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
You Can Now Book the Real-Life “Home Alone” House on Airbnb
Holiday Travel
You Can Now Book the Real-Life “Home Alone” House on Airbnb
The one-night stay only costs $25 (Chicago’s finest pizza included).
December 01, 2021 08:26 AM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
The Immersive Dr. Seuss Experience Is Coming to Chicago
Museums + Galleries
The Immersive Dr. Seuss Experience Is Coming to Chicago
September 09, 2021 10:49 AM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Live the High Life at These Chicago Rooftop Bars
Bars + Nightlife
Live the High Life at These Chicago Rooftop Bars
July 16, 2021 09:35 AM
 · 
Nicole Schnitzler
The Best State Parks in the Midwest—and How to Visit
Outdoor Adventure
The Best State Parks in the Midwest—and How to Visit
September 15, 2020 04:09 PM
 · 
Katherine LaGrave
The Best Things to Do in Chicago
Travel Tips + Etiquette
The Best Things to Do in Chicago
April 15, 2020 02:09 PM
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
The views from the Sable Hotel on Chicago's Navy Pier are hard to beat.
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 04, 2022 12:08 PM
 · 
Elaine Glusac
New U.S. Hotels That Top Our Travel Wish List
Hotels
New U.S. Hotels That Top Our Travel Wish List
These hotels are bringing a fresh vibe to six U.S. cities.
August 01, 2018 08:01 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
6 Festive, Wintery Hotel Packages to Book Now
Hotels
6 Festive, Wintery Hotel Packages to Book Now
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.
December 18, 2017 01:25 PM
 · 
Samantha Juda
The Check In: New and Restored Hotels Raising the Roof(tops)
Hotels
The Check In: New and Restored Hotels Raising the Roof(tops)
These top-level properties are the places to stay.
May 06, 2016 02:45 PM
 · 
Nicoletta Richardson
The Founders Suite at the Chicago Athletic Association features a stone fireplace.
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
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
Resources to help plan your trip
Air Travel News
These Exciting New Airline Routes to Europe Are Finally Here
Thanks to these new European flights, it’s much easier to hop across the pond from the United States this summer.
June 11, 2019 05:11 PM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Art + Architecture
Commemorate LGBTQ Pride and the 50th Stonewall Anniversary at These U.S. Art Exhibitions
Museums across the United States are hosting powerful exhibitions that examine the country’s queer past, present, and future. Here are a few to visit in tandem with June’s Pride Month and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
May 22, 2019 05:12 PM
 · 
Eric Newman
History + Culture
The Best Places to Visit for Dinosaur Lovers of Any Age
Plan an entire trip around your (or your little ones’) favorite types of dinosaurs. Here’s where to go to spot your most beloved species.
May 02, 2019 11:44 AM
 · 
Julie Vick
Where to Travel Next
What to Do in Chicago This Spring
Waking after a long deep-freeze of a winter, the Windy City bursts into colorful spring with a happening hotel, some venerable Old Masters, and a lovely day in the park.
April 23, 2019 06:59 PM
 · 
Ann Shields
Family Travel
Chicago’s 9 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Dine in style with the littles at these Windy City eateries that cater to kids, too.
February 26, 2019 11:20 AM
 · 
Nicole Schnitzler
Art + Culture
13 U.S. Music Halls That Raise the Bar
From Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre to Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium, these concert venues hit just the right note.
February 13, 2019 01:45 PM
 · 
Brooke Vaughan
Art + Architecture
10 Exciting Art Exhibitions in the United States to See This Spring
With impressive shows featuring glasswork and surrealist art, these are American museums worth traveling to in 2019.
January 31, 2019 01:53 PM
 · 
Allison C. Meier
Bars + Nightlife
7 Winter-Ready Hotel Rooftops to Cozy Up on Right Now
Just because temps get low doesn’t mean your drinking shouldn’t stay high-in-the-sky—these cooler-weather cities offer rooftop perches that are welcoming and warming, all winter long.
January 24, 2019 09:18 PM
 · 
Lindsay Lambert
Cities We Love
The 10 Best Airbnbs in Chicago to Book Right Now
Depending on which neighborhood you want to stay in, there are plenty of options to live like a local in the Windy City. Here’s our guide to the city’s top Airbnb rentals.
January 23, 2019 01:29 PM
 · 
Rebecca Holland
Restaurants + Cafés
A New Spin on Restaurant Week Focuses on Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
Resy’s first Off Menu Week gives you a sneak peek to new dishes before anyone else tries them at top restaurants across the United States, from Los Angeles to New York City.
January 15, 2019 01:35 PM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Restaurants + Cafés
The 9 Best Spots for Pizza in Chicago
Dig in on the city’s most celebrated pies, from the deep dish to the pan style to the pot pie inspired.
January 10, 2019 10:07 PM
 · 
Nicole Schnitzler
Where to Go in Fall
Haunting and Beautiful Cemeteries Around the United States
Graveyards aren’t always spooky—with their history and architecture, sometimes they’re downright delightful.
October 04, 2018 05:19 PM
 · 
Rachel Wilkinson
Load More
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.