Zoos and animal fun to explore throughout Illinois

Looking for an activity to do with family this summer? There are zoos all across the state of Illinois that are waiting to be explored!

Aikman Wildlife Adventure is a perfect place to start. Located in Arcola, it is home to over 200 animals and 75 different species. There are different ways to view the animals at the sanctuary, including a wagon adventure, drive-thru safari and an interactive petting zoo.

Heading north, another option is the Peoria Zoo. The zoo takes care of several vulnerable and critically endangered species, like the white rhinoceros, Siberian tiger and mandrill. Whether it’s the Asian trail, Australia walk-about or tropics building, there is plenty to see for everyone.

West Dundee is home to Randall Oaks Zoo, which offers several farm animals for kids to feed and pet. The location also includes plenty of activities for a whole day with kids including hayrides, playgrounds, a disc golf course and volleyball courts.

For those near the Quad Cities, Niabi Zoo is a great opportunity to see more than 600 exotic animals. A great feature of the zoo is the Mel McKay Express: a replica of an old steam engine that carries visitors around the park. With activities like carousel rides, animal encounters and tours, it’s perfect for a great day of fun with the family.

If you’re looking for other options, here is a list of a few more zoos throughout Illinois:

• Wildlife Prairie Park (Peoria)
• Phillips Park Zoo (Aurora)
• Henson Robinson Zoo (Springfield)
• Scovill Zoo (Decatur)
• Miller Park Zoo (Bloomington)

100th anniversary of Chicago's Union Station

Today, Illinois celebrates the 100^th anniversary of Chicago’s Union Station.

The landmark opened on May 16, 1925 as part of architect Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. Construction of the station began in 1913 and cost $75 million to complete. Along with the station itself, the project included several bridges and viaducts to ensure trains could move efficiently and separate from other traffic. The station quickly become a transit hub, connecting the Midwest to nearby railroads including the Chicago and North Western Railway, the Burlington Route and Pennsylvania Railroad.

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Cha Cha Slide invented in Chicago

Did you know the Cha Cha slide, a world-wide classic appreciated by all ages, came from the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago? In 1999, everything came together and DJ Casper laid down the vocals that changed the world. The beat was a house track created by DJ Hudson “Hot Mix” Beauduy and played for DJ Casper in a basement studio at 64th Street and Parnell Avenue.

The song was originally written as a step aerobics routine for his nephew. The inspiration for the track comes from the culture of the Chicago stepping movement. This movement pulls from dance styles across the country and the Cha Cha Slide is one of many diverse iterations.

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National Hot Dog Day in Illinois

Every year the third Wednesday in July is National Hot Dog Day! Annually, the country comes together to honor the diverse types of sausage served in a bun. Hot dogs gained popularity in the United States during the early 1900s, especially in Chicago, where Chicago-style hot dogs are as iconic to the city as the Bean or the Bears.

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