State of Illinois Travel Guide : Illinois has everything for visitors. Foremost is the city of Chicago with its fantastic museums and cultural scene. Must-sees include the Museum of Science and Industry and the Brookfield Zoo. Go to the historic town of Galena where you can take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Southeast Illinois is home to the city of Champaign, beautiful Lake Shelbyville and the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Reserve. In Southwest Illinois don't miss the city of Springfield and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Illinois was once the state of the Illini Indians. They were replaced by French settlers, who established a fort "where a river flowed into a big lake". That big lake was Lake Michigan the river, the Chicago River; the fort's site the city now called Chicago.

The divide between Chicago and the "downstate" is dramatic. Chicago is one of America's most representative big cities, filled with awe-inspiring skyscrapers, world-class museums, neighborhood festivals, top-notch restaurants, and above all, the splendid lakefront. Chicago can claim the world's best blues, pizza, and summer weather while maintaining a refreshingly humble attitude. More honest than LA, friendlier than New York, and better than just about anywhere, Chicago is a state unto itself.

Chicago is big on sailing. There is the Chicago to Mackinac Island race every year. If you stay in the Chicago Downtown Hostel, you can rent sailboats for the day via the Sailing Club. Or you can visit Northwestern University's Club boathouse where they might offer to rent you a sailboat for the day.
Downstate consists of miles and miles of rich farmland. Springfield, the capital, has many attractions, namely highlighting the state's favorite son, and 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, is known for its active social scene.

From Kayaking to Rock-Climbing, Central and Southern Illinois have a wonderful outdoor scene, so be sure to rent a car to leave the city.

If you're into skydiving, there is a great cheap place to do that in Minier, IL just south of Bloomington-Normal. Be aware of landing in the corn fields... If you crush crush the corn on landing, you will have to pay a "damages" fee to the farmers. Great SCUBA diving is available in all areas of Illinois, with many wrecks in Lake Michigan, just off the coast from Chicago and diving areas in Lake Egypt in Southern Illinois' National Park and Kankakee's abandoned rock quarries. Beautiful rock-climbing cliffs and canyons in Southern Illinois are located east of Marion.

Illinois Tourism

Diverse year round activities can be found in Illinois from skating, skiing and tobogganing in winter to bicycling, jogging and water sports in summer. Chicago is a fascinating city known for its architecture and sculpture, much of which can be seen from the Sears Tower on a clear day.

Business: In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.