Visit Illinois’ Historic Sites for Free

Illinois has a rich history that can be explored through a variety of fascinating historic sites and monuments throughout the state. From the bustling city streets of Chicago to the rolling hills of the countryside, Illinois has a wide range of interesting and educational attractions that can be experienced for free.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the history of Illinois, then visiting some of its historic sites is the perfect way to do it. From ancient Native American settlements to famous battlefields, Illinois has an abundance of interesting and educational attractions that can be enjoyed without spending a dime. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit for free in Illinois.

U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site

The U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site is located in Galena, Illinois and is the former home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The house was built in 1859 and was the family home of the Grant family until 1885. The house and grounds are now open to the public and offer free tours to visitors. The house is a living reminder of the Grant family’s life in Galena, and the tours provide an in-depth look at the important role that Grant played in the history of the United States.

Fort De Chartres State Historic Site

The Fort De Chartres State Historic Site is located in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois and is the reconstruction of an 18th-century French fort. The fort was built in 1720 and served as a major trading post for the French until it was abandoned in 1763. Today, the fort has been reconstructed and is open to the public for free, offering tours of the grounds and buildings. Visitors can also explore the fort’s museum, which features artifacts and exhibits related to the fort’s history.

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is located in Petersburg, Illinois and is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. The village was reconstructed in the 1930s and today, visitors can explore the village and its many historic buildings, including the Lincoln Home, the Lincoln Store, and the Lincoln Blacksmith Shop. The site also offers a variety of educational programs, tours, and special events, all of which are free to the public.

Fort Massac State Park

Fort Massac State Park is located in Metropolis, Illinois and is the site of a historic French fort established in 1757. The fort is the oldest building in the state and is open to the public for free. Visitors can explore the fort and the surrounding grounds, which feature a variety of historic buildings and monuments. The park also offers educational programs and tours, as well as a variety of special events throughout the year.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is located in Collinsville, Illinois and is the site of an ancient Native American city. The city was established around 700 A.D. and was home to thousands of people until its decline in the 1400s. Today, the site is open to the public for free and visitors can explore the mounds and other historic buildings, as well as the museum which features artifacts and exhibits related to the city’s history.

Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site is located in Springfield, Illinois and is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln. The tomb was built in 1874 and is open to the public for free. Visitors can explore the tomb and its grounds, which feature a variety of monuments and memorials dedicated to Lincoln. The site also offers guided tours and special events throughout the year.

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

The Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site is located in Ellis Grove, Illinois and is the site of a fort built by the French in the 1730s. The fort served as an important military outpost and trading post until the British captured it in 1763. Today, the fort is open to the public for free and visitors can explore the grounds and buildings, as well as the museum which features artifacts and exhibits related to the fort’s history.

Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is located in Vandalia, Illinois and is the site of the first state capitol of Illinois. The statehouse was built in 1836 and served as the state capitol until 1839. Today, the statehouse is open to the public for free and visitors can explore the grounds and buildings, as well as the museum which features artifacts and exhibits related to the statehouse’s history.

Old State Capitol State Historic Site

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site is located in Springfield, Illinois and is the site of the second state capitol of Illinois. The capitol building was built in 1837 and served as the state capitol until 1876. Today, the building is open to the public for free and visitors can explore the grounds and buildings, as well as the museum which features artifacts and exhibits related to the capitol’s history.

Fort Dearborn

Fort Dearborn is located in Chicago, Illinois and is the site of a fort established by the U.S. Army in 1803. The fort was destroyed by the British in 1812 and rebuilt in 1816. Today, the fort is open to the public for free and visitors can explore the grounds and buildings, as well as the museum which features artifacts and exhibits related to the fort’s history.

Gallatin County War Memorial

The Gallatin County War Memorial is a memorial to the veterans of Gallatin County, Illinois. The memorial was erected in 1987 and is open to the public for free. Visitors can explore the grounds and monuments, as well as the museum which features artifacts and exhibits related to the county’s military history.

Illinois State Military Museum

The Illinois State Military Museum is located in Springfield, Illinois and is the state’s official military museum. The museum is open to the public for free and visitors can explore the grounds and buildings, as well as the museum which features artifacts and exhibits related to the state’s military history.

These are just some of the many historic sites and monuments that can be explored for free in Illinois. From ancient Native American settlements to famous battlefields, Illinois has a wide range of interesting and educational attractions that can be enjoyed without spending a dime. So if you’re looking for an unique way to explore the history of Illinois, then visiting some of its historic sites is the perfect way to do it.

Conclusion

Illinois has a rich history that can be explored through a variety of fascinating historic sites and monuments throughout the state. From the bustling city streets of Chicago to the rolling hills of the countryside, Illinois has a wide range of interesting and educational attractions that can be experienced for free. Whether you’re looking to explore the history of the United States or the ancient Native American settlements of Illinois, there are plenty of free attractions to choose from.