Posted in Illinois
January 16, 2020
12 Unforgettable Illinois Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
With the new year upon us, we’re already filling up a bucket list of places to go and things to do in the 12 months ahead. Below are our faves so you, too, can plan your year with monthly day trips that will make it easier to complete your bucket list. Below are 12 ideas to get you started. Check them out:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

While we're getting snow during the first month of the year, it might not be a bad idea to check out Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve. Through February, there will be inner tube rentals that make this hill incredibly fun to enjoy. Learn more about it here.

Since temperatures are certain to still be freezing during this month, take one of these monthly day trips to an indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge where guests can even stay the night. Dump buckets, water slides, wave pools, and much more abound at this unique park. Click here to learn more about this attraction.

Illinoisans know that Superman makes his home in the southern portions of our state right along the Ohio River in the town of Metropolis. There is a museum there that locals love and tourists adore even more, and it's filled with items from the movies and TV series. Get more details about The Super Museum here.

Aikman Wildlife Adventure is a small-town attraction that is worth a visit anytime of year, but spring is an especially lovely time to visit. You'll find more than 150 exotic and farm animals waiting to meet you as you drive through this unique safari. Get more information about this place here.

Unique attractions abound in the Land of Lincoln and continue with this 70-passenger, mule-pulled canal boat in central Illinois. Guests can enjoy the Illinois & Michigan Canal Boat most months of the year but the best views are available in the spring and summer. Get more details here.

With its historic monuments and other attractions, this river city is a fun place to explore when the weather is nice. It is also fun to drive around and take in the views of the Mississippi River before hitting up one of the popular local restaurants. Click here for more details.

July is the perfect time of year to go to a waterpark like Raging Waves in northern Illinois. You'll find every sort of water slide, pool, and other aquatic attraction at this park. Get more details about this spot here.

For a fabulous road trip that only lasts a day, check out this waterfalls and wineries journey that takes you to five fun locations. You'll get to go hiking and sip on some delicious vino. Click here to learn more about this unique excursion.

Wineries, gorgeous architecture, tours, and other charming attractions are all found in Nauvoo. This beautiful little small town makes for an incredible day trip you will never forget. Click here to learn more about it.

Visit one of Illinois' best vineyards this fall for foliage views wine sipping. Guests love strolling the vines of this 13-acre vineyard and tasting multiple varieties of white and red wines. Click here to learn more about this popular spot.

While it is a lovely place to visit any time of year, visiting Batavia during autumn is guaranteed to be a good time. There are many gorgeous places to walk around and enjoy views of the Fox River as well as beautiful architecture and gazebos. Click here for more details.

Galena is always a lovely place to vacation, if you live close enough for a day trip, it is definitely recommended to do so in December when the town is decorated for the holidays. Get your Christmas shopping done while enjoying the most charming town in the state. Click here for more details.
For more like this, check out these 11 year-round day trips in Illinois.
What other monthly day trips do you want to take this year? Share your ideas with us below in the comments.
Address: 1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
Address: 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Address: Batavia, IL, USA
Address: 45 W 5th St, Metropolis, IL 62960, USA
Address: 4000 N Bridge St, Yorkville, IL 60560, USA
Address: Alton, IL, USA
Address: 754 1st St, Lasalle, IL 61301, USA
Address: 125 N Co Rd 425E, Arcola, IL 61910, USA
Address: Nauvoo, IL 62354, USA
Address: Galena, IL 61036, USA
Address: Butterfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555, USA