Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

Chicago Public Transportation Rules Tourists Frequently Break On Their First Visit

staff@islands.com (Tosh Bene) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 20:45:00 +0000

Avoid these Chicago public transportation faux pas on your next trip to the Windy City, from listening to music out loud to moving between trains.

Outside Chicago Are Once-Thriving Quarries That Are Now An Artificial Lake Escape With Fishing And Trail Fun

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Load up the bait and head out of the Windy City for a charming quarry-turned-lake escape that offers some of the most enjoyable fishing in and around Chicago.

Chicago's Affordable Suburban Day Trip Is A Family-Friendly Gem With Local Eats And A Bustling Aquatic Center

staff@islands.com (Christine Dulion) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:45:00 +0000

This western suburb of the Windy City offers plenty of green spaces to explore and a vast array of dining options, including mom-and-pop restaurants.

Under Two Hours East Of The Mississippi River Is A Scenic Midwest Lake With Fishing, Boating, And Camping

staff@islands.com (Karla Demery) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 23:45:00 +0000

Just under two hours east of the Mississippi near St. Louis, there is a quiet and scenic lake where anglers can do a lot of boat and bank fishing.

Chicago's Hidden Gem Suburb Has Miles Of Scenic Trails, Family Fun, And Vibrant Irish Culture

staff@islands.com (Kaylee Giacomini-Moran) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Enjoy Irish singing, dancing, and storytelling in this family-friendly city near Chicago, then watch baseball, play golf, or explore its trails.

10 Of The Hands-Down Best Salmon Fishing Spots Around America

staff@islands.com (Barry Peacock) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Whether you're looking for some prime fishing or a scenic getaway, these salmon fishing spots are great for a solo vacation or a family trip.

Between Chicago And Rockford Is A Scenic Wildlife Sanctuary With Wetland Trails And Ponds

staff@islands.com (Rebecca High) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Birders shouldn't miss out on this wildlife sanctuary between Chicago and Rockford that is a hidden gem filled with trails, ponds, and all kinds of birds.

Illinois' 9 Hands-Down Best Parks In And Around Springfield For Scenic Nature Walks And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Kaylee Giacomini-Moran) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Scenic parks surround this Illinois capital, but these 9 offer the most beautiful, activity-packed, and accessible of the lot – and the locals adore them.

Between Indy And St. Louis Is A Lesser-Known Park With A Scenic Lake For Fishing, Boating, And Camping

staff@islands.com (Dave Bowling) — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 01:45:00 +0000

Anglers have decent odds of making a big catch at this Illinois park's mid-sized lake, while off-road enthusiasts will have a blast tearing up the shady trails.

Near St. Louis Is A Once-Thriving Mine That's Now A Lesser-Known Park With A Lake To Fish, Hiking, And Wildlife

staff@islands.com (Nally Preseault) — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Locals can't get enough of this underrated oasis for its hiking trails, peaceful paddling routes surrounded by wildlife, and abundant fishing lake.

Be Cautious Driving Through This US City Where Speed Cameras Issue A Ticket Every 48 Seconds

staff@islands.com (Olivia Typaldos) — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

No one likes driving by speeding cameras, and this city has a whole lot of them. We've got the backstory, as well as some tips for avoiding them.

Between Chicago And Rockford Is A Former Quarry That's Now An Idyllic Nature Escape With Trails And River Fun

staff@islands.com (Olivia Typaldos) — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Looking for a short escape not too far from the city? This riverside park features an easy hike, places to enjoy the water, and lots of nature to explore.

10 Common Traveler Complaints About Chicago's O'Hare International Airport

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Traveling in North America means ending up at O'Hare at some point. Watch out for these complaints to make sure you get to your gate with time to spare.

The 10 Biggest Things That Surprise Tourists Visiting The Midwest

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0000

There are 12 states that are considered part of the Midwest region of the United States and even other Americans can have a unique cultural experience there.

Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is A Picturesque Nature Preserve With Wetland Trails And Scenic Overlooks

staff@islands.com (Melanie Johnson) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:45:00 +0000

For an escape from city life in either Chicago or Milwaukee, head to this forest preserve with quiet and scenic wetland hikes and lots of great birding.

Between Indianapolis And Peoria Is A Midwestern Escape For Idyllic Nature Walks, Fishing, And Lake Views

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:45:00 +0000

Home to several miles of trails and two stunning lakes, this forest preserve in Illinois is a wonderful spot for hiking, fishing, and paddling.

Over An Hour From Springfield Is Illinois' Secluded Lake Escape With Camping, Fishing, And Modern Comforts

staff@islands.com (Stacey Coles) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:45:00 +0000

This quiet recreation area offers fishing and campsites with modern amenities and waterfront views on scenic Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois.

10 Underrated Family-Friendly Outings In And Around Rockford, Illinois

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Situated between Chicago and Madison, Rockford misses out on a lot of attention that it absolutely deserves. And for families, it's a hidden gem.

America's Most Stressful Airport In 2026 Is A Major Midwest Hub

staff@islands.com (Nola Sarkisian-Miller) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Airports can be stressful, particularly if you're in a hurry, but Mozio deemed this Midwestern airport the most stressful in America for 2026.

'The Pumpkin Capital Of The World' Is Illinois' Charming Village Suburb Full Of Delightful Fall Festivities

staff@islands.com (Nola Sarkisian-Miller) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:45:00 +0000

If you love all things pumpkin, you won't want to miss a trip to this charming Illinois town filled with festivals, food, and even a pumpkin-themed playground.