Illinois is a state with adventures for everyone. From the bustling city of Chicago to historic Springfield and incredible outdoor adventures in Southern and Western Illinois, our state welcomes travelers of all interests to discover unforgettable experiences that'll only leave you wanting more.
Something for Everyone
Explore Regions in Illinois

Chicago & Beyond

Great Rivers Country

Land of Lincoln

Trails to Adventure

Chicago & Beyond
NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Voted the best big city in the US, Chicago is known for its iconic skyline and world-class museums, architecture, food and cultural scene. Enjoy sandy beaches, lakefront trails and discover the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with something new to offer. Explore just beyond the city for stunning outdoor escapes, family-friendly adventures and great shopping.
Highlights

Discover Chicago
Learn more about what's on offer in this one-of-a-kind metropolis.
Discover Chicago
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford
Named one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America.
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
With its serene waterfalls and beautiful trails, this lush park is a just 1.5 hours from Chicago.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
Great Rivers Country
WESTERN ILLINOIS
Take a scenic drive on the Great River Road that follows the Mississippi River along the western border of Illinois, framed by gorgeous limestone river bluffs. Relax in charming towns nestled by the river for beautiful views, outdoor adventures, great food and fascinating history.
Highlights

Cruise the Great River Road
This gorgeous river drive offers everything from outdoor adventure and quiet charm, to presidential and colonial history.
Cruise the Great River Road
Explore Galena
This charming town offers unique shopping, wineries and luxury accommodation.
Explore Galena
John Deere Pavilion, Moline
See vintage machines and climb aboard new ones. Explore exhibits on how technology helps people shape and care for the land.
John Deere Pavilion, Moline
Cahokia Mounds UNESCO World Heritage Site, Collinsville
The remains of the most civilized prehistoric civilization north of Mexico are preserved at this site.
Cahokia Mounds UNESCO World Heritage Site, Collinsville
Land of Lincoln
CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Presidential history meets classic Americana in Central Illinois. Visit the state capital, Springfield, and discover Abraham Lincoln's incredible legacy. Throughout the region, immerse yourself in museums, festivals and American-sized helpings of roadside nostalgia.
Highlights

Abraham Lincoln Historic Sites
Illinois has more Lincoln historic sites than anywhere in the country! Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum and explore the many other Lincoln attractions in the region.
Abraham Lincoln Historic Sites
Old State Capitol, Springfield
The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois' fifth statehouse. It was here Lincoln spoke the immortal words, “A house divided against itself cannot stand…” as the threat of a Civil War loomed.
Old State Capitol, Springfield
Route 66 Adventures
Route 66 begins in Chicago and runs southwest through the state. In the Land of Lincoln, discover history, roadside diners and a wealth of unique photo ops.
Route 66 Adventures
Casey's Big Things
Casey is home to some of the world's largest things. Take a selfie with a 30-foot golf tee weighing in at 6,659 pounds, a pencil that’s 32 feet long, and a 32-foot-tall mailbox where you can actually send mail.
Casey's Big Things
Trails to Adventure
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Get outdoors and explore! Whether you're looking for ziplining, golfing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding or kayaking, you can find it here in Southern Illinois. Relax at wineries and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and vistas of Shawnee National Forest.
Highlights

Shawnee National Forest & Garden of the Gods
Shawnee National Forest is a must-visit for lovers of the outdoors. Explore Garden of the Gods, famous rock formations that provide panoramic views of the ancient forest.
Shawnee National Forest & Garden of the Gods
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
This trail features 11 award-winning wineries located along a 35-mile scenic drive in the Shawnee National Forest.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Step into the large cavern, steeped in history of river pirates.
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch, Makanda
See the alpacas, feel the fleece, learn about workshop practices, shop the store at this mother-daughter owned alpaca ranch.
Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch, Makanda
Chicago & Beyond
Experience Chicago’s big-city urban flair and an eclectic mix of destinations in Northern Illinois.

Great Rivers Country
Explore the quaint towns and history of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers in Western Illinois.

Land of Lincoln
Relive the glory days of Route 66 and explore Abe Lincoln’s legacy in Central Illinois.

Trails to Adventure
Wind your way through breathtaking vistas and wine trails in Southern Illinois.
While You're on the Road
Top Road Trips
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LGBTQIA+ Getaway in Galena, Illinois
Welcome to Galena! It’s small-town USA at its best and a great spot for the LGBTQIA+ traveler. Browse local shops, explore art galleries, sample wines from local vineyards, hike scenic... Read more about LGBTQIA+ Getaway in Galena, Illinois -
Show more in category of Arts, Culture & History
Ferris Bueller's Chicago
Few movies have captured the iconic experiences of the Chicago area quite like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
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Native American Heritage in Illinois’ Landscapes
The story of Illinois began long before it was ever known as "Illinois," and its beginnings are still here for you to discover.
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Show more in category of Arts, Culture & History
Native American Heritage in Illinois
The ancestral lands of the Potawatomi, Odawa, and Ojibwe form the Illinois landscape we know today, and their influence flows through our art, architecture, and even the paths we walk.
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Show more in category of Family Fun
Great Pumpkin Country
If you’re the type who likes their fall activities traditional, with pumpkin patches, apple picking, and Oktoberfest beers — or out of the ordinary with stargazing, zebra safaris, and reindeer... Read more about Great Pumpkin Country -
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Haunted Chicago
Experience why fall in Chicago puts the super in supernatural. Read more about Haunted Chicago