Central Illinois Travel Guide
A comprehensive tour guide for Central Illinois, including information on places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and transportation options.
- Introduction to Central Illinois
- List of Places to Visit in Central Illinois
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Illinois
- Best Things to Do in Central Illinois: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Central Illinois
- Food and Drink Scene of Central Illinois
- Where to Stay in Central Illinois: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Central Illinois: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Central Illinois
- Best Time to Visit Central Illinois
- Do’s and Don’ts of Central Illinois
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Central Illinois: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Central Illinois
- Where to Go Next from Central Illinois: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Central Illinois
Central Illinois is a diverse and vibrant region located in the heart of the Midwest in the United States of America. From picturesque small towns to bustling urban centers, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful area. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, you’ll find plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained during your visit to Central Illinois.
List of Places to Visit in Central Illinois
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield
- Dana-Thomas House, Springfield
- Bishop Hill Heritage Museum, Bishop Hill
- Prairie Aviation Museum, Bloomington
- Caterpillar Visitors Center, Peoria
Natural Attractions of Central Illinois: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Starved Rock State Park, Utica
- The Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest
- Lincoln Memorial Gardens, Springfield
- Wildlife Prairie Park, Peoria
- Lake Shelbyville, Shelbyville
Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Illinois
- Tunnel Hill State Trail
- Kickapoo Rail Trail
- Champaign Park District Trails
- Lake Charleston Trail
Best Things to Do in Central Illinois: Activities and Tours
- Visit the Illinois State Fair, Springfield
- See a show at the Peoria Civic Center
- Take the Bloomington-Normal Art Walk, Bloomington-Normal
- Enjoy the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Normal
- Attend the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria
Week-Long Itinerary for Central Illinois
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield |
| Day 2 | Explore the historic town of Bishop Hill and visit the Bishop Hill Heritage Museum |
| Day 3 | Hike the trails at Starved Rock State Park, Utica |
| Day 4 | Take a tour of the Caterpillar Visitors Center, Peoria |
| Day 5 | Enjoy the Bloomington-Normal Art Walk, Bloomington-Normal |
| Day 6 | Take a trip to the Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest |
| Day 7 | Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the local food scene in Champaign-Urbana |
Food and Drink Scene of Central Illinois
Must-Try Dishes
- Corn on the cob
- Chicago-style deep dish pizza
- Pork tenderloin sandwich
- Horseshoe sandwich
- Italian beef sandwich
Local Beverages
- Beer from Triptych Brewing, Savoy
- Wine from Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, Mackinaw
- Whiskey from Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., DeKalb
Where to Stay in Central Illinois: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotel Vandivort, Springfield
- Hyatt Place, Normal
- State House Inn, Springfield
- Best Western Plus Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites, Arcola
- Hampton Inn & Suites, Peoria
What to Buy in Central Illinois: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Abraham Lincoln souvenirs and memorabilia
- Handmade pottery from Bishop Hill artisans
- Local wine or beer
- Jam and other preserves from roadside stands
- Local honey
Local Culture and Customs of Central Illinois
Central Illinois is known for its friendly people and laid-back lifestyle. Visitors should take note of the Midwestern custom of saying “hello” or “hey” to strangers on the street, and be sure to reciprocate these greetings. The area is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with many local galleries, theaters and arts events throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Central Illinois
The best time to visit Central Illinois is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winters can be cold and snowy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Central Illinois
Do:
- Try the local cuisine, including deep dish pizza and horseshoe sandwiches
- Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in Springfield
- Explore the trails at Starved Rock State Park
- Attend the Illinois State Fair in August
Don’t:
- Forget to bring sunscreen and bug spray during the summer months
- Miss out on the local arts scene
- Leave without trying a pork tenderloin sandwich
Safety and Health
Safety in Central Illinois
Central Illinois is generally a safe area, but visitors should take precautions against theft and be aware of their surroundings in urban areas. It’s also important to be familiar with the local traffic laws if driving.
Health in Central Illinois
Visitors should be aware of the hot and humid summer months, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. It’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks from activities during the hottest parts of the day. Mosquitoes are also prevalent in many areas, so it’s recommended to bring insect repellent.
Getting to Central Illinois: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Central Illinois
- Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield
- Central Illinois Regional Airport, Bloomington-Normal
- General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, Peoria
Bus Stations Near Central Illinois
- Peoria CityLink
- Bloomington-Normal Transit Center
- Danville Mass Transit
Other Options
- Amtrak trains serve many cities throughout Central Illinois.
- Rental cars are available at most airports and in larger cities.
How to Get Around in Central Illinois
The easiest way to get around Central Illinois is by car. Rental cars are available at most airports, and major highways such as Interstate 55 and Interstate 74 connect the region’s major cities. Public transportation is also available in some urban areas, such as Peoria and Bloomington-Normal.
Where to Go Next from Central Illinois: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Chicago, Illinois
- Kansas City, Missouri
Conclusion
Central Illinois is a hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest, offering a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. From historic sites to natural wonders to a thriving arts and food scene, this region has something for everyone to enjoy. With convenient transportation options, friendly locals and stunning scenery, Central Illinois is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
