Aerial America Season 1 Episode 49 Illinois

Aerial America is an American documentary television series that explores the beauty and diversity of the United States through the lens of stunning aerial footage. In season 1, episode 49, we travel to the Land of Lincoln, Illinois, to uncover the state's hidden gems and iconic landmarks.

Our adventure begins in Chicago, the Windy City and the third-largest city in the United States. We soar over the iconic skyline and gaze down at Millennium Park, home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as the Bean. From there, we fly over the Navy Pier, a popular tourist destination known for its amusement rides, Ferris wheel, and scenic views of Lake Michigan.

Next, we take a trip to the Illinois state capital, Springfield, where we get a bird's-eye view of the historic Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Lincoln is a beloved figure in Illinois, and the museum boasts a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits dedicated to his life and legacy.

As we travel further south, we come across the Shawnee National Forest, a vast expanse of natural beauty covering over 280,000 acres. We soar over the Garden of the Gods, a rock formation formed over 300 million years ago that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and hills.

Another stop on our journey takes us to Metropolis, the self-proclaimed "Home of Superman." Metropolis, located in the southern part of Illinois, is named after the fictional city featured in the Superman comics. We fly over the Superman statue, a 15-foot-tall bronze statue featuring the Man of Steel himself.

Moving on to the northern part of the state, we come across one of the most famous landmarks in the United States: Route 66. Also known as the "Main Street of America," Route 66 runs through Illinois and spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. We fly over the historic Route 66 roadside attractions, including the iconic Gemini Giant statue in Wilmington.

Finally, we arrive at the home of the Fighting Illini, the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. We soar over Memorial Stadium, home to the university's football team, and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, one of the largest and most prestigious performing arts centers in the United States.

Throughout our journey, we witness firsthand the stunning beauty and diverse cultures that make up the great state of Illinois. The episode captures the essence of Illinois, from its bustling cities to its rolling hills and from its famous landmarks to its hidden gems. It is a fascinating exploration of a state rich in history and natural wonder, seen from a unique and stunning perspective from the air.