Entering Illinois

We followed I-80 out of Iowa City and soon reached the border of Illinois.  A stop at the Visitor's Center gave us both an Illinois map and a great view of the Mississippi River.  I couldn't choose between the view that emphasizes the bridge and the view that emphasizes the river, so here are both of them.




Here is another view of the bridge and river with a bit of a riverboat motiff.



Illinois is one of the few states that puts their welcome sign where no one can easily stand by it or photograph it.  Judging from the "unwelcome" sign posted on the door to the information center, they won't soon be working on improving the situation.  Illinois is ranked second only to California by some people when it comes to fiscal problems.  This source, however, says that Illinois plays in a league of its own.