Best Places to Visit in Illinois, USA

Alton

For people interested in history, exploring the great outdoors and small town charm, Alton, Illinois is the place to visit. This town of 25,000 people on the Mississippi River is just 20 minutes from St. Louis, Missouri and only 90 minutes south of Springfield. It’s easy to get there with I-64, I-70 and I-55 nearby. The prettiest drive, though, is along the Great River Road on the eastern bank of the MIssissippi River. Those who know what Alton, Illinois is famous for understand why this town is so popular with visitors. Alton has a strong Civil War history with memorials and monuments throughout town to help preserve the story. President Abraham Lincoln had law offices in Alton, and the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debate of 1858 was held here.

A self-guided walking tour is available to learn about this important era in history. Those who love the outdoors will enjoy the amazing views of the mighty Mississippi from Pere Marquette State Park. Besides hiking, visitors can enjoy biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and rock climbing at the park. Keep an eye out for bald eagles. Other sites to see in Alton include the Robert Wadlow Statue, McPike Mansion, the National Great Rivers Museum and the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. When visiting Alton, there are several chain hotels along the interstates, but this is a great destination for VRBO stays in Alton or nearby Grafton with adorable cabins and Victorian homes to choose from. For history, beautiful views of the Mississippi River and a bit of classic Americana, Alton, Illinois is a great choice.

Chicago

Chicago is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Illinois, offering a rich blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Whether you’re drawn to its impressive skyline, diverse food scene, or world-class museums, spending three days in Chicago is ideal to fully experience its highlights. The city’s architecture, from the Willis Tower to the historic Wrigley Building, makes a stunning backdrop for exploring neighborhoods like River North and the Loop. With three days, you’ll have time to explore iconic sites, while also soaking in the local charm of Chicago’s bustling streets and lakefront.

One of the best ways to get around the city is by taking advantage of Chicago’s excellent public transportation system. The “L” trains and buses make it easy to navigate, and they offer a more affordable and convenient way to get around than renting a car. You’ll find yourself in the heart of the city in no time, including destinations like the Art Institute of Chicago. Known for its expansive collection of artwork, including pieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, this museum is a must-see for any art lover.

For a comfortable and memorable stay, the Staypineapple Hotel in the Loop is a fantastic option. Its central location makes it easy to explore nearby attractions, while the chic, boutique feel gives you a relaxing retreat after a busy day of sightseeing. Plus, with the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and some of the city’s best restaurants just a short walk away, you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy everything Chicago has to offer.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is considered a must-see attraction in Illinois, and certainly one of the most popular. This recreation area is located in Southern Illinois, near the town of Harrisburg.

The main thing to do at Garden of the Gods is to walk the 1/4^th mile Observation Trail to see the unique sandstone rock formations.

From the trail, you can overlook the stunning Shawnee National Forest and see the famed “camel rock” formation. This is one of the most photographed landmarks in Illinois. The trail does have steep drop-offs, so be cautious and observant!

Once you have completed the trail, head to The Outpost to grab a quick lunch or a snack and browse for unique gifts.

Consider hiking another short, nearby trail in Pounds Hollow Ecological Area – Rim Rock National Recreation Trail. This scenic trail will take you through a canyon and down to see Ox-lot Cave.

Also in Pounds Hollow is a roped-off swimming area with a sand beach and picnic shelters. Pounds Hollow Lake is also a beautiful place for kayaking or fishing.

Other things to do at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area aside from hiking are camping, horseback riding, and picnicking. As far as where to stay near Garden of the Gods, there is a small, first-come first-served campground with 12 basic campsites. However, about 6 miles away is the larger Pounds Hollow Campground with 13 electric hook-up sites and over 40 non-electric sites.

If you’re not much of a camper, the town of Harrisburg offers a few chain hotels. For a more unique stay, Shawnee Forest Cabins offers a treehouse rental with a hot tub! There are also one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabin rentals for a cozy stay. It’s one of the best campgrounds in Southern Illinois.

Giant City State Park

When people think of Illinois, they think of Chicago and some fields. And that’s so far away from the truth.

Southern Illinois has some incredibly beautiful gems including a state park near Carbondale, Illinois called Giant City State Park.

Giant City is located only 2.5 hours away from St. Louis, Missouri and 3 hours away from Memphis, Tennessee. There are activities for all ages and abilities including hiking, rock climbing, or visiting the stream and playgrounds. 

