When you can’t get away for a full vacation, quick weekend trips are the next best thing. Living in Illinois affords you many options for places to visit in and out of the state. Below are eight of the best attractions that call Illinois home.
It takes two days to enjoy each of the wonders in this list. Scroll on for more information.
- The Quad Cities
Wikimedia Commons/Farragutful On the Illinois side, this means Moline and Rock Island. Right on the border with Iowa along the Mississippi River, these towns have a plethora of fun attractions to offer. Hang out at a park, catch a show or game, and eat out at any number of amazing eateries.
- Matthiessen State Park/Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
Flickr/Tripp Situated right next to each other, these state parks offer wonderlands of nature and beauty. Similar to the southern portion of the state, rock formations and waterfalls abound here. Stay at a nearby campground or resort so you can fully experience each place.
- Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Drive in Zion
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen Located along Lake Michigan at the northern most tip of the state, this fabulous state park has been a favorite destination for weekend trips for decades. You don’t have to plan a vacation to the Bahamas to enjoy sand and sun.
- Chicago
Flickr/Danny Navarro Our state’s largest city is one of the best places in America to visit. If you live in Illinois, you’re close enough to enjoy all the wonderful sights here through a series of weekend trips. Museums, famous restaurants, parks, art, and many more attractions abound.
- Alton
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens Just north of St. Louis across the Mississippi River is one of Illinos’ best towns. It is riddled with history concerning the likes of Miles Davis, Robert Wadlow, and Abraham Lincoln. You could spend an entire weekend touring the landmarks, seeing shows, eating amazing food, and seeing all the sights.
- Shawnee National Forest
Flickr/David Wilson Taking up the majority of Southern Illinois, this fabulous oasis of nature contains multiple state parks with natural attractions most do not believe exist in Illinois. Enjoy rock formations, waterfalls, caves, and much more at places like Garden of the Gods and Giant City State Park.
- Galena
Flickr/Tomcio77 Illinois’ premier resort town is a charming community that lives life the old-fashioned way. Full of antique stores, boutique restaurants, and other vintage shops, weekend trips to this town are always memorable. Any number of bed & breakfasts here will make your stay perfect.
- Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway in Gurnee
Flickr/Daniel M. Hendricks This mega fun adventure land of thrills and rides has been a favorite place to travel for Illinoisans of all ages. Featuring 16 roller coasters, this theme park has the fifth most coasters in the world. It takes up 20 acres, and there are many nearby hotels and campgrounds you can stay at to make a whole weekend of it.
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Wikimedia Commons/Farragutful
On the Illinois side, this means Moline and Rock Island. Right on the border with Iowa along the Mississippi River, these towns have a plethora of fun attractions to offer. Hang out at a park, catch a show or game, and eat out at any number of amazing eateries.
Flickr/Tripp
Situated right next to each other, these state parks offer wonderlands of nature and beauty. Similar to the southern portion of the state, rock formations and waterfalls abound here. Stay at a nearby campground or resort so you can fully experience each place.
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
Located along Lake Michigan at the northern most tip of the state, this fabulous state park has been a favorite destination for weekend trips for decades. You don’t have to plan a vacation to the Bahamas to enjoy sand and sun.
Flickr/Danny Navarro
Our state’s largest city is one of the best places in America to visit. If you live in Illinois, you’re close enough to enjoy all the wonderful sights here through a series of weekend trips. Museums, famous restaurants, parks, art, and many more attractions abound.
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens
Just north of St. Louis across the Mississippi River is one of Illinos’ best towns. It is riddled with history concerning the likes of Miles Davis, Robert Wadlow, and Abraham Lincoln. You could spend an entire weekend touring the landmarks, seeing shows, eating amazing food, and seeing all the sights.
Flickr/David Wilson
Taking up the majority of Southern Illinois, this fabulous oasis of nature contains multiple state parks with natural attractions most do not believe exist in Illinois. Enjoy rock formations, waterfalls, caves, and much more at places like Garden of the Gods and Giant City State Park.
Flickr/Tomcio77
Illinois’ premier resort town is a charming community that lives life the old-fashioned way. Full of antique stores, boutique restaurants, and other vintage shops, weekend trips to this town are always memorable. Any number of bed & breakfasts here will make your stay perfect.
Flickr/Daniel M. Hendricks
This mega fun adventure land of thrills and rides has been a favorite place to travel for Illinoisans of all ages. Featuring 16 roller coasters, this theme park has the fifth most coasters in the world. It takes up 20 acres, and there are many nearby hotels and campgrounds you can stay at to make a whole weekend of it.
What other weekend trips do you love to take in Illinois? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments below!
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