Published on May 14 2018 5:40 pm
Last Updated on May 14 2018 5:40 pm
Elsah, the tiny town that hardly seems to have changed in the past 150 years, was named the state’s top scenic spot by voters taking part in the Illinois Top 200 project. It was followed by the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from Galena to Cairo, and a remarkable statue of Black Hawk in northern Illinois.
The top five also includes Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest and Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County.
The Illinois Top 200 project lets Illinoisans vote every two weeks on the most inspiring leaders, greatest books, top businesses and much more. By the state’s 200th birthday on Dec. 3, voters will have chosen 10 favorites in 20 different categories – the Illinois Top 200.
Voting in the next category, top museums, is underway at www.IllinoisTop200.com. Nominees include Chicago’s Field Museum, the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Mount Vernon’s Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.
Here are the top 10 scenic spots historic sites:
“From Starved Rock and Galena to Garden of the Gods and Giant City State Park, this is the perfect time of year to explore all the scenic places and natural wonders Illinois has to offer,” said Cory Jobe, director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “Illinois is the only state that’s home to seven national scenic byways including the Great River Road, Lincoln Highway and Historic Route 66 – full of charming towns and local hidden gems to explore.
Among the sites that did not make the top 10: Chicago’s “Bean” sculpture, the Cache River Wetlands, the Grosse Point Lighthouse and Matthiessen State Park.
The Illinois Top 200 is a joint initiative of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The (Springfield) State Journal-Register and the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.
Future categories include authors, musicians, actors, leaders and unforgettable moments. Everyone is invited to suggest possible nominees in each category by using the hashtag #ILtop200 on social media.