Fun Vacation Ideas

Going on a vacation during this time of economic recession puts off a lot of potential tourists. When money is tight, expenses must be reduced, is the rationale. That is well and good, but there are enjoyable vacations one can take without spending much, so that one need not deprive himself of enjoying a respite just because budget is small. One of these destinations is Illinois.

For history buffs

In Springfield, Illinois stands the two-story home of Abraham Lincoln, the only one he owned. He lived there with his wife Mary stating 1844 until he became President in 1861. A tour of the 1 1/2 storey cottage will give the visitor a glimpse of how life was in the 1800′s, as well as the austerity of Honest Abe.

Another home of interest is that granted to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant by grateful Galena, Illinois citizens celebrating his return. He lived there also until his election to the presidency in 1868. Tours of the Grant house is conducted by guides wearing historical costumes.

Outdoor activities

The Shawnee National Forest is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers rock-climbing (of unique sandstone formations), hiking the River-to-River Trail which connects the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, lakes to fish, and campgrounds to enjoy the Garden of the Gods, a wilderness area of 320-million years old forest and interesting rock formations.

The Pine Ridge Campgrounds offer boating and fishing on the lake, swimming, trails for hiking and geological areas to explore. Horseback riding, on the other hand, is available at the Johnson Creek Campgrounds in Ava, Illinois along Lake Kincaid, which also affords great fishing.

But for a really integrated lake-based activity vacation, go to Carlyle Lake in Clinton County. Camping can be in cabins or walk-in tents that you can rent, rather than bringing your own gear. Bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, catfish and sauger abound in the lake so there are excellent fishing opportunities. The average density is claimed to be 3,260 pounds of fish in every water acre.

There are also nine miles to hike, while hunting is allowed for white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, mourning doves, turkeys and bobwhite quail. Shorebirds, songbirds, ducks, geese, eagles, cormorants, blue herons and ospreys will also delight birdwatchers who stroll the lakeshore or hike the trails.

An unusual trip

Very similar to the riverboat cruises of the earlier times, the more modern Shawnee Queen River Taxi takes 48 passengers along a scenic Ohio River trip, stopping at the towns of Golconda, Rosiclare and Elizabethtown for shopping, and Cave-in Rock for a little pirate history of the Mason Gang. Golconda also offers excellent fishing opportunities.

There is also the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the one of the largest aquarium in the world, and maintains 20,000 fish for viewing. More than two million people visit the aquarium every year, making it one very popular Illinois destination indeed. Coupled with the nearby Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum Campus where the three sites are located is quite busy everyday so book your visit early.

Go Illinois!

So if you really want an enjoyable vacation on a shoestring (almost anyway), go Illinois. The camping is easy and the opportunities are plenty. Forget the luxurious hotels and welcome the tents; forget the usual activities and go nature, and you will have the best vacation… in Illinois.

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