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Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Buildings and a green space in Downtown Sioux City, Iowa
    By Danny Wiser 4 months ago

    Iowa's 'Little Chicago' Is An Affordable City With Picture-Perfect Outdoor Spaces And Tasty Local Eateries

    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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  • A view of a quiet day downtown in DeKalb, Illinois.
    By Tess Kazenoff 4 months ago

    Illinois' Quaint College Town Is A Walkable Gem With A Vibrant Downtown Full Of Shops And Restaurants

    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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  • Ariel view of Mississippi River and Rock Island
    By Jom Elauria 4 months ago

    Illinois' 'Island' City Is A Riverfront Charmer With A Lovely Downtown And Pretty Parks

    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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  • Bridge, pagoda, and pond at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois
    By Akram Herrak 4 months ago

    Illinois' 'Crown Jewel' Is A Tranquil Garden Escape Where Japanese Artistry Meets Midwestern Charm

    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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  • Chicago suburb of Crystal Lake
    By Audrey Enjoli 4 months ago

    Chicago's Charming Lakeside Suburb Is A Friendly City With A Vibrant Walkable Downtown And Beaches

    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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  • A freight train passing through Savanna, Illinois
    By Anna Smith 4 months ago

    The 'Best Small Town For Adventure' Is Illinois' Scenic City On The Mississippi River Packed With Outdoor Thrills

    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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  • Aerial shot of Chicago skyline
    By Alex Lauzon 4 months ago

    One Of Chicago's Best Suburbs Is Known For Its Spacious Lots, Boutique Shopping, And Golf Greens

    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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  • Small waterfall flowing into a pool in a dark autumnal forest
    By Amy McMahon 4 months ago

    14 Best Places To Have An Authentic, Fun Midwest Fall Getaway

    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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  • sunset on Lake Michigan in Harbor Country
    By Tess Kazenoff 4 months ago

    Michigan's Day-Trip Destination Less Than Two Hours From Chicago Has Charming Shops And Lake Views

    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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  • Craft beer from Indiana brewery
    By Jade Poleon 4 months ago

    Indiana's Chicago Suburb Reinventing Itself As A Craft Beer Destination Has A Charming Downtown And Fun Festivals

    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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  • A wooden pathway with views of the Mississippi River
    By Erika W. Smith 4 months ago

    Illinois' Park On The Mississippi River Offers Extensive Scenic Trails And Rock Climbing

    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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  • Arial view of the Champaign-Urbana's University of Illinois and city
    By Carrie Back 4 months ago

    The 'Greatest Midwest Food Town' Is A Walkable Prairie City With College Town Energy, Thriving Arts, And Shopping

    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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  • Aerial view of Chicago's North Shore
    By Kira Reinke 4 months ago

    Illinois' Serene Swim Beach Is An Idyllic Chicago Getaway With Few Crowds, Clear Water, And Amenities

    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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  • Two women cycle in park
    By Jonathan Houston 4 months ago

    Chicago's Underrated Suburb Boasts Shopping Boutiques, Nature Parks, And Family-Friendly Fun

    Discover this underrated suburb just outside Chicago, where you'll find fantastic shopping and perfect parks for family fun.

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  • An overlook above the Mississippi floodplain at the Little Grand Canyon in Shawnee National Forest, Illinois.
    By Eva Johnstone 4 months ago

    Illinois' Little Grand Canyon Is A Natural Wonder With Breathtaking Views At The Bottom

    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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  • The childhood home of Pope Leo XIV is seen in Dolton, Illinois
    By Bridget Gleeson 5 months ago

    The Place Where Pope Leo XIV Grew Up Is A Charming Chicago Suburb With A Vibrant Community

    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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  • Commuter train in downtown Chicago
    By Sophia Moss 5 months ago

    Chicago's Most Dangerous Train Stations That Tourists Should Consider Avoiding

    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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  • Benches and buildings in Mattoon, Illinois
    By Erika W. Smith 5 months ago

    Between Indianapolis And St. Louis Is Illinois' Lovely City With Tasty Restaurants And A Relaxing Nature Park

    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.

    Read More
  • An aerial view of Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest
    By Mina Elwell 5 months ago

    Illinois' Most Scenic Wilderness Destination Is This Stunning Natural Wonder Lined With Idyllic Trails

    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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  • An explorer in a hard hat in Illinois Cavern
    By Mina Elwell 5 months ago

    Illinois' Coolest Underground Destination Is This Stunning Geological Wonder Full Of Unique Wildlife

    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.

    Read More
  • Chicago's Lakefront Trail with runners and walkers
    By Erika W. Smith 5 months ago

    Chicago's Underrated Lincoln Park Garden Is A Charming Trailside Spot With Picturesque Photo Opportunities

    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.

    Read More
  • Funks Grove on Route 66 in Illinois.
    By Desiree Koh 5 months ago

    A Tiny Illinois Township On Route 66 Hides Big History, Enchanting Forests, And Impeccable Maple Syrup

    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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  • Bluebells blooming along the Illinois Canyon Trail at Starved Rock State Park.
    By Eva Johnstone 5 months ago

    One Of America's Most Visited Parks Is A Destination-Worthy Wildflower Wonderland Outside Of Chicago

    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.

    Read More
  • The town square in Waterloo, Illinois
    By Joe Orovic 5 months ago

    About Half An Hour Outside St. Louis Is A Charming Illinois City Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

    This spot offers something for everyone, from caving expeditions to lakeside wineries, restaurants, and cozy inns, all making it perfect for staying awhile.

    Read More
  • Parks in Chicago
    By Jonathan Houston 5 months ago

    Chicago's 'Secret Garden' In Millennium Park Is A Serene Break From The Windy City's Bustle

    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.

    Read More
  • Pittsfield City Lake with calm waters
    By Jom Elauria 5 months ago

    This Small Midwest City Is A Hidden Haven For Lake Days, Jeep Lovers, And Unexpected Outdoor Adventures

    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.

    Read More
  • A bench surrounded by blooming lilacs in Lilacia Park, Lombard, IL
    By Rebecca High 5 months ago

    The 'Lilac Village' Is Illinois' Picturesque Hidden Haven Full Of Flowers, Parks, And Eclectic Shops

    From lilac-lined parks to vintage shops and cozy eateries, this Illinois town blends history, nature, and culture into a hidden suburban gem.

    Read More
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