Soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and improv comedy may be what the city is best known for, but they are only the beginning of Chicago’s story. It could take a lifetime to experience everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. But what if you only have a few days to explore? You're in luck! The one hundred adventures in this candid insider’s guide promise an authentic taste of the Windy City whether you’re taking a weekend-sized bite or sticking around for the buffet of a lifetime. You’ll find seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning your explorations easier. Discover which blues club locals swear by, pay a visit to a quiet green space hidden in plain sight, or dig in to an ice cream cone piled high with five different flavors! If you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re lucky enough to call Chicago home, these one hundred iconic experiences should top your to-do list. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, as you cross off each item, you’re certain to learn something new and have fun in the process.

You may know Illinois as the former home of Abraham Lincoln or Chicagoland. But Illinois is more than just the Land of Lincoln or the location of one of the US’s largest cities. 100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die introduces you to the state’s rich history, showcasing the places with some of the best food and entertainment Illinois has to offer. Discover Cahokia Mounds and Dickson Mounds State Museum, which reveal sacred sites and customs of indigenous tribes who dwelled here before it became the United States. Experience Mark Twain–style paddleboats, world class museums, and unique lodgings like a train caboose or a treehouse. There are boulders for climbing, hot air balloons for riding, and some of the best spectator sports to enjoy—all just beyond the borders of your neighborhood or region. Local author Melanie Holmes shares her favorite tips about her home state. Whether you’re a lifelong Illinoisan or visiting for the weekend, you’ll find something in these pages to add to your bucket list. From sandstone-lined waterways to the best of theater, dance, and comedy clubs, Illinois has it all.

From a hip urban downtown brimming with arts and culture, to endless recreational opportunities, Rockford, Illinois, might be the coolest place you never anticipated. Just eighty miles northwest of Chicago, you’ll find world-class botanical exhibits, a thriving arts scene, and an impressive dinosaur named Jane. And with 100 Things to Do in Rockford Before You Die as your guide, you’ll discover all of the exciting places and events that make Rockfordians proud. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails in the Winnebago County Forest Preserves or Rock Cut State Park. Water sports abound, like boating on the majestic Rock River or standup paddleboarding on tranquil Pierce Lake. Thrill seekers can catch air by wakeboarding or BMX racing. Bringing the kids? Soak up the sun at Magic Waters Waterpark, or soak up the science at the Discovery Center Museum. Don’t forget your appetite! Included you’ll find recommendations for more than fifty unique, locally owned restaurants from high-end dining to trendy brew pubs to iconic joints that residents love. Local author and architect Tamara Gaumond’s unique appreciation for the city comes through on every page, and even longtime residents will find something new to do among her suggestions. With her insider tips and itineraries, you’ll want to join her in catching the Rockford vibe.

Springfield owes a lot to Abraham Lincoln and the Illinois Capitol Building. They put Springfield on the map in a way that few other cities of 115,000 can match. Yet Springfield is much more than Lincoln’s hometown or Illinois’ capital. It boasts parks and nature preserves, war memorials and museums. It has one of Frank Lloyd Wright greatest homes and one of the world’s largest carillons. Music and shopping flourish in intimate settings. Even when it comes to Lincoln, there’s more than meets the eye. Sure, you can visit his home and presidential library, but you can also see where he shopped and played handball and visited friends – all the little things of day-to-day life. This book serves as a guide to explore the educational, inspirational and exciting moments that Springfield offers.

In this updated edition, it's plain to see that the state of Illinois has only gotten weirder. Where there was once just a single Popeye statue in downstate Chester, today the town has monuments to Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea, Bluto, the Sea Hag, and more. The creepy Piasa Bird petroglyph on the bluff in Alton now has a roadside pullout with picnic tables, and the two-story outhouse in Gays has a new contemplative garden. With almost twice as many destinations as its predecessor, this edition boasts detailed information on each site—address, phone number, website, hours, entry fees, and driving directions—as well as maps, photos, and a wealth of regional history in the descriptions. Some new sites include Henry's Rabbit Ranch, the World's First Jungle Gym, Ahlgrim Acres (a miniature golf course at a funeral home), the Leather Archives and Museum, General Santa Ana's two wooden legs, the World's Largest Sock Monkey, the Friendship Shoe Fence, a truck stop with a marionette show, and a coin-operated fire-breathing dragon. There is more between Chicago and St. Louis than cornfields and plenty of fascinating places in the Windy City that aren't on Michigan Avenue, and here is a chance to see these underappreciated sites throughout the state.

