Illinois remains decade-long champion of Mississippi River Tug of War

For the past nine years, Illinois has proven its dominance in at least one offbeat contest: Winners in an epic tug of war competition across the Mississippi River itself.

Scenic Apple River Canyon State Park is located in the northwest corner of Illinois in Jo Daviess County.

Established by the state in 1932, the park has deep ravines, limestone bluffs, springs and streams. Its gorgeous canyon area was formed by the waters of the Apple River.

Hawks, eagles and 47 other varieties of birds can be found at the park along with different kinds of plants and 165 types of flowers.

The National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary this week, and Illinois is home to five properties that fall under its stewardship.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield  has been overseen by the National Park Service since 1972. The only home President Abraham Lincoln ever owned was visited by more than 230,000 people in 2015. He and his family lived there from 1844 until 1861 after his election to the presidency.

•    Click here for a list of upcoming events at the Lincoln Home neighborhood to celebrate the National Park Service’s centennial.
One of the newest additions to the National Park Service is the Pullman National Monument in Chicago. Also known as the Pullman Historic District, the area was the nation’s first planned industrial community and was where the Pullman sleeping car for trains was produced. The district became part of the National Park Service in 2015.

Millennium Park is a state-of-the-art public space in an urban area that showcases why Chicago is one of the world’s greatest cities.

Whether you’re a Chicago resident or a tourist, Millennium Park is a place you need to visit. Located in downtown, the park is an epicenter for entertainment, art exhibits, family fun and impressive architecture and landscape design.

If you are in Springfield and want to spend time outdoors, then Washington Park is a place you should visit.

Located near many gorgeous historic homes, this 150-acre site that’s named after President George Washington offers the opportunity to view nature at its finest. It’s a great place for a family picnic or a relaxing day in the sun.