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
  • Deals
  • Features
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Our Experts
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2025 Static Media. All Rights Reserved
Islands
Islands
Illinois
Destinations Travel Guides Cruises Outdoor Adventure Features
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise

Illinois

  • aerial view of blue water and green trees with bridge behind it
    By Ian Goldstein 4 hours ago

    'Gem City' Is A Growing Artsy Destination In Illinois With Riverfront Charm, Parks, And Cute Neighborhoods

    Perched on the edge of the Illinois border on the Mississippi River, this "gem" of a city is rich with European history, architecture, and natural beauty.

    Read More
  • Cute, colored buildings line Princeton's Main Street
    By Rebecca High 20 hours ago

    The Friendly Unsung Illinois City With An Iconic Park, Historic Charm, And A Variety Of Entertainment

    This underrated Illinois city was an important stop on the Underground Railroad and is home to many parks, adorable shops, amazing eateries, and more.

    Read More
  • Forest Park Beach viewing area and shoreline
    By Alex Lauzon 1 day ago

    Illinois' Breezy Clearwater Beach Blends Coastal Calm With Blufftop Trails And Serene Boardwalk Strolls

    Just a short drive from Chicago, this dramatic beach has been a popular destination for decades, offering a peaceful boardwalk and serene waters.

    Read More
  • View from Hanover Earth Station, Illinois
    By Kayo Chang Black 4 days ago

    Illinois' Abandoned Area That Was An Important Earth Station Is Now A Hauntingly Beautiful Ruin

    This abandoned area in Illinois once had a particular use that made it easier for people to make calls globally. Now, it's an interesting outdoorsy destination.

    Read More
  • Minnnesota Cave
    By Isabel OToole 9 days ago

    The Midwest's New 'Dark Trail' Is A Road Trip Through A Stunningly Unique Landscape Of Rivers And Caves

    Whether you're a nature lover or simply seeking a scenic drive through the heart of the Midwest, the DARK Trail provides a one-of-a-kind adventure to consider.

    Read More
  • Historic Gallatin County Courthouse in Shawneetown, Illinois
    By Rory Buccheri 11 days ago

    One Of Illinois' Oldest Communities Is Surrounded By National Forests And Packed With Historic Charm

    With picturesque views of the surrounding national forests, this delightful, historic town in Illinois offers visitors many chances for outdoor adventures.

    Read More
  • Carroll County courthouse in Mount Carroll, Illinois
    By Megi Canco 11 days ago

    The 'New England Of The Midwest' Is An Overlooked Riverside City With Creative Culture And Small-Town Warmth

    Brimming with New England-like charm, this hidden jewel of a city offers the best of both worlds — artistic flair and outdoorsy fun at the water's edge.

    Read More
  • View of buildings, pedestrians, and river in River North
    By Marcia Frost 11 days ago

    This Bustling, Artsy Chicago Neighborhood Is Home To A Thriving Nightlife Scene, Trendy Bars, And Clubs

    With river views, trendy vibes, and a nightlife scene that will leave you spoiled for choice, this artsy Chicago neighborhood can be your next getaway or move.

    Read More
  • Rockford, Illinois, at night
    By Jonathan Houston 13 days ago

    Illinois' 'City Of Gardens' Has Stunning Green Spaces, Outdoor Thrills, And Endless Recreation

    Prepare for expanses of greenery and vibrant floral displays in Illinois' "City of Gardens," complete with outdoor thrills and ample recreation.

    Read More
  • Elmhurst, Illinois, view from above
    By Rory Buccheri 13 days ago

    This Quaint Chicago Suburb With Parks, Trails, And Shops Is An Illinois Gem Undergoing An Urban Renaissance

    Once overlooked, this hidden gem on the outskirts of Chicago is now on the radar for its vibrant culture, incredible shopping, and access to nature.

    Read More
  • Downtown Joliet with drawbridge
    By Jen Theriault 17 days ago

    One Of Chicago's Most Affordable Suburbs Is A Town On Route 66 Packed With Americana Charm And Shopping

    Along Route 66 is a fantastically affordable Chicago suburb home to great shopping, beautiful scenic walks, museums, and plenty of Americana charm.

    Read More
  • Trees in the fall in Central Park, New York City
    By Sam Scott 22 days ago

    The Unexpected Link Between This Beautiful, Historic Chicago Suburb And New York City's Central Park

    This suburb of Chicago is famous for its historic streets, local eateries, and beautiful green spaces. It also has an interesting like to NYC's Central Park.

    Read More
  • Navy Pier on the Chicago waterfront
    By Desiree Koh 23 days ago

    Chicago's 'Year-Round Playground' Is A Waterfront, Free-Admission Gem Full Of Rides, Food, And Shops

    This free-to-enter Chicago playground boasts thrilling rides, attractions for kids, classic Chi-town food, unique souvenir shops, stunning views, and more.

    Read More
  • Boats docked at Navy Pier with the Chicago skyline in the background
    By Rebecca High 25 days ago

    Set Sail Through America's Five Great Lakes With This Architecture-Packed Cruise Itinerary

    If you appreciate architecture and love to cruise, then Victory Cruise Lines has the perfect lineup of Great Lakes itineraries that showcase design wonders.

