Illinois Travel Guide 2008 - (Page 31) Illinois is filled with hundreds of unique wonders. The Illinois Bureau of Tourism asked visitors to narrow that list down to the Seven Wonders of Illinois by nominating their favorite destinations from every region of the state. Log on to www.enjoyillinois.com, where the Seven Wonders are featured in videos with commentary from locals and visitors like you. KIM KARPELES Wrigley Field is one of the oldest and most beloved ballparks in the country, built back in 1914. Home to the Chicago Cubs, the park was named for chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. after he purchased the baseball team in 1926. Wrigley Field is famed for its ivy-covered walls and nostalgic scoreboard that is still operated by hand. The park was the last in the National League to add lights, finally installing them in 1988 and ushering in the era of night games. The bars and restaurants in the neighborhood, appropriately called Wrigleyville, are always filled with celebratory fans (win or lose) on game day. Many fans gather along Sheffield Avenue during the game with mitts in hand, hoping to catch a home-run ball. Tours of “the friendly confines,” scheduled April through September, give an insider’s look at the history behind Wrigley Field. Get a peek at the Cubs clubhouse, dugouts, press box and mezzanine suites during the 90-minute tour. c HICAGO Wrigley Field CHICAGOLAND Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette The beautiful Bahá’í House of Worship, located near the shores of Lake Michigan in Wilmette, is one of only seven Bahá’í temples in the world. This elaborate 20-story temple, designed by FrenchCanadian architect Louis Bourgeois in 1921 and completed in 1953, features a huge white dome (reminiscent of the Taj Mahal) surrounded by pillars carved with intricate symbols that represent the world’s major religions. The number nine symbolizes unity, and is repeated in the temple’s nine sides and nine gardens. Its interior boasts walls of exquisite lacelike ornamentation (mimicking the orbiting patterns of the celestial skies) that surround N SO GIL a sanctuary where guests of all faiths are welcome to pray and meditate. EW ATTH M Services are simple, without clergy but featuring a choir that sings a cappella. Visitors can also spend hours strolling the lavish grounds, which boast juniper trees, nine fountains and more than 20 varieties of flowers. The Bahá’í House of Worship is open every day of the year. 800/2CONNECT Left to Right: The Bahá’í House of Worship welcomes all faiths to its beautifully landscaped grounds, loyal baseball fans hope for another win at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs ILLINOIS. MILE AFTER MAGNIFICENT MILE. 31
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