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

Illinois' 'Heart Of The Fox River' Is A Gateway To Adventure With Parks, Trails, And Quirky Downtown Shops

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:45:00 +0000

This charming Illinois city pairs scenic parks, lakeside recreation, wildlife-rich trails, quirky local boutiques, and multiple walkable downtown districts.

Between Chicago And Indy Is A Charming Midwest Town With A Friendly Community And Tasty Local Eats

staff@islands.com (Megi Canco) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Hidden between two major Midwest metros, this quiet destination features locally owned businesses, beloved restaurants, parks, and small-town charm.

Downtown Chicago's Last Remaining Route 66 Motel Is A Nostalgic Escape Back To The '60s

staff@islands.com (Anna Robinson) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:15:00 +0000

Chicago was famously the starting point of Route 66, and there's still one classic motel on the historic road that you can stay at in the Windy City.

The Article Of Clothing In Chicago That Could Get You Booed When Visiting

staff@islands.com (Nola Sarkisian-Miller) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 11:45:00 +0000

When visiting Chicago, avoid disrupting local life and being targeted by booing by saving this article of clothing for once you're back home.

Between St. Louis And Nashville Is Illinois' Once-Thriving Mine That's Now A Park With Trails And Lake Fishing

staff@islands.com (Joe Orovic) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0000

This verdant 4,000-acre park in Southern Illinois proves that, with enough time and effort, nature has an incredible ability to bounce back from anything.

Chicago's Suburban Lake Retreat Is A Quiet Getaway With Extensive Scenic Trails And Idyllic Fishing Spots

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Just outside Chicago lies a peaceful lakeside escape where scenic trails, quiet coves, wildlife encounters, and calm waters offer a refreshing break.

Illinois' Laid-Back Chicago Suburb Has Scenic Trails, River Charm, And Local Eats

staff@islands.com (Ishaan Arora) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Take a short drive from the Windy City and find yourself in a charming little town with outdoor activities and a local deli you can't miss for lunch.

Between Chicago And Cedar Rapids Is Illinois' Lovely Nature Preserve With Birds, Hiking, And Roaming Bison

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:45:00 +0000

A day at a nature preserve can be a refreshing escape, and there's one in Illinois that has everything from a herd of bison to stunning birdwatching.

Illinois' Picturesque Wetland Lake Area Has Camping And Fishing Among Bald Eagles And Pelicans

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:25:00 +0000

If you're looking for a picturesque spot to see birds and wildlife, camp, fish, and more, you'll want to visit this wetland lake located in southern Illinois.

Illinois' Winding Lagoon Escape Is A Chicago Suburban Gem With Paddling, Fishing, And Birdwatching

staff@islands.com (Rebecca High) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:45:00 +0000

Just north of Chicago, this sprawling forest preserve offers scenic waterways, wildlife spotting, kayak rentals, fishing access, and wooded trails.

5 Best Things To Do In Chicago This Summer That Locals Swear By

staff@islands.com (Kaylee Giacomini) — Sun, 31 May 2026 17:45:00 +0000

If you'll be spending some time in Chicago this summer, we've got a list of activities that won't make you look like a tourist. They're all favored by locals.

Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting The Midwest

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Sat, 30 May 2026 12:30:00 +0000

From Wisconsin to the Dakotas, you'll be surprised at how much of Midwestern culture varies from other regions of the United States. Here's what to now.

Not Portland, Not Denver: This Vibrant City Has The Most Breweries In The US

staff@islands.com (Erika W. Smith) — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Dubbed the "Beer Capital of America," this Midwest metropolis is a haven for craft beer fanatics with unique microbreweries and age-old favorites.

The Most Underrated Lake Towns In The Midwest In 2026

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:30:00 +0000

While the Great Lakes are incredible to explore, these massive bodies of water aren't the only lakes prime for exploration in the Midwest region.

Nearly Half Of Chicago's Beaches Are Cracking Down On A Fee Travelers Should Be Aware Of In 2026

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Mon, 25 May 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Headed to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan? Here's what visitors should know about parking changes coming to Chicago's beaches this summer.

Southern Illinois' Warm Lake Is A Year-Round Haven With Boating, Fishing, And Dining

staff@islands.com (Jonathan Houston) — Fri, 22 May 2026 01:45:00 +0000

This lake in Southern Illinois offers boating, fishing, dining, and relaxing waterside, and is enjoyable year-round thanks to its warmer climate.

Between Indy And St. Louis Is A Charming Midwest City With A Historic Downtown, Tasty Eats, And Lovely Parks

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:15:00 +0000

This charming Illinois city features historic brick streets, colorful murals, cozy cafes, forested parks, peaceful lakes, and relaxing Midwest scenery.

The Midwest's 6 Most Charming Walkable Piers Promise Sweet Summer Fun

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:45:00 +0000

Even without an ocean, the Midwest boasts several stunning and unique piers boasting lighthouse views, restaurants, historic sites, and other activities.

Between Chicago And Peoria Is Illinois' Restored Wetland Haven For Birdwatching, Fishing, And Hiking

staff@islands.com (Stephen Hanson) — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:15:00 +0000

This restored Illinois wetland refuge offers birdwatching trails, prairie hikes, fishing lakes, and sweeping marsh views filled with migrating wildlife.

Nestled Between Chicago And Rockford Is Illinois' Lovely State Park For An Easy Loop Trail And Birdwatching

staff@islands.com (Stephen Hanson) — Wed, 20 May 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Herons, egrets, and sandhill cranes, as well as prairie, wetlands, and wildflowers, are among the attractions at this park just 40 miles from downtown Chicago.