Historic Sites Division of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency oversees a remarkable array of historically significant places. They range from the earthen-mound remnants of a prehistoric Native American city at Cahokia Mounds to Springfield's Dana-Thomas House, a twentieth-century masterpiece designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Several sites celebrate Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy, while others recognize the Illinois roots of such literary figures such as Carl Sandburg and Vachel Lindsay. Monuments and memorials commemorate contributions of various individuals and groups, including the sacrifices made by Illinoisans who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Besides physically caring for those traces of the state's past, the Sites Division offers a wide variety of public programs that bring Illinois history to life and make it meaningful to more than 2.5 million annual visitors.

Additions to this site are being made daily which will provide basic information about each of the more than fifty state-owned historic sites, memorials, and miscellaneous properties managed by the Historic Sites Division. Frequent inquiries about Division-managed properties and programs have demonstrated the need for a compilation of such information in a concise, accessible format. Each site entry begins with an explanation of historical significance and brief physical description. Basic information such as geographical location, mailing address, hours of operation, acreage, staff size, and annual visitor attendance appear in the right navigational bar, followed by descriptions of artifact or antique collections, public programs, volunteer organizations, support groups, and special events. Please be aware that although the information presented here was correct as of March 20, 2006, new sites are regularly being acquired and programs are sometimes changed. Readers should also be aware that while most state-owned historic sites are managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, a few are not. Dickson Mounds and Fort Massac, for example, are operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.