State · Grandes Lagos e Meio-Oeste (Chicago)

Illinois

Illinois has Chicago, with the architecture seen from the river, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan and the houses by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the pre-Columbian site of Cahokia.

In the photo: Starved Rock State Park

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The state

Get to know Illinois

Illinois is in the Midwest of the United States, between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. The capital is Springfield, Abraham Lincoln’s city; the largest city is Chicago, the third in the country, on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Chicago was rebuilt after the great fire of 1871 and became the birthplace of skyscrapers. The architecture boat tour on the Chicago River shows downtown architecture; Millennium Park has the sculpture Cloud Gate, known as the Bean; the Art Institute houses Impressionist and American paintings; and the Willis Tower has a glass observation deck on the 103rd floor.

On the University of Chicago campus is the Robie House, and in Oak Park, adjacent to the city, the Unity Temple, two Frank Lloyd Wright buildings that are part of the UNESCO heritage; Oak Park also has the architect’s house and studio. On the table, deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog, without ketchup.

In the southwest of the state, Collinsville, on the other side of the Mississippi opposite St. Louis, holds the Cahokia Mounds, remains of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, a UNESCO site. In Springfield are Abraham Lincoln’s home and museum, and Chicago is the starting point of Route 66.

When to go

From May to October is usually the best time for Chicago, with long days, lake beaches and music festivals in summer. Autumn is cool, with colorful leaves. Winter, from December to March, is often very cold, with wind off the lake and snow.

Getting there

Chicago has two airports: O'Hare (ORD), one of the country's largest, and Midway (MDW). Connections with Brazil may be direct or with a connection, depending on the season and the airline. Check before buying. From O'Hare, the Blue Line metro reaches downtown. Chicago is the hub of Amtrak's network, with trains to New York, New Orleans, Seattle and Los Angeles. Collinsville is about 15 km from St. Louis, which has its own airport.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Illinois

How many days for Chicago?

Three to four days allow for the architecture boat tour, seeing Millennium Park, the Art Institute and the Willis Tower observation deck, and going to Oak Park.

What is the architecture tour in Chicago like?

It is a boat tour of about an hour and a half along the Chicago River, with a guide, departing from downtown and passing dozens of buildings. It usually runs from spring through fall: check the dates before you go.

Can you visit Frank Lloyd Wright's houses in Chicago?

Yes. The Robie House, on the University of Chicago campus, and the Unity Temple and the house-studio in Oak Park offer guided tours with tickets purchased in advance. Oak Park is about 15 km from downtown, accessible via the Green Line metro.

What is winter like in Chicago?

It is usually harsh, with temperatures below zero between December and February, strong wind coming off the lake and snow. Museums and the downtown underground walkways (Pedway) help to avoid the cold.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (domínio público). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.