Top 10 Places to Visit in Illinois

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest is Illinois, a state that offers a remarkable blend of bustling urban centers and serene pastoral landscapes. Here, you can bask in the cultural vibrancy of Chicago, fondly known as the Windy City, or retreat to the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan for a moment of peace and other places to visit in Illinois.

The state’s storied past is ever-present, with historical trails that take you back to the era of Abraham Lincoln, offering an intriguing gateway into the state’s rich heritage.

Venturing through Illinois, you’ll discover a tapestry of experiences, from the architectural wonders that pierce the skyline of its cities to the quaint, historic villages where the stories of yesteryear echo through the streets.

Each corner of this diverse state serves up a new chapter in a journey through the heartland of America. Whether you’re drawn by the lure of nature, the pulse of city life, or the whispers of history, Illinois welcomes you with an array of destinations that beckon for your visit.

1. Anderson Japanese Gardens

Nestled within Rockford, this tranquil oasis stands out as a pinnacle of serene beauty. Anderson Japanese Gardens is touted by many as the premier Japanese garden in the nation. Your visit is limited to the temperate months of May through October, when you can fully immerse yourself in the meticulously sculpted landscapes.

• Location: Rockford, Illinois
• Season: May – October
• Highlights:
  • Natural Water Features: Ponds and streams harmonize with nature.
  • Architectural Elements: Bridges, pagodas, and carefully placed lanterns.
  • Unique Attractions: Cypress Bridge and the Garden of Reflection.

Upon arrival, secure a map from the Visitor Center to guide your exploration. Capture moments of tranquility on the Cypress Bridge, a perfect prelude to the introspective Garden of Reflection.

See Related: Shawnee

2. Champaign-Urbana

Home to the state’s premier university, Champaign-Urbana offers a quintessential collegiate atmosphere woven into its urban fabric. Here, you can:

• Explore the Spurlock Museum, showcasing an impressive array of global artifacts.
• Experience the bustling Market at the Square, where Saturday mornings buzz with local produce and vibrant community life.

In this twin-city hub, the charm of academic vigor meets the warmth of Midwest hospitality, beckoning you to immerse yourself in a rare blend of cultural and intellectual vibrancy.

See Related: Rockford

3. Tunnel Hill State Trail

Venture to the southern reaches of Illinois to discover the Tunnel Hill State Trail, an oft-overlooked gem winding through diverse landscapes. This trail, not quite five miles in length, celebrates nature’s resilience, traversing both restored strip mines and lush farmlands.

• Location: Start from Vienna
• Trail Length: Nearly 5 miles
• Scenery: Tunnels, ravines, streams, bluffs
• Activities: Walking, jogging, biking
• Trail Surface: Crushed gravel

As you travel this exquisite corridor, your path is framed by raw bluffs and bubbling streams, inviting a peaceful communion with the land. Embrace the soothing rustle of leaves and the soft crunch beneath your feet, a symphony accompanying your journey through the heart of Illinois’ breathtaking backcountry.

See Related: Best Hotels in Chicago, Illinois

4. Lincoln’s New Salem

In the heart of Illinois, you’ll find a meticulous recreation of the village that once shaped a young Abraham Lincoln. At the historical site of New Salem, immerse yourself in the early 1830s, a pivotal era for Lincoln, by exploring 23 exemplary buildings, including authentically furnished log cabins.

• Historical Recreation: Step back into the 1830s and walk through New Salem, meticulously reconstructed to reflect the era when Abraham Lincoln made this community his home.
• Engaging Experience: Volunteers garbed in period attire bring the past to life, from the furniture within the cabins to the horses outside.
• Living Heritage: Engage with guides who offer insights into Lincoln’s Illinois years, deepening your appreciation of his formative time here.

Your visit to New Salem is not just a tour; it’s a vivid journey through time that offers a tangible connection to Lincoln’s legacy.

