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Illinois

  • Cobblestone streets fill the downtown area of Long Grove, Illinois
    By Rachael Ellenbogen 1 day ago

    Illinois' First Historic District Blends Cobblestone Charm With Festivals, Upscale Dining, And Breweries

    Check out this historic town near Chicago to enjoy creative cuisine, sip local wine, attend vibrant festivals, and even visit a sock monkey museum.

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  • Chairs against river backdrop with woodlands in fall colors
    By Rory Buccheri 2 days ago

    Chicago's Woodlands Preservation Community Is A Unique Garden-Filled Suburb With Lagoons And Modern Architecture

    A quiet corner of Chicago holds a woodlands community, a natural nook protected by its residents, where some of architecture's most famous names built homes.

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  • A sunny day at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
    By Kate Mothes 3 days ago

    An Hour Outside Of Chicago Is A Stretch Of Restored Prairie Preserve For A Serene City Break Of Vibrant Trails

    Need a break from the busy streets of Chicago? Venture south to a 20,000-acre prairie, offering miles of trails and a chance to view an abundance of wildlife.

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  • Aerial view of Chicago
    By Sanjay Surana 5 days ago

    These Under-The-Radar Chicago Gems Deserve A Spot On Every Traveler's Itinerary

    Chicago's most famous attractions are obviously a must, but what of the Windy City's many magnificent spots that most tourists seem to overlook? Let's go.

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  • View of an Elizabethtown street
    By Kaira Carter 5 days ago

    Illinois' Quaint Riverfront Village Has Unique Floating Bars, Limestone Cliffs, And Serene Hiking Trails

    Southern Illinois is full of rolling hills and limestone cliffs and this quaint riverfront village also has floating bars and hundreds of miles of trails.

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  • The Natural Bridge stone archway is the centerpiece of the Natural Bridge State Park in Slade, Kentucky.
    By Heather L. Whitley 7 days ago

    State Parks Are Free To Visit In These Friendly, Welcoming States

    Upgrade your summer with an epic and totally free visit to these state parks, where you can hunt for diamonds, play in boulder fields, and chase waterfalls.

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  • View of Golconda's fields and trees from above
    By Sophia Moss 9 days ago

    One Of Illinois' Oldest River Towns Still Feels Like The 19th Century With Historic Churches And Small-Town Beauty

    Chicago steals the spotlight when it comes to Illinois getaways, but tucked along the Ohio River near Kentucky is a charming town with gorgeous architecture.

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  • The Hinsdale Memorial Building
    By David McElhinney 9 days ago

    A Charming Illinois Village On Chicago's Doorstep Has A Picturesque Downtown, Good Eats, And Friendly Community

    When visiting Chicago, don't miss out on this nearby suburb with acclaimed restaurants, friendly people, and a historic downtown, all just a train ride away.

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  • Chicago, Illinois skyline with a park in the foreground
    By Jess Simms 12 days ago

    A Midwest Haven Outside Of Chicago Mingles Forested Parks And One Of America's Top Art Fairs

    Sited just outside of Chicago is the village of Park Forest, known for its longstanding juried art fair and its 2,000 acres of parks and green spaces.

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  • Lake at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois
    By Anahid Akkam 12 days ago

    Nestled Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is A Walkable Village With Lake Access And Vintage Charm

    This village is close to two major Midwestern cities and offers visitors endless lake adventures and a charming downtown area with food, shops, and more

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  • A city street blocked off by yellow crime scene tape with blurred out police officers in the background
    By Nina Phillips 13 days ago

    America's Most Dangerous City Is An Unexpected Midwest Destination (And It's Not Chicago Or Detroit)

    This small Midwestern city may not often make it into the evening news, but it has the highest violent crime rate in the U.S. according to the FBI.

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  • Historic Bishop Hill Steeple
    By Rory Buccheri 14 days ago

    A Historic Illinois Prairie Village Is Preserving Swedish Heritage With Handmade Crafts And 19th-Century Charm

    This Illinois gem gives colonial history a twist, offering visitors a unique look at how Swedish culture remains alive and well in rural America.

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  • Aerial view of Clarendon Hills at dusk
    By Madeleine Bee 15 days ago

    One Of America's Top Suburbs Is An Affluent Chicago Village With Porch Swings, Parks, And Pedigree Schools

    Looking to settle down with a slower-paced life, but still crave the city? This Chicago suburb offers a mix of easy access to the city and great atmosphere.

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  • Police crime scene in Chicago
    By Jack Hawkins 17 days ago

    The Chicago Neighborhood Often Called The City's 'Most Violent' And Unsafe

    Chicago is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S., but there are some parts of the city that can be dangerous, like this crime-ridden neighborhood.

