15 Illinois Landmarks Everyone Should See At Least Once: Photos

ILLINOIS — The Land of Lincoln is home to some of the nation's most treasured sites. Not only was it the home of President Abraham Lincoln, it's also where some of America's earliest industrial communities were created as well as where some of the oldest museums were first built.

From buildings that shape the Chicago skyline to ruins of an ancient civilization, we've gathered a list of Illinois landmarks that every person should visit at least once in their lifetime. Check it out below!

Cloud Gate Sculpture in Millennium Park (Chicago)

If you're visiting Chicago, there's no way you should miss a walk through Millennium Park, a location that is synonymous with the city itself. If it's your first time there, you should see the giant bean sculpture, officially known as Cloud Gate, which is recognized as one of the most iconic locations for tourists and residents alike to take pictures with. This work of art was sculpted by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor and serves as the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza. Its distorted reflection of the Chicago skyline is instantly recognizable and without a doubt the "thing you must go see when you visit."

Buckingham Fountain (Chicago)

Touted as one of the largest fountains in the world, this landmark sits in the center of Grant Park, between Queen's Landing and Congress Parkway. Erected in 1927, it was built in the style of a rococo wedding cake, with inspiration taken from Latona Fountain in Versailles — a truly unique site that's a must for everyone's agenda. With regular water shows and changing color sets, you'll never forget it.

Pullman National Monument (Chicago)

This monument was originally built as a factory to produce Pullman sleeping cars for trains and served as a model for the nation's first industrial community. It also happens to be the very location of the 1894 Pullman Strike, which saw national railroad workers band together to fight unfair labor practices. The strike lasted for two months, becoming a pivotal moment in U.S. history and would go on to help shape our national labor policies.

Abraham Lincoln Tomb (Springfield)

Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place of America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Proclaimed as one of the nation's first national historic landmarks, this stop on our list is a moving site that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

Art Institute of Chicago

Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world. It boasts a permanent collection of roughly 300,000 works of art and is host to more than 30 special exhibitions every year. Plus, it's located in Chicago's Grant Park, so make sure to plan your visit during good weather. With over 1.5 million visitors annually, it doesn't take long to see why this landmark is truly one of the icons of the list.

Clark Bridge (Alton)

Carrying U.S. Route 67 across the Mississippi River, the Clark Bridge is a cable-stayed span between West Alton, Missouri, and Alton, Illinois. Although it was originally built in 1928, it was overhauled in 1994 to its current larger and cable-stayed construction. It's also often referred to as the Super Bridge — and whether you're traveling on bike or by car, you'll be happy you took the trip over it.

Wrigley Field (Chicago)

It doesn't matter if you're a sports fan or not, Wrigley Field is iconic, among heavy hitters such as New York's Yankee Stadium. Founded in 1914 and home to the Chicago Cubs, you definitely want to make sure you pay a visit.

Willis Tower (Chicago)

Originally called Sears Tower (which some locals still insist on calling it), this landmark is what truly shapes Chicago's skyline. It also boasts a glass tower ledge that brave visitors can dare to walk across, making it truly an unforgettable experience.

Dana-Thomas House (Springfield)

This Prairie School-style home was designed by world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is a registered historical landmark. It took two years to build, starting in 1902, and was for an heiress named Susan Lawrence Dana. This one you don't want to miss.

Abraham Lincoln Home (Springfield)

The second landmark home on this list is the humble abode of President Abraham Lincoln. Located in Springfield, this historic structure is a must-see for anyone. I mean, how cool is it say that you've been to Abe Lincoln's house?

Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)

This landmark is home to a 5-million-gallon aquarium (the total of all the tanks inside) that for some time was known as the largest indoor vessel of its kind in the world when it first opened back in 1930. This is definitely a stop worth taking, especially if you're visiting with children.

Navy Pier (Chicago)

It's fair to say that by this point, a Ferris wheel will make many people automatically think of not only London's skyline, but also Chicago's. The Ferris wheel is part of Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long attraction on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It comprises over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and other various special exhibitions. It is not only integral to Chicago's skyline, but is also a destination hot spot that draws nearly 9 million visitors each year.

Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)

Nestled across 35 acres in Lincoln Park sits this iconic landmark. It was founded in 1868 and is the fourth-oldest zoo in North America. Oh yeah — there's also free admission, so there's zero excuse to miss out on this must-have experience.

Woodstock Opera House

This historical landmark was founded in 1889 and was initially employed as a multi-use facility, offering office space for city officials as well as police and fire department personnel. Today, it's known widely for its performing arts.

Cahokia Mounds (Collinsville)

Save the best for last, right? This state historic site was once home to a pre-Columbian Native American city and is located directly across the Mississippi River from modern-day St. Louis, Missouri. Covering 2,200 acres and consisting of dozens of human-made mounds, Cahokia was one of the most influential urban settlements of the Mississippian culture. Visiting these grounds is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should get a chance to have.