Best Places to Visit in Illinois
Illinois is a state where big-city energy meets Midwestern charm, offering a wide variety of places to explore. Having traveled through its bustling cities, quiet small towns, and scenic landscapes for four weeks, I’ve found that Illinois is full of destinations that showcase its history, culture, and natural beauty.
From family-friendly attractions to cultural experiences and hidden gems off the beaten path, Illinois has something for every kind of traveler. Here are the places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Springfield, Illinois
I loved the cultural yet laid-back vibe of Springfield, Illinois! I caught the Amtrak Lincoln Service from Chicago to Springfield (just over 3 hours, $20–$30 one way) and stayed at Inn At 835 for three nights. I think Springfield, Illinois is one of the best places to visit in Illinois. Why? I loved exploring sites tied to Abraham Lincoln, shaded strolls through leafy parks, and cozy evenings sampling hearty Midwestern comfort food downtown.
I found the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to be one of my favorite stops. I felt transported through the immersive exhibits and interactive displays, and it was a cool reminder of why Springfield is so tied to Lincoln’s story. We also made time for a walk through Oak Ridge Cemetery, where Lincoln’s Tomb stands tall.
Not far from there, we explored Washington Park Botanical Garden, the Illinois State Capitol, and Route 66 which made Springfield even more special for me.
Check prices at Crowne Plaza Springfield by IHG and other hotels for an overnight stay.
2. Chicago
No discussion of Illinois would be complete without this amazing city! I loved how my trip to Chicago, Illinois gave me breezy afternoons along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, golden evenings watching the skyline glow, and lively nights filled with theater, jazz, and deep-dish pizza indulgence.
I took Amtrak’s scenic Hiawatha line from Milwaukee (1.5 hours, about $25) and stayed at 4-star Staypineapple for three nights. One of my favorite discoveries was the U.S. Pizza Museum. Tucked into the city’s South Loop, it was such a cool spot filled with quirky exhibits, vintage pizza memorabilia, and even playful art pieces that made me smile.
We also wandered over to Pleasant House Bakery in the Pilsen neighborhood, and I can honestly say it was a hidden gem for food lovers. The atmosphere felt cozy yet lively, and it was the perfect place to refuel after exploring the city streets.
Of course, Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the Magnificent Mile, and a stop at Millennium Park.
My highlight were the views from Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, glass floor panels beneath my feet.
3. Galena, Illinois
One of the best places to visit in Illinois when I moved was Galena, Illinois. I quickly realized why so many people call it one of the most charming towns in the Midwest. Nestled near the Mississippi River and surrounded by rolling hills, it felt like stepping into a storybook.
I think Galena, Illinois is one of the best places to visit in Illinois. Why? I loved walking down Main Street, where 19th-century brick buildings now house boutiques, galleries, and cozy cafés—it gave the whole town a joyful and welcoming vibe.
I drove 3 hours west from Chicago into Galena, a 19th-century lead-mining town tucked along the Galena River, and checked into 4-star DeSoto House Hotel for three nights.
We stopped by the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Horseshoe Mound Preserve, and Galena Cellars.
For me, Galena had that unusual blend of history, nature, and small-town warmth. Every corner offered a reason to slow down, and by the time I left, I knew it had become one of my favorite Illinois weekend getaways.
4. Bloomington
Exploring Bloomington, Illinois turned out to be a delightful surprise, filled with history, culture, and small-town warmth. We drove 2 hours southwest from Chicago into Bloomington and stayed at 3-star Chateau Hotel and Conference Center for three nights.
Right in the heart of downtown, I enjoyed wandering through the McLean County Museum of History, we wandered over to the Illinois Wesleyan University campus, and visited the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site.
Just a short drive away, Miller Park Zoo gave us a chance to see lemurs and big cats up close.
What stood out most about Bloomington was how it blended history, community, and unique attractions so seamlessly. Every corner we explored—from downtown streets to cultural landmarks—made me appreciate this Midwestern city even more.
My highlight was walking along the Constitution Trail, lined with trees and wildflowers.
5. Champaign
This month gave me everything I wanted for a lively college-town getaway to Champaign, Illinois with warm afternoons exploring tree-lined campus quads, evenings filled with craft brews and live music, and sunny mornings discovering art, science, and Midwest hospitality.
We drove 2 hours 15 minutes south from Chicago into Champaign and stayed at 3-star Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana for three nights. Champaign, Illinois welcomed me with a cool mix of culture, history, and college-town energy that made every moment feel exciting.
We visited the University of Illinois campus, the Krannert Art Museum, and the Meadowbrook Park trails. Right in the heart of downtown, I loved discovering the eclectic restaurants, lively bars, and boutique shops that gave the city such a joyful personality.
For me, Champaign combined small-town warmth with big-city culture in the most refreshing way. Every stop (whether it was a museum, park, or bustling café) added to the experience and made this Illinois destination unforgettable.
A creative burger at Seven Saints tavern was a highlight for lunch.
6. Schaumburg
Schaumburg, Illinois impressed me right away with its mix of shopping, entertainment, and green spaces. Best of all, it was a super affordable day trip from Chicago. I caught the Metra Milwaukee District West Line from Chicago’s Union Station to Schaumburg (about 1 hour, $6.25).
One of my favorite experiences was spending the morning at Woodfield Mall, my son and I checked out LEGOLAND Discovery Center, then headed to Spring Valley Nature Center. Tucked away from the busy streets, it’s an underrated gem with walking trails, prairies, and woodlands that made me feel instantly connected to nature. I loved taking a peaceful stroll there—it was the perfect balance to Schaumburg’s energetic downtown. We also explored the Trickster Cultural Center where we were surrounded by Native art, thought-provoking exhibits, and moments of reflection in a space that honors tradition while celebrating living culture.
