Islands
  • Destinations
    • Canada
    • United States
    • Mexico
    • Central & South America
    • Caribbean & Bahamas
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • South Pacific
    • Africa
  • Travel Guides
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Air Travel
    • Travel Gear
    • Budget Friendly
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Family Friendly
    • Beaches
    • Islands
    • Tropical Vacations
    • Arts & Culture
    • Tips & Hacks
    • Dining
    • Festivals
    • Nightlife
    • Theme Parks
  • Cruises
  • Outdoor Adventure
    • National & State Parks
    • Hiking
    • Camping
    • Water Sports
  • News
  • Deals
  • Features
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Our Experts
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2026 Static Media. All Rights Reserved
Islands
Islands
Illinois
Destinations Travel Guides Cruises Outdoor Adventure News Features
  • Newsletter

Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Sunset at Carlyle Lake, Illinois, with fiery colors reflecting in the water
    By Anahid Akkam 10 hours ago

    Illinois' Largest Inland Lake Is Renowned For Fishing And Surrounded By Beaches And Campgrounds

    The largest artificial lake within Illinois’ borders has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including top fishing spots and beachy campgrounds.

    Read More
  • Views of the Chicago River and the Riverwalk in the evening
    By Erika W. Smith 1 day ago

    The Chicago Riverwalk's 5 Best Restaurants, According To Reviews

    Whether you want to grab a drink surrounded by skyscrapers or walk with a coffee along the water, these are five of the best restaurants on Chicago's Riverwalk.

    Read More
  • L Train in Chicago's Wabash station between tall buildings
    By Rene Bennett 1 day ago

    Chicago's Red Line Is Set For A Long-Awaited Extension

    In Chicago, Illinois, a transit expansion for the Red Line is underway that will connect the Far South Side to downtown while improving access to other areas.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of Bensenville
    By Adela Reyes 2 days ago

    Chicago's Underrated Suburb Is Known For Its Walkable Downtown And Local Restaurants

    With historic sites like the Center Theatre and local restaurants serving Italian and Mexican, this suburb is a convenient stop just 15 minutes from O'Hare.

    Read More
  • Eerie looking water slide on foggy morning
    By Kenan Dudley 5 days ago

    5 Once-Thriving Water Parks That Are Now Abandoned

    These five once-thriving water parks are now abandoned ruins drawing people interested in hiking around and exploring the eerie remnants left behind.

    Read More
  • Historic buildings at the New Philadelphia National Historic Site
    By Anastasia Mills Healy 6 days ago

    Illinois Hides A Once-Thriving Historic Town, Forgotten By Time And Protected By The National Park Service

    While some buildings no longer stand, history lovers will be fascinated by a QR-guided tour at a former stop on the Underground Railroad.

    Read More
  • chicago skyline
    By Garrett Palm 8 days ago

    Chicago's 5 Prettiest Coffee Shops For Social Media-Worthy Views, According To Locals

    From lush greenery to dramatic atriums, these Chicago coffee shops offer memorable views and IG-worthy spaces worth adding to your itinerary.

    Read More
  • A glowing tent and campfire in a winter snowy scene with lake in background
    By Christine Dulion 8 days ago

    5 Magical Winter Campgrounds Around Chicago, According To Visitors

    If you're ready to explore the outdoors near Chicago, you don't have to wait until spring. For cold weather camping options, here are the spots to hit.

    Read More
  • Grassy riverside picnic areas with tables and trees in Illini State Park
    By Ben M Stower 9 days ago

    Sandwiched Between Chicago And Peoria Is Illinois' Serene City With Scenic Camping, Off-Road Adventure, And Parks

    In Illinois, this peaceful riverside destination offers scenic camping, quiet state park trails, off-road adventure, and relaxing views along the river.

    Read More
  • View of the exterior of the Herrington Inn & Spa on the Fox River
    By Kira Reinke 10 days ago

    Illinois' Tucked-Away Riverside Resort Is A Charming Escape Straight Out Of A Storybook

    If you've ever wanted to take a vacation in a place that looks like a storybook, this magical riverside resort in Illinois is the place for you.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of the upscale Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire, Illinois
    By Ishaan Arora 10 days ago

    Tucked Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is A Picturesque Village With Upscale Homes And Fine Dining

    Midwestern suburbs sometimes have a reputation for being dull, but this Illinois community has a surprisingly upscale culinary scene worth checking out.

    Read More
  • A couple snowshoeing in a small field with deep snow and snowy trees
    By Mitchell Peterson 10 days ago

    The 5 Best Midwest Destinations For A Scenic Winter Weekend Getaway, According To The Internet

    If you're dreaming of a winter getaway with skiing, ice fishing, and other cold-weather fun, consider traveling to one of these five Midwestern destinations.

