HomeTravel GuidesIllinois

Illinois

While most visitors will come to Illinois for the vibrant city life in Chicago, renowned for its architecture, cultural attractions, and culinary scene. But it’s worth exploring outsided this major city too: history buffs won’t want to miss a visit to Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield or the 19th-century architecture in Galena, while nature lovers should head to Illinois’ scenic Shawnee National Forest or the sandstone canyons in Starved Rock State Park.

The Best State Parks in the Midwest—and How to Visit

Photo by Shutterstock/Owen Weber

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Illinois.

Related Guides
  1. Chicago
    Chicago
    January 17, 2019 05:27 PM
     · 
    Kaitlyn Barrett
READ BEFORE YOU GO
TAOS, NEW MEXICO, USA - JUNE 25, 2019: Tourists visit the historic Taos Pueblo.
Road Trips
Route 66 Turns 100: Here’s Where to Detour for 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In honor of Route 66’s centennial, here’s how to work visits to ancient Puebloan sites, a pre-Columbian city, the Grand Canyon, and more into your road trip
September 18, 2026 08:00 AM
 · 
Bailey Berg
A modern, curved metal building housing a museum
Art + Culture
University Museums Are Underrated Places to See Art, Often for Free. Here Are 10 of the Best in the U.S.
August 26, 2026 12:18 PM
 · 
Pat Tompkins
Ships on a dock in the daytime
Where to Travel Next
The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
August 25, 2026 07:22 AM
 · 
Ashlea Halpern
Aerial view of U.S. Route 50—the loneliest road in the USA—and a wind farm in rural Nevada, featuring high mountains covered in desert terrain and snow. Clear blue sky.
Road Trips
7 Unforgettable U.S. Cross-Country Road Trips
July 4, 2026 11:26 AM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
The topsail schooner 'Pride of Baltimore II' seen at a bit of a distance sailing along the water with four sails and an American flag flapping off the back
Outdoor Adventure
Slow Travel in Style—Where to Sail on a Tall Ship in the U.S. This Summer
June 30, 2026 06:42 PM
 · 
Pat Tompkins
HOTELS
The glass skyscraper where the St. Regis Chicago resides was designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang.
Stay Here Next
The Tallest Building Ever Designed by a Woman Is Also One of Chicago’s Best Hotels
The St. Regis Chicago is big on indulgence—but tucked in a corner most tourists never reach.
May 28, 2025 10:10 AM
 · 
Heidi Mitchell
The Chicago Athletic Association's public areas feature several fireplaces.
Hotels
These Are the 18 Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Chicago
Find the retreat that best matches your taste in the Windy City.
May 28, 2025 07:30 AM
 · 
Heidi Mitchell
The pool at the Berkeley City Club has art deco tiling and a blue ceiling
Hotels
You Can Stay in These 6 City Club Hotels Even if You’re Not a Member
Architecture, history, and fitness star in these exclusive club hotels that let nonmembers check in.
April 15, 2025 11:17 AM
 · 
Pat Tompkins
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Trending News
Amtrak’s New Borealis Train Expands Service Between Two Great Midwestern Cities
Amtrak predicts the new train will welcome more than 200,000 passengers aboard within its first year of service, and it’s expected to greatly reduce car use along the Midwestern route.
May 8, 2024 05:57 PM
 · 
Bailey Berg
Museums + Galleries
This Spring, Visit These Can’t-Miss Exhibits Showcasing Asian American Culture
Explore Asian American art, history, and culture at these engaging exhibits.
May 2, 2024 08:46 PM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Art + Culture
6 Bookstores Across the U.S. That Give Back
From raising up underserved communities to fighting book bans, these indie shops are on a mission.
April 8, 2024 03:09 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
Travel for Good
5 EV Tours That Are Changing Sightseeing in the United States
Get a glimpse of the plugged-in future on these tours.
March 29, 2024 10:47 PM
 · 
Elissa Garay
Art + Architecture
7 Midwestern Towns for Modern Architecture Lovers
To experience some of America’s most exciting building designs, head to the heartland.
March 25, 2024 02:17 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
Chicago’s Best Thrift Shops and Vintage Stores
Some of the best shopping in Chicago happens in thrift and vintage shops scattered all over the city. For thrift shoppers who want a full day of searching for treasure, Wolff’s Flea Market is guaranteed to turn up some great finds. Architectural scavengers will lose hours at Urban Remains and Salvage One whereas lovers of vintage Japanese toys and go-go boots should set their GPS coordinates for Hollywood Mirror. Happy thrifting!
September 11, 2023 12:38 PM
 · 
Kaitlyn Barrett
National Parks
A New National Monument Has Been Named, Protecting a Civil Rights Legacy
The new Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument is the latest in a series of national monuments recognizing the civil rights movement.
July 26, 2023 03:52 PM
 · 
Bailey Berg
Festivals + Events
9 Destinations Around the World That Go All Out for St. Patrick’s Day
Ireland isn’t the only place that gets its green on—pack your bags (with leprechaun gear) for these global destinations, too.
March 13, 2023 09:15 PM
 · 
Dana Brindle
Family Travel
Our Favorite Summer Trips With Family and Kids of All Ages
Some of the best memories and connections are forged when we travel as a family. These are our top picks for places to go when we’re traveling with everyone from tiny tots and teens to a multigenerational group that spans many ages and stages.
March 9, 2023 12:15 PM
 · 
Michelle Baran
Hotels
The Best New Hotels in Chicago
Whether you’re after downtown luxe or an intro to a new neighborhood, we’ve got you covered.
August 4, 2022 12:08 PM
 · 
Elaine Glusac
Load More