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Illinois

  • Blonde girl picking apples
    By Sky Ariella 2 days ago

    10 Best Places For Apple Picking In The Midwest, According To Visitors

    Apple-picking season is almost here, and it doesn't get much more romantic than strolling around the spectacular orchards of the magnificent Midwest.

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  • Aerial view of a Chicago, Illinois suburb and the city's stunning skyline.
    By Annette Richmond 2 days ago

    This Breezy Chicago Suburb Is A Walkable Wonderland With Rooftop Bars, Live Shows, And Indie Bites

    Just outside of Chicago, Illinois, lies a suburb where celebrating arts, entertainment, and excellent local food is a way of life.

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  • Illinois and Michigan Canal Lock 1
    By David McElhinney 2 days ago

    America's First National Heritage Area Has Old-School Boat Tours On The Waterway Between Michigan And Illinois

    America's storied waterways led to the rise of industries and communities that defined entire generations. This Midwestern canal was no exception.

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  • Purple flowers, greenery, and office buildings lining a stone walkway in Deerfield, Illinois, outside Chicago
    By Michael Barthelemy 2 days ago

    Just North Of Chicago Is Illinois' Inviting Suburb With Green Parks, Peaceful Trails, And Local Shopping Gems

    When you need a break from the city streets of Chicago, venture up north to find a laidback town full of lush greenery and fun shopping opportunities.

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  • Woman riding a bicycle in autumn along the Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway in Illinois.
    By Annette Richmond 2 days ago

    Just Beyond Chicago Is A Scenic Riverside Trail Offering An Idyllic Outdoor Escape From The City Bustle

    Escape bustling city life at this riverside nature haven outside of Chicago that is rife with opportunities for outdoor adventures!

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  • The Immigrant Windmill in Fulton, Illinois
    By Sam Scott 4 days ago

    Illinois' Charming City Is A Riverside Gem With Dutch Architecture, Old-School Charm, And Scenic Trails

    This charming city in Illinois is an underrated destination with Dutch windmills, beautiful scenery, and historic architecture. Here's what you need to know.

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  • Row houses in Chicago's Ukrainian Village with Ukrainian and American flags
    By Rene Bennett 4 days ago

    Chicago's Vibrant European Neighborhood Teems With Modern Art, Restaurants, And Walkable Charm

    This neighborhood in Chicago is bursting with culture, from its modern art museum to its authentic European food spots, festivals, and historic houses.

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  • Aerial view of the former county courthouse in downtown Wheaton
    By Tanni Deb 5 days ago

    This Charming Chicago Suburb Is An Underrated Gem Known For Its Rich History And Walkable Downtown

    Chicago is a great city, but if you aren't venturing out to its suburbs, you're missing out. This one offers small town charm away from the city noise.

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  • Three fishing boats sit on the water near Antioch, Illinois
    By Anna Smith 6 days ago

    Sandwiched Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is A Laidback Lakeside Village Overflowing With Outdoor Fun

    Take a train from Chicago to this sweet Midwestern town, the gateway to one of the Midwest's largest bodies of water, with gorgeous lakes and walking trails.

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  • Wide view of Wild Mile on the Chicago canal with the city skyline in the background
    By Rebecca High 9 days ago

    Chicago Is Home To The World's First Floating Eco-Park With Boardwalks, Paddling, And Wildlife

    A floating sanctuary in Chicago blends wetlands, boardwalks, and native wildlife, transforming former industrial waterways into a thriving urban ecosystem.

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  • Students on the quad at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
    By Makayla Maxwell 10 days ago

    Between Chicago, Indianapolis, And St. Louis Is A Trendy College Town With Thriving Arts And Vibrant Culture

    This popular college town is a vibrant fusion of two cities, with hundreds of public art installations between them and natural beauty around every corner.

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  • Buildings at the Loop with Chicago River running through it
    By Jessica Stewart 11 days ago

    The Heart Of Chicago Is A Lively Waterfront Neighborhood With Diverse Dining, Iconic Attractions, And Artsy Charm

    Home to the iconic bean sculpture, countless restaurants, cultural spaces, and so much more, it's no wonder this neighborhood is the fastest growing in Chicago.

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  • Sunset over beach in Winnetka, Illinois
    By Michelle Cohn 11 days ago

    Just Outside Chicago Is A Lake Michigan Gem With Sandy Beaches, Boutiques, And Small-Town Charm

    A town north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan offers travelers sandy beaches, boutique shops, and charming small-town community activities.

