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    Illinois

Sightseeing at the Bean in downtown Chicago, IllinoisFrom the grand lights of Chicago to the mighty rivers along the southern lines, Illinois is a land fit for the start of many journeys. The soulful center of cultures from the Midwest and beyond can be found as a good place for long and short trips. Whether you wish to see the waters of the Great Lakes, enjoy the comforts of its welcoming towns, or find yourself surrounded by natural wonders, Illinois allows for unforgettable memories and bonds to be made.

Illinois is loaded with scenic beauty, venues, and events throughout every season. Check out the stories, itineraries, venues and events below. Be sure to confirm venue and event details directly before traveling.


Where is the best place to visit in Illinois?

As one of the most scenic states in the Midwest, it is no wonder that Illinois hosts an admirable bounty of attractions for sightseeing and exploration! Whether it is the urban hum of artistic and conservation exhibitions or the expanse of park lands and lakefronts, there is plenty that the state has to offer and plenty more to be enjoyed! Some of our favorite Illinois places to see are...


Where is the best place to stay in Illinois?

The establishments of Illinois have a sense for hospitality that make for some of the most unforgettable lodging experiences across its many regions. What could be better after a long day of travel than settling down for the best in rest and relaxation with some of our favorite Illinois places to stay...


Where is the best place to eat in Illinois?

Illinois is a surprisingly diverse landscape when it comes to its dining experiences! A rich tapestry of local tastes and classic bites from Chicago to Grafton and everywhere that good food and good times can be found! Some of our favorite Illinois places to eat are...


What are the best towns to visit in Illinois?

With so much to offer, the cities and towns of Illinois are the backdrop to every adventure across this wonderful state! With a lifetime of opportunities to be had, having one town to explore for a trip is more than enough to make lasting memories! Some of our favorite Illinois towns to visit are...

5 Homes for the Holidays

Getaway for the holiday season! Come and take a look at our favorite homes away from the best Midwest holiday stays in Illinois.

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Galena, Illinois Wine Weekend Getaway

Galena, Illinois is a historic town settled in a region known for its year-round beauty and renowned attractions. With vacation season always being around the corner, Galena with its hospitality and charming sights is fit for a perfect vineyard-centric getaway! With delicious local fare, pleasant stays, and fine selections of wine, there is much to enjoy. Come and enjoy our selection of Galena's wonderful locales in this Wine Weekend Getaway!

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5 Fun Fall Festivals 2025

With Autumn settling in, there is no better time than now to enjoy the many festivities across the Midwest this season. Our selection of festivals has drawn in countless tourists over the years. Come and explore our personal picks for Midwest Fall Festivals... especially, Sycamore Pumpkin Festival in Sycamore, IL!

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2025 Top 5 Favs for Fall Colors

Fall is approaching, and there is no better time to go out and see the Midwest seasonal sights than now! And with our selection of Fall Favs, you're sure to find the perfect spot for this Fall color show! Come explore our spots to stay, play, and dine in our #3 pick of Lake County, Illinois!

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Top 5 Fun Evanston, IL

Settled in Chicago's North Shore, the city of Evanston, IL represents vibrancy and hospitality. Come with us as we explore some of what makes Evanston, Illinois a great weekend getaway!

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Midwest Beach Road Trip

The American Heartland maintains its position as a great source of natural beauty. And reaching across the northern borders is the impressive Great Lakes region with thousands of miles to wander! Regardless of the season, there is always a journey waiting out there! Grab your swimsuit, pack the car, and get sandy with our Midwest Beach Road Trip!

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Midwest 5 Parks for Your First Hike

February 7, 2024 - Time to hit the trails! Take a look at 5 of our favorite parks for Midwest hiking in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

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5 Favorite Illinois Beach Towns

The warm sand of Illinois' North Shore is calling! Come and have a look at 5 of our favorite beach towns in Illinois which are all sure to make for a great getaway this summer! Fun fact: All of the Illinois beaches in our selection have been top-rated by visitors for more than twenty years in a row!

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5 Family-friendly Indoor Illinois Activities

February 23, 2024 - The Midwest Winter is often a time to bundle up and stay inside with the family, but there is more to the season than staying at home! Check out some of our favorite family-friendly Illinois indoor activities.

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5 Favorites in Galena, IL

Located in the Northwest corner of Illinois, just two hours and forty-five minutes from Chicago, is the historic town of Galena, Illinois. This picturesque town was home to Ulysses S. Grant and is best known for rolling country sides, rocky bluffs, wineries, antiques, bed and breakfasts, and unique events throughout the year making Galena, IL the perfect weekend getaway!

