Experiences

Experiences

Legend Says Bigfoot Is Still Hidden Somewhere in Illinois

The hidden legend in Illinois of Bigfoot roaming Shawnee National Forest is alive and well, with more sightings than ever.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jun 27
A Bigfoot crossing sign posted on road near the forest. Bigfoot is still a hidden legend in Illinois that people are actively looking for.
Experiences

One Unforgettable Airbnb Experience in Illinois You’ll Want to Book ASAP

by Amanda Finn
on Apr 24
Berries on a wild edible plant forage in Aurora, Illinois.
Experiences

These 3 Hidden Spots in Gramercy Park Feel Like a Secret

by Stephanie Frias
on Apr 19
A man and child walking a paved path towards a picnic pavillion, a hidden spot in Gramercy Park, Illinois
Experiences

7 Truly One-of-a-Kind Buildings You’ll Only Find in Illinois

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Feb 18
A white temple stands surrounded by green trees and a road.
Experiences

4 Overhyped Illinois Places That Look Better Online Than in Real Life

by Amanda Finn
on Nov 23
A pink sunset sky behind downtown Chicago skyscrapers and the Cloudgate shiny silver sculpture in the foreground

Latest Experiences

Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Congress Plaza Hotel Is One of My Favorite Haunted Places in Illinois

This Chicago hotel is one of the most haunted locations in Illinois.

by Noah Morriss
on Sep 18
The Congress Plaza Hotel seen from across the street.
Experiences
Museums

Can’t Make It to the Louvre Museum? Try This Illinois Alternative

Explore art, design, and architecture at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum in Chicago, Illinois.

by Cait Kontalis
on Jul 9
View of the entry to a Gilded Age mansion that is decorated for the winter holidays.
Experiences

I Asked Our AI-Travel Planner for a Weekend Adventure in Springfield, Illinois—Here’s What It Created

Creating a history focused itinerary using the AI travel planner for Illinois' capital

by Amanda Finn
on May 27
The Old Illinois State Capitol building in the background with statues of Mary Todd Lincoln and Abe Lincoln in the foreground.
Experiences
Attractions

Looking Back at My Childhood in Illinois: How Brookfield Zoo Became an Unforgettable Experience

From catching snakes in the 1950s to girl talk in the 2000s, Brookfield Zoo in Illinois has heard it all.

by Cait Kontalis
on Apr 24
A lion sitting on a rock in a zoo exhibit.
Experiences
Activities

Take a Moonlight Ride on Horseback Across the Beautiful Illinois Countryside

For a nighttime adventure in Illinois, take a moonlight trail ride on horseback with SaddleSnaps.

by Trent Jonas
on Mar 28
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Experiences
Activities

Dream Spring Break in Illinois: Where I’d Go if Money Was No Object

Spring break doesn't need to be cantankerous and wild to be fun; Chicago is a hidden gem of a spring break destination in Illinois that you'd never expect.

by Tori Jane
on Feb 11
Glass skyscrapers tower over a river during a cool spring break in Chicago, Illinois.
Experiences
Attractions

Evanston Is a Walkable City in Illinois Known for Its Otherworldly Beauty

Lovers of small towns with fall head over heels for Evanston, a stunningly beautiful, highly walkable city in Illinois.

by Tori Jane
on Mar 3
A sailboat on a lake in Illinois.
Experiences
Activities

26 Exciting Things to Do in Illinois in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

Here are some amazing things we still have time to do in the Land of Lincoln in 2026.

by Tori Jane
on Dec 22
Rock formations silhouetted against a warm summer sunset at Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois.
byCity Cast Chicago

Walk a Mile on 53rd Street

by Only In Your State Staff
on Dec 16
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byCity Cast Chicago

Why Chicagoans Shouldn’t Sleep on Route 66

by Only In Your State Staff
on Nov 11
Street view featuring a "Historic Route 66" sign, with buildings and banners in a bustling urban setting.