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  • A residential neighborhood in Skokie, Illinois
    By Kirtana Menon 12 days ago

    The Chic Chicago Suburb Laced With Gallery‑worthy Sculpture Walks, Lagoon Paddles, And Deli Treats

    This suburb of Chicago is full of amazing arts activities like a walkable sculpture park and interesting museums –– plus excellent eateries along the way.

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  • Cobblestone streets fill the downtown area of Long Grove, Illinois
    By Rachael Ellenbogen 14 days ago

    Illinois' First Historic District Blends Cobblestone Charm With Festivals, Upscale Dining, And Breweries

    Check out this historic town near Chicago to enjoy creative cuisine, sip local wine, attend vibrant festivals, and even visit a sock monkey museum.

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  • Chairs against river backdrop with woodlands in fall colors
    By Rory Buccheri 15 days ago

    Chicago's Woodlands Preservation Community Is A Unique Garden-Filled Suburb With Lagoons And Modern Architecture

    A quiet corner of Chicago holds a woodlands community, a natural nook protected by its residents, where some of architecture's most famous names built homes.

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  • A sunny day at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
    By Kate Mothes 15 days ago

    An Hour Outside Of Chicago Is A Stretch Of Restored Prairie Preserve For A Serene City Break Of Vibrant Trails

    Need a break from the busy streets of Chicago? Venture south to a 20,000-acre prairie, offering miles of trails and a chance to view an abundance of wildlife.

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  • Aerial view of Chicago
    By Sanjay Surana 17 days ago

    These Under-The-Radar Chicago Gems Deserve A Spot On Every Traveler's Itinerary

    Chicago's most famous attractions are obviously a must, but what of the Windy City's many magnificent spots that most tourists seem to overlook? Let's go.

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  • View of an Elizabethtown street
    By Kaira Carter 18 days ago

    Illinois' Quaint Riverfront Village Has Unique Floating Bars, Limestone Cliffs, And Serene Hiking Trails

    Southern Illinois is full of rolling hills and limestone cliffs and this quaint riverfront village also has floating bars and hundreds of miles of trails.

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  • The Natural Bridge stone archway is the centerpiece of the Natural Bridge State Park in Slade, Kentucky.
    By Heather L. Whitley 19 days ago

    State Parks Are Free To Visit In These Friendly, Welcoming States

    Upgrade your summer with an epic and totally free visit to these state parks, where you can hunt for diamonds, play in boulder fields, and chase waterfalls.

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  • View of Golconda's fields and trees from above
    By Sophia Moss 21 days ago

    One Of Illinois' Oldest River Towns Still Feels Like The 19th Century With Historic Churches And Small-Town Beauty

    Chicago steals the spotlight when it comes to Illinois getaways, but tucked along the Ohio River near Kentucky is a charming town with gorgeous architecture.

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  • The Hinsdale Memorial Building
    By David McElhinney 21 days ago

    A Charming Illinois Village On Chicago's Doorstep Has A Picturesque Downtown, Good Eats, And Friendly Community

    When visiting Chicago, don't miss out on this nearby suburb with acclaimed restaurants, friendly people, and a historic downtown, all just a train ride away.

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  • Chicago, Illinois skyline with a park in the foreground
    By Jess Simms 25 days ago

    A Midwest Haven Outside Of Chicago Mingles Forested Parks And One Of America's Top Art Fairs

    Sited just outside of Chicago is the village of Park Forest, known for its longstanding juried art fair and its 2,000 acres of parks and green spaces.

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  • Lake at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois
    By Anahid Akkam 25 days ago

    Nestled Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is A Walkable Village With Lake Access And Vintage Charm

    This village is close to two major Midwestern cities and offers visitors endless lake adventures and a charming downtown area with food, shops, and more

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  • A city street blocked off by yellow crime scene tape with blurred out police officers in the background
    By Nina Phillips 26 days ago

    America's Most Dangerous City Is An Unexpected Midwest Destination (And It's Not Chicago Or Detroit)

    This small Midwestern city may not often make it into the evening news, but it has the highest violent crime rate in the U.S. according to the FBI.

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  • Historic Bishop Hill Steeple
    By Rory Buccheri 26 days ago

    A Historic Illinois Prairie Village Is Preserving Swedish Heritage With Handmade Crafts And 19th-Century Charm

    This Illinois gem gives colonial history a twist, offering visitors a unique look at how Swedish culture remains alive and well in rural America.

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  • Aerial view of Clarendon Hills at dusk
    By Madeleine Bee 27 days ago

    One Of America's Top Suburbs Is An Affluent Chicago Village With Porch Swings, Parks, And Pedigree Schools

    Looking to settle down with a slower-paced life, but still crave the city? This Chicago suburb offers a mix of easy access to the city and great atmosphere.

    Read More
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