The Top 14 Historical Sites in Illinois!

There is a wealth of historical sites sprinkled throughout the Land of Lincoln, providing an intriguing glimpse of the past. Some of the historical sites are natural wonders such as fossil beds and rock cliffs, while others are man-made architectural marvels. Discover something new at these 14 historical sites in Illinois. 

Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville, IL

Cahokia Mounds is a 2,200-acre historical site of a preserved prehistoric civilization. Here rests the architectural remains of a highly sophisticated native settlement that was larger than London in AD 1250. Visitors can now explore this ancient civilization in Collinsville.

Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable Homesite, Chicago, IL

The Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable Homesite is the first known permanent residence in Chicago (not including native settlements). This site dates back to the 1780s and became a National Historic Landmark in 1976. 

Old State Capitol, Springfield, IL

This historic building features Greek revival-style architecture and plenty of fascinating history. Lincoln practiced law in this building and was associated with this historical site as early as 1837. Although the building was rebuilt and remodeled, it remains a spectacle for guests. 

Unity Temple, Oak Park, IL

Unity Temple in Oak Park was built by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908. Architects consider this structure the first modern building of that period. Visitors can now marvel at this brightly lit sanctuary made almost entirely of concrete.  

Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL

Rock Island Arsenal, the largest government-operated weapon manufacturing arsenal in the U.S., is a National Historic Landmark packed with history. It served as a prison camp for Confederate soldiers from 1863 to 1865, housing more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers. Although the prison facility has been completely destroyed, tourists can still visit the Rock Island National Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery. 

Abraham Lincoln Home, Springfield, IL

Tour the only home Abraham Lincoln has ever owned and lived in before he became president. Located in Springfield, the 12-room Lincoln homesite looks exactly how it did in 1860 when Lincoln and his wife resided there. 

Arthur H. Compton House, Chicago, IL

Located in Chicago, the Arthur H. Compton House was the residence of the professor who discovered the Compton Effect. This discovery proved that light has both a wave and particle aspect. In 1927 Compton also received the Nobel Peace Prize in Physics. Now the Arthur H. Compton House is a National Historic Landmark. 

Fort De Chartres, Prairie Du Rocher, IL

With history dating back to 1790, the Fort De Chartres was a French Fortification built of limestone on Mississippi River’s east bank. It was rebuilt several times due to flooding, and now stands as an Illinois Historic Site and National Historic Site. 

Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain, Chicago, IL

Located in Grant Park, the Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world. It produces a water display for 20 minutes each hour, shooting water 150 feet into the air. The Buckingham Fountain is also one of the finest ornamental fountains in the world. 

Kincaid Mounds Site, Massac County, IL

The Kincaid Mounds mark the site of a prehistoric Native American civilization dating back to the Archaic Period from 8000 to 2000 BC, which is the pre-pottery period. The people of that time built large buildings, possibly temples or council houses, on top of large mounds and carved figurines into coal and fluorite. In 1964 this area was declared a National Historic Landmark. 

Mazon Creek Fossil Beds, Grundy County, IL

Surround yourself with fossils that formed around 300 million years ago at the Mazon Creek Fossil Beds in Grundy County. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997, this incredible area features various specious of hard and soft-bodied plant and animal tissues preserved in ironstone concretions. 

Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago, IL

Once the tallest building in Chicago, the Chicago Board of Trade is now a historic landmark and still a primary trading venue. It’s known for its Art Deco architecture, stone carvings, sculptures, and large trading floor. The original Chicago Board of Trade was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. 

Old Kaskaskia Village, Kaskaskia, IL

This historical village now has a population of under 20 people, but it once was a Native American village inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years. In the early 1700s French colonists established a missionary there and it briefly served as the state’s capital from 1818 to 1819. A flood destroyed most of the town in 1881 and again in 1993.

Holy Family Catholic Church, Cahokia, IL

The Holy Family Catholic Church in Cahokia is the oldest Catholic Parish in the United States. Founded in 1699, The Log Church was built in 1799 and is constructed of black walnut timbers. It still stands and is the oldest historic church west of the Alleghany Mountains. 

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Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington, IL
Our goal is to raise $130,000.00 to help keep the Mansion open, but we can't do it alone. Your donation/membership in the David Davis Mansion Found... Read More
200 North Main Street, Bloomington, IL
Our Mission: In accordance with the Statement of Purpose, Article II of the Constitution, adopted by the McLean County Historical Society; it is t... Read More
101 East Beaufort Street, Normal, IL
Our Mission : The mission of the Children's Discovery Museum is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play. Our mission is accompl... Read More
2929 East Empire Street, Bloomington, IL
Mission:To educate, entertain, and inspire through collecting, preserving, and displaying aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia about aviation and s... Read More
101 S. School Street, Normal, IL
The ISU Planetarium offers a variety of programs coordinated with preschool, elementary, middle, and high-school course work. In addition, the Plan... Read More
Post Office Box 266, Atlanta, IL
About Us : In the heart of our nation's cornbelt, just a block off Historic Rt. 66, you can discover your connection to Illinois' rich grain pro... Read More
1351 Airport Road, Lincoln, IL
Mission Statement: To establish a collection of hestoric, and classic, aircraft, for Museum display as symbols of our Aviation Heritage.  Educ... Read More
1115 Nicholson Road, Lincoln, IL
The museum began in 1942 when an 1887 Lincoln University alumnus Judge Lawrence Stringer willed his vast Lincoln and Logan County history collectio... Read More
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Road, Cisco, IL
The name "Bethel School" has a long history in Friends Creek Township. The first Bethel School built in the 1850's in Section 7 of the township was... Read More
675 State Route 116, Metamora, IL
Home of the museum complex, the Illinois Mennonite archives, and the historical and genealogical research library of the Illinois Mennonite Histori... Read More
110 W Howard Street, Pontiac, IL
The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum features thousands of artifacts and memorabilia related to Route 66 - The Mother Road.... Read More
992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello, IL
History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of... Read More
420 West Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL
About Museum: The Hieronymus Mueller Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the history of the Hieronymus Muell... Read More
235 West Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL
Our Mission and Purpose: The African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of  Illinois, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) non- profit... Read More
421 West William Street, Decatur, IL
History of the Oglesby MansionThe Oglesby LegacyHistorically, Richard J. Oglesby is recognized as Decatur's most distinguished citizen. He served h... Read More
125 North Pine Street, Decatur, IL
The James Millikin Homestead, located in Decatur, Illinois, is the former residence of James and Anna Millikin, founders of Millikin University, Mi... Read More
5580 North Fork Road, Decatur, IL
Our Mission: To advance the study of history by providing a forum for public knowledge through the operation of its museum, library, archives, and... Read More
55 South Country Club Road, Decatur, IL
Mission:Children’s Museum of Illinois is a hands-on, interactive museum for children ages three to twelve. Its exhibits and activities comple... Read More
Rocksprings Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL
Homestead Prairie Farm is built around the Trobaugh-Good House located at Rock Springs Conservation Area. It has been restored to let visitors expl... Read More
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