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Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Concertgoers at Rivinia Festival in Highland Park, Chicago
    By Tess Kazenoff 2 months ago

    This Artsy Chicago Suburb Is Home To America's Oldest Music Festival And A Lively Downtown Full Of Events

    Experience a world of art, music, and fun when you head out of Chicago and into this neighborhood's downtown district. It's a must-visit spot for all creatives.

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  • Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve view near Darien Illinois
    By Megi Canco 3 months ago

    This Peaceful Suburb Near Chicago Is A Scenic Retreat With Charming Trails, Waterfalls, And Craft Beer

    If you're seeking a relaxing retreat from Chicago, head out to this nearby suburb that's home to a gorgeous waterfall, serene trails, and plenty of craft beer.

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  • Coastal area with pebbly shore and blue water in Illinois Beach State Park
    By Ishaan Arora 3 months ago

    Sandwiched On Lake Michigan's Shore Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is A Beachy, Bustling Lake State Park

    An easy getaway from both Chicago and Milwaukee, this scenic park offers miles of shoreline, epic birdwatching, and the only hotel on Lake Michigan's beaches.

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  • Autumnal trees reflected in the Des Plaines river
    By Rory Buccheri 3 months ago

    An Hour Beyond Chicago Is Illinois' Wild Woods For Peaceful Camping, Water Recreation, And Scenic Trails

    For a nature escape near Chicago, head to this wild wooded area with peaceful camping, scenic forested-covered trails, and island-dotted rivers to explore.

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  • World's largest catsup bottle in Collinsville, Illinois
    By Ikam Acosta 3 months ago

    The 'Horseradish Capital Of The World' Serves Quirky Illinois Landmarks, Farms, And A Walkable Downtown

    What's quirkier than the horseradish capital of the world? How about a giant catsup bottle? This Illinois gem near St. Louis, MO has all this and plenty more.

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  • A fountain in front of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
    By Megi Canco 3 months ago

    Illinois' Laidback College City Is A Family-Friendly Getaway With Lakeside Fun

    Far from the busy streets of Chicago, this small college city puts you close to forested hiking trails, serene lakes, and tons of fun local amenities.

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  • Aerial view of a grand domed building surrounded by lush gardens near the marina in Wilmette
    By Marta Benigni 3 months ago

    Chicago's Easy-Going Suburb Is A Walkable North Shore Gem With Indie Shops And Storybook Streets

    Discover this lovely and livable suburb on Chicago's North Shore, with a charming downtown, beautiful parks and beaches, and a stunning, world-famous temple.

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  • A yellow commuter train passes through Glen Ellyn en route to Chicago
    By Rebecca High 3 months ago

    This Chicago Suburb Is A Storybook Train-Stop Town With Annual Festivals, Boutique Shops, And Top Dining

    With a stunning lake for recreation and relaxation, contemporary dining, and an annual Festival of the Arts, this Chicago suburb is perfect for enjoying summer.

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  • Blonde girl picking apples
    By Sky Ariella 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • Students on the quad at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
    By Makayla Maxwell 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • Buildings at the Loop with Chicago River running through it
    By Jessica Stewart 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • Sunset over beach in Winnetka, Illinois
    By Michelle Cohn 3 months 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 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • Cobblestone streets fill the downtown area of Long Grove, Illinois
    By Rachael Ellenbogen 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • Chairs against river backdrop with woodlands in fall colors
    By Rory Buccheri 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • A sunny day at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
    By Kate Mothes 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of Chicago
    By Sanjay Surana 3 months 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.

    Read More
  • View of an Elizabethtown street
    By Kaira Carter 3 months 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.

    Read More
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