Illinois Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Illinois including cultural and natural attractions, best things to do, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, getting to Illinois, and nearby destinations to visit.


Introduction to Illinois

Illinois is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. Its capital is Springfield and its largest city is Chicago. Illinois is home to many renowned museums, historic landmarks, and natural attractions, making it a popular destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Illinois

  • Chicago
  • Springfield
  • Starved Rock State Park
  • Shawnee National Forest
  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Willis Tower
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Navy Pier
  • Millennium Park
  • Museum of Science and Industry

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Illinois is home to many museums and historic landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world. Some of the most popular cultural attractions include:

  • The Field Museum
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Illinois State Museum
  • Lincoln Home National Historic Site
  • Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  • Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
  • Adler Planetarium

Natural Attractions of Illinois: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Illinois boasts a variety of natural attractions ranging from scenic views to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports. Some of the most popular natural attractions in Illinois include:

  • Starved Rock State Park
  • Shawnee National Forest
  • Matthiessen State Park
  • Mississippi Palisades State Park
  • Lake Michigan
  • Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
  • Garden of the Gods

Hiking/Biking Routes of Illinois

Illinois has several hiking and biking routes that offer scenic views and outdoor adventures. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Illinois include:

  • Tunnel Hill State Trail
  • Illinois Prairie Path
  • Lakefront Trail
  • Hennepin Canal Trail
  • Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Best Things to Do in Illinois: Activities and Tours

Illinois offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Some of the best things to do in Illinois include:

  • Sightseeing tours in Chicago
  • Wine tastings in the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
  • Exploring historic Route 66
  • Riverboat cruises in the Illinois River
  • Visiting Lincoln Park Zoo

Week-Long Itinerary for Illinois

Day 1-3: Explore Chicago and its diverse attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile.

Day 4: Take a wine-tasting tour in the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, located in Southern Illinois.

Day 5-6: Explore the natural wonders in Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park.

Day 7: Visit Springfield and tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Food and Drink Scene of Illinois

Illinois has a diverse food and drink scene that offers both local and international cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chicago-style pizza
  • Italian beef sandwich
  • Hot dog with all the fixings
  • Deep dish pizza
  • Pork tenderloin sandwich

Local Beverages

  • Chicago-style hot chocolate
  • Illinois wine
  • Beer from local breweries such as Half Acre Beer Company and Revolution Brewing

Where to Stay in Illinois: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Illinois offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the best places to stay in Illinois include:

  • The Langham, Chicago
  • The Drake, a Hilton Hotel
  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago
  • Hostelling International Chicago
  • Freehand Chicago

What to Buy in Illinois: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Illinois has a variety of local products and souvenirs that make for great gifts and keepsakes. Some of the best products to bring home from Illinois include:

  • Deep dish pizza from Giordano’s
  • Chicago-style popcorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops
  • Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox merchandise
  • Almond toffee from Illinois Nut and Candy

Local Culture and Customs of Illinois

Illinois is known for its diverse culture and customs, influenced by its rich history and immigrant communities. Some of the local customs and traditions include:

  • Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a parade and green river
  • Cheering for the Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox during baseball season
  • Enjoying a Chicago-style hot dog with all the fixings
  • Visiting Grant Park for the annual Taste of Chicago festival

Best Time to Visit Illinois

The best time to visit Illinois depends on personal preference and seasonal activities. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather and fewer crowds, while summer is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Winter offers indoor activities such as museum tours and winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Illinois

Do:

  • Try Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs
  • Visit the Willis Tower and Skydeck
  • Explore the natural wonders in Starved Rock State Park

Don’t:

  • Forget to try deep dish pizza
  • Neglect to visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site
  • Miss out on the chance to visit Grant Park for the annual Taste of Chicago festival

Safety and Health

Safety in Illinois

Illinois is generally a safe state, but visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night and to be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Illinois

Illinois has a high standard of healthcare, but visitors should still have adequate travel insurance in case of emergencies.

Getting to Illinois: Transportation Options and Logistics

Illinois is easily accessible by air, train, bus, and car. Some of the transportation options for getting to Illinois include:

Airports Near Illinois

  • O’Hare International Airport
  • Midway International Airport
  • Chicago Rockford International Airport

Bus Stations Near Illinois

  • Greyhound Lines
  • Jefferson Lines
  • Indian Trails

Other Options

  • Amtrak train service
  • Interstate highways such as I-80, I-55, and I-57

How to Get Around in Illinois

Illinois offers several transportation options for getting around the state, including:

  • Metra commuter rail in the Chicagoland area
  • Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft
  • Car rentals

Where to Go Next from Illinois: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Illinois is located near several neighboring states and tourist destinations that offer unique attractions and experiences. Some nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • Exploring the natural wonders of Indiana Dunes National Park
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin for its breweries and cultural attractions
  • St. Louis, Missouri for its iconic Gateway Arch and museums
  • Michigan for its scenic views and water sports

Conclusion

Illinois is a diverse and vibrant state that offers a range of cultural and natural attractions, outdoor activities, and delicious food and drink. With its easy accessibility and transportation options, Illinois is a must-visit destination for travelers.

Monk's Mound at Cahokia Monk's Mound at Cahokia A farm in Illinois A farm in Illinois The Illinois Theater in Jacksonville The Illinois Theater in Jacksonville Chicago's many skyscrapers Chicago's many skyscrapers The Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, one of the The Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, one of the "7 Wonders of Illinois" The Nuclear Energy Sculpture over the site of the Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago The Nuclear Energy Sculpture over the site of the Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago The House Chamber in the Illinois Capitol at Springfield The House Chamber in the Illinois Capitol at Springfield


    Central Illinois
    Chicagoland
    Northern Illinois
    Southern Illinois
    St. Louis Metro East
    Western Illinois