Illinois Has 89 National Historic Landmarks… But These 8 Are the Coolest

According to the National Park Service, Illinois has 89 National Historic Landmarks, ranging from the homes of notable figures to complex archaeological sites. These landmarks are often the sites of historical events or past homes of important people. Visitors can gain an appreciation for people from the past and marvel at unique construction and design. Check out some of the coolest National Historic Landmarks in Illinois and learn about their histories and locations.

Wrigley Field

Home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium on the north side of Chicago. It first opened in 1914 and was originally called Weeghman Park. However, after the chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. acquired the Chicago Cubs in 1921, the stadium was renamed. The Cubs played their first game on the field in 1916, defeating Cincinnati. This historic stadium still features a hand-turned scoreboard. Wrigley Field was awarded national landmark status in 2020 due to its integral role in the American story.

Abraham Lincoln Home

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, Illinois and preserves the home of former President Abraham Lincoln, where he lived from 1844 to 1861. Along with the house, the site includes the four blocks surrounding the home and a visitor center. Lincoln moved to Springfield in 1837, where he met Mary Todd and married her in 1842. They bought their Springfield home in 1844, and it was the only home Lincoln ever owned. His son, Robert Todd Lincoln, donated the family home to the State of Illinois in 1887 to be forever preserved and open to the public.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium was the first planetarium in the country when it opened to the public in 1930. Today, it is a public museum in Chicago, where visitors can expand their knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics. It sits on Northerly Island’s tip on Lake Michigan and is part of Chicago’s Museum Campus. The planetarium features several theaters, space capsules, antique scientific instruments, and many exhibitions on space and science. The Adler Planetarium became a historic site in 1987.

Cahokia Mounds

Located in Collinsville, directly across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, the Cahokia Mounds is the site of a Native American city that existed from 1050 to 1350 CE. This historic park stretches for more than 2,000 acres and contains dozens of manmade mounds. The city of Cahokia is one of the most significant archeological sites in North America, and it played an essential role in Mississippian culture. Not only is the Cahokia Mounds a National Historic Landmark, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Eads Bridge

This road and railway bridge sits over the Mississippi River and connects St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois. Workers began constructing the bridge in 1867, and it was completed in 1874. Eads Bridge is named after its designer, James Buchanan Eads. It is the oldest surviving bridge on the Mississippi River and is notable for its engineering feats. Eads Bridge still carries more than 8,000 vehicles daily.

Ulysses S. Grant Home

Ulysses S. Grant was a Civil War general and the 18th president of the United States. As thanks for his service in the war, the residents of Galena, Illinois, gave a home to Grant in 1865. Grant and his family lived in the home during his presidential campaign and parts of his presidency and retirement. He last visited the property in 1880. The home has been maintained as a memorial since 1904.

Kennicott’s Grove Nature Preserve

Kennicott Grove is a protected natural area in Glenview and also contains the historic home of John Kennicott, an agriculturalist and doctor. The home was built in 1856. The property around the house includes an interpretive nature center and walking trails that wind through prairie and wooded lands.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium is an impressive attraction and the third-largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The aquarium holds five million gallons of water and contains more than 30,000 animals. It opened in 1930 and has since become the most-visited cultural institution in Chicago.

Summary of the 8 Coolest National Historic Landmarks in Illinois

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