There are many reasons to head outside this summer, and Illinois is home to 10 of them. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to take a break or some of the best hikes in Illinois, this list is guaranteed to inspire your warm-weather bucket list.

It’s also true that Illinoisans are experts at making the most of the warm months because we never know how long they are going to last. So keep scrolling for summer attractions in Illinois you don’t want to miss!

1. Visit a sunflower farm.
L&A Family Farms, 21661 Staley Rd, Paris, IL 61944, USA
Facebook/L&A Family Farms
Growing over 50 types of fruits and vegetables, L&A Family Farms starts seeing sunflowers in July. The field is turned into a maze, so you can make a day of walking through the whole area. It's truly one of the most magical flower fields in Illinois. When you visit, be sure to bring your camera with you to capture all of those photo-worthy moments!
2. Relax at a unique spa.
Primal Oceans Salt Cave, 8 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525, USA
Facebook/Primal Oceans Salt Cave
Primal Oceans Salt Cave in La Grange doesn't look like much from the outside, but within its walls is a pink Himalayan salt cave. Meditation music is played as you enjoy crushing salt beneath your feet and staring at the "starry" sky above. It's one of the most unique day trip destinations in Illinois.
3. Go to a gorgeous waterpark.
Raging Rivers WaterPark, 100 Palisades Pkwy, Grafton, IL 62037, USA
Facebook/Raging Rivers WaterPark, Grafton, IL
Situated along the Mississippi River in the southern part of the state, Raging Rivers WaterPark is full of wonders for all ages. In addition to spectacular views, visitors enjoy the lazy river, wave pool, water slide, dump bucket, and aquatic playgrounds.
4. Ride an antique train.
Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad & Museum, W Lamm Rd, Freeport, IL 61032, USA
Facebook/Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad
Next up on our list of fun-filled summer day trips in Illinois is the Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad. Founded in 1982, this museum and historical experience were created in order to preserve the country's railroad heritage. Visitors can take a 3.4-mile ride on a 1912 locomotive and possibly even sit up front with the engineer and shovel coal.
5. Soak up the sun.
Carlyle Lake, Carlyle Township, IL 62231, USA
Facebook/Carlyle Lake
When locals who live around Carlyle Lake want to catch some rays, they visit the semi-private Keyesport Beach. Situated on Illinois' largest man-made lake, it is ideal for boating and fishing, plus there are numerous trails for hiking, amazing views, and a playground. The next time you're craving some quality time on the water, you'll be glad to learn that you don't need to cross state lines to experience a beautiful beach!

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6. Adventure to another world.
Facebook/Boo Castle Park
Best known as "Dungeons and Dragons Park," this 3.5-acre area was dedicated as a memorial by a father whose son died in a car accident. It gets its namesake from the son's nickname, "Boo," and is themed with knights, dragons, and castles, reminiscent of the game Boo loved so much. Learn more about this fairytale-like park in Illinois and why you'll want to visit.
7. Wander through wildflowers.
Rocky Bluff Trail, Rocky Blf Trl, Grassy, IL 62902, USA
Facebook/Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
Next up on our list of summer day trips is one of the best hikes in Illinois! Visit Rocky Bluff Trail for a chance to spot wild poppies, lilies, purple trilliums, bloodroot, and much more. Located in Makanda, the terrain is rugged and the ground uneven. There is a 1.8-mile hike as well as a .5-mile shortcut that still takes visitors past some excellent flower patches. There's so much to love about this stunning wildflower trail in Illinois.
8. Go back in time.
Facebook/Wild West Town
Wild West Town is just one of those iconic Illinois experiences that everyone should have. You have to visit this western-themed amusement park in the summer because it is only open May through October. Visitors get a chance to mine for gold, see a western play, and practice archery, as well as ride peddle carts, a roller coaster, and ponies. There is also an attached museum featuring relics from the 1800s.
9. Try this weird pizza.
Angelo's Pizza Downers Grove, 1001 Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
Facebook/Angelo's 3
Who's up for some incredible pizza in Illinois? With locations in Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon, there's no excuse not to try a pie from Angelo's. The restaurant is known for its buffet and unique specialty pizzas, most notable - the spaghetti pizza. Other specialty varieties include bacon cheeseburger, taco, chicken bacon ranch, B.L.T., and mac and cheese.
10. Go hiking.
Lowden - Miller Forest, Oregon, IL 61061, USA
Wikimedia Commons/IvoShandor
In the town of Oregon, the Lowden-Miller River Loop is a 4.7-mile trail that goes by the Rock River. It is situated in the Loweden-Miller Forest, which spans 2,291 acres of wooded land. You'll quickly discover why this loop trail is one of the most underrated and best hikes in Illinois!

Love traveling during the summer? If so, be sure to check out 11 more wonderful Illinois road trips!

Where is your favorite place to go in the summer? Do you think we included some of the coolest destinations and best hikes in Illinois? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

best hikes in Illinois

Beth C. | April 22, 2022

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Illinois?

Going on a hiking adventure with the little explorers in your life can be an unforgettable experience. Of course, if you're looking to go hiking with kids in Illinois, you'll likely want to scout out the shorter and easier trails. Fortunately, we've done a lot of this work for you! One of our top recommendations for kid-friendly hikes in Illinois is Starved Rock State Park. Because there are trails of varying lengths at this peaceful park, you can truly choose your own adventure. While you're there, be on the lookout for points of interest such as canyons and waterfalls. Next up on the list is Garden of the Gods, which has an easy trail around the main observation area that measures just 0.3 miles. If you're looking for some time on the water, head to Illinois Beach State Park. There are 6.5 miles of pristine shoreline for you to enjoy, so hike, walk, or stroll -- it's up to you! Matthiessen State Park is an overlooked park with gorgeous canyons and waterfalls, much like Starved Rock State Park. Some other kid-friendly hiking areas in Illinois include Lowden State Park, Hennepin Canal, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Castle Rock State Park, Lake Le-Aqua-Na, Tunnel Hill State Trail, and Ferne Clyffe State Park. Learn more about these beautiful yet easy hikes in Illinois.

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