Illinois

Best time to visit Illinois

Illinois offers distinct experiences throughout the year, making it a versatile destination:

Spring (April to June): Spring is a wonderful time to visit Illinois as the weather warms up and outdoor activities become more enjoyable. Cities like Chicago come alive with blooming flowers, festivals, and events, while the countryside is lush and vibrant.

Summer (June to August): Summer brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, ideal for exploring Chicago’s beaches, parks, and festivals. It’s also a great time for outdoor adventures in the state’s natural areas, including hiking, boating, and camping.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Illinois for its beautiful foliage and mild weather. Enjoy the colourful autumn landscapes, harvest festivals, and cosy seasonal activities in both urban and rural settings.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Illinois can be cold and snowy, but it’s perfect for those who enjoy winter sports and holiday festivities. Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating, holiday markets, and cultural events.

Each season in Illinois offers unique opportunities to explore and enjoy its diverse attractions.

Highlights of Illinois

Illinois is a state rich in diverse attractions and vibrant culture. Below are some highlights.

Chicago
The state's largest city offers iconic landmarks such as the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Navy Pier. Chicago is also known for its world-class dining, vibrant nightlife, and diverse neighbourhoods.

Springfield
The state capital is known for its historical significance, especially related to Abraham Lincoln. Key sites include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Old State Capitol.

Lake Michigan
The vast and picturesque lake provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities including beaches, boating, and scenic views. Chicago’s lakefront is a popular spot for recreational activities and relaxation.

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Starved Rock State Park
Located in northern Illinois, this park is famous for its stunning canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It’s a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and offers year-round outdoor activities.

Illinois Wine Country
The southern part of the state is home to several wineries and vineyards. The Illinois River Road Wine Trail and Shawnee Hills Wine Trail are notable for their scenic routes and excellent wine.

Route 66
Celebrating its 100th birthday in 2026, famous Route 66 begins in Chicago, and showcases mile after mile true Americana. Make sure to visit quirky roadside attractions such as the Gemini Giant spaceman and the world's largest ketchup bottle and covered wagon. Make time to visit the town of Joilet which was on the original Route 66 path and is home to the Route 66 Welcome Centre, whilst Pontiac is home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame and thousands of pieces of historic Route 66 memorabilia including its iconic Route 66 mural.

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The Field Museum
Located in Chicago, this museum is renowned for its extensive collection of natural history exhibits, including Sue, the famous T. rex skeleton.

The Magnificent Mile
Chicago’s premier shopping district offers high-end boutiques, luxury stores, and historic landmarks. It’s a must-visit for shopping and dining enthusiasts.

The Chicago Architecture Tour
This popular boat tour offers a unique perspective of Chicago’s impressive skyline and architectural history, showcasing iconic buildings and landmarks.

Peoria Riverfront Museum
Located in Peoria, this museum features a variety of exhibits including art, science, history, and technology. It also offers a planetarium and an IMAX theater.

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Things to do

Explore Chicago’s Landmarks
Millennium Park is a must-visit destination where you can marvel at the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as "The Bean," and soak in a range of outdoor concerts and events. Just a short distance away, the Art Institute of Chicago offers a chance to explore world-class art collections, including the famous "American Gothic" by Grant Wood. For a fun-filled day, head to Navy Pier, where you can enjoy family-friendly attractions, dine at diverse restaurants, and take in scenic boat rides on the picturesque Lake Michigan.

Visit Springfield
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States through its compelling exhibits. Nearby, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site provides a glimpse into Lincoln’s personal life with a tour of his meticulously restored home, revealing intimate details about his life and presidency. Don't miss the Old State Capitol, the historic site where Lincoln delivered his renowned "House Divided" speech, offering a poignant connection to a pivotal moment in American history.

Discover Starved Rock State Park
Explore a range of hiking trails that take you through scenic canyons, cascading waterfalls, and striking rock formations. As you trek, keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer and eagles, thriving in their natural habitat. After a day of adventure, relax with a picnic in the park’s picturesque setting, enjoying a meal surrounded by natural beauty.

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Experience Illinois Wine Country
Indulge in wine tasting along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and Illinois River Road Wine Trail, where you can sample local wines at various charming vineyards. As you explore the wine country, enjoy scenic drives that offer picturesque landscapes and the quaint charm of small towns, making for a delightful and immersive experience.

