Islands
  • Destinations
    • Canada
    • United States
    • Mexico
    • Central & South America
    • Caribbean & Bahamas
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • South Pacific
    • Africa
  • Travel Guides
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Air Travel
    • Travel Gear
    • Budget Friendly
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Family Friendly
    • Beaches
    • Islands
    • Tropical Vacations
    • Arts & Culture
    • Tips & Hacks
    • Dining
    • Festivals
    • Nightlife
    • Theme Parks
  • Cruises
  • Outdoor Adventure
    • National & State Parks
    • Hiking
    • Camping
    • Water Sports
  • News
  • Deals
  • Features
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Our Experts
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2026 Static Media. All Rights Reserved
Islands
Islands
Illinois
Destinations Travel Guides Cruises Outdoor Adventure News Features
  • Newsletter

Illinois

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Greenery along the Des Plaines River Trail
    By Tess Kazenoff 16 hours ago

    Chicago's Diverse Suburb Is Known For Its Restaurants, History, And Charming Parks

    While visiting this Illinois village, sit down for a picnic lunch after a refreshing hike, and for dinner, enjoy delicious seafood with a riverfront view.

    Read More
  • Historic buildings on a brick-lined street in Lebanon, Illinois
    By Erika W. Smith 20 hours ago

    Illinois' Charming College Town With The State's Oldest University Has A Historic Downtown With Cute Shops

    From historic buildings to the oldest university in the state, you won't want to miss checking out this charming city in Illinois, filled with lots of charm.

    Read More
  • Man and woman walking on the Sag Valley Trail at Cherry Hill Woods in Palos Park, Illinois
    By Ben M Stower 1 day ago

    Illinois' Artsy Suburb Outside Chicago Is Filled With Scenic Parks, Local Shops, And Quaint Restaurants

    Escape Chicago’s big city vibes for a scenic slice of nature within a quaint, artsy suburb, boasting local restaurants and shops to explore.

    Read More
  • A United Airlines aircraft at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport
    By Rachel Dennis 3 days ago

    The US Airport With The Most Flights In 2026 So Far

    This Midwest airport has recorded the most flights in 2026 so far, with hundreds of millions of travelers projected to pass through this year.

    Read More
  • View of the night sky from Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
    By Leslie Veliz 3 days ago

    Illinois' Unbeatable Spot For Stargazing

    Escape the big city lights at this Illinois destination known for low light pollution, open skies, and designated areas built for stargazing.

    Read More
  • Shrubs, trees, and prairie grass at Goose Lake Prairie, Illinois
    By Maja Proescholdt 3 days ago

    Just Outside Chicago Is Illinois' Peaceful Prairieland With Scenic Trails Filled With Wildlife

    If you're looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway from busy life near Chicago, then this nature reserve filled with hiking and wildlife is just what you need.

    Read More
  • Inside the Little Goat Diner
    By Jenna Intersimone 3 days ago

    America's Hands-Down Best Breakfast Restaurants, According To Reviews

    Breakfast is often considered to be the most important meal of the day and it just may be the tastiest -- especially at these U.S. hot spots.

    Read More
  • People sitting on grass and walking through a park under green trees, surrounded by colorful tents
    By Jess Simms 4 days ago

    Chicago's Classic Park Has An Underground, Artsy Feel

    Home to sports fields, a swimming pool, and tons of annual concerts, this Chicago park is a wonderful year-round destination for all sorts of activities.

    Read More
  • Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan
    By Kristin Conard 4 days ago

    What's The Easiest National Park To Visit From Chicago?

    Even though it's only about an hour from the city, this park couldn't feel further away with its towering sand dunes, lake views, and diverse ecosystems.

    Read More
  • A view of the Mississippi River from an overlook at Fort Kaskaskia
    By Nikolai Arto 4 days ago

    The Once-Thriving Former Capital Of Illinois Is Now A Nearly-Abandoned 'American Atlantis' With Eerie Vibes

    This former Illinois capital offers historic sites, river views, and a remote setting influenced by flooding and shifting landscapes over time.

    Read More
  • Wooden play structures at the Hidden Oaks Preserve in Illinois
    By Rene Bennett 5 days ago

    Under An Hour From Chicago Is A Family-Friendly Nature Preserve With Trails, Fishing, And Interactive Exhibits

    Visitors to Chicago (and even some locals) might be surprised to learn just how close they are to a quiet escape into a peaceful outdoor experience.

    Read More
  • View of Third Lake, Illinois
    By Caitlin McAllister 5 days ago

    Illinois' Charming Village Outside Chicago Was A Once-Thriving Resort Town That's Now A Laid-Back Nature Getaway

    This quiet Illinois village rests between two lakes and offers access to Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve, nearby beaches, scenic trails, and family attractions.

    Read More
  • A family eating deep dish pizza in Chicago
    By Rachel Dennis 6 days ago

    Chicago Or New York: Which City Really Has The Best Food?

    From deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to a New York slice and classic delicatessen delights, is Chicago or New York City a better foodie spot?

    Read More
  • Historic marker for Cardiff, Illinois, with an American flag hanging over a plaque with a metal trash can, red flowers, and a white bench, in front of a white-sided house surrounded by trees
    By Jess Simms 8 days ago

    Between Naperville And Peoria Is A Once-Thriving Illinois Coal Mining Destination That Is Now An Abandoned Ghost Town

    Between two well-known Illinois cities lies an abandoned mining site with little left behind, but plenty of history for those seeking unique travel spots.

