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
Read Before You Go
Hotels
The St. Regis Chicago is big on indulgence—but tucked in a corner most tourists never reach.
Find the retreat that best matches your taste in the Windy City.
Architecture, history, and fitness star in these exclusive club hotels that let nonmembers check in.
Whether you’re after downtown luxe or an intro to a new neighborhood, we’ve got you covered.
These hotels are bringing a fresh vibe to six U.S. cities.
Whether it’s a staycation or a trip to a far destination, these hotels have activities to keep you (and your kids or travel buddies) busy during the winter season.
These top-level properties are the places to stay.
Is Chicago the Coolest Hotel City in America?
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.
Resources to help plan your trip
From Hawaii to Wyoming to Maine, these fine eateries serve tasty food and even better scenery.
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.
Consider these 51 beautiful places found across the country—including Puerto Rico—for your next trip
Memorable gardens thrive on nearly every continent, in cities, deserts, and even in the Arctic Circle. Here’s a global tour, with stops at 13 of the most striking.
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!
The new Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument is the latest in a series of national monuments recognizing the civil rights movement.
Why, where, and how people observe this important event.
Go from one side of the country to another on one of these journeys.
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