Mermet Springs and Haigh Quarry are two of the most popular dives in Illinois. Both are flooded quarries, now utilized for water recreation and diving. Their long removed pasts only revealed by the relics beneath.
In Mermet Springs, divers have the opportunity to dive in a Boeing 727. At Haigh Quarry, head to Artifact Park-an area created to teach divers how to engage in underwater archaeology. Whilst diving the springs and quarries there are plenty of bluegill and bass, as well as fantastically large channel catfish.
Cold, blue Lake Michigan offers a surprising amount of shipwrecks to discover. Be sure to make a trip to the Tacoma, a tugboat with a stellar propeller.
Diving in Illinois can be done all year. Water temperature varies with lows of 40°F/4°C at depth during winter, to 85°F/29°C above the thermocline in the summer.
Some of Illinois' international airports include Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport and Quad City International Airport.
Once in Illinois you will probably need to rent a car.