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Illinois

While most visitors will come to Illinois for the vibrant city life in Chicago, renowned for its architecture, cultural attractions, and culinary scene. But it’s worth exploring outsided this major city too: history buffs won’t want to miss a visit to Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield or the 19th-century architecture in Galena, while nature lovers should head to Illinois’ scenic Shawnee National Forest or the sandstone canyons in Starved Rock State Park.

The Best State Parks in the Midwest—and How to Visit

Photo by Shutterstock/Owen Weber

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Illinois.

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  1. Chicago visitors flock to Millennium Park to attend free concerts, snap photos near the famous <a href="https://www.afar.com/places/cloud-gate-chicago">Bean sculpture,</a> wander through Lurie Garden, and admire the changing pictures and fanciful waterspouts of <em>Crown Fountain</em>. Surrounding this iconic park are towering skyscrapers designed by renowned architects such as Louis Sullivan and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe—masterpieces best appreciated by taking <a href="https://www.afar.com/places/chicagos-first-lady-cruises-chicago">an architecture cruise</a> up the Chicago River. Another way to see the city is from the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center, where the Signature Lounge offers one of the most glorious views of Chicago. Visitors will appreciate it even more with a cocktail in hand.
    Chicago
    January 17, 2019 05:27 PM
     · 
    Kaitlyn Barrett
Read Before You Go
Four statues (a pair of men and a pair of women) painted white in a fence-lined park in New York City
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Public memorials honoring figures from the LGBTQ community say a lot about a city’s culture and serve as a reminder that coming out can be its own heroic milestone.
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Green booths and tables at Rise Mundelein Lounge
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Indulge in (Legal) Weed at These 8 U.S. Cannabis Cafés
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Grand Marais Light against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains on Lake Superior
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A glass-walled restaurant on a wildflower-covered hillside with rugged coast in the background
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May 10, 2024 01:04 PM
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Image of a downtown Chicago street at dusk with streetlights on, cars parked on the street but no traffic and several office buildings
Trending News
Amtrak’s New Borealis Train Expands Service Between Two Great Midwestern Cities
May 08, 2024 05:57 PM
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Hotels
The Chicago Athletic Association's public areas feature several fireplaces.
Hotels
These Are the 15 Best Hotels in Chicago
Find the retreat that best matches your taste in the Windy City.
April 24, 2024 07:30 AM
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The views from the Sable Hotel on Chicago's Navy Pier are hard to beat.
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The Best New Hotels in Chicago
Whether you’re after downtown luxe or an intro to a new neighborhood, we’ve got you covered.
August 04, 2022 12:08 PM
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Elaine Glusac
New U.S. Hotels That Top Our Travel Wish List
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6 Festive, Wintery Hotel Packages to Book Now
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6 Festive, Wintery Hotel Packages to Book Now
Whether it’s a staycation or a trip to a far destination, these hotels have activities to keep you (and your kids or travel buddies) busy during the winter season.
December 18, 2017 01:25 PM
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The Check In: New and Restored Hotels Raising the Roof(tops)
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The Check In: New and Restored Hotels Raising the Roof(tops)
These top-level properties are the places to stay.
May 06, 2016 02:45 PM
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The Founders Suite at the Chicago Athletic Association features a stone fireplace.
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Is Chicago the Coolest Hotel City in America?
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September 16, 2015 07:26 PM
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April 28, 2015 02:45 PM
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Resources to help plan your trip
Art + Architecture
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To experience some of America’s most exciting building designs, head to the heartland.
March 25, 2024 02:17 PM
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The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
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January 12, 2024 09:01 AM
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The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the World
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January 03, 2024 08:58 AM
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James Oliver Cury
Chicago’s Best Thrift Shops and Vintage Stores
Some of the best shopping in Chicago happens in thrift and vintage shops scattered all over the city. For thrift shoppers who want a full day of searching for treasure, Wolff’s Flea Market is guaranteed to turn up some great finds. Architectural scavengers will lose hours at Urban Remains and Salvage One whereas lovers of vintage Japanese toys and go-go boots should set their GPS coordinates for Hollywood Mirror. Happy thrifting!
September 11, 2023 12:38 PM
 · 
Kaitlyn Barrett
6 Stylish Hotels in Chigago
Whether you’re visiting Chicago to see Millennium Park and Navy Pier, tour the Art Institute of Chicago, or just eat a bunch of hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, here are six stylish stays to book for your getaway.
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National Parks
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July 26, 2023 03:52 PM
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Festivals + Events
How and Where to Celebrate Juneteenth This Year
Why, where, and how people observe this important event.
June 14, 2023 07:33 PM
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Go from one side of the country to another on one of these journeys.
June 07, 2023 10:37 AM
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Family Travel
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March 09, 2023 12:15 PM
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Chicago Shopping and Sights
One of Chicago’s 50+ million annual visitors? This list can help you tackle the world-class sights: shop vintage boutiques, conquer your fear of heights at the Willis Tower, stroll an extraordinary garden or museum. Trust us, you won’t be bored.
July 25, 2022 11:22 AM
 · 
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Chicago Dining and Drinking
The foodie scene is alive and well in Chicago; from the celebrated local versions of hot dogs and pizza to the ultramodern creations that have won the city international attention. If you’re coming to the City of Big Shoulders, bring a big appetite.
July 25, 2022 11:21 AM
 · 
Nicole Schnitzler
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