    Read More
  • Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, an iconic art structure in Chicago's Millennium Park
    By Rebecca High 14 days ago

    5 Go-To Places To Take Friends When They Visit Chicago (That Won't Break The Bank)

    Looking for affordable things to do in Chicago? This guide highlights neighborhood experiences, cultural gems and local favorites that keep costs low.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood in Illinois
    By Rene Bennett 15 days ago

    Illinois' Fastest-Growing Cities In 2026, According To Data

    Illinois is so much more than just Chicago, and these spots -- researched and cross-checked with census data -- have the booming population to prove it

    Read More
  • A fountain in downtown Tinley Park at night
    By Ishaan Arora 16 days ago

    This Booming Chicago Suburb Full Of Parks And Shopping Is 'One Of The Best Places To Live In Illinois'

    If you've always wanted to live near Chicago, but you don't want to move to the city proper, this fun suburb might just be for you and your family.

    Read More
  • Picnic tables on the shore overlooking Homer Lake, Illinois
    By Rebecca High 16 days ago

    Between Indianapolis And Peoria Is Illinois' Scenic Nature Preserve For Lake Views, Trails, And Picnicking

    This central Illinois outdoor escape features miles of hiking trails, shoreline views, boat launches, and picnic shelters near Champaign-Urbana.

    Read More
  • An aerial view of Chicago at sunset
    By Erika W. Smith 16 days ago

    Forget The Field Museum, These Are The 5 Most Underrated Museums Worth Visiting In Chicago, According To Locals

    While the Field Museum is great, there are plenty of underrated museums to visit in Chicago if you're seeking an experience that's off the beaten path.

    Read More
  • Friends clinking glasses together at German bar
    By Chris Tharp 18 days ago

    The 5 Best German-Style Breweries In The Midwest, According To Online Reviews

    These five beerhall destinations are the best German-style breweries in the midwest boasting German beers and decor, according to online reviews.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of a wealthy Texas suburb overlooking water
    By Elliot Schorr 20 days ago

    These Are America's Wealthiest Suburbs To Visit In 2026, According To Research

    Some of the wealthiest suburbs in the United States of America double up as fabulously engaging tourist destinations that are well worth a visit.

    Read More
  • Wood buildings at the replica 1802 fort at Fort Massac State Park
    By Maja Proescholdt 21 days ago

    Between Nashville And St. Louis Is Illinois' First State Park, With Picturesque Camping, Fishing, And History

    If you're looking to get out in nature and learn some history along the way, you will want to make a day trip to this state park in Illinois.

    Read More
  • Chicago's Streeterville skyline along Lake Michigan
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 22 days ago

    Chicago's Chic Shopping Destination Is An Affluent Lakeside Neighborhood With Skyline Vistas

    Take in views of Lake Michigan and downtown from an observation deck or rooftop bar and shop designer stores or retail malls in this Chicago neighborhood.

    Read More
  • A man fishes along a marshy shore
    By Rebecca High 22 days ago

    Nestled Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is Illinois' Beloved State Park Perfect For Fishing, Camping, And Boating

    This Illinois park features connected lakes, shoreline camping, public boat launches, and prime Midwest fishing waters, making for a great urban escape.

    Read More
  • The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, IL
    By Stephen Hanson 23 days ago

    Illinois' 5 Most Charming Downtowns To Visit, According To Research

    The Prairie State is packed with gorgeous downtowns that are well worth a visit, and we've identified five Illinois charmers to add to the bucket list.

    Read More
  • Exterior of historic Vandalia Statehouse
    By Tess Kazenoff 25 days ago

    Between Indianapolis And St. Louis Is A Historic Heartland City With Classic Comfort Food And A Cute Downtown

    The Midwest is jam-packed with fascinating destinations just waiting to be explored, and this Illinois city in the heartland should be at the top of the list.

    Read More
  • Parks, buildings, and the Scioto River in downtown Columbus, Ohio
    By Sophie Baker 29 days ago

    The Midwest's 5 Largest Cities Are Charming, Vibrant Destinations For An Affordable Vacation

    The Midwest is one of the most fascinating and fabulous regions in the United States, and its largest cities are spectacular vacation destinations.

    Read More
  • Picnic tables and trees by the Illinois River at Illini State Park
    By Maja Proescholdt 29 days ago

    Between Chicago And Peoria Is Illinois' Underrated State Park With Scenic River Views, Camping, And Fishing

    This state park in Illinois is perched right along the Illinois River, offering peaceful water views, great fishing opportunities, and a cozy campground.

    Read More
  • A bronze statue of Lincoln's head with his
    By Rebecca High 29 days ago

    5 Important Historic Locations Abraham Lincoln Fans Should Visit

    Fans of Honest Abe (or anyone else curious about American history) have lots of options when it comes to travel -- here are our picks for the top spots.

    Read More
Back
Next
About Privacy Policy
© 2026 Static Media® Islands.com All Rights Reserved
More From Static Media
BGRChowhoundCutenessExploreFoodieFood RepublicGarden GuidesGlamGrungeHealth DigestHouse DigestHunkerJalopnikLooperMashedMoney DigestNicki SwiftOutdoor GuidePlanetWareSciencingSlashFilmSlashGearSVGTasting TableThe Daily MealThe ListThe TakeoutTVLineWomenWrestling Inc.
Islands