Illinois, a river runs through it
By D. Baratta, Local CorrespondentTue, Jun 16 2009 at 1:06 AM EST
If you travel through certain corridors in Illinois, it can happen. You can drive for hours without seeing anything but cornfields.
Don't get me wrong, the flush line of green or brown against a blue sky is starkly beautiful. Especially on a clear day. But when you're behind the wheel of a car, all that simplicity gets a bit hypnotic.
So wake up, folks!
The state's best kept secrets lie along its scenic byways.
Just imagine yourself on a road trip. You're trailing alongside a river. Maybe looking over some bluffs and you spot a huge bald eagle nest.
Yep, still in Illinois.
Hard to believe? Well then, you need to see for yourself. To help plan your next trip, I put together this list of highlights along Illinois River Road in the central part of the state:
The I & M Canal pictured above is part of Starved Rock State Park, which also features gorgeous waterfalls and stunning rock formations and canyons. Each spring and fall, you can find dozens of bald eagles at the lock and dam as they feast on fish.
Part of a floodplain restoration project, this area is rife with wildlife from frogs to foxes and attracts over 200 species of birds. It is so inundated with waterfowl, in fact, that many people know the town of Hennepin as the "Duck Capitol of the World."
Yes, still Illinois.
Wildlife Prairie State Park, a 2,000-acre zoological area, is home to animals such as bison, elk, wolves and other species -- all of which once were, or still are, native inhabitants. Think of it as a living field guide to inform the rest of your travels.
Outside the Florida Everglades, this is the largest floodplain restoration project in the country and is managed by The Nature Conservancy. In terms of history, the place has seen it all. It's known for a rich Native American past and has 149 documented archeological sites.
Discover Illinois for yourself, my way or another scenic byway. Happy trails!
Photos: (from top)
I & M Canal - Credit Starved Rock State Park
Hennepin & Hopper Lakes - Credit Anaise Berry
Bison - Credit Wildlife Prairie State Park
Emiquon - Credit Kelvin Sampson
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Comments
Molly Moore
06/17/2009 15:17 PM
A day trip to Starved Rock State Park was one of my favorite outings growing up! But I'm unfamiliar with your other recommendations- after 18 years living in Illinois I still have a lot to see. (Granted, Cook County is almost its own state).
