Explore the Best of Illinois
Browse curated guides and local favorites — from scenic parks and day trips to top attractions across Illinois.
Ready to dive into Illinois? From small-town gems and wide-open vistas to quirky roadside stops, this is your launchpad for discovering what makes Illinois shine.
Browse curated guides and local favorites — from scenic parks and day trips to top attractions across Illinois.
10 Bucket List Adventures You Can Only Have in Illinois
Nestled along the Mississippi River about two hours northwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park offers a nature experience unlike any other in Illinois.
15 Unique Museums Worth Visiting in Illinois
Just a short drive south of Chicago, in the suburb of Oak Brook, the Morton Arboretum doubles as an outdoor museum of trees and plants from across the globe.
25 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Illinois
Nestled on the southern tip of the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area offers a striking glimpse into Illinois’ geological past justA Foodie’s Guide to Illinois: What to Eat and Where
Chicago, Illinois' largest city, is a gateway to the state's rich culinary landscape, and few places capture its essence better than the historic Maxwell Street
Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from Illinois
Nestled just northwest of Chicago, the suburb of Oak Park is famous as the childhood home of Ernest Hemingway, one of America’s most celebrated authors.City vs. Country Life in Illinois: Pros, Cons, and Best of Both Worlds
Just a short drive south of Chicago, the bustling city life pulses clearly in the heart of the Loop.Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Illinois on the Map
Nestled just outside Chicago, the vibrant neighborhood of Logan Square is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Illinois’s craft brewery scene.Exploring Illinois by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Just a short train ride from Chicago, the town of Galena offers a charming way to step back in time aboard the Galena & U.S.Fall Foliage Road Trips Across Illinois
A quintessential way to embrace autumn in Illinois is by meandering through the vibrant landscapes of Starved Rock State Park, located about 90 minutesHow Illinois Stacks Up: Food, Fun, and Culture Compared to Its Neighbors
Just a short drive southwest of Chicago lies Oak Park, a suburb celebrated for its rich architectural heritage and a surprisingly vibrant food scene that holdsIllinois in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Chicago, Illinois, serves as a cinematic playground for filmmakers, and nowhere captures this better than the Chicago Board of Trade Building in the LoopIllinois’s Role in American Music: From Jazz to Rock to Country
Chicago, just off the shores of Lake Michigan, stands as the beating heart of Illinois’s musical legacy, especially when it comes to jazz.Indigenous Culture and Heritage Sites to Explore in Illinois
Nestled just west of Chicago, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site stands as the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, offering a vivid windowLegendary Figures from Illinois Who Changed the World
In the heart of Chicago’s historic Pullman District, just south of downtown, visitors can walk the grounds of a company town that once housed the workforceNational Parks and Natural Wonders That Make Illinois a Must-Visit
Starved Rock State Park, nestled along the Illinois River about 90 miles southwest of Chicago, offers visitors a breathtaking blend of rugged canyons andNorth vs. South Illinois: What’s the Difference?
Travelers exploring Illinois quickly notice a striking contrast between its northern and southern regions.Quirky Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find in Illinois
Nestled about an hour southwest of Chicago, the town of Pontiac offers a delightful detour for lovers of kitsch and Americana at the Route 66 Hall of Fame andSpringtime Blooms: Gardens and Wildflowers Across Illinois
About an hour northwest of Chicago, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle offers a breathtaking introduction to the season’s floral awakening.Summer Festivals and Fairs That Bring Illinois to Life
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago bursts into vibrant life each summer with the renowned Taste of Chicago festival, held in Grant Park, just aThe 10 Most Beautiful Cities in Illinois
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Galena charms visitors with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and rolling limestone bluffs.The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Illinois
Just a short drive southwest of downtown Chicago, the Oak Park neighborhood offers an intimate immersion into the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’sThe Best Small Towns in Illinois to Visit (or Even Move To)
Nestled along the Mississippi River about 20 miles northwest of St.The Coolest College Towns in Illinois
Champaign, located about 140 miles south of Chicago, pulses with youthful energy thanks to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.The Great Debate: Illinois’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, savoring deep-dish pizza is a rite of passage that no visitor can miss.The Most Haunted Places in Illinois (And the Stories Behind Them)
Just west of Chicago, in the suburb of Oak Park, lies the historic haunted gem of the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home.The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in Illinois
In Chicago, just a short walk from the towering Willis Tower in the Loop district, you can experience a culinary icon at its birthplace: the deep-dish pizza.The Most Instagrammable Spots in Illinois
Nestled just a few miles west of downtown Chicago, Millennium Park offers a striking urban oasis where art and architecture meet green space.The Music, Arts, and Festivals That Define Illinois
Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s bustling downtown, Millennium Park offers more than just green space amid the city’s steel and glass.The Strangest Road Names in Illinois and How They Got Them
Just a short drive south of Chicago, the village of Oak Brook offers a surprising lesson in local lore along its quirky 22nd Street.The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide to Illinois
Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, Starved Rock State Park is a crown jewel for families seeking nature’s grandeur just about 100 miles southwest ofThe Ultimate Road Trip Through Illinois: Hidden Gems and Scenic Stops
Nestled about 30 minutes southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park stands as a crown jewel of Illinois’ natural beauty.The Untold History of Illinois: Surprising Stories That Shaped America
Just a short drive southwest of Chicago, the Pullman National Monument sits as a striking testament to a radical chapter in American labor and industrialThe Wildest Urban Legends from Illinois
Nestled just a short drive southwest of Chicago, the infamous Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site offers a glimpse into some of the oldest mysteries and legendsTop 20 Outdoor Adventures in Illinois
Nestled just southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park offers a remarkable outdoor escape with its stunning sandstone canyons and waterfalls.UFOs, Ghosts, and Cryptids: Paranormal Illinois
In northeastern Illinois, just a short drive west of Chicago, lies the small town of Roselle, known among paranormal enthusiasts for its proximity to some ofWeird Laws Still on the Books in Illinois
Step into the heart of Springfield, Illinois’s capital just under two hours northeast of St.What Locals Love Most About Living in Illinois
Nestled just a short drive southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park offers a nature retreat that many Illinois locals cherish.Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Illinois
About 30 minutes southwest of Chicago, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland every holiday season.Why Everyone Should Visit Illinois at Least Once in Their Lifetime
A trip to Illinois reveals a state of surprising depth and diversity, where urban energy meets natural beauty and rich history.Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in Illinois
Nestled about 90 minutes northwest of Chicago, Chestnut Mountain Resort near Galena offers some of Illinois’s best skiing and snowboarding experiences.