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Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Historic marker for Cardiff, Illinois, with an American flag hanging over a plaque with a metal trash can, red flowers, and a white bench, in front of a white-sided house surrounded by trees
    By Jess Simms 1 day ago

    Between Naperville And Peoria Is A Once-Thriving Illinois Coal Mining Destination That Is Now An Abandoned Ghost Town

    Between two well-known Illinois cities lies an abandoned mining site with little left behind, but plenty of history for those seeking unique travel spots.

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  • Historic downtown West Dundee in Illinois
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 1 day ago

    Illinois' Quaint Chicago Suburb Is A Riverside Village With A Charming Downtown, Shops, And Family-Friendly Fun

    Though it's quite tiny, this Chicago suburb is home to a wealth of family-friendly attractions, including a retro arcade, petting zoo, and riverside fun.

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  • Aerial view of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois
    By Kirtana Menon 1 day ago

    Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is Illinois' Largest Theme Park Known As The 'Thrill Capital Of The Midwest'

    This amusement park in Illinois boasts 300 acres filled with thrilling coasters, kid-friendly rides, a water park, and casual food beloved by visitors.

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  • Lake Lou Yaeger's shoreline
    By Joe Orovic 2 days ago

    Between Springfield And St. Louis Is Illinois' Vibrant Lake For Swimming, Fishing, And Beach Fun

    This vibrant lake, between Springfield and St. Louis, is an Illinois destination worth visiting thanks to its swimming, fishing, boating, and beach fun.

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  • An open country road in rural Illinois
    By Christine Dulion 3 days ago

    Nestled Between St. Louis And Indianapolis Is An Illinois Village With Camping And Rural Charm

    This small Illinois village is surrounded by towns with unique attractions, along with several lakes, campsites, and state parks for an adventurous getaway.

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  • The exterior patio of Schmidt's Towne Tap in the heart of downtown Elburn, Illinois, on a summer evening
    By Rebecca High 4 days ago

    A Small Illinois Village Is Transforming Into A Lively Chicago Suburb With A Cute Main Street

    Experience the relaxing vibe of small-town life while supporting a variety of local businesses in this growing village located west of Chicago.

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  • An aerial view of Navy Pier and the adjacent Addams Memorial Park in Chicago
    By Erika W. Smith 5 days ago

    This Charming Chicago City Park Right Next To Navy Pier Offers Intimate Lakeside Views

    Any time you find a quiet getaway in a major city, it feels special. The same goes for this small park right in the heart of Chicago's downtown.

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  • Autumn on Lake Defiance An overcast fall day on Lake Defiance, Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry County, Illinois
    By Stephen Hanson 6 days ago

    Nestled Between Chicago And Madison Is Illinois' Sprawling State Park Escape For Trails And Lake Fun

    Escape the big cities of the Midwest by adventuring through this large state park in Illinois, featuring lake recreation opportunities and hiking trails.

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  • A drone shot of golf courses near Golf, Illinois
    By Rebecca High 6 days ago

    Illinois' Tiny Village Outside Chicago Is A Historic Golfing Haven

    A tiny village near Chicago, Illinois has been a golfing haven since the days that most of its patrons arrived on horseback, and it remains renowned today.

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  • Millennium Park and Cloud Gate landmark in fall foliage
    By Rory Buccheri 6 days ago

    Chicago's 4 Most Highly Anticipated Local Restaurants Expected To Open In 2026, According To Foodies

    Discover some of Chicago’s most anticipated restaurant openings expected in 2026, from taquerias and Peruvian-Japanese fusion spots to fine dining.

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  • The lakeside view at Weldon Spring State Park in Illinois
    By Joe Orovic 7 days ago

    Between Chicago And St. Louis Is An Underrated Illinois State Park With Hiking Trails, Lake Views, And Fishing

    Home to a 29-acre lake, cozy hiking trails, and a campground suitable both for tents and RVs, this Illinois state park is a great spot for outdoor adventures.

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  • river flowing through forest with fall foliage at Kankakee River State Park, Illinois
    By Jen Ottolino 7 days ago

    Nestled Between Chicago And Springfield Is A Lovely Illinois State Park With Trails, Camping, And River Views

    A great state park is something to treasure, especially one you can get to quickly from Chicago. Check this park out for gorgeous riverside camping.

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  • Street of antique shops in downtown Sandwich, Illinois
    By Rory Buccheri 9 days ago

    Illinois' Charming Chicago Suburb Is A Peaceful City With A Quaint Downtown, Antique Shops, And A Museum

    If you want to visit a place that has plenty of entertainment while still avoiding the hustle and bustle of a city, head to this family-friendly Illinois spot.