    Read More
  • Neon sign of Blue Swallow Motel with a car parked underneath, the sky dark at sunset
    By Joshua Parle 26 days ago

    From California To Chicago, This 'Mother Road' Route Delivers Neon Nostalgia And Kitschy Americana

    This iconic stretch of highway across the U.S. has no shortage of kitschy fun stops along its route that will surely feed any Americana nostalgia.

    Read More
  • Skyline of Springfield, capital of Illinois
    By Rory Buccheri 30 days ago

    Illinois' Bustling Route 66 Stop Is Packed With Quirky Attractions, Outdoor Fun, And Historical Sites

    Traveling Route 66? One of the first stops to make is in Springfield, Illinois. With so much to see, do, and taste, there are a plenty of things to explore.

    Read More
  • Trees growing in the wetlands in the Cache River State Natural Area
    By Jon Bitner 30 days ago

    Illinois' Secret, Mysterious Bayou Is A Shady, Green Cypress Swamp Called 'One Of Nature's Masterpieces'

    You don't have to venture to Louisiana to see incredible bayous. Hidden in the Midwest, this area is home to walking trails and centuries-old cypress trees.

    Read More
  • Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois
    By Sam Scott 1 month ago

    A City Along Lake Michigan's Shiny Shores Just North Of Chicago Offers College Charm And Lively Suburb Vibes

    Get lost in the college town charm of this Chicago-adjacent city, which boasts suburb vibes, access to plenty of beaches, and a diverse restaurant scene.

    Read More
  • a green forest with mossy rocks and a waterfall falling over the cliffs
    By Allie Johnson 1 month ago

    This Quiet Illinois State Park Is Dotted With Wild Trails, Caves, Unique Rock Formations, And Waterfalls

    Illinois has much more to see than just Chicago. In fact, there's plenty of nature to explore including this quiet state park filled with caves and wild trails.

    Read More
  • Chicago Midway International Airport with bomber plane and concourse A
    By Cheryl Kochenderfer 1 month ago

    One Of America's Most Convenient Airports Is Also One Of Its Worst With Limited Space And Severe Delays

    Although one of America’s most convenient airports is easily accessible, the small layout and delay issues make it less than desirable during long travel days.

    Read More
  • An ice cream cone in front of Chicago's skyline on the water
    By Richard Milner 1 month ago

    Chicago's 'Hobbit Door' Ice Cream Shop Is A Little-Known Gem With A Unique Family-Friendly Surprise

    Enjoy dessert and a show at Chicago’s pop-up ice cream shop that serves delicious treats through a unique setup that the whole family will get a kick out of.

    Read More
  • Ernest Hemingway's childhood home near Chicago.
    By Michelle Arellano Martin 2 months ago

    Chicago's Cute Next-Door Neighbor Is A Walkable Village With Small-Town Charm And Immaculate Architecture

    Just beyond Chicago's borders lies a quaint village steeped in history with an impressive collection of world-famous architecture and a fabulous arts district.

    Read More
  • Person in pretzel costume at Pretzel Fest in Freeport, IL
    By Rebecca High 2 months ago

    'Pretzel City' Is A Delightfully Quirky Illinois City With Culinary Treats And Midwest History

    If you are a fan of soft pretzels, then heading to Illinois' "Pretzel City" is a must for culinary fun, great history, and that classic Midwestern quirky charm.

    Read More
  • Vibrant flowers in front of lake at Chicago Botanic Garden
    By Marta Benigni 2 months ago

    Just North Of Chicago Is A Lakeside Village Teeming With Lush Gardens, Parks, And Hollywood History

    This town in northern Chicago has it all: stunning outdoor parks and gardens, unique architecture, and a history of famous movies being filmed there.

    Read More
  • Downtown Rosemont, Illinois is filled with restaurants and hotels
    By Rachael Ellenbogen 2 months ago

    This Illinois Village Is A Thriving Mecca Of Tourism With Flea Markets And Fun For A Sweet Midwest Getaway

    Looking for all the perks of Chicago but with a smaller feel? There is one Illinois village that you just have to visit — and it's not far.

    Read More
  • Water flowing through Matthiessen State Park in Illinois
    By Mina Elwell 2 months ago

    Starved Rock State Park's Underappreciated Neighbor Is A Surreal Illinois Gem Full Of Canyons And Waterfalls

    Walk through a pristine natural setting with mossy canyon walls and cascading waterfalls at an underrated Illinois state park next to Starved Rock.

    Read More
  • Friends walking down the street
    By Amara Michelle 2 months ago

    The 5 Best Free Walking Tours In All Of Chicago, According To Popularity Ratings

    If you're finding yourself in the Windy City, be sure to check out any of these five highly rated and recommended free walking tours of Chicago.

    Read More
Back
Next
About Privacy Policy
© 2025 Static Media® Islands.com All Rights Reserved
More From Static Media
ChowhoundCutenessExploreFoodieFood RepublicGarden GuidesGlamGrungeHealth DigestHouse DigestHunkerJalopnikLooperMashedMoney DigestNicki SwiftOutdoor GuideSciencingSlashFilmSlashGearSVGTasting TableThe Daily MealThe ListThe TakeoutWomenWrestling Inc.
Islands