Illinois holidays
Many people come to this Midwestern state just to see its famous ‘Windy City’. But there’s far more to Illinois than Chicago. From relaxing on Great Lakes beaches to exploring 19th-century towns, cruising down Route 66 and hiking through dense wilderness, holidays to Illinois promise something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of your trip on and off the beaten path.
Top destinations in Illinois
Chicago
The biggest city in the Midwest boasts skyscrapers, world-class dining and some of the most important museums in the region. But don’t miss its leafy parks and urban beaches.
Springfield
Planning a Route 66 road trip? Start at Springfield, home to historical architecture, classic American diners and museums dedicated to former resident Abraham Lincoln.
Bloomington
Make a stop at this Midwestern charmer on your Route 66 adventure. Explore Victorian mansions and green parks, then indulge in local craft brews and farm-to-table feasts.
Illinois: fast facts
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
Chicago - UTC−6 (CST) and UTC−5 (CDT)
High season
May – September
Low season
January – March
Illinois holiday highlights
Route 66
Route 66 begins in Chicago before stretching 484 kilometres past cute small towns, vintage diners and quirky roadside attractions. Visit the Old Joliet Prison, made famous by ‘The Blues Brothers’ movie. And pose for a picture by the giant Paul Bunyan Hot Dog Statue. Hungry? Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket opened in 1946 and is a Route 66 Hall of Fame inductee.
Mississippi River towns
One of the best things to do in Illinois is to explore the state’s small towns and cities along the Mississippi River. Head to Galena, a 19th-century town known for its historic Main Street and nearby wineries. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lagomarcino’s in Moline, an ice cream parlour dating back to 1908. Hikers should head to Grafton near Pere Marquette State Park.
Land of Lincoln
Once home to Abraham Lincoln, Illinois proudly celebrates the 16th US president with memorials, museums and attractions. In Springfield, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum documents the former president’s life and the American Civil War — you’ll find Lincoln’s tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Driving Route 66? Stop by the Railsplitter Covered Wagon with its statue of ‘Honest Abe’.
Things to do in Illinois
Top attractions
Immersive exhibits at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield take you on a journey through Lincoln’s life and legacy. Located in Shawnee National Forest, the natural rock sculptures in Garden of the Gods offer some of the best views in Illinois. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a treasure trove of architectural landmarks. Guided tours reveal their fascinating stories.
Beaches
Though far away from the ocean, Illinois has no shortage of lakeside beaches. In Chicago, enjoy vast stretches of sand along Lake Michigan, including Oak Street and Montrose beaches. And Adeline Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park in Zion offers fun for the whole family with swimming, hiking and fishing. At Glencoe Beach, you can windsurf, sail and kayak.
Nature
One of Illinois’ most spectacular natural sites is the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest. The wilderness area is known for its rock formations, cliffs and scenic trails. If you’re after more picturesque hikes, head to Starved Rock State Park, with its waterfalls and canyons. For wildlife sightings, Wildlife Prairie Park is home to animals like bison and elk.
Cuisine
Of all the state’s culinary specialities, deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs are by far the most famous. But even outside the big city, you’ll find plenty of restaurants in Illinois serving hearty treats inspired by the land and its immigrant populations. Try Italian beef, ‘pierogi’ (Polish dumplings) and pork tenderloin sandwiches. Important news for chocolate lovers — Illinois is the birthplace of the brownie.
Culture and museums
Chicago has some of the US’ most famous museums, but culture in Illinois isn’t limited to the ‘Windy City’. Literature fans shouldn’t miss the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum in Oak Park. And one of the best local history museums in Illinois is Springfield’s Illinois State Museum. If you’re into comics, visit the Super Museum in Metropolis, ‘the home of Superman’.
Nightlife
From iconic comedy clubs to Wrigleyville sports bars, Chicago sets the pace for nightlife in Illinois. For a taste of Americana, check out the roadhouses and live music along Route 66. And true to the state’s speakeasy past, you’ll find lots of craft distilleries bottling everything from bourbon to bespoke liqueurs.
Find the best time to visit Illinois
Weather in Illinois through the year
March – May: Though spring starts warming up, cold snaps and late-season snow aren’t unheard of. But the warm days with blossoming wildflowers are glorious.
June – August: Heatwaves can reach over 32°C, and humidity can make it feel even hotter. Lake Michigan’s breezes keep Chicago a little cooler.
September – November: Autumn is one of the best times to visit Illinois. The changing leaves make a perfect backdrop for scenic drives and long hikes. Bring a jacket for cool nights.
December – February: Cold and snow can appear as early as November in some parts of the state. Though average temperatures hover around freezing, wind chill can make it feel much colder.
Events in Illinois
Ebertfest (April): Founded by critic Roger Ebert, this film festival in Champaign highlights movies that deserve a second look. Revisit a forgotten classic, or discover your new favourite flick.
Sandwich Fair (September): One of the oldest county fairs in Illinois, the Sandwich Fair has entertained families and celebrated local agriculture since 1888. Cheer on the tractor pull and demolition derby, scope out the prize-winning vegetables or win a prize yourself at the funfair.
Burgoo (October): In Utica, this quirky festival celebrates the classic pioneer stew made with beef, hominy and vegetables, slow-cooked overnight in huge kettles. Visitors browse antiques, enjoy live entertainment and line up on Sunday for a steaming bowl of burgoo.
Know before you go
Getting around Illinois
Public transport
Buses: Greyhound provides intercity bus service across the state, as well as national connections. Regional transit systems operate local routes across most of Illinois, but they’re not always well integrated with each other. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) covers Chicago and neighbouring suburbs.
Trains: Chicago is America’s largest rail hub. With more than a dozen regional and national Amtrak lines passing through the state, it’s easy to sightsee by train.
Boats: Car ferries cross the Illinois River at Kampsville and Brussels.
Domestic flights
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is among the busiest in the world and offers extensive international connections. The smaller Chicago Midway handles fewer flights but is a hub for low-cost carriers like Southwest and Allegiant. American Airlines, Allegiant and others serve regional airports, including Peoria and Springfield, providing convenient access across Illinois.
Driving and car hire
With interstates connecting most of its major cities, driving in Illinois is relatively easy. You could also get off the highway and explore one of the state’s scenic byways. Two historical transcontinental roads, the Lincoln Highway and Route 66, pass through the state. Driving guides can help you find roadside attractions and points of interest along the way.
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