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  • A view of Aurora, Illinois, with a bridge crossing over the Fox River
    By Karla Demery 10 days ago

    Aurora's Premiere Shopping Mall In The Chicago Suburbs Blends Top Retailers With Locally Owned Shops

    This renovated mall in the Chicago suburb of Aurora is luring new shoppers with a unique blend of big name retailers and locally owned boutiques.

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  • Devil's Kitchen Lake in Illinois
    By Audrey Simons 11 days ago

    Illinois' Deepest Inland Lake Is A Midwest Gem For Scenic Trails And Kayaking

    Outside of Chicago, Illinois has some beautiful bodies of water. The state's deepest inland lake is a great place to hike and kayak in nature.

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  • A man sitting on a bench overlooking Lake Katherine and a distant shoreline on a sunny day.
    By Ben M Stower 11 days ago

    Illinois' Family-Friendly Chicago Suburb Is A Bustling Community With Scenic Gardens, Trails, And Parks

    Not far from the bustle of Chicago is this peaceful yet vibrant suburb with nature preserves, a relaxing canal trail, and activities ideal for families.

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  • View from Memorial Park in Blue Island, with a fenced-in canon in the foreground and suburban homes across the street, surrounded by trees under a cloudy blue sky
    By Jess Simms 11 days ago

    Just Outside Chicago Is An Up-And-Coming Illinois Suburb With Historic Charm And Artsy Vibes

    You'll find more action in the Midwestern suburbs than you think. This quaint, close-knit community is home to theaters, murals, and good eats.

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  • A small fishing boat on Shabbona Lake in Illinois
    By Rebecca High 12 days ago

    Illinois' Lakeside State Park Is A Scenic Fishing Getaway

    This quiet northern Illinois lake offers excellent fishing, wooded trails, camping, and boat rentals within easy driving distance of Chicago.

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  • Washington Square Park in Ottawa, Illinois
    By Jenna Busch 12 days ago

    Take A Trip To The Laidback Illinois Park Where Abraham Lincoln Made History

    Located in the center of a welcoming town, this park was where Lincoln began his rise to national prominence as he campaigned for the Illinois senate seat.

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  • Aerial view of Kenilworth Beach
    By Kira Reinke 13 days ago

    Sandwiched Between Highland Park And Chicago Is An Affluent Illinois Suburb With A Beach And Trails

    Just north of Chicago, this North Shore suburb features a Lake Michigan beach, walking and biking trails, historic architecture, and peaceful green spaces.

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  • Interior of Aloft River North in chicago, with a billiards table
    By Rebecca High 13 days ago

    Chicago's Downtown Hotel In River North Offers A Conveniently Walkable Location And Friendly Staff

    If you're looking for a comfortable, fun place with a view in Chicago, you can head to this hotel that receives rave reviews for its kind staff members.

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  • aerial view of Melrose Park, with the street set up for the Taste of Melrose festival
    By Christine Dulion 13 days ago

    Illinois' Diverse Chicago Suburb Is A Family-Friendly Gem With Festivals And A Once-Thriving Amusement Park

    Chicago has a unique range of suburbs, including this one which was once home to a popular amusement park. Today, it hosts some popular cultural festivals.

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  • Brick building with bell in downtown Peru, Illinois
    By Tess Kazenoff 14 days ago

    Tucked Between Rockford And Peoria Is A Charming Illinois City With A Unique Museum, Tasty Eats, And River Views

    This charming little town in the heart of Illinois is a great location for a weekend getaway, and it should definitely be on your list places to visit.

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  • The iconic covered bridge at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet, Illinois
    By Rebecca High 15 days ago

    Between Chicago And Indianapolis Is A Small Illinois Village With Forest Preserves, Festivals, And Midwestern Charm

    If you love soda, big community events, or nature walks, you should stop by this small Illinois town between Chicago and Indianapolis.

    Read More
  • A row of Miami Beach food trucks at sunset while a man looks at the menu
    By David McElhinney 15 days ago

    What Are The 5 Best Foodie Destinations In The US For 2026?

    Travelers are planning vacations around food, leaning toward local restaurants and street food. But what are the best foodie destinations for 2026?

    Read More
  • Street scene in Durand with Cimino's exterior
    By Madeleine Bee 16 days ago

    Between Madison And Rockford Is A Charming Illinois Escape With A Revitalized Downtown And Local Eats

    Revitalizing a downtown area can, of course, be great for the locals, but it will definitely benefit you when you decide to stop at this charming town.

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  • Exterior of the Union Depot Railroad Museum in Mendota, Illinois
    By Joe Orovic 17 days ago

    Situated Between Chicago And Davenport Is A Quaint Illinois City With Museums, Lake Views, And Small-Town Charm

    Illinois is so much more than just Chicago, and a two-hour drive from the Windy City to this cute little town will prove it.

    Read More
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