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

So, to make issues that little bit simpler for you, I wished 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 very best locations in Illinois to go to. Have an incredible journey!
1.) Mississippi Palisades State Park
A well-liked spot for people who love the good outdoor, visiting Mississippi Palisades State Park is likely one of the finest issues to do in Illinois that’s image excellent.
Located the place Apple and Mississippi rivers meet, it’s a area the place you’ll be able to 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 mountain climbing, try Lookout Level for a number of the finest views.
Going round and thru limestone caves, hovering hills and wooded ravines are truthfully gorgeous. That is very true in the event you’re taking a street journey across the state and need to stretch your legs.
In case you are craving extra adventures, you’ll be able to nonetheless head to Indian Head and Twin Sister, well-known rock-climbing formations, and don’t forget to convey your individual gear.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Chicago
2.) Shawnee Nationwide Forest
One other nice outside spot in Illinois is Shawnee Nationwide Forest. Nestled on the southwest fringes, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Illinois once you’re heading south to Missouri or Kentucky.
In any case, it’s proper at Illinois’ most southern level for a forest.
One most important attraction within the forest is the Backyard of the Gods which is a powerful rock formation that’s completely gorgeous.
There’s a brief statement path round this geological space and it’s fairly simple to observe in the event you’re a reasonable hiker.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Jackson Falls, too.
3.) Rockford
Perched within the north of Illinois, the town of Rockford is a superb stopping level for a metropolis break as you traverse the state on a street journey.
Actually, it’s Illinois’ third largest metropolis and has a great deal of issues to do.
As soon as right here, make sure to try the Anderson Japanese Gardens. It’s mentioned to be probably the greatest Japanese gardens in the entire US. A title’s very happy with. Open in the summertime months between Could and October, and is a superb place to spend the day.
Truthfully, the panorama within the backyard is magnificent, too. There are ornate bridges, Japanese lanterns, and gorgeous pagodas which depart this spot feeling so stress-free.
Afterwards, make sure that to take a look at the Halfway Village Museum and be taught extra in regards to 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 hundreds of reveals and is a superb place to take a look at every little thing from dinosaur skeletons to native fauna that grows within the space. Now, I’ve in all probability made that sound like a fairly uninteresting expertise however belief me, it’s not!
4.) Starved Rock State Park
Possibly principally in style for its beautiful waterfalls, visiting Starved Rock State Park is likely one of the finest issues to do in Illinois. Its pure magnificence pulls a lot of guests from everywhere in the US and is nicely value taking a gander while you’re right here.
The 13-mile discovery path is likely one of the guests’ favourites – although it will possibly really feel fairly arduous in the event you’re not a eager hiker. In case you’re unsure, e book a guided tour.
5.) Chicago
Everyone knows in regards to the windy metropolis, proper?
Nicely, visiting Chicago’s epic locations is definitely probably the greatest issues to do in Illinois in order for you a vibrant metropolis break.


In case you love retro parks and this epic Ferris wheel, you must pop over to Navy Pier. Simply make sure to e book these categorical tickets earlier than you get there as you need to keep away from any queues.
As soon as right here, it options some tasty eating places, magnificent museums, a fairly intensive purchasing centre and even a miniature golf course.


When within the space, you may as well catch stay exhibits and go on boat rides, too. It’s nicely value it at sundown while overlooking Chicago. Afterwards, make sure to 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 fantastic place to cease as a part of a street journey to go to a number of the finest issues to do in Illinois. For a comparatively small place, it has a stunning quantity to supply.
As soon as right here, make sure to try a number of the epic issues to do, doubtless; seeing the King’s Pond, Jane Austen’s Home Museum and Alton Gardens. All are fantastic.
Oh, and don’t neglect in regards to 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 is so beautiful.
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 probably the greatest 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 crucial cultured prehistoric native civilizations north of Mexico.
It’s mentioned that the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Web site had been house to round 10,000-20,000 individuals. Lots of them had been who’re achieved, builders. With a lot of stays uncovered to this present day.
At this time, you’ll be able to entry the 800-acre open space, take a guided tour or stroll by the realm 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 beautiful metropolis of Springfield and a spot that’s simple to go to on a street journey.
Manner 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 in the event you’re a fan or if you wish to know extra issues about him, that is the place for you.
Ensure that to take a look at the Lincoln House Nationwide Historic Web site, the Previous State Capitol, 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 regarding President Lincoln.
You may go to his house, the presidential library and different locations named after him.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Chicago
9.) Nice River Highway
Nice River Highway follows the Mississippi River’s circulation which is over 550 miles alongside the state’s Western edge. It’s a terrific path to observe in the event you’re on a street journey in Illinois and completely stress-free.
Alongside the best way, you may as well go to the small Midwestern cities of Alton, Galena and Grafton. All of that are excellent little stops.
Nice River Highway is quite a bit totally different than Chicago’s big highways or busy streets, so you’ll be able to actually take your time appreciating the views, right here.
Simply don’t neglect to plan in your street journey playlist! Nobody likes a boring drive.
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 purchasing spots. It’s excellent to go to as you drive west and nicely value a cease for a number of hours.
As soon as right here, try the Elmhurst Artwork Museum, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Artwork and Safari Land (to call a number of)
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to Brewpoint Espresso for a number of the finest brews within the space.
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