Illinois Vacations

Illinois has very cold winters and very hot summers. Summer is also the most popular time to plan vacations here despite the climate. Because of that, summer is also the most crowded and expensive. Late Spring and Fall feature much more moderate temperatures and diminished crowds. For much of the state, the turning of the leaves in Autumn make for scenic drives but the flowers of late spring are stunning. Many travel to Illinois and Chicago in the winter for winter sports. Otherwise, the freezing temperatures and heavy precipitation are almost too much to bear.

Vacations to Chicago would not be complete without a visit to Wishbone's Restaurant as the fare is all southern style cuisine.

See the Lego murals and delight the children by shopping the Lego store on Michigan Avenue.

Alton is the place to travel to see majestic bald eagles as they have tours and annual events celebrating the symbol of our country.

Ride the Spirit of Peoria, a real paddle boat straight out of Mark Twain in Peoria.

Harrah's Metropolis Casino on the Ohio River offers gambling, slots, as well as live entertainment.

To visit Chicago is to indulge your every whim. Experience world-class shopping along the Magnificent Mile, where you can walk to more than 420 retailers. Enjoy soul-stirring visits to Chicago’s renowned cultural institutions featuring everything from Picassos to flying dolphins. Sample cuisine from award-winning chefs and visit Navy Pier, with its family-fun attractions that include an IMAX theater and a 150-foot Ferris wheel. Along the way, enjoy live music at a Chicago summer festival or walk on air as you step on the glass floor of The Ledge, perched on the 103rd story of Chicago’s tallest building.

Retreat to a quaint setting tucked in the rolling hills of Northern Illinois. This is Galena, a sought-after destination for couples in search of romance. Make yourself at home in a charming bed & breakfast, a golf resort or a fairy tale cottage on a sprawling estate. But don’t get too comfortable. There’s a historic downtown to explore, lined with shops featuring everything from rare antiques to imported chocolates. Nearby, you’ll find hot air balloon rides for two and family-owned vineyards that welcome you with romantic wine tastings and breathtaking views.

Located just north of Chicago, Lake County is a haven for families looking for summer fun. You can spend the day at Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor. Watch the kids splash through the wave pools and towering water slides of KeyLime Cove. And shop Gurnee Mills, one of the largest malls in Illinois. You can even give imaginations some play time at hands-on museums and stunning botanic gardens. And when the sun goes down? Experience an outdoor concert under a canopy of lighted trees or spend the evening enjoying live theater.

Welcome to a place where U.S. history meets American nostalgia. In Springfield, the story of Abraham Lincoln’s life is told through his boyhood cabin, family home and the law offices where he prepared his cases. But to truly understand his remarkable life, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum where history comes alive with rare artifacts and amazing hands-on exhibits. For an up-close look at Americana, take a trip down the Mother Road where nostalgic attractions include the birth of the corndog. And when the kids need some play time? Grab your suits and head to a fun-filled water park.

Carbondale is home to a national forest, a state park, a wildlife refuge and so much more. But there’s a romantic side to the great outdoors here—just ask the couples who visit this picturesque setting in Southern Illinois. They’ll point you to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail that winds you through an ancient forest as you visit picture-postcard vineyards and sip the local vintages. Carbondale is also home to nearby golf courses that offer some of the most scenic fairways anywhere, many of them overlooking the Shawnee National Forest.

Along the Mississippi River you’ll find the Quad Cities, offering a unique mix of attractions. Visit the John Deere Pavilion to discover the past, present and future of farming with a tour of this agricultural legend. Stroll past elephants and lions at the newly-renovated Niabi Zoo. Stop and smell the orchids and bromeliads at the always enchanting Quad City Botanical Center. Take a riverboat ride back in time on the Celebration Belle, or have some grown-up fun at a casino that includes dining and a nightclub.

Find unexpected surprises in Alton, where a stay in a well-appointed mansion sets the tone for a getaway filled with unique ways to enjoy the beauty of the region. Start your getaway in nearby Pere Marquette State Park, a nature lover’s paradise that features stunning views of the Illinois River. Feel adventurous? Take a horseback ride to explore the 8,000 square acres of this remarkable state park. For those who like to shop, head to Alton’s downtown district where streets are still paved with bricks and lined with antique shops filled with rare finds. Need even more fun? Try your luck at a lively casino.

Illinois is the land of Lincoln and the home of the Chicago Cubs. Illinois has over one hundred vineyards and nationally rated restaurants that feature down home cooking. Those who take vacations in Illinois can drive down the Great Rivers National Byway or the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Six Flags Over Illinois is the place to go for thrills and chills on the rides. Chicago offers everything from live music to deep dish pizza to The Chicago Architecture Foundation. Illinois has it all from the big city up north to rural farmland and state parks throughout the state.

At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum follow the whole life of the 16th president from the Indiana cabin to Ford's Theatre.

Black Hawk State Historic Site has been home to Native Americans as well as settlers and is named for the Sauk leader, Black Hawk.

The Steppenwolf Theatre Company has seen such famous actors as John Malkovich and Gary Sinise grace its stage.

Chicago's Second City is still the launching pad for the country's greatest comedic talent.

The Lincoln Park Zoo, located in the heart of Chicago, is free and features a children's zoo as well as a Farm-in-the-Zoo.

Kickapoo Creek Winery has a tasting room, a gift shop, and a tour of the vineyard as well as good wine for purchase.

The Skydeck Chicago tests the resolve of visitors as it is a glass balcony 103 stories high and it is like stepping onto air.

For autumn travel to Illinois take the Pike County Fall Color drive which also includes not just foliage but history, food, and crafts.

Carlyle Lake is 26,000 acres of water, beaches, and marinas for swimming, boating, and other water sports.

Browse through the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center and purchase original creations by Illinois artists.