Illinois Travel Guide
If there’s one Illinois location you’re dying to visit, it’s probably Chicago (and for good reason). From Prohibition-era speakeasies to deep-dish pizza and renowned architecture, Chicago has earned itself a spot on most travelers’ bucket lists. Road trippers will also want to add this city to their bucket list – the historic Route 66 begins in Chicago.
There’s more to Illinois than the city of Chicago. It has also played a significant role in U.S. history.
As the birthplace of seven presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, Illinois is known as “The Land of Presidents”. You can still visit the old home of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield and the former home of Ulysses S. Grant in the adorable small town of Galena. Illinois was also the first state to abolish slavery, and it was an important stop on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves from the South.
Destinations
Illinois Basics
Nickname: The Prairie State
Best Time to Visit
SUMMER
June through August are the most popular times to visit Illinois which can mean high hotel prices and crowds. Illinois really comes alive in the summer, but keep in mind that heat and thunderstorms might impact your trip.
AUTUMN
Autumn brings some of the most comfortable temperatures in Illinois. There are fewer crowds in Chicago, and the fall colors (particularly around Chicago and Galena) are lovely.
WINTER
Aside from Christmastime in Chicago (which is beautiful), visiting Illinois in winter is ill-advised. With heavy winds, unbearably cold temperatures, and plenty of snow, avoid visiting from January through March.
SPRING
Spring is short but gorgeous in Illinois. Tulips bloom in Chicago, and parks burst with cherry blossoms. Expect a chance of rain, and don’t be surprised if you experience some unseasonably cold temps (particularly in early April).
Illinois Travel Guides
