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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home America's most renowned architect lived and worked in the complex, which served as private residence, studio and architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career, between 1889 (when he was 22) and 1909. Wright's haven started out as a simple cottage and was continually added on to by the architect resulting in unusual features such as a balcony suspended on chains. The complex is administered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust which offers guided tours. The neighbourhood of Oak Park contains the world's largest concentration of Wright-designed buildings and self-guided exterior audio tours of the 26 structures in the area are available. 
Address: 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park;
Telephone: (708) 848 1976;
E-mail: info@wrightplus.org;
Website: www.wrightplus.org;
Opening time: Guided interior tours: weekdays at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and during weekends between 11am and 3.30pm; self-guided exterior audio tours between 10am and 3.30pm daily; Admission: Guided interior tour and self-guided exterior audio tour: $12 (adults), $10 (children 7-18) for each one; a combination ticket is $20 (adults), $16 (children 7-18) |
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Chillicothe
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Field Museum
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Chicago's awesome Field Museum of Natural History in Lake Shore Drive is home to 'Sue', the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came to rest here after being unearthed in South Dakota when the Museum bought her remains for more than $8-million. Sue is just one of the drawcards at the museum which offers other marvels like getting a bug's eye view in an underground adventure; descending into an Egyptian tomb; watching a glowing lava flow; and getting up close and personal with the man-eating lions of Tsavo. The museum specialises in interactive and diorama-type exhibits across its nine acres of exhibition space.
Address: 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive;
Telephone: (312) 922 9410; Website: www.fmnh.org; Transport: From downtown, take CTA bus #146, which stops along Michigan Avenue north of the river and on State Street south of the river. This will drop you off right across the street from the Museum. The free trolley system connects the Museum Campus with many downtown tourist destinations and train stations; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm; last admission at 4pm; Admission: General admission: $12 (adults), $7 (children 4-11). Various ticket packages and concessions are available
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Art Institute
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Art Institute of Chicago An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago in South Michigan Avenue, housing one of the greatest art collections in the world. Works date from 3,000 BC through to the present, including a renowned collection of Impressionist art featuring numerous Monet paintings. The Institute has it all, from Japanese ukiyo-e prints and ancient Egyptian bronzes to masterpieces of 20th century sculpture. Exhibits include paintings and drawings, photographs, textiles, sculpture and architectural works. The Institute has two restaurants, one set in a garden, as well as a gift shop. 
Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue;
Telephone: (312) 443 3600;
Website: www.artic.edu;
Opening time: Monday to Friday 10.30am to 5pm (until 8pm on Thursdays), weekends 10am to 5pm; Admission: $12 (adults), $7 (children, free for under 12). Entrance is free on Thursdays 5pm to 8pm
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Springfield Illinois
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Springfield Illinois, which is the state's capital city, was founded in 1819, and became a county seat in 1823. It became the capital of Illinois in 1837. A good deal of Springfield tourism is centered on President Abraham Lincoln, who started his political career in Springfield Illinois. For example, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, located at sixth and Adams Street, is a brick building that was built in 1841. This was where Lincoln and his partner Stephen Logan, practiced law. The building has been restored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Today, it is a popular site for Springfield tourism.
The Old State Capital Building is another popular Springfield attraction. It was here that Lincoln made his famous "House Divided" Speech. At the Abraham Lincoln presidential Library and Museum, you can find books, articles and papers that reference Lincoln's life, as well as the Civil War. For a somewhat morbid Springfield attraction, visit the Museum of Funeral Customs, which features exhibits related to the president's funeral.
 A considerable amount of Springfield tourism centers on the Dana-Thomas House. In 1902 in Victorian Springfield the socialite and activist, Susan Lawrence Dana, hired a rising young architect from Chicago to remodel her family home. Today, tourists can view one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest prairie-style homes. The original furniture, art glass doors, windows and light fixtures have been retained.
The Vachel Lindsey House is another popular Springfield attraction. This 1879 birthplace of the native Springfield poet/artist was his only home until his death there in 1931. The house, which was built in the late 1840s, was originally owned by C.M. Smith. Smith’s wife Ann was the sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Both Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln were regular visitors.
Edward’s Place also draws a considerable amount of Springfield tourism. It is the oldest home in Springfield. When you visit this magnificent home, you can learn about the life of Benjamin and Helen Edwards. The well preserved Italianate mansion was once a center for social activity in Springfield. Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas and other prominent politicians were entertained. In the warmer weather, the grounds at Edward’s place at lavish dinner parties and the grounds played host to many summer picnics and political rallies. Perhaps the most exciting part of your visit to the Edward’s house is the chance to see the authentic "Lincoln Courting Couch,” where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married.
Springfield travel allows you to take a trip back in time, while exploring important events in American history. When you get tired of learning about history, you can have some fun at the Knights Action and Caribbean Water Park, or take in a film at the authentic Route 66 Twin Drive In Movie Theater.
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Sears Tower Chicago
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The Sears Tower Chicago is located on Wacker Drive in the heart of the West Loop. It is home to Chicago's largest corporations and commuter rail stations. Upon its completion in early 1973, the Sears Tower Chicago became famous for its attractive and contemporary 110-story trophy office tower consisting of steel columns and beams. The Chicago Sears Tower also has 16,100 bronze-tinted windows. 
The Sears Tower Chicago stands at 1,450 feet. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Chicago skyline. Until the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia were built in 1998, the Sears Tower in Chicago held the record for the world’s tallest building. The Skydeck at the Sears Tower in Chicago on the 103rd floor stands at 1,353 feet above ground. It is a famous one of the most famous Chicago tourist attractions. From the top of the Skydeck, visitors can experience how the building sways on a windy day. On a clear day, you will be able to see the Great Plains of Illinois as well as the area across from Lake Michigan. You can also see Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The ride to the top of the Skydeck at the Sears Tower in Chicago takes only 45 seconds. If you are taking a family vacation, your kids will love knee-high kids window. High-powered telescopes allow you to see every detail. A bit of Chicago trivia: The Sears Tower Skydeck was featured in the movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. In addition to the great views from the Skydeck at the Chicago Sears Tower, you can enjoy a variety of interactive, museum-quality exhibits. Every turn gives you a chance to explore Chicago’s history and historic characters. In fact, the Sears Tower history is quite interesting in itself. Sears Tower History In 1969 Sears, Roebuck & Co. was the largest retailer in the world. Sears executives decided to consolidate the thousands of Chicago employees into one building on the Chicago Loop. They knew that initially, they would require about three million square feet of space. However, the company had ambitious plans for expansion. Thus, they realized that they would eventually need even more space. As a solution, they decided to lease office space to smaller, while planning to retake these offices once the company expanded. Unfortunately, the dreams of extensive expansion turned out to be pipe dreams. Other retailing giants offered formidable competition. Eventually, Sears moved their offices to Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Rumor has it that the owners who purchased the building in March of 2004 have plans to rename the building. The Chicago Architecture Foundation conducts tours of the Sears Tower Lobby. After the tour, you can visit the Sky Tower at a reduced rate, as well as a reduced waiting time.
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