With scenic parks, access to nature, and a thriving cultural scene, Iowa's 'Little Chicago' is an affordable city to visit for relaxation and great eats.
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If you've had your fill of Chicago, take a quick detour to the college town full of charming shops and restaurants. Spend some time walking this Illinois city.
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For those seeking the vibrancy of the big city with small-town Midwestern charm, one family-friendly riverside destination packs in plenty to see, do, and eat.
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One of the best Japanese gardens in America, and the best garden in Illinois for over a decade, this 12-acre oasis is also home to a Frank Lloyd Wright house.
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Just outside Chicago, a welcoming lakeside community invites visitors to stroll its historic downtown, relax on sandy beaches, and enjoy outdoor adventures.
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Whether you want to kayak on the river, hike through a forest, or camp at a state park, this Illinois city has you covered with its abundant natural beauty.
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One of the best parts about the Chicago area isn't the big city — it's a nearby suburb full of activities, cute shops, and a renowned golf course to enjoy.
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The Midwest is an underrated, autumnal gem that deserves just as much fall foliage hype as New England. Here are some of the best places for leaf peeping.
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Take a break from the big-city rush of Chicago at this Michigan destination only two hours away, filled with delightful stores and views of the lake.
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For a great craft beer scene complete with a cozy downtown and excellent summer and fall festivals, head to this underrated Indiana suburb of Chicago.
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In northwestern Illinois, bordering Iowa, you'll find a cozy state park that's ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and camping near the Mississippi River.
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Global flavors, locally crafted brews, and sustainable restaurants boost this city's culinary accolades, and its thriving art scene makes it easy to stay.
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This beautiful Illinois beach is a favorite destination among locals, and it's still under-the-radar enough that you won't run into overwhelming crowds.
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Discover this underrated suburb just outside Chicago, where you'll find fantastic shopping and perfect parks for family fun.
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Located in a national forest southeast of St. Louis, this box canyon carved into the sandstone provides a fantastic hike with gorgeous scenery and plant life.
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This humble but charming Chicago suburb where Pope Leo XIV spent his childhood has great parks and family-owned restaurants and offers easy access to the city.
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Chicago has an excellent public transit system, but there are a few stations outside of the common tourist areas that you should probably avoid.
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Stroll through soothing green spaces by day, and chow down on a delicious dinner by night when you visit this serene and unique destination in Illinois.
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This little-known Midwest wilderness is tucked between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and hides breathtaking scenery and unique rock formations.
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For those brave enough to enter this wild and deep cave system in Illinois, a wondrous world of bats, bizarre rock formations, waterfalls, and more awaits.
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This lush garden with a waterfall and rock garden in Chicago's Lincoln Park is the perfect spot for picnics, group and family photos, and quiet relaxation.
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On the Mother Road lies a tiny Illinois community where homesteading history, natural landmarks, and heirloom maple syrup shape its identity.
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At this state park near Chicago, wildflowers bloom from spring to fall. Add in waterfalls, fall foliage, and a lodge with an indoor pool, and it's a must-visit.
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This spot offers something for everyone, from caving expeditions to lakeside wineries, restaurants, and cozy inns, all making it perfect for staying awhile.
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Step off Chicago’s bustling streets into a peaceful garden. Walk through Millennium Park’s secret oasis to feel a moment of bliss in the middle of the city.
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Hit the trails with an off-road Jeep club, swim with Yogi Bear at a lakefront campground, and follow in the footsteps of Lincoln with a visit to this IL city.
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From lilac-lined parks to vintage shops and cozy eateries, this Illinois town blends history, nature, and culture into a hidden suburban gem.
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