Illinois: The Prairie State

Our recommended picks to explore in Illinois

About Illinois

Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, invites you to explore its vibrant cities, charming small towns, and rich history. Start with Chicago, known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, deep-dish pizza, and the beloved Cubs baseball team. Take a river cruise to admire the city’s architectural marvels or walk along the Magnificent Mile for a shopping spree.

Head south to Springfield to visit historic sites related to Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most revered presidents. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a nostalgic drive down Route 66, the iconic highway that starts in Chicago. From the serene beauty of the Shawnee National Forest to the bustling energy of Chicago, Illinois offers a diverse range of experiences to every traveler.

Attractions in Illinois

This is a list of our recommended places to visit while you are in Illinois.

  • Aurora

    Aurora earned its nickname the City of Lights in 1881, when it became the first city in the United States to illuminate its streets with electric lig…

  • Bloomington

    Bloomington , the seat of McLean County in central Illinois, forms one half of the Bloomington-Normal twin cities and anchors a metropolitan area of…

  • Champaign

    Champaign is a vibrant city in central Illinois and the tenth-most populous municipality in the state. Sitting alongside its twin city Urbana, Champa…

  • Chicago

    Mark Twain once remarked, “It is impossible for an occasional visitor to keep up with Chicago – the city grows faster than one can predict.” Twain’s…

  • Evanston

    Evanston traces its roots to the 1830s , when European American settlers established farms and trading posts along the Lake Michigan shoreline north…

  • Joliet

    Joliet traces its origins to the early 1830s , when settlers established a community along the Des Plaines River southwest of Chicago. Named after th…

  • Peoria

    Peoria, Illinois sits along the Illinois River in the heart of central Illinois, roughly 160 miles southwest of Chicago. As the largest city in downs…

  • Naperville

    Naperville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities , making it one of the most desirable suburbs in the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded…

  • Rockford

    Rockford, Illinois sits along the Rock River in the northern part of the state, about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. Known historically as a manufact…

  • Springfield

    Springfield, Illinois is the capital city of the Prairie State and serves as the political heart of Illinois. Named for the scenic springs that once…