Illinois Beach, Food, Gardens & parks + Nature pictures

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Chicago is a modern metropolis on Lake Michigan\'s shores with a pronounced fondness for art, baseball and blues. Stroll through the museums and parks during the day, and when the sun goes down, take in an evening of live blues in the bustling heart of Downtown Chicago. Or why not experience a lively sporting event and check out the hometown baseball teams, The Cubs and White Sox or the Chicago Bulls basketball team.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

Interact with animals and watch them feeding in this eclectic zoo with a rainforest section, a carousel and a Junior Zookeeper Program.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

Leave the skyscrapers of Chicago behind by escaping inland to tranquil gardens that feature model railroads, a vast array of trees and peaceful ponds.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

This expansive public park along Lake Michigan offers museums, beaches, nature reserves and sporting facilities.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

Stroll along the picturesque Illinois River, through parkland and down tree-lined streets in the oldest European settlement in Illinois.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.