As a moderately large state, Illinois is home to so many outstanding attractions, it can be difficult to decide which one to go to on that next three-day weekend. To help you out, we’ve narrowed down the best day trips in Illinois that you need to check off your bucket list. For anyone who has ever asked that age-old question, “Are there any day trips near me in Illinois?” the answer is an unequivocal yes. From those historic places to visit in Illinois down to the natural gems, you’ll have your pick of what to explore first. This is your state, folks, so you deserve to explore all of its nooks and crannies. Here are some of the best local gems complete with links to all the details!

1. Aerie's Resort & Winery - Grafton, Illinois
Aerie's Resort in Grafton Illinois, 14 W Main St, Grafton, IL 62037, USA
Aerie's Resort & Winery/Facebook
Wine is fine, but the best part of this attraction is the adventure you'll find in the treetops. Zipline at Aerie's Resort & Winery 250 feet above the ground to see the gorgeous Illinois forest in the most unique way. You'll cover two miles without stepping a foot on the Earthen floor.
2. Villa Kathrine - Quincy, Illinois
Villa Kathrine, 532 Gardner Expy, Quincy, IL 62301, USA
Villa Katherine/Facebook
Built back in the year 1900, Villa Kathrine once belonged to Illinois native W. George Metz. The castle switched ownership over the years, and it eventually fell into ruin before being saved in the 1970s on the basis of its history and grand interior.
3. Linmar Gardens - Galena, Illinois
Linmar Gardens, 504 S Prospect St, Galena, IL 61036, USA
Linmar Gardens
This locally owned garden is located in Galena's historic downtown area. There are over three acres of natural gardens, statues, gazebos, and reflecting pools. You'll be swept away by the winding paths and secret waterfalls. Linmar Gardens is a beautiful little escape from the real world, and we think you'll adore it.
4. Blue Sky Vineyard - Makanda, Illinois
Blue Sky Vineyard, 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Google Blue Sky Vineyard
Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Blue Sky Vineyard will immediately whisk you away to Tuscany. You can sample multiple wines, explore the vineyard, and learn everything there is to know about wine-making. While you may come for the wine, it's the stunning, Italian-like grounds that will make you want to stay all night.
5. Aikman Wildlife Adventure - Arcola, Illinois
Aikman Wildlife Adventure, 125 N Co Rd 425E, Arcola, IL 61910, USA
Facebook/Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Over 150 exotic animals roam the grounds of this safari. There's also a petting zoo and guided wagon tours. Children of all ages are in for an unforgettable day of fun at Aikman Wildlife Adventure!

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6. Alton, Illinois
Alton, IL, USA
Aimée Knight/Flickr
When you only have one day for a mini-vacation, this small town in Illinois has enough going on to fill it up. You'll enjoy a plethora of stunning views along the Mississippi River, learn about the history of the town, and visit a statue of the tallest man ever born.
7. Nauvoo, Illinois
Nauvoo, IL 62354, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
This charming Illinois small town sits along the Mississippi River, and though only about 1,000 people live here, it is home to more than enough attractions to fill your day. Explore this majestic temple, take a covered wagon ride, and visit Illinois' oldest winery all in one trip.
8. Marcoot Jersey Creamery - Greenville, Illinois
Marcoot Jersey Creamery, 526 Dudleyville Rd, Greenville, IL 62246, USA
Facebook_Marcoot Jersey Creamery
Move aside, Wisconsin - Illinois makes some mighty fine cheese too. Discover over 15 types of cheeses as you tour the grounds of Marcoot Jersey Creamery. From cows grazing the field to the creamy treat you love so much, this farm shows you all the ins and outs of making cheese.
9. Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park - University Park, Illinois
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, 1 University Dr, University Park, IL 60484, USA
Facebook/Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
This mind-blowing experience is a hike unlike any other. For more than three decades, seekers of the strange and marvelous have traveled to this sculpture park for some of the best, large-scale art in the Chicago area.
10. Batavia, Illinois
Batavia, IL, USA
Flickr/The Kombrink Lobrillo Team
This town is absolutely stunning day or night, winter through fall. With a charming downtown, breathtaking river walk, and an old train depot, you'll find plenty of great adventures and photo opportunities in beautiful Batavia, Illinois. Journey down the Fox River for a day to this perfect little town.
11. Oberweis - Aurora, Illinois
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store, 951 Ice Cream Dr, North Aurora, IL 60542, USA
Yelp/Oberweis
Locals know the best day trip in Illinois to get a cold dairy treat is Oberweis. You can take a day to tour their factory and see where all the magic happens. After you go behind the scenes, grab your favorite sundae or shake and enjoy it with your newfound knowledge.

If you love to travel, take one of these Illinois road trips that will change your life. Which of these day trips in Illinois have you taken? Share your photos and experiences with us! We’d love to hear from you in the comments section if you have other must-visit places in Illinois that need to be explored.

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Day Trips Near Me In Illinois

Marisa Roman | August 06, 2021

What are the best road trips through Illinois?

Did you enjoy the scenic day trips in Illinois mentioned above? Why not extend those day trips into weekend road trips?

  • There are so many fun road trips you can take in order to see the best of Illinois. Whether it’s a haunted road trip through the scariest attractions or a natural wonders road trip, you’ll never run out of things to do. Check out this list of the 10 Best Road Trips In Illinois.

 

What are the coolest attractions in Illinois?

Oftentimes those must-visit places in Illinois are quite simply the coolest. But what’s more, is that the coolest attractions in Illinois tend to remain under the radar in many cases.

  • For instance, have you ever visited Wild West Town in Union? How about the Grafton Harbor Floating Winery? Check out these places and more when you read about the 10 coolest attractions in Illinois that not enough people visit.

 

What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in Illinois?

Perhaps you’re looking for some historic places to visit in Illinois. Usually, those spots that are rich with history are often one-of-a-kind, as in, that history doesn’t just pop up in another state.

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