Illinois

ROCK ON – Starved Rock State Park has 13 miles of hiking trails and 18 canyons. The park, with its St. Peter’s sandstone overlooks, is located along the south side of the Illinois River, one mile south of Utica. It is midway between the towns of LaSalle-Peru and Ottawa. Visitors can enjoy the park’s many activities, including boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, and winter sports. Go to www.starvedrockstatepark.org (815-667-4726).

BA-HELLO – Illinois is home to one of only seven Baha’i temples in the world. This unique structure is said to symbolize unity and invites prayer to God. Tenets of the Baha’i faith are defined as: the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of religion. Like all Baha’i Houses of Worship, this temple has nine sides and a dome and is surrounded by exquisite gardens and fountains. Located at 100 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (847-853-2300), or go to www.bahai.us/bahaitemple.

GO WILD – The Lincoln Park Zoo is the wildest spot in Chicago, where you can visit lions and gorillas living next to skyscrapers. It is open every day and is always free. Take a ride on the carousel or children’s train. Located at 2200 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL (312-742-2000) or go to www.lpzoo.org.