Illinois is the fifth-largest state in the Union and it gets its name from a phrase from the Algonquian family of Indigenous languages that loosely translates to “speaks in the regular way.” And in Illinois, there’s plenty to speak about: America’s third-largest city, its most iconic highway, quaint river towns, and compelling historical sites.
Though it’s certainly not mountainous — the highest point in the state is only 1,235 feet above sea level — the Prairie State is definitely scenic, from gently rolling plains and sweeping rivers to the dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline. Rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty make Illinois a destination that creates memories.
“I think what really sets Chicago and the rest of Illinois apart is not just the things you can do, it’s how you feel when you’re here doing them,” said Isaac Reichman, director of corporate communications for Choose Chicago. “Chicago has everything you want in a big city, but a small-town feel and a personality and culture that immediately makes you feel right at home. Then we’re the gateway to the rest of the state. You can kick off on Route 66 in downtown and use that as your avenue to explore all the small towns, medium-sized cities, all those amazing attractions. And everywhere you go, you’re going to find natural beauty, manmade beauty and that Midwestern hospitality that you really can’t find in any other part of the country.”
The next few years are an especially attractive time to visit, as Illinois rolls out celebrations across the state for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, as well as the Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States — both in 2026.
Chicago
Once known as the Second City, Chicago long ago outgrew that nickname, and today the metropolis is second to none for visitors. World class fits Chicago’s cultural institutions, culinary scene and skyline, as well as its 26 miles of parks and beaches along Lake Michigan.
In any season, sports fans can have a literal field day, as Chicago has teams in all major American professional sports (basketball, football, soccer, baseball and hockey) that have earned numerous national championships. The Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016, and a day out at the team’s historic Wrigley Field is a must during baseball season. NASCAR fans can cheer thrilling events like the Chicago Street Race, held downtown in Grant Park.
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each of its 77 distinct communities has its own flavor. The Loop, the downtown business district, bursts with attractions, including the world’s first skyscraper. Cruises on the Chicago River are a way to hear about it and the city’s other architectural icons. The Loop is also home to the pedestrian-only Riverwalk; Millennium Park and its famous “Cloud Gate” sculpture, fondly referred to as “the Bean”; and the Art Institute of Chicago, one of world’s top-rated museums, whose collections include Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” and the largest number of works by of Impressionist masters found outside of France. For a bird’s-eye view of the metropolitan area, there’s no place better than the Skydeck atop the Sears Tower (aka, the Willis, but Chicagoans will never call it that).
Chicago is also a city of festivals, and any month when the weather is remotely reasonable visitors will find parks and streets filled with music, food, art and celebrations. Some of the most famous are Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest and the Chicago Air and Water Show, but there are parties on any given weekend.
In 2026, Chicago will also celebrate the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center, an architecturally striking presidential museum and library on a 19-acre campus in Jackson Park. The lakeside park — one of more than 500 in the city — is also home to the Museum of Science and Industry.
Chicago is also the starting point for Route 66, the historic highway that author John Steinbeck dubbed “The Mother Road” in his novel “The Grapes of Wrath.” It stretches across eight states before ending at the ocean in Santa Monica, California. The Illinois portion offers visitors 300 miles of interesting pit stops and retro roadside attractions.
Springfield
Springfield, Illinois’ capital city, is best-known for the state’s most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln. Though born in neighboring Kentucky, the lanky lawyer moved to Illinois at the age of 21 and established himself in Springfield before he entered politics. The city’s many historic attractions allow visitors to track the journey of Honest Abe from log cabin to the White House. At Oak Ridge Cemetery, groups can visit the Lincoln Tomb, final resting place of the 16th president, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. Although the Greek Revival Old State Capitol, a reconstruction of Illinois’ fifth statehouse, is currently closed for renovations, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is packed with more than 11,000 artifacts to give an unflinching portrait of one of our nation’s most significant leaders.
Beyond Lincoln, Springfield has many charms. Reminders of the 20th century, like drive-ins and diners, give a sense of nostalgia. Groups can tap into that carefree, postwar vibe on the Living Legends and Landmarks tour where highlights include the Ace Sign Company Museum, the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and a stop for an open-faced horseshoe sandwich, the city’s signature culinary creation.
Frank Lloyd Wright is primarily associated with the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, but one of his most dazzling creations can be found in Springfield. Designed in 1902 for sophisticated socialite Susan Lawrence Dana, Wright’s Dana House is a lavish example of the architect’s early Prairie style. The 12,000 square-foot home, now a state historic site, includes more than 100 original pieces of furniture and 450 art glass windows, light fixtures and doors, all designed by Wright.
Cahokia Mounds
Before there was Chicago, Springfield, or any other city in Illinois, there was Cahokia. Located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, this 4,000-acre metropolis was the largest urban settlement of indigenous people north of Mexico. Cahokia was the cultural and administrative capital for the Mississippian people, and it was occupied from about A.D. 700 to 1400, sheltering more than 20,000 inhabitants at its peak. They built 120 mounds and 70 remain, including Monks Mound, which at 100 feet tall is the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the Americas. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the central section of this ancient city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can climb Monks Mound, view a circle of astronomically aligned timber posts known as “Woodhenge” and tour a life-sized replica village at the interpretive center.
Great River Road
Travelers can answer the call of the (river) road along Illinois’ western border, where 550 miles of national scenic byway stretch along the Mississippi from the southern tip of state in fancifully named Cairo all the way up to East Dubuque.
Less impressive than Cahokia but still lots of fun, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle is in Collinsville, nine minutes from the UNESCO site. Deliciously silly, the 170-foot water tower was erected in 1949 and delights visitors of all ages.
In downtown Alton, jazz aficionados can pay homage to a bronze statue of Miles Davis, one of the most respected and influential musicians in history, who was born there. The historic town is also site of Abraham Lincoln’s only duel.
Traveling toward Grafton, the view is of the Mississippi River on one side and limestone bluffs on the other. Grafton is where the Mississippi meets the Illinois River, and Grafton River Adventures offers riverboat tours to suit any interest.
Explorers Meriweather Lewis and William Clark spent time in the area before they headed west on their expedition, and history buffs can learn more about them at the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford. The 150-foot tower has three observation decks at 50-foot intervals and an interpretive center. On clear days, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is visible in the distance.
