Examples of a regional moves
• Illinois to Minneapolis
Plan to enjoy your trip between Chicago and Minneapolis! Stop at Beef-A-Roo for a crazy milkshake in Rockford, then hit a waterpark up the road in Wisconsin Dells! Ultimately getting into your new home in Minneapolis can be a great adventure. Mall of America, here you come!
• Illinois to St. Louis
Why not live and learn a little history on your way to your new home in St. Louis? You can ride Historic Route 66 down to your new home in St. Louis! Check out the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, and then grab a bite at Luna Cafe in Granite City, IL--where Al Capone used to hang out! Don't fill up though, because once you cross the Mighty Mississippi River, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard will be calling your name!
• Illinois to Des Moines
On your journey to Des Moines, make sure you stop in Moline, IL and check out the John Deere Pavilion--you just haven't lived until you snap a selfie from the bucket of a 60-ton wheel loader! Grab some Whitey's ice cream there or on your way out of town in Davenport, IA. Later on, stop to stretch your legs in downtown Iowa City at the Ped Mall! Moving to Des Moines means you'll be right there to admire the Butter Cow at the Iowa State Fair!
• Illinois to Indianapolis
As you journey to Indianapolis, be sure to make time for a stop at the Albanese Candy Factory Outlet in Merrillville, IN--gummy worms for everyone! And then ride a roller coaster a the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort in Monticello--yes, from the old TV ads. (You are practically required to repeat the tagline if you grew up in Chicago!) Once you're settled in Indianapolis, check out The Children's Museum of Indianapolis!
• Illinois to Milwaukee
Three words: Mars Cheese Castle. Located in Kenosha, the iconic castle along I-94 is a destination in itself, let alone a needed stop on the way to your new home in Milwaukee. There's more than just cheese there, but rest assured, there is plenty of that there too. Once you're all moved into your new Milwaukee home, enjoy Milwaukee! Catch a game at Miller Park or visit the Milwaukee Art Museum--you definitely need to see the wings open from the Reiman Suspension Bridge!
• Illinois to Grand Rapids
On the way to Grand Rapids, do some shopping in Michigan City, then admire the golden dome at University of Notre Dame in South Bend! A stop in Holland, MI to see the lighthouses should be on your list--especially in May when the Tulip Time Festival is in full bloom! Grand Rapids has food and fun when you're ready-- the Downtown Market shouldn't be missed!
• Illinois to Ft Wayne
On the way to your new home in Ft. Wayne, IN, stop off at Indiana Dunes State Park in Porter to swim, hike or just marvel at how much sand there is! Then, catch a show down the road at the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts in Warsaw, IN! Once in Ft. Wayne, don’t miss the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
• Illinois to Lansing
When you’re going over the river and through the woods on your way to Lansing, MI, take a look at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Portage, MI or if it’s nice outside, head to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek and feed some giraffes! But once you’re at your new home in Lansing, get your fill of Michigan pride by visiting the State Capitol or Michigan State University.
• Illinois to Waukesha
Moving to Waukesha? You probably already know it’s home of Carroll University and sits just outside of metropolitan Milwaukee. Once you cross the state line, grab some squeaky cheese curds at a gas station (many of them carry these) and experience a real treat on your way to Waukesha!
• Illinois to Janesville
When you move to Janesville, you’re not far from both Rockford, IL and Madison, WI! Hit the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford on your way, and as you walk around, remind yourself that you really are still in Rockford! And if you’re up for a little adventure once you get to your new home in Janesville, venture up the road a few miles for lunch at the World’s Largest Culvers!
• Illinois to Dubuque
As you move to Dubuque, take an afternoon or more to check out Galena, IL! Galena is a historic town with unique shops and restaurants, and is the place where former President Ulysses S Grant called home. Stop for a traditional supper club dinner at Timmerman’s in East Dubuque, and once you get to Dubuque, enjoy the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium with your family!
• Illinois to Iowa City
On the way to Iowa City, stop for lunch at the Original Arthur’s Deli in Sterling, IL—get the pastrami sandwich! Then take in a little history as you tour President Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon. And of course, you can’t miss the Iowa I-80 Truckstop in Walcott, IA. It’s the World’s Largest Truck Stop! Once you get your bearings in Iowa City, make sure you find Prairie Lights Bookstore for some reading material, local culture and coffee.
• Illinois to Cedar Rapids
If Cedar Rapids will be your new hometown, take your time as you make your way to the City of Five Seasons. Stop in the Amana Colonies and have a traditional German dinner, or if you can’t stay long, grab a cinnamon roll as big as your head! Cedar Rapids has lots of family fun for you, once you settle into your new Iowa home. Pet some goats at Bever Park or stroll The District along the Cedar River.
• Chicago suburbs to the Quad Cities
The Quad Cities is half in Illinois (Moline and Rock Island), half in Iowa (Davenport and Bettendorf) and the only place where the Mississippi River runs east to west! The rolling hills make a beautiful backdrop in the autumn, or killer hiking any time of year! Home to John Deere, Augustana College and Lee Enterprises, the Quad Cities has employment opportunities and a variety of entertainment options! Make sure you try the Mega Magic Mountain at Ross’ Diner in Bettendorf at least once!
• Chicago suburbs to Springfield
If you’re moving to Springfield, you should know they take their Abe Lincoln culture very seriously—you can’t throw a stone in Springfield without hitting something that has to do with Honest Abe. Besides the numerous Lincoln-esque museums and activities, you can also visit the Washington Park Botanical Gardens or the Henson Robinson Zoo!
• Chicago suburbs to Decatur
Decatur is both a farming community and an industrial powerhouse, home of productions facilities for Caterpillar and Archer Daniels Midland right there in the “Soybean Capital of the World.” If you’re moving to Decatur, check out the Hieronymus Mueller Museum, a quirky small museum dedicated to Decatur’s first city plumber and inventor of the Mueller Water Tapper and other water-related items, including the first sanitary water fountain!
• Chicago suburbs to Bloomington
With two universities within its city limits—Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University—plus the headquarters of two major corporations (State Farm Insurance and Country Financial), moving to Bloomington, IL is a smart idea. Bloomington has many recreational attractions (even some that have nothing to do with Abraham Lincoln) like Miller Park Zoo, Constitution Trail and the Prairie Aviation Museum, as well as a vibrant arts scene!