Perfect for Iowa State fans who think they already know everything Most Iowa State fans have taken in a game at Jack Trice Stadium or the Hilton Coliseum and have seen highlights of Troy Davis and Fred Hoiberg. But only real fans know the original team name, the location and story behind the victory bell, or were there when the basketball team made an Elite Eight run in 2000. 100 Things Iowa State Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of Iowa State athletics. Whether they are die-hard boosters from the days of Earle Bruce on the gridiron or new supporters of Fred Hoiberg and ISU hoops, fans will value these essential pieces of Cyclones football and basketball knowledge and trivia—and all of the must-do activities in their lifetime.

Located right in the middle of Illinois lies the metropolitan city of Peoria which invites its visitors to experience the best the midwest has to offer. With 100 Things to Do in Peoria Before You Die, get the best ideas for a memorable visit or rediscover the city you’ve known for years. Drive down historic Grand View Drive, with a breathtaking view of the Illinois River Valley, grand homes, and gorgeous views of fall colors. Visit the trendy Warehouse District and throw an ax while enjoying a cocktail, climb an indoor rock wall with the kids, attend a cultural festival along the Peoria Riverfront, or a concert at the Peoria Civic Center. Outdoor enthusiasts can canoe in a 16.4 mile HLC River Jaunt while enjoying the spectacular views of the Illinois River and a variety of eagles, herons, cranes, and flying fish, or visit the Banner Marsh or Emiquon Nature Reserve to see spectacular wildlife, or hike at one of Peoria Park District’s 9,000 acres of park land. Molly Crusen Bishop is a writer and local historian who is thrilled to share 100 Things that make Peoria a special place to live, work, and play. Let her be your personal guide to this charming city with a small-town feel in the heart of America.

100 Things to Do in America Before You Die is a fun guide to understanding the complex fabric of the United States and the people that call it home. This book isn't simply a listing of places to visit but a catalogue of uniquely American experiences. From sipping on southern sweet tea to standing where the Wright Brothers tested their first "flying machine", each experience makes up an important piece of our American story. You'll find an enlightening mix of history, entertainment, art, food, sports, and even places to cross off your "selfie" bucket list. As an added bonus, you'll also find amusing trivia questions on every page. Most important of all, 100 Things to Do in America Before You Die was written to inspire road trips across the country. Mountains, museums, fried chicken, small towns, and yes, even the world's tallest mailbox—they all await you. Buckle up. It's going to be a fun ride.

Oklahoma has long been pictured as flat, dusty land with miles of nothing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. With several amazing metropolitan areas, the state holds endless adventure for those who seek it. 100 Things to Do in Oklahoma Before You Die guides you through the best Oklahoma has to offer, showcasing some of the most unique places in the state. Want bragging rights? Visit the world’s largest casino, then stop by the world’s largest gas pump. Learn about the first tornado warning ever issued in the United States or dip your toes into prehistoric ocean sand. Impress a date with a night at a murder mystery dinner theater, or find a great steak with ambience, mystery, good music, and amazing food. Look for anomalies like the Miami Spook Light and find a beautiful historic hotel for a getaway. Local author Teri French knows a thing or two about finding the quirky, the fun, and the interesting around the Sooner State. Let 100 Things to Do in Oklahoma Before You Die guide you to your next adventure.

Serendipity placed David Johnston on Mount St. Helens when the volcano rumbled to life in March 1980. Throughout that ominous spring, Johnston was part of a team conducting scientific research that underpinned warnings about the mountain. Those warnings saved thousands of lives when the most devastating volcanic eruption in U.S. history blew apart Mount St. Helens but killed Johnston on the ridge that now bears his name. Melanie Holmes tells the story of Johnston's journey from a nature-loving Boy Scout to a committed geologist. Blending science with personal detail, Holmes follows Johnston through his encounters with Aleutian volcanoes, his work helping the Portuguese government assess the geothermal power of the Azores, and his dream job as a volcanologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Interviews and personal writings reveal what a friend called “the most unjaded person I ever met,” an imperfect but kind and intelligent young scientist passionately in love with his life and work and determined to make a difference.