• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Quad City Botanical Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© JD Images/stock.adobe.com

2. Fabyan Forest Preserve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© nejdetduzen/stock.adobe.com

3. Bishop Hill

© GCapture/stock.adobe.com

4. Cahokia Mounds

© Jbyard/stock.adobe.com

5. Cave in Rock State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© slay19/stock.adobe.com

6. Shawnee National Forest

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Douglas/stock.adobe.com

7. Elmhurst

© Henryk Sadura/stock.adobe.com

8. Fulton

© spiritofamerica/stock.adobe.com

9. Galena

© Ian/stock.adobe.com

10. Galesburg

© Henryk Sadura/stock.adobe.com

11. Naperville Riverwalk

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Kenyatta Russell/stock.adobe.com

12. Greenville

© Greenville, IL Chamber of Commerce

13. Arcola

© Arcola Chamber of Commerce

14. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Delmas Lehman/stock.adobe.com

15. Kettle Moraine State Forest

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Wirepec/stock.adobe.com

16. Arthur

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Arthur Welcome Center

17. Metropolis

© Greater Metropolis Convention & Visitors Bureau

18. Alto Pass

© City of Jonesboro, Illinois

19. Mississippi Palisades State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© baluzek/stock.adobe.com

20. Mount Carroll

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© ThomBal/stock.adobe.com

21. Nauvoo

© Beautiful Nauvoo

22. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens

23. Starved Rock State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Alan Klehr Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

24. Woodstock

© City of Woodstock - City Hall

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Illinois and the surrounding areas are home to several good day trips easily accessed from Chicago or Milwaukee.
  • Enjoy outdoor adventure in the rural Midwest along Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, or any of the smaller bodies of water in between.
  • Explore beautiful gardens, the history of early settlers to the region, and end the day with a craft brew or a visit to a historical winery.

Map:


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