Illinois’ ‘Most Underrated Attraction’ Isn’t Too Far From Quad Cities

Apparently, we need to forget all about The Bean in Chicago.

Because according to a list I found on Far and Wide, it's the "most overrated" attraction in Illinois.

Cloud Gate, aka, The Bean is cool to look at, once or twice, and obviously a great place for pictures. It truly is an Instagram-worthy spot in Chicago, but after five minutes you're kinda looking around hoping there's something else.

Luckily for us, the "most underrated" attraction on the list is not too far from the Quad Cities, and there's also plenty of great photo opportunities.

Just 90 minutes from the QC, Starved Rock State Park was named Far and Wide's "most underrated" and deservedly so.

When everything hit the fan in March, the state parks were closed, but when they reopened at the end of May, it was on at Starved Rock.

My family and I went to Starved Rock opening weekend and the place was absolutely packed, so maybe it's not quite as "underrated" as the site suggests.

Far and Wide:

It's a strange phenomenon that most travelers not from Illinois think of Chicago as the only place to visit. In Utica, the Illinois River flows through sandstone rock, creating a stunning landscape not often found on bucket lists. It's time for this to change.

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK, Q98.5, and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and like his page on Facebook.