    Read More
  • Historic downtown West Dundee in Illinois
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 8 days ago

    Illinois' Quaint Chicago Suburb Is A Riverside Village With A Charming Downtown, Shops, And Family-Friendly Fun

    Though it's quite tiny, this Chicago suburb is home to a wealth of family-friendly attractions, including a retro arcade, petting zoo, and riverside fun.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois
    By Kirtana Menon 8 days ago

    Between Chicago And Milwaukee Is Illinois' Largest Theme Park Known As The 'Thrill Capital Of The Midwest'

    This amusement park in Illinois boasts 300 acres filled with thrilling coasters, kid-friendly rides, a water park, and casual food beloved by visitors.

    Read More
  • Lake Lou Yaeger's shoreline
    By Joe Orovic 8 days ago

    Between Springfield And St. Louis Is Illinois' Vibrant Lake For Swimming, Fishing, And Beach Fun

    This vibrant lake, between Springfield and St. Louis, is an Illinois destination worth visiting thanks to its swimming, fishing, boating, and beach fun.

    Read More
  • An open country road in rural Illinois
    By Christine Dulion 9 days ago

    Nestled Between St. Louis And Indianapolis Is An Illinois Village With Camping And Rural Charm

    This small Illinois village is surrounded by towns with unique attractions, along with several lakes, campsites, and state parks for an adventurous getaway.

    Read More
  • The exterior patio of Schmidt's Towne Tap in the heart of downtown Elburn, Illinois, on a summer evening
    By Rebecca High 11 days ago

    A Small Illinois Village Is Transforming Into A Lively Chicago Suburb With A Cute Main Street

    Experience the relaxing vibe of small-town life while supporting a variety of local businesses in this growing village located west of Chicago.

    Read More
  • An aerial view of Navy Pier and the adjacent Addams Memorial Park in Chicago
    By Erika W. Smith 12 days ago

    This Charming Chicago City Park Right Next To Navy Pier Offers Intimate Lakeside Views

    Any time you find a quiet getaway in a major city, it feels special. The same goes for this small park right in the heart of Chicago's downtown.

    Read More
  • Autumn on Lake Defiance An overcast fall day on Lake Defiance, Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry County, Illinois
    By Stephen Hanson 12 days ago

    Nestled Between Chicago And Madison Is Illinois' Sprawling State Park Escape For Trails And Lake Fun

    Escape the big cities of the Midwest by adventuring through this large state park in Illinois, featuring lake recreation opportunities and hiking trails.

    Read More
  • A drone shot of golf courses near Golf, Illinois
    By Rebecca High 12 days ago

    Illinois' Tiny Village Outside Chicago Is A Historic Golfing Haven

    A tiny village near Chicago, Illinois has been a golfing haven since the days that most of its patrons arrived on horseback, and it remains renowned today.

    Read More
  • Millennium Park and Cloud Gate landmark in fall foliage
    By Rory Buccheri 12 days ago

    Chicago's 4 Most Highly Anticipated Local Restaurants Expected To Open In 2026, According To Foodies

    Discover some of Chicago’s most anticipated restaurant openings expected in 2026, from taquerias and Peruvian-Japanese fusion spots to fine dining.

    Read More
  • The lakeside view at Weldon Spring State Park in Illinois
    By Joe Orovic 13 days ago

    Between Chicago And St. Louis Is An Underrated Illinois State Park With Hiking Trails, Lake Views, And Fishing

    Home to a 29-acre lake, cozy hiking trails, and a campground suitable both for tents and RVs, this Illinois state park is a great spot for outdoor adventures.

    Read More
  • river flowing through forest with fall foliage at Kankakee River State Park, Illinois
    By Jen Ottolino 14 days ago

    Nestled Between Chicago And Springfield Is A Lovely Illinois State Park With Trails, Camping, And River Views

    A great state park is something to treasure, especially one you can get to quickly from Chicago. Check this park out for gorgeous riverside camping.

    Read More
  • Street of antique shops in downtown Sandwich, Illinois
    By Rory Buccheri 15 days ago

    Illinois' Charming Chicago Suburb Is A Peaceful City With A Quaint Downtown, Antique Shops, And A Museum

    If you want to visit a place that has plenty of entertainment while still avoiding the hustle and bustle of a city, head to this family-friendly Illinois spot.

    Read More
  • A view of Aurora, Illinois, with a bridge crossing over the Fox River
    By Karla Demery 16 days ago

    Aurora's Premiere Shopping Mall In The Chicago Suburbs Blends Top Retailers With Locally Owned Shops

    This renovated mall in the Chicago suburb of Aurora is luring new shoppers with a unique blend of big name retailers and locally owned boutiques.

    Read More
Back
Next
About Privacy Policy
© 2026 Static Media® Islands.com All Rights Reserved
More From Static Media
BGRChowhoundCutenessExploreFoodieFood RepublicGarden GuidesGlamGrungeHealth DigestHouse DigestHunkerJalopnikLooperMashedMoney DigestNicki SwiftOutdoor GuidePlanetWareSciencingSlashFilmSlashGearSVGTasting TableThe Daily MealThe ListThe TakeoutTVLineWomenWrestling Inc.
Islands