Illinois is an unimaginable state within the United States to go to. With epic cities like Chicago, beautiful shorelines and beautiful state parks, it’s an ideal trip spot. Better of all, there are a great deal of the perfect locations in Illinois dotted all throughout the state.
This all signifies that the toughest activity you’ll have is squeezing all of them into your journey.


So, to make issues that little bit simpler for you, I needed to share my high locations in Illinois that I believe you’ll love. I travelled all throughout Illinois and liked it; I’m certain you’ll too.
Anyway, no extra rambling! Have a look, beneath, at the perfect locations in Illinois to go to. Have a tremendous journey!
1.) Mississippi Palisades State Park
A well-liked spot for those who love the nice outdoor, visiting Mississippi Palisades State Park is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Illinois that’s image excellent.
Located the place Apple and Mississippi rivers meet, it’s a area the place you may spend hours, if not days exploring. As soon as right here, take a while to hike the paths, ski in winter or snowshoe by the powdery snow.
Better of all, Mississippi Palisades State Park options round 15 miles of rugged paths and trails to discover. On that time, while mountaineering, try Lookout Level for a few of the greatest views.
Going round and thru limestone caves, hovering hills and wooded ravines are actually beautiful. That is very true for those who’re taking a street journey across the state and wish to stretch your legs.
In case you are craving extra adventures, you may nonetheless head to Indian Head and Twin Sister, well-known rock-climbing formations, and don’t forget to deliver your personal gear.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Chicago
2.) Shawnee Nationwide Forest
One other nice out of doors spot in Illinois is Shawnee Nationwide Forest. Nestled on the southwest fringes, it’s the most effective issues to do in Illinois while you’re heading south to Missouri or Kentucky.
In any case, it’s proper at Illinois’ most southern level for a forest.
One essential attraction within the forest is the Backyard of the Gods which is an impressive rock formation that’s completely beautiful.
There’s a quick commentary path round this geological space and it’s fairly simple to observe for those who’re a average hiker. Simply all the time hike responsibly and hearken to native recommendation; nobody likes a reckless hiker.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Jackson Falls, too.
3.) Rockford
Perched within the north of Illinois, the town of Rockford is a good stopping level for a metropolis break as you traverse the state on a street journey.
In actual fact, it’s Illinois’ third largest metropolis and has a great deal of issues to do and see.
As soon as right here, you should definitely try the Anderson Japanese Gardens. It’s stated to be the most effective Japanese gardens in the entire US. A title that Rockford could be very pleased with. Open in the summertime months between Could and October, it’s a good spot to spend a couple of hours chilling.
Actually, the panorama within the backyard is magnificent, too. There are ornate bridges, Japanese lanterns, and beautiful pagodas which depart this spot feeling so stress-free.
Afterwards, be certain to take a look at the Halfway Village Museum and be taught extra concerning the native character and historical past of Illinois.
Oh, and don’t neglect to take a look at the Burpee Museum of Pure Historical past.
It has 1000’s of reveals and is a good place to take a look at every part from dinosaur skeletons to native ecosystems that flourish within the space. Now, I’ve in all probability made that sound like a reasonably uninteresting expertise however belief me, it’s not!
4.) Starved Rock State Park
Perhaps largely standard for its beautiful waterfalls, visiting Starved Rock State Park is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Illinois. Its pure magnificence pulls a lot of guests from everywhere in the US and is nicely price taking a gander while you’re right here.
The 13-mile discovery path is without doubt one of the guests’ favourites – although it may well really feel fairly arduous for those who’re not a eager hiker. In the event you’re undecided, e-book a guided tour.
5.) Chicago
Everyone knows concerning the windy metropolis, proper?
Effectively, visiting Chicago’s epic locations is definitely the most effective issues to do in Illinois in order for you a vibrant metropolis break.


In the event you love retro parks and this epic Ferris wheel, you must pop over to Navy Pier. Simply you should definitely e-book these categorical tickets earlier than you get there as you wish to keep away from any queues.
As soon as right here, it options some tasty eating places, magnificent museums, a reasonably intensive buying centre and even a miniature golf course.


When within the space, you can too catch stay reveals and go on boat rides, too. It’s nicely price it at sundown while overlooking Chicago. Afterwards, you should definitely try Millennium Park, hop into the Artwork Institute and spot Gloud Gate; the large bean of Chicago!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Chicago
6.) Alton
Alton is one other great place to cease as a part of a street journey to go to a few of the greatest issues to do in Illinois. For a comparatively small place, it has a stunning quantity to supply.
As soon as right here, you should definitely try a few of the epic issues to do, possible; seeing the King’s Pond, Jane Austen’s Home Museum and Alton Gardens. All are great.
Oh, and don’t neglect concerning the limestone bluffs are additionally a must-see in Alton. They are often noticed alongside the Mississippi River.
Lastly, for a present, pop into Mississippi Mud Pottery. Their native pottery is all made regionally and with love. You possibly can simply inform.
7.) Cahokia Mounds State Historic Web site
The two,200-acre Cahokia Mounds State Historic Web site is one paradise for historical past buffs. Although don’t really feel prefer it’ll simply be historians that love this spot, it’s the most effective issues to do in Illinois that’s proper on the border with Missouri and the town of St Louis.
You see, right here, you’ll spot the archaeological stays of one of the cultured prehistoric native civilizations north of Mexico.
It’s stated that the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Web site had been house to round 10,000-20,000 folks. A lot of them have been who’re completed, builders. With a lot of stays uncovered to this present day.
In the present day, you may entry the 800-acre open space, take a guided tour or stroll by the world your self. Oh, and don’t neglect to take a look at the Interpretive Heart exhibit gallery, Monks Mound, Grand Plaza and Mound 72.
8.) Springfield
Illinois state’s capital is the stunning metropolis of Springfield and a spot that’s simple to go to on a street journey.
Approach again when, that is the place Abraham Lincoln was born and homes a lot of American historical past to be taught all about.
Most constructions and vacationer spots in Springfield are about Lincoln, so for those who’re a fan or if you wish to know extra issues about him, that is the place for you.
Be certain that to take a look at the Lincoln House Nationwide Historic Web site, the Outdated State Capitol, and pop into the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Museum. All have such an in depth historical past and home a great deal of artefacts referring to President Lincoln.
You possibly can go to his house, the presidential library and different locations named after him.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Chicago
9.) Nice River Street
Nice River Street follows the Mississippi River’s stream which is over 550 miles alongside the state’s Western edge. It’s an awesome path to observe for those who’re on a street journey in Illinois and completely stress-free.
Alongside the best way, you can too go to the small Midwestern cities of Alton, Galena and Grafton. All of that are excellent little stops.
Nice River Street is loads totally different than Chicago’s enormous highways or busy streets, so you may actually take your time appreciating the views, right here.
Simply don’t neglect to plan in your street journey playlist! Nobody likes a uninteresting drive. I say, the cheesier the higher (for the tunes, a minimum of).
10.) Elmhurst
Technically a part of Chicago, Elmhurst is the broader metropolis’s western suburb.
When on the town, you’ll get to see artwork museums, parks, and buying spots. It’s excellent to go to as you drive west and nicely price a cease for a couple of hours.
As soon as right here, try the Elmhurst Artwork Museum, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Artwork and Safari Land (to call a couple of)
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to Brewpoint Espresso for a few of the greatest brews within the space.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Chicago
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