Springtime in Illinois brings longer days and warmer temperatures, but most importantly, nature begins to bloom and the state landscape transforms, bringing mesmerizing sites.

In honor of the beginning of spring, here are a few flower shows to welcome the new season:

Spring Floral Show at the Washington Park Botanical Garden – Springfield

Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Washington Park Botanical Garden! From March 22 to April 13, immerse yourself in vibrant floral displays displaying the season’s most stunning blooms. This free annual event is a perfect way to witness nature’s rebirth. Visit the Springfield Park District’s website for more details.

Eagle watching is popular free and fun community event for numerous areas across the state! The first eagles arrive in December, and most leave by mid-March. January and February are the best months to see eagles, whether at a state park or wildlife refuge, here is a list of some of the best locations to see our protected national birds:

Located in the northeast corner of the state in Zion, the Illinois Beach State Park has unfortunately suffered from beach erosion and loss of habit for three costal bird species over the years, including the piping plover, common tern and Caspian tern.

To protect the state’s last remaining natural shoreline, major investments were made into an impressive and historic shoreline stabilization project that was recently completed in October. The $73 million investment allowed for the necessary construction of new offshore stone breakwater structures to shelter the Lake Michigan shoreline from wave energy.

The park – located roughly 50 miles north of Chicago – is a major source of tourism for the area. In 2015, 1.2 million visitors came to the park to enjoy boating, hiking, swimming and more along its 4,160 acres. The shoreline stabilization project was also selected for the 2024 Best Restored Beach award through the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. 

Illinois has plenty to offer – whether it is the rich culture, delicious food or scenery, there is something for everyone. It is no secret that fall is around the corner with the trees starting to turn to beautiful hues of yellows and reds, displaying the natural beauty of our state. This week, we have compiled a list of the 10 BEST hiking trails to visit in the fall months!

1. Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail: Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby)
2. Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail: Matthiessen State Park (Oglesby)
3. Garden of the Gods Observation Trail: Shawnee National Forest (Near Harrisburg)
4. Little Grand Canyon Trail: Shawnee National Forest (Pomona)
5. Waterfall Glen Trail: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (Darien)
6. Eagle Cliff Overlook and La Salle Canyon: Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby)
7. Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop: Swallow Cliff Woods (Near Palos Park)
8. Saint Louis Canyon Trail: Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby)
9. Pontiac Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and Beehive Overlook: Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby)
10. Indian Point Trail: Garden of the Gods Wilderness (Near Harrisburg)

Starved Rock State Park has several locations on this list and brings in an estimated 3 million visitors annually from all over the world, cementing its place as one of the crown jewels of Illinois for its beauty. With an impressive 270 trails that total more than 700 miles in Illinois, we hope you have the chance to visit one of these hiking trails and enjoy the nice weather!  

National Farmer’s Day serves to honor the hard-working farmers that dedicate their lives to supplying food across the nation. Farmers are responsible for the plowing, sowing, growing and harvesting of crops while maintaining the sustainability of the land and securing the safety of consumers.

In Illinois, farmland accounts for 75% of the total land area equaling 27 million acres. Farms in Illinois are the leading producers of soybeans, corn and swine. Illinois farms also produce other grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables including pumpkins.

In the spirit of the fall season, Illinois is the top pumpkin producing state and has been for many years. The pumpkins grown in Illinois are shipped across the country and are used for all our favorite fall activities such as carving, painting, baking and more. Thanks to Illinois farmers, families can enjoy the best parts of the fall season.

Thank a farmer today!