Here Are The 12 Biggest Mistakes Tourists Can Make In Illinois
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
There are so many reasons to visit Illinois. Our great state is jam packed with so many fun attractions and things to do that there are a million reasons to come back. When you visit, though, try not to make these 12 tourist mistakes.
There’s a right way and wrong way to travel the state. Keep scrolling to make sure you’re doing it correctly.
If you're coming to Illinois just to visit the Windy City, you're making a huge mistake. The city can be fun, but it's nothing like the rest of the state. Chicago attractions are popular, which makes the lines long. You won't find that everywhere here.
It can get cool in the summer and warm in the winter here in Illinois. One of the biggest tourist mistakes you can make is to forget to check the weather. It's best to pack layers so that you can be prepared for anything.
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One of the best things Illinois has to offer is its nature scene. From top to bottom, the state is riddled with state parks and nature preserves that contain more beauty than you ever thought possible in the Midwest.
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One of the biggest tourist mistakes when traveling anywhere is having your nose stuck in your guide. Look around and explore the unbeaten path every once in a while to uncover hidden treasures only locals know about.
You'll never get a true look at Illinois if you only ever visit the places everyone goes. While these attractions are popular for a reason, you're likely to find your favorite state destination tucked away where no one else knows about it.
Every once in a while, your GPS comes across a part of the state that it can't quite track. It's in your best interest to find the nearest Illinoisan and ask them where to go.
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Forget McDonald's and Taco Bell when you come to Illinois. Even if you're trying to dine on a budget, our state is full of amazing diners, dives, and local chains you'll never forget. Click here for 12 tasty restaurants out-of-towners will absolutely love.
From Lake Michigan to the many rivers that run all around our state, Illinois is filled with waterside activities you don't want to miss. For the best views around, visit Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, and the Illinois River.
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If you're "visiting" Illinois by plane but are only staying long enough for your layover flight to board, you aren't really visiting the state. Take time to venture outside the terminal next time you pass through.
Festivals abound in the great state of Illinois. Though most occur during the summer, you can find something going on just about any time of year. Winter brings eagle days, snow sculpting competitions, and much more.
Neglecting to fill your time in Illinois with as many activities as possible is on you. There's so much you can do here any time of year. Winter is for ice skating and sledding, while summer is for swimming and camping.
It's like they say: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. You wouldn't want to show up wearing a cheese head and calling our landmarks by the wrong names, so do your research. Click here for 11 foolproof ways to make someone from Illinois cringe.
Planning you stay begins with figuring when to travel. Here are 11 reasons not to visit Illinois in the winter.
What other tourist mistakes do you see people doing in Illinois? Share your thoughts with us!
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