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  • Aerial shot of the charming community of Downers Grove in Illinois
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 19 days ago

    This Vibrant Chicago Suburb Is An Underrated Gem With Local Eats, Family Parks, And Small‑town Charm

    Chicago may have charm, but it's in this underrated suburb where those small-town delights surface, accompanied by serene parks and fantastic eats.

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  • A view of Illinois Beach State Park
    By Adela Reyes 20 days ago

    Situated Between Milwaukee And Chicago Is A Lake Michigan City With Dunes And Fun Festivals

    This hidden gem in Illinois is perfect for lovers of the outdoors. It's also close to some major cities, giving you the best of both worlds.

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  • Classic boat jetting past Waukegan lighthouse.
    By Jill Zwarensteyn 21 days ago

    Illinois' Artsy City Outside Of Chicago On Lake Michigan's Shores Has Waterfront Charm And Top-Rated Golf

    Hit the links, sunbathe on the shores of Lake Michigan, and peruse art galleries in this charming city just north of Chicago; it's the perfect weekend escape.

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  • aerial view of blue water and green trees with bridge behind it
    By Ian Goldstein 1 month ago

    'Gem City' Is A Growing Artsy Destination In Illinois With Riverfront Charm, Parks, And Cute Neighborhoods

    Perched on the edge of the Illinois border on the Mississippi River, this "gem" of a city is rich with European history, architecture, and natural beauty.

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  • Cute, colored buildings line Princeton's Main Street
    By Rebecca High 1 month ago

    The Friendly Unsung Illinois City With An Iconic Park, Historic Charm, And A Variety Of Entertainment

    This underrated Illinois city was an important stop on the Underground Railroad and is home to many parks, adorable shops, amazing eateries, and more.

    Read More
  • Forest Park Beach viewing area and shoreline
    By Alex Lauzon 1 month ago

    Illinois' Breezy Clearwater Beach Blends Coastal Calm With Blufftop Trails And Serene Boardwalk Strolls

    Just a short drive from Chicago, this dramatic beach has been a popular destination for decades, offering a peaceful boardwalk and serene waters.

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  • View from Hanover Earth Station, Illinois
    By Kayo Chang Black 1 month ago

    Illinois' Abandoned Area That Was An Important Earth Station Is Now A Hauntingly Beautiful Ruin

    This abandoned area in Illinois once had a particular use that made it easier for people to make calls globally. Now, it's an interesting outdoorsy destination.

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  • Minnnesota Cave
    By Isabel OToole 1 month ago

    The Midwest's New 'Dark Trail' Is A Road Trip Through A Stunningly Unique Landscape Of Rivers And Caves

    Whether you're a nature lover or simply seeking a scenic drive through the heart of the Midwest, the DARK Trail provides a one-of-a-kind adventure to consider.

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  • Historic Gallatin County Courthouse in Shawneetown, Illinois
    By Rory Buccheri 1 month ago

    One Of Illinois' Oldest Communities Is Surrounded By National Forests And Packed With Historic Charm

    With picturesque views of the surrounding national forests, this delightful, historic town in Illinois offers visitors many chances for outdoor adventures.

    Read More
  • Carroll County courthouse in Mount Carroll, Illinois
    By Megi Canco 1 month ago

    The 'New England Of The Midwest' Is An Overlooked Riverside City With Creative Culture And Small-Town Warmth

    Brimming with New England-like charm, this hidden jewel of a city offers the best of both worlds — artistic flair and outdoorsy fun at the water's edge.

    Read More
  • View of buildings, pedestrians, and river in River North
    By Marcia Frost 1 month ago

    This Bustling, Artsy Chicago Neighborhood Is Home To A Thriving Nightlife Scene, Trendy Bars, And Clubs

    With river views, trendy vibes, and a nightlife scene that will leave you spoiled for choice, this artsy Chicago neighborhood can be your next getaway or move.

    Read More
  • Rockford, Illinois, at night
    By Jonathan Houston 2 months ago

    Illinois' 'City Of Gardens' Has Stunning Green Spaces, Outdoor Thrills, And Endless Recreation

    Prepare for expanses of greenery and vibrant floral displays in Illinois' "City of Gardens," complete with outdoor thrills and ample recreation.

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  • Elmhurst, Illinois, view from above
    By Rory Buccheri 2 months ago

    This Quaint Chicago Suburb With Parks, Trails, And Shops Is An Illinois Gem Undergoing An Urban Renaissance

    Once overlooked, this hidden gem on the outskirts of Chicago is now on the radar for its vibrant culture, incredible shopping, and access to nature.

    Read More
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