Travel Guide to Illinois State

Travel Guide to Illinois State

Illinois, known as the Prairie State, offers a diverse mix of urban excitement, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks. Whether you're drawn to the bustling city life of Chicago or the charming small towns and rolling farmlands, Illinois has something for every traveler.

Top Attractions in Illinois

  • Chicago: Experience iconic sights like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Willis Tower.
  • Springfield: Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and other historic sites related to the 16th president.
  • Starved Rock State Park: A paradise for outdoor lovers with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
  • Shawnee National Forest: Home to the breathtaking Garden of the Gods rock formations.
  • Route 66: Travel the historic Mother Road, featuring nostalgic roadside attractions.

Food & Culture

Illinois is famous for deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and thriving arts and music scenes. Festivals, museums, and local experiences make it a must-visit state.

Plan your Illinois adventure today and discover the best of the Midwest!

A yellow cable car travels along suspended wires against a partly cloudy sky with the sun visible, gliding above trees as it ascends in changing temp.

Grafton, IL Travel Guide: Riverfront Views, Wineries & SkyTour

A calm river surrounded by dense green trees under a partly cloudy sky offers the perfect outdoor adventure in Channahon, IL—a hidden gem worth adding to your travel guide.

Channahon, IL Travel Guide: Outdoor Adventure & Canal History

A paved road stretches forward through dense, green trees on both sides under an overcast sky, inviting travelers to explore Fulton IL's Dutch heritage and scenic riverfront views.

Fulton, IL Travel Guide: Dutch Heritage & Riverfront Views

A stone path winds through a sunlit forest with green trees and leafy undergrowth, inviting travelers to explore the natural beauty that inspired Catskin Days in Carrier Mills IL.

Carrier Mills, IL Travel Guide: Catskin Days & Local Charm

A red trolley rests beside the lush green space amid parked cars. In the background, a building with signs and street lamps hints at Galena's historic charm, where dining and shopping experiences await.

Galena, IL Travel Guide: Historic Charm, Dining & Shopping

A cable-stayed bridge in Alton spans a partially frozen river, with large ice sheets scattered across the water's surface under a clear sky, echoing the whispers of Riverfront history and the mystique of the Piasa Legend.

Alton, IL Travel Guide: Riverfront History & Piasa Legend

Dozens of colorful hot air balloons gracefully float in the clear blue sky above, set against the backdrop of a majestic bell tower—a perfect scene for those enjoying Centralia travel during the spectacular Balloon Fest.

Centralia, IL Travel Guide: Balloon Fest, History & Bell Tower

A vibrant cluster of small, colorful flowers in shades of red, purple, yellow, and orange brightens the scene along the Reagan Trail in Dixon, IL.

Discover Dixon, IL: Reagan Trail, History & Petunia Festival

A colorful, retro van painted with peace symbols and flowers is parked on the street in front of a modern building.

Explore Arcola, IL: Amish Culture, Festivals & Quirky Museums

Amidst the forested expanse with fallen trees and dense greenery, a person in a yellow jacket and backpack is hiking the renowned trails of the USA, confidently navigating through nature's embrace with poles in hand.

Quirky Things to Do in Casey, IL

Bunches of purple and red grapes hang from a vine with sunlight filtering through, against a blurred background of a vineyard.

Best Wineries and Breweries to Visit in Illinois: A Guide to Local Flavors

A serene waterfall flowing over rocks into a calm pool below, surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations.

Exploring Starved Rock State Park: Hiking, Waterfalls, and Outdoor Adventures

A vintage Route 66 sign labeled "Illinois U.S. 66" is mounted on a brick wall. The sign shows signs of rust and wear.

The Ultimate Route 66 Illinois Road Trip: Must-See Stops & Attractions

Historic cannon on a concrete base overlooking a river, bridge, and town with colorful buildings and a church steeple in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

10 Best Small Towns in Illinois for a Relaxing Weekend Escape

Large neoclassical building with a central dome, reflected in a calm body of water, under a clear blue sky.

Exploring Chicago’s Best Museums: A Guide to Must-Visit Cultural Institutions

Night view of the Chicago Water Tower, illuminated, surrounded by tall buildings. Light trails from traffic are visible in the foreground.

A History Lover’s Guide to Chicago: 10 Must-See Historic Sites

City skyline at night with illuminated skyscrapers, a river reflecting lights, and a clear sky.

Best Rooftop Bars in Chicago for Stunning Skyline Views

A red "Chicago" sign is illuminated next to tall buildings and a distinct cylindrical structure.

Hidden Gems in Chicago: 10 Unique Places Most Tourists Miss

City skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings reflected in calm water; a colorful sky with orange and blue tones creates a vibrant backdrop.

A Weekend Getaway in Chicago: The Ultimate 48-Hour Itinerary

Person serving a slice of deep-dish pizza with cheesy topping from a platter on a wooden table.

10 Must-Try Places to Eat When Visiting Chicago

A walkway by a large body of water with skyscrapers in the background offers endless things to do at Navy Pier. The skyline is on the left, and the water stretches to the right under a clear blue sky—a perfect setting for family activities in Chicago or boat tours in Chicago.

Navy Pier & Chicago Riverwalk: The Best Waterfront Attractions in Chicago

A wooden bridge spans over a creek in a lush garden, surrounded by diverse trees and colorful flowering plants.

Discover Anderson Japanese Gardens: A Tranquil Escape in Illinois

The red and yellow train of the roller coaster loops against a clear blue sky at Six Flags Great America, one of the top family-friendly attractions in Illinois.

Six Flags Great America: Ultimate Guide to Rides, Attractions & Tips

A long, red stairway ascends a grassy hill under a clear blue sky in the heart of an ancient city in America, with the sun setting on the horizon, whispering tales of Native American history in Illinois.

Exploring Cahokia Mounds: America’s Largest Ancient City

A bronze lion statue stands proudly outside an ornate building with arched windows, one of the best museums in Chicago. People gather on the steps nearby, while bare trees frame this iconic Chicago cultural attraction.

The Art Institute of Chicago: A Must-Visit for Art Lovers

A stone water intake tower stands in a river, with a metal truss bridge overhead and a line of trees in the background, making it one of Illinois' intriguing roadside attractions along old Route 66.

Exploring Route 66 in Illinois: Top Attractions & Road Trip Stops

A circular modern building with large glass windows stands under a clear blue sky, flanked by two flags including the American flag. A testament to Lincoln's legacy, this architectural marvel is one of the must-see things to do in Springfield, IL.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum: A Must-Visit in Springfield, Illinois

A thin waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery and dense vegetation, offering one of the best hikes in Illinois for those exploring the natural beauty of Illinois state parks.

Ultimate Guide to Starved Rock State Park: Hiking, Waterfalls & More

The image captures The Bean Chicago, a must-see among things to do in Millennium Park. It beautifully reflects the city skyline and nearby trees, with skyscrapers under a cloudy sky in the background.

Exploring Millennium Park in Chicago: A Must-See Urban Oasis

Scroll to Top