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.

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Resources to help plan your trip
For outdoor drinks and dining with a view in Chicago, head to one of these up-high bars.
Just 24 hours in Chicago is hardly time enough to enjoy the best of Chicago’s best. The stellar museums along the lakefront, the architectural wonders, walking through the Loop, exploring the distinctive neighborhoods—get out early and stay out late!
Families with kids have a wealth of day trip options in the Chicago area. Water slides and roller coasters are a scant hour’s drive from Chicago at Six Flags Great America. A slightly longer drive will take visitors to Metropolis to visit Superman and to Garden of the Gods and Illinois Beach State Park for camping and hiking. Or get your kids in the car and take a road trip up historic Route 66.
The trendy neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown have some of the best shopping. Retro lovers can find vinyl records, comic books, vintage dresses, used books and more. Art lovers should make time to drink some wine and support local artists during First Friday at the Flatiron Arts Project . All curious travelers shopping in Wicker Park and Bucktown will be rewarded with unique arts, vintage goods, and quirky finds.
From the glitzy shops on North Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, you may be led to believe that Chicago is all about labels, department stores, and glamour, but scratch the city’s surface and you’ll find a wealth of antiques, bookstores, home decor, vintage boutiques, housewares, and independent designers that make Chicago a little-known shopping destination.
Itasca is a lovely town located in the suburbs of Chicago. With a quaint historical downtown to explore, and the surrounding areas featuring activities for everyone, it’s a great place to come and get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Come to Itasca, there are adventures waiting just for you!
The food scene is alive and well in Chicago. This town collects Michelin stars and James Beard Foundation awards like they were Cubs trading cards. Even with chefs like Grant Achatz and John Shields pushing the boundaries of modern American cuisine, you can still count on Chicago for good old hot dogs and deep-dish pizza. If you’re coming to the City of Big Shoulders, pack your appetite.
From Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin to Grand Portage State Park in Minnesota, hikers, campers, and outdoor adventurers will want to add these 12 best state parks in the Midwest to their list.
Architecture boat tours, ballgames at Wrigley Field, sunny beach days on Lake Michigan, and strolls through Millennium Park: here’s what to do in Chicago.
Discover some of Chicago’s top attractions, including one of the oldest art museums in the country and the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere.
You’ve heard of deep-dish pizza, but what about Italian beef and honey butter fried chicken?
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