Traveling on a budget is essential in pretty much any circumstance, let alone in the current difficult times. There are some once-in-a-lifetime occasions where you should break the bank to travel, and do so guilt free. Your honeymoon, a journey to find yourself before or after college, and the first trip after retiring are great times to go big. But for the average family vacation, you’ll probably want to be cutting costs wherever you can.
Enter Illinois, the Prairie State. IL is obviously not the home of Disneyland or the nation’s capital. But that doesn't mean that it can’t offer a memorable vacation experience. Chicago is known for its skyscrapers, making it a great place for fans of architecture and urban landscapes. The surrounding land is full of diverse types of nature like wetlands, forests, and prairies. Prairies are particularly important as they’re a very rare biome in today’s world. Nature lovers should definitely see IL for its unique landscape.
The best part about the attractions of IL is that they’re fairly inexpensive. You don’t need to spend too much to see nature or enjoy a city. Here are some attractions that will show you the best of IL while still allowing you to look at your bank account after your trip without crying.
Willis Tower Skydeck
Go on top of a building and see the land stretched out before you. That’s the basic appeal of this attraction. The Skydeck’s view is extra special because you can see four different states at the same time from its 103rd floor. The transparent floor even extends beyond the walls to become a balcony, letting you look straight down to the ground if you so desire.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Those with an eye for history will want to visit this library, which focuses on both Lincoln and the history of IL itself. It’s located in Springfield, a city that could also provide decently-priced lodgings. The collections in this museum are over 100 years in the making.
Try IL Sports Betting
Sports betting is becoming a big new industry all over the US, and IL is fully on the train. New federal laws have been introduced that allow states to legalize online sports betting. IL is one of these states, so you can wager on sports games inside the major league arenas and usings sports book apps on your phone. SInce IL residents haven’t had legal betting until recently, they’ve adopted it with gusto. If you plan to catch a game, you’ll see just how passionate people get when money is on the line. It’ll make for a sports experience you haven’t seen before.
If gambling is in the cards for you, consider staying in a casino hotel. You can sometimes use points from casino rewards programs to get discounts or free night’s stays. If you know about Illinois gambling and current promos, you can maybe use rewards programs to get free bets during your trip.
Starved Rock State Park
This one is for the hikers. Starved Rock State Park has 18 canyons and 13 miles of trails. Many are on the safer side, taking you near scenic waterfalls on guided paths. If more extreme sports are your thing, you will also find areas for fishing, boating, camping, and winter sports.
Lincoln Park
Don’t expect a rock concert here. Lincoln Park, IL is a huge park with one of the oldest zoos in America. It’s an impressively huge display with exotic animals and plants from all over the world. The park also has a theater and a beach, so you could easily make a full day trip out of it.
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