Aurora

Aurora is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois. Part of the Chicago metropolitan area, its estimated population in 2010 was 197,899. The city officially adopted the nickname "The City of Lights" in 1908, because it was one of the first cities in the United States to implement an all-electric street lighting system in 1881.Aurora's historic downtown is located on theFox River, and centered onStolp Island.

The Aurora area is home to an impressive collection of architecture, including structures byFrank Lloyd Wright,Ludwig Mies van der Rohe,Bruce GoffandGeorge Grant Elmslie. The Hollywood Casino Aurora, a dockside gaming facility with 53,000 square feet (4,900m2) and 1,200 gaming positions, is located on the river in downtown Aurora. Aurora is also home to a large collection ofSears Catalog Homes(over 50 homes) andLustronall-steel homes (seven homes).