The sport climbing routes range from a 5.3 (made for beginners) to a 5.14 (extremely challenging) and there are even trad climbing routes and bouldering problems located here as well. 

The hiking routes also have a wide range of ability levels and some even lead to unique historic and adventurous pitstops. There is also a restaurant, Giant City Lodge. located on the property that’s known for its fried chicken. 

There are cabins on the property where you can stay and the city of Carbondale is only 15 minutes away from the park with plenty of hotel options. 

Children will also love “Castle Park” that’s located between Giant City and Carbondale – it’s truly one of a kind! It’s a massive wooden castle (that’s big enough for adults to chase their children through) and it has tunnels, bridges, and even little cages to look at that feature monsters. 

Giant City is great for people of all ages and abilities and is absolutely worth the visit. 

Matthiessen State Park

Two hours from Chicago and literally right down the street from Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park deserves a spot on your Illinois bucket list. The parks are so close that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources often refers to “Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks” as if they’re one unit!

Overshadowed by its uber-famous neighbor less than 10 minutes away, Matthiessen is rarely crowded. That alone is worth making the trip (and a major reason why many people actually prefer Matthiessen over Starved Rock!), but the unique scenery and excellent hiking are icing on the cake. 

A lot of people roll their eyes when they hear about hiking in the Midwest, but the trails in Matthiessen may surprise you. The hikes on top of the bluffs are easy-going, but the ones in the Dells area, inside the canyon, are more challenging. On trails to highlights like Cascade Falls and Giant’s Bathtub, you’ll have to navigate lots of stairs and, depending on water levels, possibly wade through water and mud. You’ll want sturdy shoes, good hiking leggings, and maybe even trekking poles. 

Matthiessen State Park is a year-round destination (yes, even when Illinois is covered in snow!). In fact, the park has more cross-country skiing trails than hiking trails! It’s also a popular horseback riding destination. 

The park does have a campground, but if that’s not really your style, stay in nearby Ottawa, about 15 minutes away. While it’s mostly chain hotels like the Fairfield Inn & Suites Starved Rock Area, they’re especially well-maintained. Plus, the small town of Ottawa is ADORABLE! Stop into The Ottawa Bakery—literally everything is delicious!

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades State Park, located along the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River in northwestern Illinois, is a nature lover’s paradise. Covering over 2,500 acres, this park offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the river, dramatic limestone cliffs, and miles of hiking trails that meander through lush forests and rocky overlooks. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a birdwatcher, or just looking to escape into nature, the park’s unique landscape, shaped by centuries of geological activity, makes it one of the best places to visit in Illinois. The peaceful ambiance and abundance of wildlife make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure.

One of the park’s highlights is the impressive network of trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, leading to breathtaking viewpoints like Lookout Point and Sentinel Rock. For water enthusiasts, the Mississippi River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, offering a different perspective of the park’s majestic scenery. Visitors in the spring and fall can enjoy vibrant wildflower blooms or the stunning autumn foliage. With such diverse activities and picturesque spots, Mississippi Palisades caters to outdoor adventurers and families alike, making it a must-visit location for anyone exploring Illinois.

If you’re planning to visit Mississippi Palisades, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike the more rugged trails. The park is a great year-round destination, but fall is particularly beautiful when the leaves change color. For a comfortable and unique stay nearby, consider booking a room at the historic DeSoto House Hotel in Galena, about a 30-minute drive from the park. This charming hotel offers cozy accommodations and is conveniently located near shopping and dining options, making it the perfect base for exploring both the park and the historic town of Galena.

Rockford

It’s easy to visit Rockford from all over the country. The center of town is less than 10 miles from the Chicago Rockford International Airport. It is 90 miles northwest of Chicago. 

For locals, it’s also near Leaf River, Candlewick Lake, Machesney Park, Hillcrest, Loves Park, Byron, Beloit, and Monroe Center. The many attractions make it a great choice for a day trip! 

The Andersen Japanese Gardens are among the best Japanese gardens in the United States. Walk among ponds topped with water lilies and filled with koi. See water cascading over rocks, beautiful stone bridges, and themed gardens. Stop by the teahouse and gazebo!

If you’re visiting from May to September, stop by the Rockford City Market. The seasonal market boasts fresh seasonal produce and baked goods, but it’s also an incredible time. Stop by Friday evenings for live music, delicious food, and adult beverages. The woodfired pizza and tacos are delicious! 

