Best Places to Visit in Illinois | Travel Guide 2024

The Completely Free Garden Hiding in an Illinois College Campus Is a Must-Visit

Explore a hidden gem garden in Illinois—free, tranquil, and featuring beautiful Japanese design and seasonal blooms.

by Jasmine Vieau

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The Panoramic-View Restaurant on the Banks of Fox Lake in Illinois Is a Must-Visit

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You Might Be Surprised to Hear the Predictions About Illinois’ Cold and Dry Upcoming Winter

Weather & Natural Phenomena

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The Audubon Center in Illinois Where You’ll See More Than 15 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

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Food

Bakeries & Dessert

This Roadside Country Store In Illinois Sells The Most Amazing Homemade Fudge You’ll Ever Try

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A Historic Church Is Now Illinois’ Best New Mediterranean Restaurant

A Hidden Paradise In Illinois, This American-Italian Restaurant Has Its Very Own Private Waterfall

Nature

The Stunning Top-Secret Natural Spring in Illinois Nobody’s Ever Heard of

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Illinois’ Fall Foliage In 2024

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The 4.8-Mile St. James Farm Trail In Illinois Takes You Through The Enchanting St. James Farm Forest Preserve

Trip Ideas

How This Small Illinois Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Midwest

Explore Inside A Cave, Then Dine At A Rocky Restaurant All At This Underrated Illinois State Park

Travel Preparation & Advice

8 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Illinois Summer Bucket List

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Experiences

This Antique Mall Along Route 66 In Illinois Is The Epitome of Americana

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A Spontaneous, 24-Hour Trip To Chicago, Illinois, Created A Core Memory

This Antique Mall Along Route 66 In Illinois Is The Epitome of Americana

Stays

Sleep In A Wooden Shoe Shop When You Book A Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb In Illinois

Hotels & Resorts

This Unique Illinois Hotel Is Also In A Park, So You Can Stargaze During Your Stay

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14 Of The Best Cabins In Illinois For An Unforgettable Stay

Bucket List

15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Illinois That Defy Explanation

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Illinois Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

by Melissa Mahoney

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18 Best Hikes in Illinois: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

by Natasha Kayes

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Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Illinois

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National & State Parks

Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Illinois

by Jasmine Vieau

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Discover Local Wonders

All Stories

Shops & Boutiques

The Eclectic Neighborhood In Illinois You Could Spend Weeks Exploring

National & State Parks

Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Illinois Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Channahon State Park, the smallest state park in Illinois, offers a gateway to extensive hiking, biking, and nature trails.

by Kim Magaraci

The One Loop Trail In Illinois That’s Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

Hastings Lake in Illinois offers a year-round, accessible loop hike through diverse natural landscapes.

by Melissa Mahoney

There’s A Canyon In Illinois That Resembles Antelope Canyon, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Discover the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail in Illinois, featuring a slot canyon reminiscent of Arizona's Antelope Canyon.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Remote Lake In Illinois Is Also The Most Peaceful

Cedar Lake in southern Illinois offers a serene summer getaway with opportunities for boating, hiking, and fishing.