For me, Schaumburg offered a refreshing blend of big-city attractions and small-town charm. From shopping sprees to cultural stops and scenic escapes, every corner of this Illinois town added something special to the experience.
7. Naperville
Naperville, another fun, quick day trip from Chicago, welcomed me with a wonderful mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. I hopped on the Metra BNSF Line from Chicago’s Union Station to Naperville (about 50 minutes, $7).
One of my favorite experiences here was strolling along the Naperville Riverwalk. With its winding brick paths, fountains, and covered bridges, it felt like a spectacular spot to relax by the DuPage River. I loved how joyful the atmosphere was, especially with families and couples enjoying the scenery around me.
We also spent time at Naper Settlement, an outdoor history museum near downtown. Another highlight for me was Centennial Beach. More than just a pool, this historic stone quarry turned swimming area offered a cool place to spend a summer afternoon.
Of course, we couldn’t miss Naperville’s thriving downtown. The mix of boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants gave us plenty to explore, and it was a hidden gem for food lovers.
What stood out most about Naperville was how it blended history, recreation, and community spirit so seamlessly and that's why I think it's one of the best places to visit on a day trip in Illinois.
8. Rockford, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois surprised me with its mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Just 1 hour 30 minutes west of Chicago, we stayed at 3-star Hotel Goodwin for three nights. One of my favorite discoveries was Anderson Japanese Gardens.
We also visited the Discovery Center Museum, and I thought it was such a joyful stop. Another highlight was the Rockford Art Museum, located near the Rock River. We didn’t skip Midway Village Museum either, where I felt transported back in time.
What stood out most about Rockford was how it balanced peaceful outdoor spaces with rich cultural attractions. Every stop—from gardens to museums—added something special, making it one of my favorite Illinois cities to explore.
9. Shawnee National Forest from Illinois' Garden of the Gods
This month gave me everything I wanted for an adventurous retreat to Shawnee National Forest, including warm summer days hiking beneath sandstone bluffs, cooling off at hidden waterfalls, and evenings listening to cicadas hum beneath starry Midwestern skies.
I loved the rugged yet peaceful vibe, especially when exploring iconic spots like the Garden of the Gods, where surreal rock formations rise above sweeping forest views, and Jackson Falls, a tucked-away paradise for swimmers and climbers alike.
I drove in from St. Louis and based myself in a rustic cabin near Makanda, where I spent a week completely immersed in nature. My days were filled with hiking to dramatic overlooks, paddling on Cedar Lake, spotting wildlife in shaded hollows, and enjoying hearty campfire meals that made the forest feel like a true wilderness escape.
10. Peoria
This month gave me everything I wanted for a fun city-meets-nature getaway to Peoria, Illinois...sunny afternoons strolling the scenic Peoria Riverfront, peaceful hikes in nearby forest preserves, and lively evenings with music, festivals, and Midwestern charm.
I loved the relaxed yet energetic vibe, especially during summer events like the Peoria RiverFront Jazz & Art Festival, when the city buzzes with live music, food stalls, and fireworks over the Illinois River.
I drove in from Chicago and based myself at the elegant Mark Twain Hotel, overlooking the river and just steps from the downtown nightlife. My days were filled with exploring the Peoria Riverfront Museum, walking the trails of the Forest Park Nature Center, enjoying panoramic views from Grandview Drive (once praised by Theodore Roosevelt as the “world’s most beautiful drive”), and indulging in craft brews and farm-to-table dining downtown.
11. Matthiessen State Park
This month gave me everything I wanted for a nature-filled escape to Matthiessen State Park...golden afternoons hiking through sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and evenings relaxing after adventurous days spent in the heart of Illinois’ prairie country.
I think that Matthiessen State Park is one of the best things to do in Illinois for nature lovers because of the adventurous yet peaceful vibe, especially while exploring the Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail, where staircases and bridges lead down into a world of mossy rock walls, hidden grottos, and tumbling streams. The park felt like a secret wilderness tucked right into the Midwest.
I drove 1 hour 35 minutes from Chicago and based myself at Landers House in nearby Utica, where I spent three days exploring both Matthiessen and neighboring Starved Rock State Park (Starved Rock Lodge is another good option here). My days were filled with canyon hikes beneath towering cliffs, spotting wildflowers and butterflies along prairie paths, snapping photos of Cascade Falls, and cooling off with a local craft beer in town after long afternoons outdoors.
12. Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park meant trails filled with waterfalls, wildflowers, and breathtaking overlooks.
I loved the adventurous yet restorative vibe. I had less than a day to explore here so I'm not an expert but you can climb up to iconic spots like Lover’s Leap Overlook and Starved Rock Overlook, where sweeping views of the river and surrounding bluffs make every step worthwhile. The park’s mix of rugged trails and tranquil water views felt like the perfect Midwestern getaway.
Conclusion
Illinois truly offers a little bit of everything, from spectacular city adventures to peaceful small-town escapes. You can dive into history, explore vibrant downtowns, enjoy hidden gems tucked into nature, or simply relax along scenic riverfronts and lakeshores. Whether it’s culture, food, shopping, or outdoor fun, the state blends it all in a way that feels both exciting and welcoming. For me, these places together highlight the best of Illinois—unique experiences, joyful memories, and plenty of reasons to come back again.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
