Day Trips in Illinois

Illinois

EJRodriquez/stock.adobe.com

What are some great day trips from Illinois?
- Illinois and the surrounding areas are home to several good day trips easily accessed from Chicago or Milwaukee.
What outdoor adventures can visitors enjoy in the Midwest?
- Enjoy outdoor adventure in the rural Midwest along Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, or any of the smaller bodies of water in between.
What cultural and historical experiences can visitors explore?
- 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.

Best Time for Day Trips in Illinois

April to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming gardens, and exploring state parks.
September to October – Perfect for fall foliage, harvest festivals, and scenic countryside drives.
July & August – Warm summer days for lake trips, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
November – Enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds at historical and cultural sites.
December to March – Cold but great for visiting museums, indoor attractions, and winter festivals.

This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.

1. Quad City Botanical Center

Explore lush gardens, admire seasonal blooms, and enjoy a peaceful retreat.

Quad City Botanical Center

What is the purpose of the Quad City Botanical Center?
- Designed to bring people and nature together in a joyful and meaningful way, the Quad City Botanical Center first opened its doors to the public in 1998.
How has the Quad City Botanical Center evolved?
- Since its early days, the gardens have grown and evolved to provide a natural education center.
What themed gardens are featured at the Quad City Botanical Center?
- There are a total of 11 different themed gardens, including a wonderful Children’s Garden, the Tropical Sun Garden (in a glass atrium), a conifer garden, and several seasonal gardens for perennials, prairie wildflowers, and more.
Are there accessible features for visitors with physical challenges?
- Yes, there is a special section with raised beds so that physically challenged people can see, touch, and smell the plants.
What is the contact information for the Quad City Botanical Center?
- Address: 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201
- Phone: 309-794-0991

2. Fabyan Forest Preserve

Walk along scenic trails, visit a historic windmill, and enjoy nature.

Fabyan Forest Preserve

What is Fabyan Forest Preserve?
- Fabyan Forest Preserve is an extremely popular forest preserve located on the Fox River in Kane County.
What natural and historic features can visitors explore?
- The park features many historic and natural elements such as streams, gardens, ponds, and more.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Fabyan Forest Preserve?
- Visitors can spend time fishing in the river, as well as biking or jogging on the numerous trails.
What is the history behind Fabyan Forest Preserve?
- The preserve was created on land that was once part of a large country estate called “Riverbank.”
What remnants of the original estate remain in the preserve?
- The estate had a model farm, numerous greenhouses, a windmill, several ornamental gardens, and more. The owners commissioned many ornamental stone and concrete sculptures, many of which still remain in the park today.

3. Bishop Hill

Discover Swedish heritage, visit charming shops, and explore well-preserved historic buildings.

Bishop Hill

What is the Bishop Hill State Historic Site?
- The Bishop Hill State Historic Site is an outdoor museum dedicated to educating the public about the history of the Bishop Hill Colony.
When was the Bishop Hill Colony founded?
- The colony was founded in 1846 as a utopian community centered around the Swedish church.
What historic buildings are located at the site?
- There are four historically significant buildings on site, including:
What additional historical features can visitors see?
- Several war monuments and a reconstructed gazebo are located throughout the village park.
What is featured in the museum on-site?
- A small museum is dedicated to the paintings of Olof Krans (1838-1916), a colonist and self-taught artist.
What is the contact information for Bishop Hill State Historic Site?
- Address: 304 Bishop Hill Rd, Bishop Hill, IL 61419
- Phone: 309-927-3345

4. Cahokia Mounds

See ancient earthen structures, explore museum exhibits, and uncover Native American history.

Cahokia Mounds

What are the Cahokia Mounds?
- At one time, the Cahokia Mounds was among the largest cities in the world. Today, this archeological site preserves 2,200 acres to the west of Collinsville, protecting the history of the most sophisticated prehistoric culture north of Mexico.
What can visitors learn at the Cahokia Mounds Interpretative Center?
- The Interpretative Center offers educational exhibits and models of recreated villages to explain the Mississippian tradition, archeological finds, and anthropological research.
How can visitors explore the Cahokia Mounds?
- Visitors may explore 800 of the protected acres via walking trails or guided tours.
What is Woodhenge, and how does it work?
- A recreation of a prehistoric calendar, named Woodhenge in the 1960s, uses 36 poles to tell the date by aligning with the rising sun.
What can visitors find in the museum gift shop?
- The museum gift shop carries Native American crafts and gifts, along with Cahokia Mound souvenirs.
What is the contact information for Cahokia Mounds?
- Address: 30 Ramey St, Collinsville, IL 62234
- Phone: 618-346-5160

5. Cave in Rock State Park

Hike rugged trails, discover hidden caves, and enjoy breathtaking river views.

