Day Trips in Illinois

Location:

Rock Island, IL

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to reconnect with nature and let the kids explore, the Quad City Botanical Center is a joyful escape filled with color, creativity, and learning. It’s more than just plants—it’s a beautiful community space for all ages and abilities.

We Recommend This For:

Families, garden lovers, educators, and visitors of all ages looking for an interactive and inclusive outdoor experience.

What we Love:

The lush Tropical Sun Garden, hands-on Children’s Garden, seasonal displays, and thoughtful features like raised beds for accessibility.

• Visit the Quad City Botanical Center, a welcoming oasis that’s been connecting people and plants since 1998.
• Explore 11 themed gardens, including the glass-enclosed Tropical Sun Garden, a vibrant Children’s Garden, a conifer garden, and rotating seasonal displays.
• Learn in an ever-evolving natural education center designed to spark curiosity and appreciation for the environment.
• Engage with nature through accessible raised beds that allow visitors of all physical abilities to experience the textures and scents of the garden.

Distance from Davenport:

Less than 10 minutes by car—just across the Mississippi River.

How to Get to the Quad City Botanical Center:

Located on 4th Avenue in downtown Rock Island, just off US-67. Free parking is available on-site.

Location:

Geneva, IL (Kane County)

Highlights:

If you love a walk where nature meets history, Fabyan Forest Preserve is the perfect blend. With riverside trails, scenic gardens, and quirky remnants of a once-grand estate, it’s a relaxing and fascinating place to spend the day.

We Recommend This For:

Nature walkers, joggers, history lovers, families, and photographers looking for beautiful outdoor scenery with character.

What we Love:

The peaceful Fox River views, unique ornamental stonework, historic windmill, and lush trails perfect for biking or quiet reflection.

• Explore Fabyan Forest Preserve, a popular nature destination set along the Fox River in Kane County.
• Discover a blend of streams, gardens, ponds, and historic estate features dating back to its days as the “Riverbank” estate.
• Enjoy fishing, biking, and jogging along scenic trails that wind through a landscape dotted with sculptures, greenhouses, and other historic artifacts.
• View preserved elements from the estate's past like the windmill, ornamental gardens, and stone/concrete sculptures commissioned by the original owners.

Distance from Chicago:

About 45 minutes to 1 hour west, depending on traffic.

How to Get to Fabyan Forest Preserve:

Head west from Chicago on I-290 or I-88, then take IL-31 North to Geneva. The preserve has multiple access points and plenty of parking.

Location:

Bishop Hill, IL

Highlights:

If you’re a fan of history, art, or peaceful villages with a story to tell, Bishop Hill is a must. This outdoor museum brings to life a 19th-century utopian Swedish settlement in the heart of Illinois.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, cultural travelers, educators, art lovers, and anyone interested in early communal living and Scandinavian heritage.

What we Love:

The preserved colony church, charming period buildings, art by colonist Olof Krans, and a serene village park with monuments and a gazebo.

• Explore the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, an outdoor museum preserving the legacy of the Bishop Hill Colony, founded in 1846 as a Swedish utopian community.
• Tour four main historic buildings including the 1850 colony church, boys’ dormitory, a three-story hotel (1852–1860), and a mid-1850s barn.
• Admire additional features like war monuments and a reconstructed gazebo nestled in the scenic village park.
• Visit the on-site museum highlighting the work of Olof Krans (1838–1916), a self-taught colonist artist whose paintings tell the story of Bishop Hill life.

Distance from Peoria:

Around 1 hour northwest by car.

How to Get to Bishop Hill:

From Peoria, take I-74 West to IL-78 North. Follow signs into the historic village of Bishop Hill.

Location:

Collinsville, IL

Highlights:

If you’ve ever wanted to walk through ancient history, Cahokia Mounds is the place. This massive archaeological site preserves the remains of one of the largest and most advanced prehistoric cities in North America.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, educators, families, and anyone curious about ancient civilizations in North America.

What we Love:

Climbing the towering Monks Mound, discovering the ancient solar calendar known as Woodhenge, and exploring exhibits that bring the Mississippian culture to life.

• Discover Cahokia Mounds, once one of the largest cities in the world, now preserving 2,200 acres of prehistoric Mississippian culture.
• Learn about ancient life at the Interpretative Center, where exhibits and village models explain archeology, anthropology, and the Mississippian tradition.
• Explore 800 acres of trails and guided tours, including the famed Woodhenge, a recreated solar calendar made of 36 poles aligned with the sun.
• Shop for Native American crafts, educational books, and Cahokia souvenirs at the museum gift shop.

Distance from St. Louis:

About 20 minutes east by car—perfect for a day trip.

How to Get to Cahokia Mounds:

Take I-55/I-70 east from St. Louis, then follow signs to Collinsville and the site entrance on Collinsville Road.

Romantic Day Trips in Illinois:

Location:

Cave-in-Rock, IL

Highlights:

If you’re in the mood for riverside views, rugged hikes, and a cave steeped in outlaw legend, Cave-in-Rock State Park delivers. Set along the scenic Ohio River, this park is a hidden gem with history, nature, and a dash of adventure.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, history buffs, families, campers, and anyone who enjoys unique geological formations and dramatic river views.

What we Love:

The legendary 55-foot cave, rich tales of river pirates, cozy lodge accommodations, and peaceful picnic spots under towering trees.

• Visit Cave-in-Rock State Park on the banks of the Ohio River, named for a stunning 55-foot-wide cavern carved into the limestone bluff.
• Explore the legendary cave said to have been used by pirates in the 18th and 19th centuries to ambush unsuspecting river travelers.
• Hike moderate to challenging trails, let the kids loose on three play areas, or relax with camping, picnicking, and fishing opportunities.
• Stay in comfort at the Cave-In-Rock Restaurant and Lodge, which features duplex guest houses, deluxe suites, and delicious Southern-style meals with river views.

