100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die

by Melanie Holmes

You may know Illinois as the former home of Abraham Lincoln or Chicagoland. But Illinois is more than just the Land of Lincoln or the location of one of the US’s largest cities. 100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die introduces you to the state’s rich history, showcasing the places with some of the best food and entertainment Illinois has to offer. Discover Cahokia Mounds and Dickson Mounds State Museum, which reveal sacred sites and customs of indigenous tribes who dwelled here before it became the United States. Experience Mark Twain–style paddleboats, world class museums, and unique lodgings like a train caboose or a treehouse. There are boulders for climbing, hot air balloons for riding, and some of the best spectator sports to enjoy―all just beyond the borders of your neighborhood or region. Local author Melanie Holmes shares her favorite tips about her home state. Whether you’re a lifelong Illinoisan or visiting for the weekend, you’ll find something in these pages to add to your bucket list. From sandstone-lined waterways to the best of theater, dance, and comedy clubs, Illinois has it all.

Genres: Travel

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2023

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've lived in Illinois since early 1996 (a whopping 27 years!) and I've lived in my current house for the longest of any house in my life (21 years in September 2023), so I was eager to see how much I've already accomplished and how much more there is to see of Illinois!

I love the author's enthusiasm for her subject and couldn't help but be excited myself as I discovered new places to explore! There is a wonderful variety of things to do and see for everyone. I had to read fast as there is another library patron waiting in the hold queue for this book.

Some places Melanie Holmes includes that I haven't yet explored and have added to my must-see list:

1. Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville (700 AD), a World Heritage Site and State Historic Site.
2. N. Illinois's Largest Antique Mall (28,000 sq. ft) - Elizabeth's Grand Antique Co. is 15 miles from Galena at 300 West St, Elizabeth.
3. DuSable Black History Museum (America's oldest independent African American museum; an affiliate of the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution).
4. The Great Galena Balloon Race (always the 3rd full weekend in June).
5. Walk in the Garden of the Gods on the eastern edge of Shawnee National Forest.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book and used it recently on a trip to Illinois - we visited Lincoln and Quincy and Pittsfield. I found the interesting sites because of this book and we had fun in our travels.

[Ryan Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book at serving its purpose. The only thing that would have made it better was if it had a map with the towns listed.

[Sam Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I agree with another reviewer that the addition of maps would be cool. I'm sorry to have missed the recent opportunity to meet this author in my town.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in Illinois all my life ( starting my seventh decade) & not ever really researched Illinois for things to do as going out-of-state or country has always been more appealing, I found this book very enlightening with a number of sights that I was not aware & would be fun to do, the Lipizzan horses being #1. Who knew? I always thought I would need to go to Austria & here they are in my home state. I really like the Suggested Itineraries & Activities by Season sections at the end of the book. As an earlier review indicated, the only improvement for this book would be a map.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the enthusiasm for her topic that Holmes has.
She tells us about more unusual places that you might not have heard about. Something else she does that is smart? She completely avoids the Route 66 corridor. There are so many books about the Route, nationally and through the state, we don't need another guide for that.
I'm marking pages for places I want to visit and enjoying her commentary on the places I've been!

[Kenzie Ruhnke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love places to put on buckets list, place ready discover!