetery. Impressive monument. Drill movements performed by infantry. Grounds open daily 9-5, Mar-Oct;9-4 rest of year. Closed Jan 1, MLK Jr Day, Washingtons birthday, Election Day, Nov 11, ThGiv, and Dec 25.Call for drill movement times & dates. FREE. Ph: 217-782-2717.

    Washington Park Botanical Garden, 09 next to the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon at 1749 W. FayetteAve, considered one of the finest horticultural attractions in central Illinois has domed conservatory, rosegarden, rockery, over 20 acres. Six flower shows annually. Open Mon-Fri noon-4, Sat-Sun noon-5; closedThGiv & Dec 24-25. FREE. Ph: 217-753-6228.

    IL027 Utica (A108) Starved Rock State Park [Gem site], 09 2630 acres of wooded bluffland. Excellent lodge / restaurant.

    Lodge reminds one of Yellowstones lodge. Many hiking trails, 18 canyons, but bugs can come out duringcertain seasons. Campground is off-site. (Weve been here. GREAT, esp. trails & restaurant!) Located 3miles south off I-80 on SR178 (follow signs). In 1769 a band of Illinois American Indians took refuge on thesummit of the rock and, surrounded by enemies, starved to death from lack of food or water. Spring-fed fallsat St. Louis Canyon usually flows all summer. Visitor center. 13 miles of trails lead to canyons and traversethe park; hiking is NOT permitted in unmarked areas. Park open daily 9-4; closed Jan 1, ThGiv, and Dec 25.FREE. Lower levels of park are prone to flooding when Illinois River is flooding, but this generally does notlimit access to park, lodge or restaurant. 815-667-4906.

    Matthiessen State Park 1938 acres, located 5 miles south off I-80 on SR178 near Starved Rock SP. Hasterrific canyon trails similar to Starved Rock but with a rumbling, watery gorge. Hiking trails, canyons, cliffs,and reproduction pioneer fort. FREE. 815-667-4868. 09

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    [Gem site],AAA discount implied.

    Illinois Points-of-Interest