Distance from Marion, IL:

About 1 hour southeast by car.

How to Get to Cave-in-Rock State Park:

Take IL-1 South to the town of Cave-in-Rock, then follow signs to the park entrance and lodge area.

Location:

Southern Illinois, near Carbondale

Highlights:

Need a nature escape with dramatic views and unforgettable hikes? We’d totally recommend Shawnee National Forest—it's a true hidden gem in Southern Illinois that blends rugged cliffs, lush trails, and peaceful campsites.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, campers, nature photographers, weekend adventurers, and anyone craving quiet time in the great outdoors.

What We Love:

Towering rock formations at Garden of the Gods, the peaceful vibes of Burden Falls Wilderness, and the year-round option to camp for free.

• Explore Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, where a short 0.25-mile trail leads you through stunning rock formations perched high above the forest.
• Discover Burden Falls Wilderness, a serene hiking area featuring a small but beautiful waterfall tucked into the forest’s southern edge.
• Enjoy sweeping bluffs, scenic overlooks, and miles of trails weaving through rugged landscapes and peaceful woodlands.
• Camp in one of seven developed campgrounds (for a fee) or go primitive camping anywhere in the forest—it's free all year!

Distance from Carbondale:

Depending on which part you visit, it’s about a 30- to 60-minute drive.

How to Get to Shawnee National Forest:

Most visitors head in via U.S. Highway 45 or Highway 145, depending on whether you’re visiting the eastern or western sections. The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is well-marked and has a dedicated parking lot.

Address:

Shawnee National Forest, IL

Location:

Elmhurst, IL

Highlights:

Looking for a charming, walkable spot just outside Chicago? We’d absolutely suggest spending a day in Elmhurst—a leafy village full of history, art, shopping, and festive small-town energy all year long.

We Recommend This For:

Families, art and history lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone looking for a quiet day trip from Chicago.

What We Love:

The holiday-themed Elmhurst Express Trolley, a museum inside a Mies van der Rohe home, and the town’s mix of culture and cozy community vibes.

• Ride the Elmhurst Express Trolley, a 30-minute loop past downtown shops, restaurants, parks, and museums—extra magical in December when it’s decked out for the holidays.
• Visit Elmhurst College, a highly ranked four-year institution known for its performing and visual arts events.
• Tour the Elmhurst Art Museum, featuring contemporary exhibitions and the 1952 McCormick House, designed by modernist legend Mies van der Rohe.
• Step back in time at the Elmhurst History Museum, housed in the stately Glos Mansion, and visit the 1846 Churchville Schoolhouse nearby.

Distance from Downtown Chicago:

About 30 minutes by car or 35–40 minutes by Metra train.

How to Get to Elmhurst:

Take I-290 west from downtown Chicago, or hop on the Metra Union Pacific West Line to the Elmhurst stop—it drops you right in the heart of downtown.

Address:

Elmhurst, IL

Family Day Trips in Illinois:

Location:

Fulton, IL

Highlights:

Ever heard of a Dutch windmill standing tall in a small Mississippi River town? That’s Fulton—a charming riverside gem where history, nature, and culture blend beautifully.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, families, river town explorers, and anyone fascinated by Dutch heritage or small-town Americana.

What We Love:

The authentic Dutch windmill built overseas, scenic river views, and the unexpectedly rich lineup of museums and outdoor activities.

• Visit the 100-foot tall Dutch windmill, brought over piece-by-piece from the Netherlands and rebuilt in Fulton in 2000 during the Dutch Days Festival.
• Shop for freshly ground wheat, rye, buckwheat, and corn flour made right in the mill—available at the Windmill Cultural Center next door.
• Explore Heritage Canyon, a 12-acre former limestone quarry now offering peaceful hiking trails and a glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life.
• Learn local history at the Fulton House and Historical Society Museum, full of stories and artifacts from the area’s past.
• Enjoy outdoor adventures like fishing, birding, and boating on the beautiful Mississippi River.

Distance from the Quad Cities:

Around 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Fulton:

Drive north on IL-84 along the Great River Road—Fulton is a scenic and direct trip from the Quad Cities area.

Address:

Fulton, IL

Location:

Galena, IL

Highlights:

Galena is one of those towns that instantly charms—perfect for history buffs, weekend wanderers, and anyone craving a cozy mix of culture and countryside. Galena was once home to Ulysses S. Grant and is now a vibrant hub for museums, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure.

We Recommend This For:

Civil War history fans, museum hoppers, romantic weekenders, and travelers who love small-town vibes with big personality.

What We Love:

The walkable historic downtown, an impressive mix of niche museums, and unique experiences like hot air balloon rides and horseback trails just beyond the city limits.

• Learn about Ulysses S. Grant and Civil War history at the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, Apple River Fort State Historic Site, and the Old Blacksmith Shop.
• Explore niche gems like the Earth and Space Science Museum, Woodbine Glass Museum, and Great Western Railway Depot Museum.
• Stroll through Galena’s beautifully preserved downtown, filled with boutiques, antique shops, cafés, and bistros.
• Experience outdoor fun with hot air balloon rides, golf courses, and guided horseback riding in the scenic hills just outside of town.

Distance from Chicago:

Around 3 hours by car.

How to Get to Galena:

Take I-90 West from Chicago to US-20 West, which leads straight into Galena’s historic downtown. Scenic and easy drive, especially in fall!

Address:

Galena, IL