Did you know there’s a zoo in Illinois that’s always free? Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a free attraction that’s open 365 days a year. Not only is it the oldest zoo in the country, dating back to 1868, it’s also one of only a handful of zoos in the U.S. that offers free admission.

The zoo has animals from every climate and is dedicated to conservation and science, with one of the largest kids’ educational programs in the country – Zoo Explorers.

While visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, you can see all different kinds of animals as well as a whole house reserved for birds of prey. For children, there is a petting zoo with fun interactive exhibits dedicated to education.

Nestled in the rolling hills of central Illinois lies a remarkable destination that brings history to life: the Lincoln New Salem State Historic Site. Located two miles south of Petersburg and 20 miles northwest of Springfield, this reconstructed pioneer village offers visitors an immersive experience into the formative years of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most revered presidents.

Lincoln New Salem is not just a museum – it is a vivid recreation of the village where a young Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. During these six years, Lincoln worked as a store clerk, a postmaster, a surveyor, and eventually launched his legal and political career.

Located in Christian and Sangamon counties near Rochester, Sangchris Lake State Park was highlighted by The Dyrt for its 120 miles of shoreline along Sangchris Lake, featuring two lakeshore campgrounds. In addition to easy access to both water and nature trails, it has been praised for its friendliness to bird watchers and clean grounds with picnic tables and playgrounds.

The park includes 195 campsites where pets and fires are both allowed, with firewood, showers, drinking water and more available to campers. If you don’t want to camp out in a tent, RV sites and campgrounds are also present.

This summer, you won’t want to miss out on taking a trip to see the views and enjoy this highly rated state park.

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The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has announced their spring and summer festival and special event dates for this year!

• Chicago Farmers Markets (citywide including Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.)
  • Open May – October
• Maxwell Street Market (800 S. Desplaines St.)

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

In honor of the first day of spring, here are a few butterfly and botanical gardens to welcome the new season:

Kim St. John Butterfly Habitat
Constructed in 2013 through a partnership between Wildlife Prairie Park and the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, the butterfly enclosure is the largest native habitat in downstate Illinois. It contains pollinator and host plants for native Illinois butterflies to make the habitat their home. Some notable butterflies include Monarch, Viceroy, Pipevine, Swallowtail and more.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
In Rockford, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is the third largest conservatory in Illinois, bringing the tropics to the Midwest year-round. Starting March 23, visit the conservatory to experience the Secret Life of Butterflies and get an up-close look at the butterfly lifecycle.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a natural history museum featuring various exhibits and play spaces for young children. Their Butterfly Haven is a 2,700 square-foot greenhouse where visitors can bask amongst flowers and tropical trees while witnessing 1,000 free-flying butterflies from over 40 different species.

Happy spring!