Drive Along Route 66
Embark on a journey along Route 66, where you can visit classic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and vintage motels that capture the essence of this iconic route. Delve into the rich history and cultural impact of Route 66 by exploring museums dedicated to its legendary status and its role in shaping American travel and culture

Visit Peoria Riverfront Museum
Immerse yourself in a world of discovery with interactive exhibits covering art, history, and science, offering a hands-on learning experience. Expand your horizons with captivating shows at the planetarium, exploring the wonders of space and astronomy. For a larger-than-life cinematic experience, enjoy blockbuster films in the IMAX Theater, where the screen and sound create an unforgettable movie experience.

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Explore The Field Museum
Explore the awe-inspiring Dinosaur Exhibits, where you can marvel at Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered. Dive into a world of history and culture with the Cultural Exhibits, offering extensive collections and artifacts that illuminate the rich tapestry of diverse cultures from around the globe.

Enjoy the Magnificent Mile
Discover top-tier shopping along Chicago’s premier street, where high-end boutiques and luxury stores await. Savour exquisite dining experiences at renowned restaurants, offering a diverse array of world-class cuisines to satisfy every palate.

Visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Explore the ancient ruins of the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, and delve into the rich history of the Mississippian culture at the interpretive center, where detailed exhibits bring the past to life.

Relax at Lake Michigan
Relax on the city’s sandy beaches along the lake, perfect for sunbathing and swimming, or rent a boat and enjoy a scenic lake cruise for stunning views of the skyline.

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Grafton
Just beyond the river bend, the residents of Grafton readily embrace visitors, inviting them to celebrate life on the Mississippi River. Grafton, resting under the Mississippi River bluffs, is home to five wineries, flea markets, antique shops, restaurants and views like no other along the river. Make sure to visit the Père Marquette State Park, which is the largest state park in Illinois, for some outdoor adventure and drive along the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, a 33-mile stretch of roadway considered one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest.

Alton
Get a bird’s eye view of thousands of bald eagles that nest along the Mississippi River in Alton. From December to the end of February, Alton is all about eagles with weekly eagle-watching tours and events. Alton boasts great antique shops, B&Bs and historic tours. It is known to be one of the most haunted towns in America. As it is only 20 minutes from St Louis, Alton is an affordable alternative for an overnight.

Galena
Beautiful Galena is located nearly three hours west of Chicago and is like stepping back in time with carefully preserved nineteenth-century buildings house attractions, restaurants and inns. Galena is also ranked one of the Top 10 Most Romantic Small Towns in North America. Surrounded by rolling green hills and valleys, you could easily spend a full day shopping here—and another day golfing, kayaking on the river and tasting award-winning wine in nearby vineyards.

Top tips

Shopping
Minutes from O’Hare International Airport, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago have more than 130 designer outlets, while the Chicago Premium Outlets (with 120 stores) in the Chicago suburb of Aurora and the Huntley Outlet Center (50 stores) near Rockford offer quality brands at favourable prices.

Take to the road
Make sure to take to the road on one of Illinois’ seven National Scenic Byways. The Great River Road which runs along the edge of the Mississippi River is not to be missed. You’ll be treated to views of soaring chiselled limestone bluffs and the meeting place of three rivers. Drive the scenic stretch along Route 100 between the towns of Alton and Grafton. Not forgetting Route 66, America’s most famous road, which starts in Chicago and finishes in Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. The first 400 miles in Illinois are lined with colourful motels, diners and quirky tourist stops.

Winning wine
Sip Illinois wine at one of over 100 wineries in some of the state’s most enchanting parts. Many of the wineries offer tastings and some have restaurants and B&Bs. Taste wines at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard which hosts outdoor concerts and festival on its lakeside grounds or take a vineyard tour at the award-winning Galena Cellars Vineyards & Winery. Make sure to visit Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, in south Illinois, home to a dozen wineries within 30 miles of each other including Blue Sky Vineyard, Owl Creek, and Alto Vineyards.

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Outdoor enthusiasts
Starved Rock State Park is a popular destination for hiking through waterfall canyons, kayaking and biking. Start your adventure in Utica just 93 miles southwest of Chicago, where you’ll marvel at the 18 canyons carved out of 400 million year old sandstone bluffs. Or explore Shawnee National Forest, 330 miles from Chicago at the southern tip of Illinois for hiking, rock climbing, biking, canoeing and horseback riding. Make sure to visit the spectacular Garden of the Gods, noted for its towering sandstone formations and magnificent bluffs.

Architectural wonders
While Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, don’t miss out on the other architectural wonders around the state. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, 10 miles west of Chicago, is a must see. With 25 Wright-designed buildings in the area, Oak Park is an outdoor museum of architecture. Dana-Thomas House in Springfield is another stop for Frank Lloyd Wright fans, with the largest collection of site specific, original Wright-designed art glass and furniture.