Take a look at the fields outside as the train rolls through Illinois and imagine what the land might have look like 200 years ago. Perhaps from the height of an airplane, the fields would look almost the same as they do today, but from the train's windows we can see monocultures, meaning that each field is carefully managed to grow just one crop.

Take a look at the fields outside as the train rolls through Illinois and imagine what the land might have look like 200 years ago. Perhaps from the height of an airplane, the fields would look almost the same as they do today, but from the train's windows we can see monocultures, meaning that each field is carefully managed to grow just one crop.

Watch for the wide, beautiful Kankakee River near Wilmington, Illinois. Can you imagine paddling a canoe downstream on a beautiful summer day? Now imagine paddling a canoe full of furs upriver on a cold, rainy day with just a hand-drawn map to guide you to a trading post at the edge of the wilderness.

Watch for the wide, beautiful Kankakee River near Wilmington, Illinois. Can you imagine paddling a canoe downstream on a beautiful summer day? Now imagine paddling a canoe full of furs upriver on a cold, rainy day with just a hand-drawn map to guide you to a trading post at the edge of the wilderness.

As the train travels between Joliet and Pontiac, Illinois, try to spot the little town of Dwight and some of its famous historic buildings. At first glance, it appears to be a sleepy, little town of about 4000 residents, but Dwight's architectural treasures hint at a remarkable past.

As the train travels between Joliet and Pontiac, Illinois, try to spot the little town of Dwight and some of its famous historic buildings. At first glance, it appears to be a sleepy, little town of about 4000 residents, but Dwight's architectural treasures hint at a remarkable past.

Be on the lookout near Odell, IL for a sea of 400 foot tall windmills, painted light grey to blend in with the clouds. The three-bladed windmills are turned into the wind by a computer-controlled motor, and the wind spins turbines which are up to 130 feet long - more than the length of three 18-wheelers parked end to end!

Be on the lookout near Odell, IL for a sea of 400 foot tall windmills, painted light grey to blend in with the clouds. The three-bladed windmills are turned into the wind by a computer-controlled motor, and the wind spins turbines which are up to 130 feet long - more than the length of three 18-wheelers parked end to end!

The city of Pontiac, Illinois is rich with history, architecture, and tourist attractions. Founded by George Fell in 1837, the town was named in honor of Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa Indians. Chief Pontiac was greatly admired by both white settlers and Native Americans for his leadership skills - particularly in uniting tribes in times of war.

The city of Pontiac, Illinois is rich with history, architecture, and tourist attractions. Founded by George Fell in 1837, the town was named in honor of Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa Indians. Chief Pontiac was greatly admired by both white settlers and Native Americans for his leadership skills - particularly in uniting tribes in times of war.