State Parks Are Free To Visit In These Friendly, Welcoming States
Upgrade your summer with an epic and totally free visit to these state parks, where you can hunt for diamonds, play in boulder fields, and chase waterfalls.
Read More-
-
One Of Illinois' Oldest River Towns Still Feels Like The 19th Century With Historic Churches And Small-Town Beauty
Chicago steals the spotlight when it comes to Illinois getaways, but tucked along the Ohio River near Kentucky is a charming town with gorgeous architecture.
Read More -
A Charming Illinois Village On Chicago's Doorstep Has A Picturesque Downtown, Good Eats, And Friendly Community
When visiting Chicago, don't miss out on this nearby suburb with acclaimed restaurants, friendly people, and a historic downtown, all just a train ride away.
Read More -
A Midwest Haven Outside Of Chicago Mingles Forested Parks And One Of America's Top Art Fairs
Sited just outside of Chicago is the village of Park Forest, known for its longstanding juried art fair and its 2,000 acres of parks and green spaces.
Read More -
Nestled Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is A Walkable Village With Lake Access And Vintage Charm
This village is close to two major Midwestern cities and offers visitors endless lake adventures and a charming downtown area with food, shops, and more
Read More -
America's Most Dangerous City Is An Unexpected Midwest Destination (And It's Not Chicago Or Detroit)
This small Midwestern city may not often make it into the evening news, but it has the highest violent crime rate in the U.S. according to the FBI.
Read More -
A Historic Illinois Prairie Village Is Preserving Swedish Heritage With Handmade Crafts And 19th-Century Charm
This Illinois gem gives colonial history a twist, offering visitors a unique look at how Swedish culture remains alive and well in rural America.
Read More -
One Of America's Top Suburbs Is An Affluent Chicago Village With Porch Swings, Parks, And Pedigree Schools
Looking to settle down with a slower-paced life, but still crave the city? This Chicago suburb offers a mix of easy access to the city and great atmosphere.
Read More -
The Chicago Neighborhood Often Called The City's 'Most Violent' And Unsafe
Chicago is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S., but there are some parts of the city that can be dangerous, like this crime-ridden neighborhood.
Read More -
This Vibrant Chicago Suburb Is An Underrated Gem With Local Eats, Family Parks, And Small‑town Charm
Chicago may have charm, but it's in this underrated suburb where those small-town delights surface, accompanied by serene parks and fantastic eats.
Read More -
Situated Between Milwaukee And Chicago Is A Lake Michigan City With Dunes And Fun Festivals
This hidden gem in Illinois is perfect for lovers of the outdoors. It's also close to some major cities, giving you the best of both worlds.
Read More -
Illinois' Artsy City Outside Of Chicago On Lake Michigan's Shores Has Waterfront Charm And Top-Rated Golf
Hit the links, sunbathe on the shores of Lake Michigan, and peruse art galleries in this charming city just north of Chicago; it's the perfect weekend escape.
Read More -
'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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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
