Illinois: Photos, Posters, and Prints

Illinois contains a variety of geographical regions and landforms within its boundaries. The northeastern portion of the state is characterized by glacial lakes, bogs and lakeshore dunes. It contains the metropolitan area of Chicago and is dissected by several Interstates. Small state parks throughout this region preserve wetlands and glacier-carved natural areas. Chicago Portage National Historic Site and Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor commemorate the role of the region in American history.

Like every state, Illinois contains diverse recreation opportunities in every region. The Lake Michigan lakeshore of northeastern Illinois, and many man-made lakes, provide visitors and residents with access to water sports. Shawnee National Forest maintains access to hiking, camping, fishing and mountain biking.

Illinois, stretching from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, embraces vast, rich farmlands, the giant city of Chicago, rolling glacial plains and, to the south, the hills and valleys of the Illinois Ozarks. Illinois boasts 6900km (4300 miles) of scenic shoreline, 1100 historic sites and half a million acres of state parks. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US President, spent most of his professional (he was a lawyer) and political life here.