Illinois is perhaps best known for the Windy City of Chicago, a bustling metropolis renowned for its architecture and hip cultural scene. From high-end shopping and exquisite dining to vast museums and attractions to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do in Chicago. However, the Windy City is just one of the many stops worth making during your summer vacation to the Prairie State. From vibrant city life to the charm of small-town America, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Illinois.
Beyond Chicago lies the true essence of Illinois: small towns that present a different facet of the state’s identity, each filled with unique cultural heritages, historic landmarks, and local festivals that showcase a community spirit not often found in larger cities. Visiting these communities represents some of the best things to do in Illinois and offers a rare opportunity to venture into the heartland of America. From the quaint riverside towns along the Mississippi to the peaceful villages and bustling cities in central Illinois, offer an exciting mosaic of experiences.
After all, it’s in these smaller towns where you can meet the people behind the communities you find so charming. Here, you’ll find an authentic taste of the history and values of the Midwest. That is particularly true when you choose to eschew larger lodging properties like chain hotels or impersonal stays at local Airbnbs and instead choose to stay at one of the properties found among the Midwest Association of Independent Inns. Our Boutique Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Inns are located throughout the Midwest and offer an incomparable opportunity to explore Illinois in its entirety.
Unlike most modern-day lodging, the accommodations offered by our association members are owned and run by locals, who pride themselves on the personal touches they bring to every stay. From providing comfortable accommodations with the conveniences of a hotel but the comforts of home to giving personal insights into the area, there are no better places to stay in Illinois. Whether you are drawn to the dynamic streets of Chicago or the inviting charm of Illinois’ smaller towns, seek a more authentic and engaging experience and stay with one of our top-rated properties in Illinois. Book your stay today!
The Best Things to Do in Illinois This Summer
With so many things to do in Illinois at your fingertips, it can be somewhat hard to get started! We’ve put together a comprehensive start to your vacation planning, though, by highlighting 15 of the best things to do in Illinois. Our list includes a mix of activities, from some of the top attractions and things to do in Chicago to others that bring you to smaller towns and highlight the state’s cultural richness and natural beauty.
From the architectural grandeur of Chicago’s skyline to the scenic vistas along the Great River Road, each experience promises to leave a lasting impression of the Prairie State. Whether you explore world-class museums, attend vibrant festivals, or enjoy the natural landscapes, there’s something here for everyone.
- If you’re planning to visit Chicago during your trip, then you simply must visit the iconic Art Institute of Chicago. It’s not only one of the top things to do in Illinois but also one of the top cultural attractions to visit in the country. There, you’ll find an impressive collection of art that spans centuries from their permanent collection and fascinating exhibits that change throughout the year.
- While you’re in Chicago, don’t miss a Chicago Architecture Tour along the river. It’s a unique and beautiful way to see the city, and you’ll learn plenty about the buildings and history as you go.
- While there are plenty of things to do in Chicago by day, including taking in seeing views of the Willis Tower Skydeck and visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden, nights in Chicago are all about discovering the city’s vibrant nightlife and jazz clubs of Chicago.
- Chicago is just one of the many incredible cities to visit in Illinois. Don’t miss the chance to see the state’s Capital in Springfield, where you’ll find the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. With immersive displays and historical artifacts, you’ll walk in the footsteps of this giant of American history.
- The Presidential library and museum is just one of the ways to walk in Lincoln’s Footsteps in Illinois. You can visit numerous other historic attractions related to America’s 16th president in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
- While you learn more about President Lincoln’s life and legacy, visit various historic sites in Illinois related to the Underground Railroad. At different locations around the state, you can see houses and hear more about the stories as Freedom Seekers moved into and through Illinois in the post-Civil War Era.
- Understanding Civil War History is just one of the historic things to do in Illinois. You can also embrace American literary great Ernest Hemingway at the Hemingway Birthplace Museum in Oak Park.
- Speaking of history, don’t miss one of Illinois’s most popular small towns. Galena is a charming, well-preserved 19th-century town where nearly all the buildings in its downtown core are on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is beautiful and relaxing, with plenty of shopping, dining, and historic attractions, including the Ulysses S. Grant Home.
- Take a scenic drive along the Great River Road beside the mighty Mississippi, making sure to stop and enjoy the view – and even a bit of birdwatching – as you go. This is one of the most scenic things to do in Illinois.
- As you drive along the Great River Road, don’t miss stops like the ancient Cahokia Mounds, known as the largest prehistoric settlement in North America.
- Visit the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford for a peaceful stroll.
- Explore the breathtaking beauty of Starved Rock State Park. It’s one of the most popular state parks in the Midwest and certainly among the top things to do in Illinois. This stunning park is known for its captivating waterfalls and lush forestry.
- Starved Rock State Park is just one of the many fantastic state parks in Illinois. Along the Great River Road, you’ll encounter the largest state park in the state, Pere Marquette State Park. It’s a beautiful part of the state, marked by the glacial forces that moved through much of the Midwest.
- Get out on the water! There are plenty of fantastic places to canoe or kayak, including the quiet backwaters of the Mississippi River along the Great River Road and scenic stretches of the Illinois River. However, one of the best places to get out on the water is the Cache River State Natural Area in Southern Illinois.
- Get out and enjoy more of Illinois’ stunning natural scenery! One of the best things to do in Illinois is go hiking at places like the Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest.
The Best Places to Stay in Illinois
Whether you opt to explore Illinois’s vibrant urban centers or venture into the heart of the state by discovering its charming smaller towns and bucolic countryside, our curated collection of accommodations—ranging from cozy inns and luxurious hotels to rustic cabins, inviting vacation rentals, and quaint bed and breakfasts—represents the finest lodgings Illinois has to offer. Our offerings are widely recognized as among the premier places to stay in Illinois and throughout the Midwest as a whole.
Each of our partner inns across the Midwest, including those in Illinois, is committed to providing an unparalleled standard of excellence. You can expect delightful, often complimentary breakfasts, warm accommodations, and first-class amenities. Our collection guarantees a fulfilling experience accentuated by our celebrated Midwest hospitality. This includes personalized service and attention to detail that consistently goes beyond expectations. It’s little surprise, then, that our network is lauded as hosting some of the best places to stay in Illinois.
With so many incredible things to do in Illinois and some of the top places to stay nearby, it’s time to start planning an unforgettable summer adventure. No matter your destination within the state, you’ll discover top-rated inns, boutique hotels, and much more, all ready to ensure your visit is memorable. Seize this chance to experience the best of Illinois with us this summer. Secure your reservation at one of our distinguished Illinois inns or hotels today!