See Related: 12 Best Cities in Illinois to Live and Visit

5. Shawnee National Forest

Venture to the southern tip of Illinois to discover a serene landscape once shrouded in ice. Today, Shawnee National Forest invites you to its trails for hiking, spaces for camping, clear waters for swimming, and vistas for photographing.

Top Attraction:

• Garden of the Gods: Iconic for its appearance on the state’s quarter, this rock formation captivates visitors. A convenient observation trail weaves around, offering panoramic views of the natural sculptures.

Activities:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Swimming
• Photography

When you wander through Shawnee National Forest, the echoes of an ancient ice-covered world blend with the modern calls of nature, creating an experience that’s rich with the history and beauty of Illinois.

6. Mound Marvels of Cahokia

Nestled near the vibrant cityscape of St. Louis, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Park is a testament to ancient ingenuity. Here’s what awaits your discovery:

• Monks Mound: Towering at over 100 feet, it’s the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas.
• Woodhenge: A timbered marvel, echoing Stonehenge, that once charted celestial events.

Sprawling across the landscape, these 69 grassy knolls are remnants of a pre-Columbian metropolis—the most expansive north of Mexico. To stride amidst these mounds is to walk in the footsteps of a sophisticated society, long vanished, yet forever etched into the earth itself.

See Related: Top Tourist Attractions in the USA

7. Starved Rock State Park

Nestled along the Illinois River’s winding shores, Starved Rock State Park awaits you with its awe-inspiring sandstone canyons forged from ancient glacial meltwaters. Less than a two-hour drive from the bustle of Chicago, this scenic gem draws both city dwellers seeking respite and adventurers from afar.

• Can’t-Miss Features:
  • Wildcat Canyon and French Canyon, each with captivating waterfalls that are particularly arresting during spring thaw.
  • Lover’s Leap Overlook, offers the park’s most breathtaking vista.

Embrace the area’s trails and you may encounter graceful deer or hear the call of migratory birds. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply craving natural splendor, Starved Rock’s vibrant tapestry of trails calls for exploration.

8. Galena

In the heartland of Illinois nestles Galena, a town steeped in history. Once a bustling port, this charming location offers a journey through time along the Mississippi River.

• Meander along Main Street, brimming with locally-owned shops set in authentically preserved 19th-century buildings.
• Traverse the Galena River via a quaint pedestrian bridge, and absorb the picturesque surroundings.
• Discover the Ulysses S. Grant Home, the residence of the former president before his leadership in the Civil War.

Your visit to Galena will immerse you in a bygone era, inviting a leisurely exploration of its rich heritage.

9. Springfield

• Abraham Lincoln Home National Historic Site: Reflect on the simplicity and historical richness of the residence where Abraham Lincoln spent 17 years molding his political ideology.
• Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum: Immerse yourself in the narrative of America’s 16th President through a comprehensive collection of documents and exhibits.
• Oak Ridge Cemetery: Pay your respects at one of the globe’s most frequented resting places, including memorials honoring Abraham Lincoln and his family.

See Related: Most Beautiful Midwest States to Visit

10. Chicago

Millennium Park offers a spectacle for the eyes with its iconic reflective sculpture, known by many as “The Bean.” Nestled within the heart of the Loop, this urban oasis provides a refreshing break from the bustling city streets.

Your visit isn’t complete without exploring the treasures held at the Chicago Institute of Art, an institution revered for its substantial art collections that rival those in Paris.

As you tread along the city’s pathways, you’ll be greeted by an awe-inspiring skyline punctuated by architectural marvels such as the Aon Center’s towering presence, the distinctive curvature of the Chase Tower, and the minimalist designs of the Federal Center by Mies van der Rohe.

Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in these storied streets, where each corner offers a piece of Chicago’s rich architectural heritage.

Related Resources: 

• Most Romantic Places in the World
• Best Nature Destinations Around the World
• Best Travel Sites to Save Money and Travel More
• Best Travel Apps & Websites for Deals