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Illinois

  • a green forest with mossy rocks and a waterfall falling over the cliffs
    By Allie Johnson

    This Quiet Illinois State Park Is Dotted With Wild Trails, Caves, Unique Rock Formations, And Waterfalls

    Illinois has much more to see than just Chicago. In fact, there's plenty of nature to explore including this quiet state park filled with caves and wild trails.

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  • Chicago Midway International Airport with bomber plane and concourse A
    By Cheryl Kochenderfer

    One Of America's Most Convenient Airports Is Also One Of Its Worst With Limited Space And Severe Delays

    Although one of America’s most convenient airports is easily accessible, the small layout and delay issues make it less than desirable during long travel days.

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  • An ice cream cone in front of Chicago's skyline on the water
    By Richard Milner

    Chicago's 'Hobbit Door' Ice Cream Shop Is A Little-Known Gem With A Unique Family-Friendly Surprise

    Enjoy dessert and a show at Chicago’s pop-up ice cream shop that serves delicious treats through a unique setup that the whole family will get a kick out of.

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  • Ernest Hemingway's childhood home near Chicago.
    By Michelle Arellano Martin

    Chicago's Cute Next-Door Neighbor Is A Walkable Village With Small-Town Charm And Immaculate Architecture

    Just beyond Chicago's borders lies a quaint village steeped in history with an impressive collection of world-famous architecture and a fabulous arts district.

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  • Vibrant flowers in front of lake at Chicago Botanic Garden
    By Marta Benigni

    Just North Of Chicago Is A Lakeside Village Teeming With Lush Gardens, Parks, And Hollywood History

    This town in northern Chicago has it all: stunning outdoor parks and gardens, unique architecture, and a history of famous movies being filmed there.

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  • Downtown Rosemont, Illinois is filled with restaurants and hotels
    By Rachael Ellenbogen

    This Illinois Village Is A Thriving Mecca Of Tourism With Flea Markets And Fun For A Sweet Midwest Getaway

    Looking for all the perks of Chicago but with a smaller feel? There is one Illinois village that you just have to visit — and it's not far.

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  • Water flowing through Matthiessen State Park in Illinois
    By Mina Elwell

    Starved Rock State Park's Underappreciated Neighbor Is A Surreal Illinois Gem Full Of Canyons And Waterfalls

    Walk through a pristine natural setting with mossy canyon walls and cascading waterfalls at an underrated Illinois state park next to Starved Rock.

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  • Friends walking down the street
    By Amara Michelle

    The 5 Best Free Walking Tours In All Of Chicago, According To Popularity Ratings

    If you're finding yourself in the Windy City, be sure to check out any of these five highly rated and recommended free walking tours of Chicago.

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  • The historic temple in Nauvoo with a blue-sky backdrop
    By Ben M Stower

    This Underrated Illinois City Feels Like A Page Out Of History With Horse-Drawn Wagons And Riverside Charm

    With a history dating back to the 1840s, this Illinois city offers riverside charm, wagon rides, and unique attractions, from glass blowing to iconic landmarks.

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  • A drag queen holds a rainbow flag at a pride celebration in Chicago
    By Rene Bennett

    This Lively Lakeside Midwestern Destination Is America's Safest City For LGBTQ+ Travelers In 2025

    For queer-owned cafes, LGBTQ+ art, welcoming nightlife spots, and more, head to this Midwestern city named the safest for LGTBQ+ travelers in 2025.

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  • Person in pretzel costume at Pretzel Fest in Freeport, IL
    By Rebecca High

    'Pretzel City' Is A Delightfully Quirky Illinois City With Culinary Treats And Midwest History

    If you are a fan of soft pretzels, then heading to Illinois' "Pretzel City" is a must for culinary fun, great history, and that classic Midwestern quirky charm.

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  • Amish town in the U.S. countryside
    By Rory Buccheri

    A Village In The Heart Of Illinois Amish Country Is Full Of Culture, Farms, And Small-Town Charm

    Immerse yourself in authentic Amish culture in this small Illinois town, where you can tour the local farms and maybe even ride a horse and buggy.

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  • An empty road in the city of Chicago
    By Nicole Cord-Cruz

    This Toll-Filled Route Between Two Iconic American Cities Is One You'll Want To Avoid

    A road trip between these two U.S. cities may seem like a good idea, but with the expensive tolls along the way, you're better off taking a train or plane.

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  • North Avenue Beach with Chicago skyline
    By Alex Lauzon

    One Of Chicago's Most Popular Swim Spots Is A Lively Stretch Of Sand With A Beach House And Iconic Views

    If you're in Chicago during the summer, don't miss out on this local beach spot with stunning lake views, water sports, swimming, and a sandy shore.

