Illinois is as rich with history as it is with corn, soy, and construction. From the earliest known inhabitants of the land to making new strides in technology and engineering, I seem to learn something new about this state every day. Growing up in DeKalb County, I was lucky to be surrounded by a mix of nature and history that helped me understand my own roots and how generations of people before me had contributed to the area's culture. So when people from Central or Southern Illinois ask me where they should visit to learn something about the region, I always point them in the direction of this incredible Black Hawk Statue in Illinois.

"Eternal Indian," also known as the Black Hawk Statue, is a stunning 48-foot-tall concrete monolith created by sculptor Lorado Taft between 1908 and 1911. It's believed to be the second-largest statue of its type in the world only to "Christ the Redeemer" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Sculpted as an homage to several Native American tribes, the statue stands watch 77 feet above the Rock River and overlooks the small town of Oregon below.

Historians speculate that the statue most likely pays respect to Sauk, Sioux, Mohawk, and Fox Native cultures.

In 1898, its sculptor, Lorado Taft, established the Eagles Nest Art Colony for his colleagues and art students to convene and create at the 141-acre park. Often, the group would walk up onto the bluff to reflect and take in picturesque views of the surrounding area, and today visitors can observe the statue in the same place.

The artist colony is now known as the Taft Campus and serves as Northern Illinois University's outdoor education campus. For decades, it's been tradition for students in Northern Illinois to spend a weekend at the retreat center, which includes rooms with bunk beds and a buffet-style dining room. I had this experience, myself, in middle school.

Pro tip: Illinois Route 2 offers one of the best views of the sculpture from afar, particularly at sunset when the radiant colors make Black Hawk glow.

Yet, its powerful image from up close cannot be understated.

The statue and Taft Campus are located adjacent to Lowden State Park, a 207-acre park that includes the Rock River with incredible bluffs and overlooks, hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.

To round out your trip, stop by the charming, historic town of Oregon. The county seat of Ogle County, Oregon was originally the homeland of Winnebago and Potawatomi tribes before becoming a New England settlement in the 1800s. Today, its historic influences are seen everywhere from architecture to art to its events.

Oregon is the perfect place for a day trip with local shops and dining, as well as plenty of opportunities to explore its historic districts. If you love nature as much as small-town charm, this place should make the bucket list.

So, will you be adding this must-visit destination in Oregon, Illinois to your road trip plans? Have another landmark or natural wonder that's worth driving across the state for in mind? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now (in fact, here's a great one to follow!) by visiting the Lorado Taft website, the City of Oregon website, and the Lowden State Park website. Need a place to stay while in town? This 5-star riverfront cabin on the Rock River sleeps four and is pet-friendly — and this ultimate list of road trip packing essentials will help you get fully prepped for the journey.

For more unique Indiana adventures, take a look at this stunning town with historic architecture: