MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Explore Illinois (IL)
Illinois can be a city vacation, a Route 66 drive or a southern outdoor trip. Chicago needs neighborhood time rather than a rush between landmarks. Springfield adds Lincoln history and a quieter pace. Visitors working toward all 50 states can pair these two cities by rail, then save rural areas for a later road trip.
Planning a trip to Illinois
| Decision | Planning suggestion |
|---|---|
| Suggested first stay | Our starting point is 5–7 days in a chosen region, adjusted for your interests and arrival time. |
| Airports to compare | Chicago O'Hare (ORD); Chicago Midway (MDW); Springfield (SPI) |
| Seasonal planning | Warm months suit lakefront walks. Winter city trips need indoor options and room for weather delays. |
Top 10 places and experiences in Illinois
This is our planning shortlist, not a popularity ranking. Nearby outings are identified separately; choose the stops that fit your route.
| Place or experience | Why include it |
|---|---|
| Chicago lakefront | Pair parks with skyline views |
| Springfield Lincoln sites | Allow time for history museums |
| Illinois Route 66 | Stop in towns along the historic route |
| Starved Rock | Check trails before a canyon walk |
| Shawnee National Forest | Explore southern Illinois landscapes |
| Galena | Walk a hillside historic town |
| Cahokia Mounds | Learn about the former Indigenous city |
| Rockford gardens | Add a garden-focused city stop |
| Peoria riverfront | Explore a central Illinois river city |
| Great River Road | Follow Mississippi River scenery in stages |
Getting to Illinois and getting around
Airports, rental cars and local transport
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) serve city stays; Springfield (SPI) may suit a capital-focused visit. Compare rail between Chicago and Springfield before renting a car. Use a vehicle for small towns and southern Illinois.
Illinois travel FAQ
How much time should I allow for Illinois?
Our starting point is 5–7 days in a chosen region, adjusted for your interests and arrival time.
Where could I start a first Illinois trip?
Chicago and Springfield are the city guides linked below. Compare their airport options and local highlights with your intended route. The right starting point depends on the area you want to visit, not simply the lowest airfare.
Add a personal trip note
After visiting Illinois, record one place or experience you would tell a friend about. Keep that note with your Illinois passport entry on Visit All States.
Continue planning
Official planning resources
Use these official destination resources to confirm opening days, access and current travel details before booking.
