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Illinois
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Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • A person standing at the edge of Lake Zurich amidst colorful foliage and trees
    By Jen Ottolino 8 hours ago

    Chicago's Underrated Suburb Is A Village With Beachside Parks, Fishing Spots, And Small-Town Charm

    This small suburb, nestled in Northern Illinois, offers laidback, lakeside vibes just outside the Windy City with retro diners and plenty of annual events.

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  • Aerial view of downtown Kirkland, Illinois in summertime
    By Rebecca High 18 hours ago

    Between Chicago And Rockford Is A Relaxed Village With Friendly Parks And Low-Key Local Eats

    This northern Illinois destination features scenic parks, a long-running summer festival, river access, and local restaurants in a small-town setting.

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  • The lobby of DeSoto House Hotel
    By Jenna Kelley 2 days ago

    Illinois' Oldest Hotel Brims With Historic Charm Between Cedar Rapids And Madison

    If you're in northwestern Illinois, you can check out this 19th century hotel that has fine dining, luxury suites, and a whole lot of history.

    Read More
  • A boardwalk and bench along the tree-lined water's edge at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in northern Illinois
    By Rebecca High 2 days ago

    Between Peoria And Chicago Is Illinois' Lovely Lakeside State Park For Fishing, Boating, And Trails

    Step outside the bigger cities in Illinois to discover a peaceful outdoor escape, with easy trails to hike and paddleboats to cruise around the water.

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  • Trail along the beach at the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Chicago
    By Rene Bennett 2 days ago

    Chicago's 'Magic Hedge' Is Found At A Lake Michigan Bird Sanctuary With Beach Trails And Rare Sightings

    Along Lake Michigan in Chicago, this quiet natural area draws the most avid birdwatchers with rare species, migration activity, and beachside paths.

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  • Greenery along the Des Plaines River Trail
    By Tess Kazenoff 3 days ago

    Chicago's Diverse Suburb Is Known For Its Restaurants, History, And Charming Parks

    While visiting this Illinois village, sit down for a picnic lunch after a refreshing hike, and for dinner, enjoy delicious seafood with a riverfront view.

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  • Historic buildings on a brick-lined street in Lebanon, Illinois
    By Erika W. Smith 4 days ago

    Illinois' Charming College Town With The State's Oldest University Has A Historic Downtown With Cute Shops

    From historic buildings to the oldest university in the state, you won't want to miss checking out this charming city in Illinois, filled with lots of charm.

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  • Man and woman walking on the Sag Valley Trail at Cherry Hill Woods in Palos Park, Illinois
    By Ben M Stower 4 days ago

    Illinois' Artsy Suburb Outside Chicago Is Filled With Scenic Parks, Local Shops, And Quaint Restaurants

    Escape Chicago’s big city vibes for a scenic slice of nature within a quaint, artsy suburb, boasting local restaurants and shops to explore.

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  • A United Airlines aircraft at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport
    By Rachel Dennis 5 days ago

    The US Airport With The Most Flights In 2026 So Far

    This Midwest airport has recorded the most flights in 2026 so far, with hundreds of millions of travelers projected to pass through this year.

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  • View of the night sky from Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
    By Leslie Veliz 6 days ago

    Illinois' Unbeatable Spot For Stargazing

    Escape the big city lights at this Illinois destination known for low light pollution, open skies, and designated areas built for stargazing.

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  • Shrubs, trees, and prairie grass at Goose Lake Prairie, Illinois
    By Maja Proescholdt 6 days ago

    Just Outside Chicago Is Illinois' Peaceful Prairieland With Scenic Trails Filled With Wildlife

    If you're looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway from busy life near Chicago, then this nature reserve filled with hiking and wildlife is just what you need.

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  • Inside the Little Goat Diner
    By Jenna Intersimone 6 days ago

    America's Hands-Down Best Breakfast Restaurants, According To Reviews

    Breakfast is often considered to be the most important meal of the day and it just may be the tastiest -- especially at these U.S. hot spots.

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  • People sitting on grass and walking through a park under green trees, surrounded by colorful tents
    By Jess Simms 7 days ago

    Chicago's Classic Park Has An Underground, Artsy Feel

    Home to sports fields, a swimming pool, and tons of annual concerts, this Chicago park is a wonderful year-round destination for all sorts of activities.

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  • Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan
    By Kristin Conard 7 days ago

    What's The Easiest National Park To Visit From Chicago?

    Even though it's only about an hour from the city, this park couldn't feel further away with its towering sand dunes, lake views, and diverse ecosystems.

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  • A view of the Mississippi River from an overlook at Fort Kaskaskia
    By Nikolai Arto 7 days ago

    The Once-Thriving Former Capital Of Illinois Is Now A Nearly-Abandoned 'American Atlantis' With Eerie Vibes

    This former Illinois capital offers historic sites, river views, and a remote setting influenced by flooding and shifting landscapes over time.

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  • Wooden play structures at the Hidden Oaks Preserve in Illinois
    By Rene Bennett 7 days ago

    Under An Hour From Chicago Is A Family-Friendly Nature Preserve With Trails, Fishing, And Interactive Exhibits

    Visitors to Chicago (and even some locals) might be surprised to learn just how close they are to a quiet escape into a peaceful outdoor experience.

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  • View of Third Lake, Illinois
    By Caitlin McAllister 8 days ago

    Illinois' Charming Village Outside Chicago Was A Once-Thriving Resort Town That's Now A Laid-Back Nature Getaway

    This quiet Illinois village rests between two lakes and offers access to Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve, nearby beaches, scenic trails, and family attractions.

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  • A family eating deep dish pizza in Chicago
    By Rachel Dennis 8 days ago

    Chicago Or New York: Which City Really Has The Best Food?

    From deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to a New York slice and classic delicatessen delights, is Chicago or New York City a better foodie spot?

    Read More
  • 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 10 days 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 10 days 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.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois
    By Kirtana Menon 11 days 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.

    Read More
  • Lake Lou Yaeger's shoreline
    By Joe Orovic 11 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 12 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.

    Read More
  • The exterior patio of Schmidt's Towne Tap in the heart of downtown Elburn, Illinois, on a summer evening
    By Rebecca High 13 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.

    Read More
  • An aerial view of Navy Pier and the adjacent Addams Memorial Park in Chicago
    By Erika W. Smith 14 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.

    Read More
  • Autumn on Lake Defiance An overcast fall day on Lake Defiance, Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry County, Illinois
    By Stephen Hanson 15 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.

    Read More
  • A drone shot of golf courses near Golf, Illinois
    By Rebecca High 15 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.

    Read More
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