Western Illinois Information

There’s no charge to see the giant farm machines at the John Deere Pavilion in Moline or the Mormon landmarks at the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo. The Niabi Zoo near the Quad Cities offers se- lect free days throughout the summer. At Wildlife Prairie State Park, carloads re- ceive discounted admission on Wednes- days, and general admission is reduced in November, December and March.

SEASONAL FAVES

The town of Galesburg welcomes spring in April with Sandburg Days, a festival cele- brating the native author and poet. In summer, ride the riverboats in Moline or Peoria, stay overnight in a cabin at Wildlife Prairie State Park and watch the outdoor performance of the dramatic Nauvoo Pageant, presented evenings

throughout July. See spectacular fall col- ors along the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, Knox County Scenic Drive and Pike County Fall Color Drive. In the winter, ski the slopes at Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park and celebrate the holidays at the East Peoria Festival of Lights.

CAN’T MISS

Start your trip in river country along the Mighty Mississippi in the Quad Cities. Learn about farming at the John Deere Pavilion and trace the trail of a legendary Native American warrior at the Black Hawk State Historic Site. Move on to Peo- ria, where you can sail the Illinois River on the Spirit of Peoria paddle wheeler and join in a fun festival on the RiverFront. Discover a 19th century Swedish settle- ment in Bishop Hill or a towering Mormon temple in Nauvoo. See some of the most significant architecture in the state at Quincy’s East End Historic District, where the homes represent design styles from the 1830s to 1930s.

Produced in association with Illinois Travel Guide 2010