Cave in Rock State Park

Where is Cave-in-Rock State Park located?
- The Cave-in-Rock State Park is located along the Ohio River.
What makes Cave-in-Rock State Park unique?
- The scenic park offers heavily wooded areas overlooking the river and is named for the 55-foot wide cavern situated in the bluffs along the river’s edge.
What is the historical significance of the cave?
- The cave’s history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Cave-in-Rock State Park?
- Visitors can hike through moderate to difficult trails, enjoy three children’s play areas, camping, picnic sites, and fishing.
Are there accommodations and dining options available?
- For a less rugged experience, the Cave-In-Rock Restaurant and Lodge offers duplex guest houses or deluxe suites, and an on-site restaurant serving traditional Southern-style meals.
What is the contact information for Cave-in-Rock State Park?
- Address: 1 New State Park Rd, Cave-in-Rock, IL 62919
- Phone: 618-289-4325

6. Shawnee National Forest

Walk along dramatic bluffs, explore deep woodlands, and admire stunning rock formations.

Shawnee National Forest

What is Shawnee National Forest?
- Shawnee National Forest is a large section of national forest in Southern Illinois near the city of Carbondale.
What scenic features can visitors explore in Shawnee National Forest?
- There are many interesting bluffs and overlooks throughout the park.
What is the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area?
- The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area features a 0.25-mile trail winding through several rock formations that are perched on a scenic cliff.
What can visitors find at Burden Falls Wilderness?
- The Burden Falls Wilderness is a section of the national forest that offers hiking trails and a very scenic, albeit small waterfall at the southern edge.
Is camping allowed in Shawnee National Forest?
- Primitive camping is allowed in the national forest year-round and is free of charge.
- There are also seven developed campgrounds with sites available for a fee.

7. Elmhurst

Visit art galleries, explore scenic parks, and enjoy a vibrant cultural scene.

Elmhurst

What is Elmhurst?
- Elmhurst is a small tree-lined village in the greater Chicago area offering shops, restaurants, museums, and year-round events.
What is the Elmhurst Express Trolley?
- The Elmhurst Express Trolley takes visitors on a 30-minute loop past shopping and dining districts, the park, and museums.
- During December, the classic trolley is holiday-themed.
What is Elmhurst College known for?
- Elmhurst College, founded in 1871, is a top-ranked four-year institution and a cultural destination for the performing and visual arts.
What can visitors see at the Elmhurst Art Museum?
- The Elmhurst Art Museum exhibits contemporary art and manages the 1952 McCormick House designed by Mies van der Rohe.
What historic sites can visitors explore in Elmhurst?
- The Elmhurst History Museum is located in the historic Glos Mansion.
- Also nearby is the 1846 Churchville Schoolhouse, another key historical site.

8. Fulton

Discover Dutch heritage, admire a historic windmill, and stroll along the Mississippi River.

Fulton

What is Fulton known for?
- Fulton is a small town on the Mississippi River full of history and charm.
What is a must-see attraction in Fulton?
- A 100-foot tall Dutch windmill is among the town’s main attractions.
- It was built in the Netherlands and traveled in pieces to Fulton, where it was re-assembled during the Dutch Days Festival in the year 2000.
What does the windmill produce?
- The fully operational windmill produces wheat, rye, buckwheat, and corn flour, which are all for sale in the nearby Windmill Cultural Center.
What historic attractions can visitors explore in Fulton?
- Heritage Canyon, a 12-acre limestone quarry, now offers hiking trails.
- The Fulton House and Historical Society Museum provide insights into the town’s rich past.
What outdoor activities are popular in Fulton?
- Fishing, birding, and boating are popular on and around the Mississippi River.

9. Galena

Walk along historic streets, explore charming boutiques, and enjoy a romantic weekend escape.

Galena

What is Galena, Illinois known for?
- Galena, Illinois is a hub for outdoor adventure, shopping, and dining, best known as the home and campaign headquarters of President Ulysses S. Grant, who moved to the town one year before the start of the Civil War.
Where can visitors learn about Ulysses S. Grant and the Civil War?
- Visitors can learn about Grant and the history of the Civil War at:
What other museums can visitors explore in Galena?
- Among the many museums in Galena are:
What activities can visitors enjoy in Galena?
- Visitors can shop and dine in Galena’s historic downtown, or head to the outskirts for:

Map:

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Quad City Botanical Center
2. Fabyan Forest Preserve
3. Bishop Hill
4. Cahokia Mounds
5. Cave in Rock State Park
6. Shawnee National Forest
7. Elmhurst
8. Fulton
9. Galena