9 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Illinois That Won’t Break The Bank

Road trips have a way of satisfying our wanderlust when we don’t have the time or the funds to hop on a plane and fly somewhere else. Taking a road trip around your own state to discover new things doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are many low-cost or even free options where you can visit spectacular natural and historic sites. Here are some inexpensive road trip ideas for you to consider the next time you want an adventure.

Stephen/Flickr

If you love seeking out tourist attractions, then head to Casey, a peculiar town featuring some of the 'World's Largest' objects. Here you will find the world's largest rocking chair, golf tee, wind chime, pitchfork, and barbershop pole, among many others. But the most striking attraction is perhaps the World's Largest Mailbox which serves as both an observation tower AND a real mailbox. You're sure to have a blast looking for all the massive objects around town, and best of all, they are free to see! Check out our previous coverage to learn more.

GoddessOfRocks/Flickr

Exploring state parks around Illinois is always a great road trip option. Not only are do they allow us to explore nature while getting some fresh air and exercise, but they are free to visit. If you haven't yet been to Mississippi Palisades State Park, you should make plans to visit. This 2,500-acre park features plenty of hiking, a river, and bluffs with some spectacular scenic overlooks. Read more about this wonderful place in our previous post.

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If you love waterfalls then you'll love our waterfall road trip which will take you to six incredible falls, including Jackson Falls and Burden Falls. This is one epic adventure you don't want to miss!

IvoShandor/Wikimedia Commons

The charming small town of Galena offers so much from scenic views, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings to a downtown area with many shops and restaurants, and a lovely park along the banks of the Galena River. Read more about why Galena is a perfect road trip destination in our previous coverage.

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway/Facebook

There's so much beauty to see along the Illinois River Road which follows both sides of the river. There numerous places to see the breathtaking scenery. Along the route, you can stop at Hennepin Canal State Park in Scheffield, see Cascade Falls at Matthiessen State Park in Utica, and so much more! Visit our previous post and read about some other places you can stop at along the way.

Illinois Springfield/Flickr

Whether or not you're interested in history, this is the Land of Lincoln and we should all know a little bit about the 16th President of the United States. Along this road trip, you can visit Lincoln's tomb, the presidential library that's in his name, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and more. Most of the attractions along the Abraham Lincoln trail are free to enjoy.

Black.Doll/Flickr

This road trip is not for everyone but if you are the type who's constantly in search of the macabre and paranormal, this road trip is for you! From cemeteries to former hospitals, a library, and a mansion, you'll be spooked in no time. Most, but not all, of these places can be visited for free.

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Geneva Park District/Facebook

This farm-turned-park is an oasis within the city of Geneva and a great place to bring the entire family. There's so much to do in this park, you can easily spend the day. There are numerous hiking trails, exhibits where you can learn about nature and the area's history, the famous Butterfly House, and more, all for free! Read more about Peck Farm Park by visiting the website.

Tom Gill/Flickr

Visit the wilderness of Starved Rock State Park for an adventure in nature you will never forget. As one of the most scenic parks in the Prairie State, you can get your fill of waterfalls, canyons, fascinating rock formations, and scenic overlooks. Read more about this incredible park in our previous post.

As you can see, road trips don’t need to be expensive when there are so many places around the Prairie State that are either free or low-cost to enjoy. Are there any other inexpensive road trip ideas you would like to add to this list? Please do so in the comment section.