Volcano Falls Adventure Park is also a great choice in the warmer months, for families with kids or adults who like to have a good time. Race around the go-kart tracks, play on 2 miniature golf courses, or stop by the arcade, laser tag arena, or batting cages!

For lodgings that balance budget with amenities, stay at the Hilton Garden Inn. They offer comfortable lodgings, a fitness center and pool, an onsite restaurant, and room service. Plus, they are located near the airport and offer pet-friendly and connecting rooms, perfect for families!

Shawnee National Forest

Given that I was born and raised in Illinois, it’s shocking that I did not visit Southern Illinois until well into adulthood. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire state! Granted, it is about a six-hour drive south from Chicago, but with all the things to do around Shawnee National Forest, it is well worth the drive! 

Shawnee National Forest is located near Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. It is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with miles of trails and tons of protected land. There are waterfalls, caves, rock formations and even a wetlands that makes you wonder if you are in Louisiana. The area extends to the Kentucky border and the Ohio River. 

Some of the best places to explore in and around Shawnee include Giant City State Park, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Cache River Natural Area, Little Grand Canyon, Cave in Rock State Park, and Trail of Tears State Forest. As a hiker, I found so many trails to explore and always find new trails every time I visit. Just be prepared for heat and humidity; spring and fall are the best times to visit as it’s a bit warmer than Chicago throughout the year. 

If you enjoy camping, there are campsites at all of the parks mentioned above, and many of them have cabins as well if you prefer a roof over your head. If you prefer hotels, Carbondale has many chain hotels, including Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn. Try to plan around college events like football games and parent’s weekend as the hotels will fill up quickly. 

Springfield

Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, is located about 200 miles southwest of Chicago and 100 miles northeast of St. Louis along the I-55. This makes it one of the top places to visit in Central Illinois for visitors of all ages.

The city is rich in history with its strong connection to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. One of the must-see attractions in Springfield is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a modern facility with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring Lincoln’s life to vivid detail. Just a short walk away, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site has been preserved to reflect its appearance in the 1860s and offer a glimpse into the life of his family in Illinois.

For architecture lovers, the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site is a highlight in Springfield as it is one of the finest examples of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie School” design. The house features stunning art glass windows and beautifully crafted wood interiors.

Don’t forget to try the city’s iconic horseshoe sandwich. This indulgent sandwich layers your choice of meat on toast, topped with fries, and then generously smothered in cheese sauce.

For a comfortable stay in Springfield, check out the Residence Inn by Marriott Springfield. You can make Springfield a convenient base to explore other nearby charming towns such as Champaign-Urbana and scenic local parks.

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park, located about 90 miles southwest of Chicago, is the perfect destination for an outdoor retreat from the city. Known for its canyons, waterfalls, and beautiful views of the Illinois River, the park also offers a look into Illinois’ history – it is the state’s first recreational park and is a National Historic Landmark.

The area was discovered by the French explorer La Salle, who built Fort St. Louis in the area to secure the Mississippi Valley for France. As you hike to the top of Starved Rock, you will see a plaque marking the location of the original fort. Another fascinating fact about the park is the origin of its name. Starved Rock gets its name from a Native American legend in which members of the Illinois tribe sought refuge on the rock after a battle with Chief Pontiac’s followers. Trapped, they eventually died of starvation, giving the park its name.

With 13 miles of trails, you can spend a full day or even a week exploring the landscapes. If you live in Chicago, come back to Starved Rock during different seasons of the year. Each season offers a unique experience—spring brings flowing waterfalls, while fall dazzles with vibrant foliage. And in the summer, the Illinois River is perfect for kayaking and fishing. As with any day hike, make sure to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Don’t miss the stunning overlooks, such as Lover’s Leap, where you can take in panoramic views of the Illinois River, and Eagle Cliff Overlook, a perfect spot for watching wildlife. If you’re visiting in the spring, explore the Wildcat Canyon with the park’s tallest waterfall (a 70-foot drop!), and LaSalle Canyon, where you can even walk behind the cascading water.

After a day of hiking, you can stop at the visitor center and enjoy some ice cream or spend the night at the historic Starved Rock Lodge, built in 1939. The lodge offers cozy rooms, cabins, and a restaurant with beautiful views, making it a perfect place to relax after your adventures without leaving the park.