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.

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Photo by Shutterstock/Owen Weber

Overview

Planning your trip

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

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RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
The epic rail journey will include stops in Washington, D.C., Savannah, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida.
You don’t have to go to Bilbao to see a Gehry art museum. Head to Minnesota.
A historic experience? Yes, and lots of fun.
To do: Meet the dinosaurs. Swim in the river. Gorge on ice cream.
If you are flying from, to, or through any of these massive transport hubs, you may want to give yourself a little extra time to get from point A to point B—some of America’s biggest airports are the size of a city.
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.
Explore Asian American art, history, and culture at these engaging exhibits.
From raising up underserved communities to fighting book bans, these indie shops are on a mission.
Get a glimpse of the plugged-in future on these tours.
To experience some of America’s most exciting building designs, head to the heartland.