Unseen USA

Prairie State

Illinois travel guide

Chicago's skyline, lakefront and food, plus the start of Route 66.

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Capital
Springfield
Best time to go
May–Oct
Daily budget
$$$ about $200–300 a day
Fly into
ORD Chicago O'Hare
MDW Chicago Midway

Big citiesHistoryLakes & rivers

Top places to visit in Illinois

  1. Chicago

    Millennium Park, "The Bean" and the lakefront trail.

  2. Chicago architecture river cruise

    The best way to see the skyline.

  3. Art Institute of Chicago

    One of the great art museums of the world.

  4. Starved Rock State Park

    Canyons and waterfalls along the Illinois River.

  5. Springfield

    Abraham Lincoln's home, tomb and museum.

What to eat in Illinois

  • Deep-dish pizza
  • Chicago-style hot dog
  • Italian beef
  • Garrett popcorn

When is the best time to visit Illinois?

May–Oct is usually the best time to visit Illinois. Pricey: about $200–300 a day for one person, including a shared hotel room and meals.

More of the Midwest

IndianaIowaKansasMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNebraskaNorth DakotaOhioSouth DakotaWisconsin

Budgets are rough mid-range costs per person, including a shared hotel room and meals. Always check opening times and prices before you go.