Bridges are pretty polarizing things. People either seem to love them or are absolutely terrified about going over them. Honestly, I'm a little bit of both. Either way, Illinois is home to some really amazing bridges. Here are the top ten:
1. Chain of Rocks Bridge (Illinois into St. Louis)
As you probably know, there is no shortage of things to do in Illinois One of the things that I most love about living in the Prairie State is just how easy it is to be a traveler in my own state. Each region has its own look and vibe, and all the small towns and cities within each region have their own cultures and defining features. This, of course, makes it perfectly possible to be an explorer over and over again. And, as any road tripper knows, pulling off at rest stops and visitor centers is one way to help make or break a long drive and, more frequently than not, learn a little something about the surrounding area. Sometimes, a visitor center may, itself, be so fascinating that it becomes a stop-along attraction in its own right. If you're like me and believe that the journey is just as - if not more - important as the destination, then you'll definitely want to pay a visit to the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center: It's just a day trip away - and it may be the best visitor center in Illinois.
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This Illinois visitor center is located at 950 N. 27th Road, in Ottawa, and just across the river from Starved Rock State Park. Its simple brick design - which is vaguely reminiscent of Prairie Style architecture - offers incredible views of nature and access to the world of water transportation.
With outdoor viewing decks and several fixed viewing scopes, this traveler destination is beloved as a favorite spot among both boat watchers and birders - especially those with a particular affinity for bald eagles, many of which nest and winter in the area. Others pass through as they use the river as a migratory flyway.
Just across the river from Starved Rock State Park, eagle-eyed visitors have the chance to see the rare national bird. The visitor center even has its own wildlife viewing area.
Inside, the visitor center is filled with taxidermied specimens of native birds and animals, as well as maps, displays and exhibits, and plenty of other resources to learn more about water travel, commerce, and Illinois' waterways.
In and around the building, you'll find authentic, decommissioned boat parts and paraphernalia, such as diving suits, huge propellers, and even a wheelhouse you can explore.
So, will you add the best visitor center in Illinois to your Prairie State bucket list? Is there another favorite visitor center or rest stop that we should know about? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now by checking out the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center website - and while you're putting together your itinerary, why not turn your visit into a weekend getaway? Starved Rock State Park is one of the best state parks in Illinois; it's home to many trails, scenic overlooks, and waterfalls. And just steps from Starved Rock and the Illinois River you'll find the perfect tiny cabin to stay in, complete with all the amenities you'll need, like a queen size bed, kitchenette, private bathroom with shower, fire pit, and more. Pro tip: Try this guided kayaking tour to add in a fun water activity.
For visitors to Illinois, a trip to the Skydeck in the Willis Tower might be high on their list of things to do. Having lived here for more than two years, I still have not been to the 103rd floor of the tallest building in Chicago– and to be honest, I am not planning to anytime soon.
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Even putting my fear of heights aside, I think the majesty of the Willis Tower is best enjoyed from a distance. The views from the Skydeck are undoubtedly some of the best in the city, but I am not sure I am willing to wait among the crowds for a 60-second view. This is just my opinion, but the Skydeck's more than 1.7 million visitors every year might disagree.
The Willis Tower, known to most Illinoisans as the Sears Tower, is the tallest building in Chicago and the third tallest in the U.S.
Notably, the Willis Tower's Skydeck is the highest public viewing area in the country. While New York City has stolen the title for the nation's tallest tower, Chicago is the destination to go if you are seeking to go to extraordinary heights.
The Skydeck itself is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower.
Guests will board an elevator that ascends at a rate of 24 feet per second, meaning they will get to the Skydeck in approximately 70 seconds. Consider chewing some gum on the way up and down as many people report their ears pop on the journey.
One of the primary attractions of the Skydeck is The Ledge.
The Ledge is a cantilevered deck that juts out to the side of the Willis Tower. Made of three layers of half-inch thick glass, The Ledge can support a weight of 10,000 lbs, but I hope that estimate never gets put to the test.
The Ledge and the Skydeck have become incredibly popular photo spots.
There is not anywhere else in the city I can think of with this kind of unencumbered backdrop. Being so popular, groups of three are only allowed on the ledge for a maximum of 60 seconds and groups of four or more have to get on and off within 90 seconds.
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Those brave enough to step onto the 4.3 foot-long glass floor will be standing 1,353 feet above the ground.
Today, there are five balconies that are a part of The Ledge Experience. All five face west and give thrill-seekers the chance to down to see Wacker Street directly below them.
If the The Ledge is a step too far for you, the entire 103rd floor has incredible views.
Looking north from the Skydeck you can see the tops of some of Chicago's other tallest skyscrapers. The Trump Tower, Aon Center and 875 N Michigan Ave. feel much less tall when seen from above.
The Skydeck also offers incredible views to the south.
Museum campus, Lake Michigan, and the south branch of the Chicago River can be seen simultaneously from the Skydeck. On a clear day, you can see 50 miles into the distance, all the way to Indiana.
Views of the city are not all the Skydeck has to offer.
The Skydeck also has a museum that dives into Chicago's history, architecture and traditions. One of many guests' favorite exhibits is a full scale replica of an L train with video screens mirroring the scenery commuters would see out the window.
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The Skydeck is located in the Willis Tower, although the name of the building can sometimes be a sore subject for locals.
When the building was completed in 1973, the Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world. When it was renamed the Willis Tower in 2009 after a U.K.-based company, it did not sit well with those who saw the Sears Tower as an icon of Chicago. Many still refer to it as the Sears Tower.
Whatever you choose to call the building, there is no debate that the Skydeck and The Ledge create a memorable experience for visitors.
Below the Skydeck, the Willis Tower is a retail and office building. For more than 50 years, the building has towered over Chicago and defined its skyline.
Whether you are an amateur photographer or a professional, it would be hard to take a bad photo at the Skydeck.
The Skydeck has its draws, but I find that the best way to see Chicago is from the ground at eye-level with the people, restaurants and parks that give the city its character. Standing on the 103rd floor of the Skydeck will give you a sense of how big the Willis Tower is, but seeing all of Chicago should take a lot longer than a minute-long elevator ride and a 90-second photo shoot.
If you decide to see what all the buzz is about, be sure to get tickets for the Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower experience before you go.
There is a lot of history behind the Willis Tower including these 11 fascinating facts, but a visit to the building and its museum are the best way to learn about it. Have you been to the Skydeck? Let us know if you think it is worth a visit.