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  • Elgin Illinois and the Fox River
    By Jon Bitner

    This Illinois 'City In The Suburbs' Is An Artsy Gem Near Chicago With Diverse Dining, Trails, And Shops.

    Not far from the booming metropolis of Chicago is an artsy city with a suburban feel and access to diverse cuisine, hiking trails, and plenty of shopping.

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  • Chicago citiscape on the shore of Lake Michigan
    By Judith Barnes

    Chicago's Culinary Adventure Is A Solo Traveler's Dream With Curated Dinners And Engaging Games

    Traveling to a huge city like Chicago can seem intimidating when you're alone, unless you take advantage of this creative nightlife and dining tour.

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  • Elegant steak and potatoes meal at fine dining restaurant
    By Joe Garza

    One Of Chicago's Most Famous Steakhouses Is A Mouth-Watering Foodie Haven With A Unique French Flair

    For a heavenly steakhouse experience, head to this famous restaurant and foodie haven in Chicago for perfectly cooked meat dishes with unique French flair.

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  • The Riverwalk in Naperville
    By Jon Bitner

    The Best Place To Live In America For 2025 Is A Charming Little Midwest Suburb With Big-City Amenities

    For the second year in a row, this charming Midwest city was ranked the best place to live in America. Here’s what to expect for your next trip or big move.

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  • Main Street in Galena, Illinois
    By Jon Bitner

    This Underrated Midwest Town With Cozy Inns, Local Wineries, And Historic Charm Is A Top Illinois Getaway

    This Midwest town in Illinois is a must-visit for its local wineries, Victorian-era buildings, and historic hotels that have seen the likes of Abraham Lincoln.

    Read More
  • People sitting inside Kanin
    By Jenna Kelley

    Chicago's New Filipino-Hawaiian Street Food Restaurant Is So Popular That It Sells Out Of Food By Midday

    Enjoy authentic Filipino-Hawaiian cuisine in this new Chicago eatery, so long as you don't mind hour-long waits and get there before the menu sells out.

    Read More
  • A street view of the city of Galena, Illinois
    By Digna Joseph

    These Scenic Road Trips From Chicago Showcase Stunning National Parks And Pristine Sandy Beaches

    Living in a big city certainly has its perks, but every once in a while it's nice to get away. These scenic road trips out of Chicago are the perfect fit.

    Read More
  • Downtown Chicago
    By Jonathan Houston

    This Chic Chicago Neighborhood Offers Diverse Shopping, Live Music, And Fantastic Dining Options

    Enjoy delicious international cuisines, live music performances, and chic boutiques in a Chicago neighborhood that is close to the city’s iconic attractions.

    Read More
  • Lobby of The Langham
    By Chala June

    Chicago's Lavish Hotel Offers Floor-To-Ceiling Window Views, Heated Bathroom Floors, And A Luxurious Spa

    At this five-star hotel located in an iconic Chicago skyscraper, guests can enjoy beautiful suites, wonderful spa treatments, and world-class food.

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  • Street view of Chicago Gold Coast neighborhood with 19th-century townhomes
    By Lauren Kershner

    An Elegant Chicago Neighborhood With Old-World Charm Is A Timeless Destination For Upscale Shopping

    Chicago boasts 77 neighborhoods, with something for every traveler. For old-world charm, luxe shopping, storied architecture, and more, visit this elegant gem.

    Read More
  • Kumar's Corner in Avondale
    By Joe Garza

    A Chicago Neighborhood With A Horror-Themed Café And Top-Rated Beer Is One Of The City's Coolest Spots

    A Chicago neighborhood will astound visitors with cool hangout spots, including excellent taprooms and a unique horror-themed cafe that hosts film screenings.

    Read More
  • The cityscape view across Lake Michigan of Rogers Park
    By Jenna Kelley

    Tucked Along Chicago's Scenic Lakeshore Is An Artsy Neighborhood Offering Diverse Culinary Excellence

    Escape Chicago's touristy neighborhoods and head to this vibrant area filled with colorful murals, sculptures, and delicious food from around the world.

    Read More
  • Two people paddleboarding on a lake in the Midwest
    By Alex Lauzon

    A Gorgeous Illinois Destination Boasts Soft Sandy Beaches, Vibrant Blue Waters, And Waterpark Amenities

    For an escape from the summer heat of Illinois, head to this destination with white-sand beaches, bright blue freshwater, and a floating obstacle course.

    Read More
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