Illinois is an unimaginable state within the United States 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 implies that the toughest activity 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 prime locations in Illinois that I feel you’ll love. I travelled all throughout Illinois and cherished it; I’m positive 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 preferred spot for those who love the good open air, visiting Mississippi Palisades State Park is likely one of the greatest 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, take a look at Lookout Level for a number of the greatest views.
Going round and thru limestone caves, hovering hills and wooded ravines are actually gorgeous. That is very true for those who’re taking a highway journey across the state and need to stretch your legs.
If you’re 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 carry your individual gear.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 among the best issues to do in Illinois if you’re heading south to Missouri or Kentucky.
In any case, it’s proper at Illinois’ most southern level for a forest.
One predominant attraction within the forest is the Backyard of the Gods which is a powerful rock formation that’s completely gorgeous.
There’s a brief remark path round this geological space and it’s fairly straightforward to comply with for those who’re a average hiker. Simply all the time hike responsibly and take heed to native recommendation; nobody likes a reckless hiker.
Oh, and don’t overlook about Jackson Falls, too.
3.) Rockford
Perched within the north of Illinois, town of Rockford is a superb stopping level for a metropolis break as you traverse the state on a highway journey.
In truth, it’s Illinois’ third largest metropolis and has a great deal of issues to do and see.
As soon as right here, make sure to take a look at the Anderson Japanese Gardens. It’s mentioned to be among the best Japanese gardens in the entire US. A title that Rockford may be very pleased with. Open in the summertime months between Might and October, it’s a good spot to spend a number of hours chilling.
Actually, the panorama within the backyard is magnificent, too. There are ornate bridges, Japanese lanterns, and gorgeous pagodas which go away this spot feeling so stress-free.
Afterwards, be certain 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 overlook 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 all the things from dinosaur skeletons to native ecosystems that flourish within the space. Now, I’ve most likely made that sound like a reasonably uninteresting expertise however belief me, it’s not!
4.) Starved Rock State Park
Perhaps principally in style for its beautiful waterfalls, visiting Starved Rock State Park is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Illinois. Its pure magnificence pulls numerous guests from everywhere in the US and is properly price taking a gander while you’re right here.
The 13-mile discovery path is likely one of the guests’ favourites – although it could really feel fairly arduous for those who’re not a eager hiker. When you’re unsure, guide a guided tour.
5.) Chicago
Everyone knows in regards to the windy metropolis, proper?
Properly, visiting Chicago’s epic locations is definitely among the best issues to do in Illinois if you need a vibrant metropolis break.
When you love retro parks and this epic Ferris wheel, it’s important to pop over to Navy Pier. Simply make sure to guide 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 reasonably in depth buying centre and even a miniature golf course.
When within the space, you may as well catch reside reveals and go on boat rides, too. It’s properly price it at sundown while overlooking Chicago. Afterwards, make sure to take a look at Millennium Park, hop into the Artwork Institute and spot Gloud Gate; the large bean of Chicago!
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Chicago
6.) Alton
Alton is one other fantastic place to cease as a part of a highway journey to go to a number of the greatest issues to do in Illinois. For a comparatively small place, it has a shocking quantity to supply.
As soon as right here, make sure to take a look at a number of the epic issues to do, probably; seeing the King’s Pond, Jane Austen’s Home Museum and Alton Gardens. All are fantastic.
Oh, and don’t overlook 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 with love. You’ll be able to simply inform.
7.) Cahokia Mounds State Historic Website
The two,200-acre Cahokia Mounds State Historic Website is one paradise for historical past buffs. Although don’t really feel prefer it’ll simply be historians that love this spot, it’s among the best issues to do in Illinois that’s proper on the border with Missouri and town of St Louis.
You see, right here, you’ll spot the archaeological stays of some of the cultured prehistoric native civilizations north of Mexico.
It’s mentioned that the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Website had been dwelling to round 10,000-20,000 folks. Lots of them have been who’re achieved, builders. With numerous stays uncovered to this present day.
As we speak, 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 overlook 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 stunning metropolis of Springfield and a spot that’s straightforward to go to on a highway journey.
Means again when, that is the place Abraham Lincoln was born and homes numerous American historical past to be taught all about.
Most constructions and vacationer spots in Springfield are about Lincoln, so for those who’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 Residence Nationwide Historic Website, the Previous State Capitol, and 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 referring to President Lincoln.
You’ll be able to go to his dwelling, the presidential library and different locations named after him.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Chicago
9.) Nice River Highway
Nice River Highway follows the Mississippi River’s move which is over 550 miles alongside the state’s Western edge. It’s an amazing path to comply with for those who’re on a highway 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 so much totally different than Chicago’s large highways or busy streets, so you’ll be able to actually take your time appreciating the views, right here.
Simply don’t overlook to plan in your highway journey playlist! Nobody likes a uninteresting drive. I say, the cheesier the higher (for the tunes, no less than).
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 buying spots. It’s excellent to go to as you drive west and properly price a cease for a number of hours.
As soon as right here, take a look at the Elmhurst Artwork Museum, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Artwork and Safari Land (to call a number of)
Oh, and don’t overlook to go to Brewpoint Espresso for a number of the greatest brews within the space.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Chicago
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