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
Hotels
Is Chicago the Coolest Hotel City in America?
Is Chicago the Coolest Hotel City in America?
September 16, 2015 07:26 PM
 · 
Jen Murphy
Travel Tips + Etiquette
The 50 Best Things to Do This Summer in All 50 States: The Midwest
The 50 Best Things to Do This Summer in All 50 States: The Midwest
May 21, 2015 06:47 PM
 · 
Sarah Purkrabek
Hotels
The 13 Best Hipster Hotels in the U.S.
We’re living in the golden age of hotels that have craft cocktails, Instagram-ready design, and in-room turntables. These properties, ranging from West Texan motels to loft-like boutiques in the middle of city noise, are our absolute favorites of the breed.
April 28, 2015 02:45 PM
 · 
Andrew Richdale
People
The Best New Local Designers Around the Country
The Best New Local Designers Around the Country
March 19, 2015 01:26 PM
 · 
Andrew Richdale
Restaurants + Cafés
Where to Find Chicago’s Most Famous Sandwich
Food critic Peter Meehan goes on a food pilgrimage in Chicago and chows down on the city’s best Italian beef sandwich.
March 28, 2014 07:28 PM
 · 
Peter Meehan
Load More