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2024 Top 10 Favs for Fall Color Getaways

Happy Fall Y'all! There is nothing better than watching all the chancing Fall colors. Take a look at our 2024 favorites for watching the colors change in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

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Midwest Top 10 Winter Playground Getaways

October 23, 2023 - Love to play in the snow? Take a look at our 2023-2024 top picks for in our Midwest Winter playground. Check out our top picks for a Winter playground getaways.

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Midwest Top 10 Favorites for Holiday Lights

December 18, 2023 - Get into the holiday spirit by taking a look at our 2023 top picks for holiday light shows in the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin.

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Midwest 5 Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

January 26, 2024 - Ready to hit some Midwest slopes? Take a look at our favorite family-friendly slopes for skiing and snowboarding in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

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Midwest Top 10 Fall Colors

October 1, 2023 - There is nothing more picturesque than the changing of Fall colors. Take a look at our 2023 top picks for watching the colors change in the Midwest.

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Upcoming Illinois Events

Tree0ninE Festival

Sat, Mar 7, 12 – 5 PM
Tree0ninE Festival is coming to The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL for an …

Boy George & Culture Club

Sun, Mar 8, 6 – 9 PM CDT
Ticket listings for Boy George & Culture Club at Hard Rock Casino Rockford in …

Club Romo Presents: Lisa Lisa!

Sun, Mar 8, 1 – 4 PM CDT
It's another Club Romo Daytime at Joe's Live in Rosemont on Sunday, March 8, …

Club Romo Presents: Lisa Lisa!

Sun, Mar 8, 1 PM CDT
Club Romo Presents: Lisa Lisa! takes place at the Rosemont Market Place. Lisa …

Amber Mark

Thu, Mar 12, 6 – 8 PM CDT
Gametime is offering last-minute concert tickets to Amber Mark at House of …

Wheatus

Sat, Mar 14, 6:30 – 10:00 PM CDT
Find tickets for Wheatus at Arcada Theatre in St Charles on 3/14/2026 at 6:30 PM

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild

Tue, Mar 17, 6:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Mar 17, 2026 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Wild vs Blackhawks at Fatpour—One Goal, grab …

Family Values: Tributes to Korn, Limp Bizkit, Avenged …

Fri, Mar 20, 6 – 9 PM
Afterlife Presents: THE FAMILY VALUES TRIBUTE NIGHT A full-force celebration …

Candlelight - A Tribute to Queen

Fri, Mar 27, 6:30 – 7:29 PM
Ticket listings for Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Stan Mansion in …

ERRA & Currents: The Silence Follows Tour 2026

Sat, Mar 28, 5:30 – 7:30 PM CDT
Attend the ERRA & Currents: The Silence Follows Tour 2026 event in Chicago, …

Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Muti/Tchaikovsky & Rota

Sun, Mar 29, 3 – 5 PM CDT
Attend the Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky and Rota event in Chicago, IL at the …

Max McNown

Wed, Apr 15, 7 – 10 PM EDT
Find tickets for Max McNown at Old National Centre in Indianapolis on …

Yellowcard

Sat, May 16, 6 – 9 PM CDT
Attend the Yellowcard: The Up Up Down Down Tour event in Chicago, IL at the …

Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Evgeny Kissin

Sun, May 17, 3 – 5 PM CDT
Find tickets for Evgeny Kissin at Chicago Symphony Center in Chicago on …

Cody Johnson

Sat, May 30, 6:00 – 9:30 PM CDT
Find tickets for Cody Johnson at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on 5/30/2026 at …

MARTIN GARRIX AMERICAS TOUR

Thu, Jun 25, 6:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Find tickets for Martin Garrix at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly …

MARTIN GARRIX AMERICAS TOUR

Fri, Jun 26, 6:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Find tickets for Martin Garrix at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly …

Tyler Childers

Sun, Jul 12, 6:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Find tickets for Tyler Childers with Jon Batiste and Wednesday at Wrigley …

Avenged Sevenfold

Thu, Jul 30, 6 – 8 PM CDT
Find tickets for Avenged Sevenfold with Good Charlotte at Credit Union 1 …

Lainey Wilson

Sat, Aug 15, 5:30 – 9:30 PM CDT
Find tickets for Lainey Wilson at Illinois State Fairgrounds Il State Fair in …