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. Military Railroad. Located about three hours northwest of the Windy City, this heritage train runs along tracks originally laid during the Civil War era, winding through rolling farmland and past historic stone bridges. Visitors can hop on restored vintage cars where the rhythmic clatter of wheels on rails blends with views of the lush Illinois River valley. The train’s route includes a notable stop at the restored Military Ridge station, allowing guests to stretch their legs in a small town famous for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Autumn is especially magical here, when the surrounding hills blaze with fall foliage, making the leisurely excursion feel like a journey through a living postcard.
Further south near Peoria, the Illinois River offers a different kind of waterborne adventure. The Spirit of Peoria, a classic paddlewheel boat, cruises the river for several hours at a time, revealing the natural beauty and industrial history of central Illinois. Departing from downtown Peoria, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive southwest of Chicago, the boat passes under historic bridges and alongside bluffs dotted with giant bur oaks and limestone bluffs. Along the way, interpretive narration dives into stories of Native American cultures, early settlers, and the river’s role in commerce. Summer evenings are perfect for these cruises, as long sunsets reflect off the water, and the deck fills with the hum of live jazz bands playing against the backdrop of river lights.
In the heart of Illinois farmland, just outside Bloomington, the small town of Normal hosts a modern twist on balloon rides with the Normal Hot Air Balloon Company. About two hours southwest of Chicago, this company offers tethered and untethered balloon flights over the rolling prairies and the Illinois State University campus nearby. From high above, passengers admire expansive cornfields and the patchwork of small towns dotting the horizon. Ballooning here is best in late spring or early fall when temperatures are mild, and winds calm, allowing for the most stable flights. The sight of the sun rising over the flatlands, with dew sparkling on the fields below, provides a tranquil, almost surreal experience that contrasts beautifully with Illinois’s urban skylines.
Heading back north, a trip aboard the Metra Electric Line from downtown Chicago can transport travelers to the suburban lakeside community of Highwood in about 40 minutes. From the Highwood station, visitors can reach the shores of Lake Michigan and take part in a scenic boat tour with Highwood Marina. The tours focus on the natural shoreline, birdwatching, and the history of the Great Lakes, with views of the Chicago skyline on clear days. The marina’s lake cruises especially shine in the summer when the lake is warm and dotted with sailboats, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle. The chance to combine easy train travel with lakeside boating makes this an accessible and refreshing day trip.
To enjoy a more rugged rail experience, the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, located about an hour northwest of Chicago, offers a chance to ride on historic steam and electric trains through open fields and woodlands. This museum boasts the largest collection of railroad artifacts in the Midwest, including 100 locomotives and railcars. Visitors can board restored streetcars, interurban trains, and classic steam engines as they chug along a 4.5-mile track that winds through the rolling countryside. The museum’s Fall Color Ride is particularly popular, as the trains glide past vivid autumn trees and harvest-time farms. The tactile thrill of vintage rail travel here offers a hands-on history lesson that’s hard to find anywhere else in Illinois.
For water travel with a twist, the Chicago Water Taxi offers a fast and fun way to explore the Chicago River and Lake Michigan waterfront. Boarding from Navy Pier or various stops downtown, passengers can see the city’s iconic skyscrapers and bridges from the water’s edge as the taxi zips along the river. The taxi’s route highlights neighborhoods like River North and the West Loop, giving riders a fresh perspective on the city’s architectural evolution. Spring and summer trips are ideal, when outdoor seating is available and the mild breeze off the lake makes for a refreshing ride. This urban water taxi blends transportation with sightseeing, making it a lively way to experience Chicago’s waterfront culture.
Lastly, near the town of Metamora in central Illinois, the Illinois Valley Ballooning Festival draws visitors who cherish the spectacle of dozens of hot air balloons filling the sky. About two hours southwest of Chicago, the area’s wide-open spaces provide ideal conditions for balloon launches and landings. The festival, held in spring, offers rides that lift passengers above the Illinois River valley, revealing a patchwork of farmland, forests, and small towns from a breathtaking vantage point. The gentle drifting of the balloons combined with panoramic views of the river’s winding course creates a serene and unforgettable experience unique to this part of Illinois. For anyone eager to combine outdoor adventure with stunning scenery, this spot remains a hidden gem.