Illinois

Travelers flock to the shores of Lake Michigan to explore all that Chicago has to offer, whether it’s a baseball pilgrimage to Wrigley Field, a shopping trip on the Magnificent Mile or the chance to see some of world’s most famous paintings at Art Institute of Chicago. But there is much more to Illinois, whether you want to spend time in Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln spent most of his adult life and is remembered at a world-class museum bearing his name, or explore outdoor recreation destinations across the state.

Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois (photo by Matt Haas)

Explore life on the Midwestern frontier in Elizabeth, Illinois, at this living-history destination with activities, costumed reenactors and special events. 

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois (photo courtesy of Visit Hendricks County)

Explore marine life in Chicago, Illinois, at this 422,000-square-foot aquarium that is the third-largest attraction of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Chicago Illinois (photo by Marcin Cymmer)

Once a jazz club, this Chicago, Illinois, spot elevates the steakhouse experience with prime beef, great cocktails and shareable desserts. 

Candlelit Roman bath at Aire Ancient Baths in Chicago, Illinois (photo courtesy of Aire Ancient Baths)

Enjoy the ancient Roman practice of “taking to the waters” at this luxurious space in Chicago, Illinois, that is dedicated to tranquility and relaxation. 

People swimming in giant sprinkle pool at Museum Of Ice Cream in Chicago, Illinois (photo courtesy of Museum Of Ice Cream)

This attraction housed in Chicago, Illinois’ historic Tribune Tower offers 14 installations, including the chance to swim in a pool of giant sprinkles. 

People standing on train platform next to red trolley car at Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Illinois (photo courtesy of Fox River Trolley Museum)

Go for train rides and explore a collection of antique rail cars at this South Elgin, Illinois, museum. 

Torture instruments at the Medieval Torture Museum in Chicago, Illinois (photo courtesy of Medieval Torture Museum)

This macabre museum in Chicago showcases more than 100 torture devices — 30% of which are original to their time, while the rest are replicas that give visitors an idea of their craft and use.

Giant mailbox in Casey, Illinois (photo courtesy of Casey Chamber of Commerce)

From a towering mailbox to a giant golf tee, the intricate details and bright colors of these larger-than-life works capture visitors’ imaginations in Casey, Illinois.

Fully furnished dollhouse at The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky (photo by Jon Sachs)

This Danville, Kentucky, attraction’s more than 200 fully furnished dollhouses and room boxes exhibit the tiniest, most exquisite details. 

Bald eagle mid-flight in southwest Illinois (photo by Scott Evers)

This entire region of Illinois is one of the prime winter nesting sites in the Midwest for American bald eagles. Plan your visit around one of these events.