Illinois
What you need to know before you go
Illinois is a Midwestern state in the middle of America’s heartland, bordering the Mississippi River to its west. While the region features vast forests, rolling hills, farms and wetlands, it’s widely known as the birthplace of America’s 21st-century intellectuals and innovations. Illinois represents the essential Middle America that has brought up great leaders and thinkers, including Presidents Lincoln and Obama, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Oprah Winfrey.
The scenic Great River Valley has a countryside dotted with historic towns, while the southern plains of Illinois are home to over 50 state parks. Starved Rock State Park is where you can enjoy spectacular scenery and learn about the US state’s Native American heritage. If you’re planning a city break, Chicago is the place to enjoy live blues and baseball games in Illinois.
Top destinations in Illinois
Where will you go next?Chicago is a city that’ll captivate you with a skyline filled with avant-garde skyscrapers. From these heights, you’ll also be able to enjoy unparalleled views of the urban surroundings. The city’s loftiest attraction is the Skydeck at the world-famous Willis Tower. It promises some thrills as you whiz up to this observation deck on the 103rd floor and...
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What to see & do in Illinois
Featured stories & fun stuff10 Best Things to Do in Chicago
This guide to the best things to do in Chicago offers a great medley of modern wonders and cultural offerings. Beautiful skyscraper scenes are a given, with great cityscapes that you can take in from various leisure spots on the...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. This owes to its great combination of neatly...10 Most Popular Streets in Chicago
The most popular streets in Chicago include the city's iconic dining, shopping and nightlife strips. Some of these are unmissable...10 Movie Locations in Chicago
Chicago is a city that’s known for its beautiful skylines, with iconic skyscrapers that blend rich Art Deco and magnificent...10 Best Hiking Trails Around Chicago
Chicago is more than just a big city, it's also a haven for outdoor adventurers, with outstanding hiking trails located...10 Famous Historical Places From Chicago's Past
Visit Chicago's famous old landmarks to get a true taste of the city. Head to one of baseball’s oldest parks...13 Things to Do with Your Family in Chicago
Chicago has plenty of things you can do with your family. Starting at the Chicago Loop, you can enjoy the...12 Free Things to Do in Chicago
Enjoying Chicago, with its great medley of architectural wonders, beautiful nature parks, and wealth of cultural offerings, can cost you...7 Things to Do in Chicago in Summer
A summer vacation in Chicago sizzles with sunny days spent strolling art-filled street fairs, cruises on the lake and...
Where & what to eat in Illinois
10 Best Places for Deep-Dish Pizzas in Chicago
Here are the best places for deep-dish pizzas in Chicago – no food is more synonymous with Windy City cuisine. Created sometime in the 1940s, this local classic features a crispy crust, loads of mozzarella cheese, thick tomato sauce, and...10 Great Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago restaurants are state of the art and boast some of the best offerings in the world whether you're looking for something fancy or a simple hot dog and fries. Local favorites are always going to include the pizza joints...
Where to shop & what to buy in Illinois
13 Best Places to Go Shopping in Chicago
Chicago is well-known for its world-class shopping and offers everything from discount outlet malls to high-end fashion and luxury art and jewelers. You can stroll through charming neighborhoods and browse at specialty boutiques, shop name-brand fashion...5 Best Markets in Chicago
The best markets in Chicago bring savvy shoppers and food enthusiasts together at weekly meets right across the city. Antique collectors and cooks take advantage of an impressive bounty of fashion items, homeware, fruits and vegetables, sourced from across Illinois...
Where to go & what to do at night in Illinois
12 Best Nightclubs in Chicago
The best nightclubs in Chicago are exciting places to spend a memorable evening out in the “Windy City”. From the legendary blues era to the modern-day house and techno craze, Chicago is always on the party map. Trendsetting clubs...11 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Chicago
Chicago’s vibrant nightlife offers endless choices, including popular nightclubs, laid-back lounges, theaters, and much more. If you're looking for a great cocktail or craft beer, you can visit one of the many bars that offer scenic rooftops, queer events...
Useful information
10 Best Festivals in Chicago
Every month is festival month in Chicago, with the city bringing in world-class musicians, culinary leaders, art and cultural fests annually. No matter the time of year, the city has a unique celebration and festival that will meet the...10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Chicago
Chicago, like any major city, has a book of unwritten rules that the locals follow. From faux pas to tourist...Chicago Travel Essentials
Our Chicago Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the...
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Illinois
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