Land that once would have been considered unfit for use because of strip mining activity today is Illinois’ largest state recreation area thanks to conservation-minded leaders who reclaimed the land in the 1960s for a natural area.

Pyramid State Recreation Area south of Pinckneyville in southern Illinois has nearly 20,000 acres of rolling terrain, forest, lakes, trails, picnic sites and hunting areas. It also features 24 lakes and bodies of water, 16.5 miles of trails and three primitive campgrounds.

Looking to have a great time outdoors? Then check out Fox Ridge State Park.

Located in Charleston, Fox Ridge State Park is a scenic spot along the Embarras River that is known for its miles of gorgeous hiking trails. Though the trails can be steep, eighteen picturesque wooden bridges and numerous benches allow climbers a place to rest. If you do go hiking, the staircase to Eagle’s Nest climbs 144 steps to a deck with a beautiful view of the river.

Heather Holland-Daly is a wife, a mother and an artist. She grew up constantly creating and now fashions wonderful works of art in her home in Belleville.

While she makes art in various media, her favorite is working with enamel to create startlingly unique and wearable works of art. From bracelets to earrings, Holland-Daly uses multiple media to integrate art into a person’s everyday life by transforming different color schemes and ideas into curated accessories.

It's National Tourism Week. View the Top 10 Places to visit in Illinois below:

Rachel Brisbois is a self-taught artist born in Chicago, IL. She inherited much of her creativity from her family’s diverse and long artistic history. Rachel’s aim is to paint thought provoking subjects that beautify an otherwise transparent world.

Although she dabbles in various mediums, her paintbrush finds comfort in acrylic paint and ink. The artist prefers the fast drying nature of acrylic but enjoys the diluted blending power ink renders.

Rachel has shown her work at the Ottawa Art League Gallery, August Hill Winery, The Paint Box Gallery and more. Rachel is also a member of the Ottawa Art League. She lives in Wenona, IL.