Mississippi River bluffs in autumn along the Great River Road in Illinois
Explore & Destinations

Explore Illinois by Region

Four distinct regions, countless discoveries. Filter by region or search for hidden gems and the best places to visit in Illinois.

Chicago skyline at golden hour over Lake Michigan
Chicago & Beyond

Chicago Lakefront & Skyline

Architecture cruises, Millennium Park, museum campus and 26 miles of lakefront trail.

Things to do →
Charming Evanston main street at dusk
Chicago & Beyond

Evanston & the North Shore

Lakeside suburbs, Northwestern's campus, beaches and boutique dining.

Campus guide →
Historic Lincoln site in Springfield with flags
Land of Lincoln

Springfield

Abraham Lincoln sites: the home, tomb and presidential library & museum.

Read the guide →
Vintage Route 66 diner in central Illinois
Land of Lincoln

Route 66 Corridor

Classic diners, neon signs and roadside Americana from Chicago to St. Louis.

Plan the drive →
Great River Road bluffs along the Mississippi
Great Rivers Country

The Great River Road

Scenic byway hugging the Mississippi — bluffs, eagles and charming river towns.

Road trip →
Waterfall canyon at Starved Rock State Park
Great Rivers Country

Starved Rock State Park

18 canyons, seasonal waterfalls and bluff-top views over the Illinois River.

Hike it →
Garden of the Gods sandstone formations at sunset
Southern Illinois

Shawnee National Forest

Garden of the Gods, hidden trails and Illinois' best fall colors.

Explore trails →
Southern Illinois wine country tasting
Southern Illinois

Shawnee Wine Trail

Rolling vineyards and tasting rooms tucked into the southern hills.

Sip & tour →
UIUC Main Quad in Urbana-Champaign
Central · College Towns

Champaign-Urbana

The UIUC campus, Green Street and Allerton Park anchor central Illinois.

Campus guide →

Make it a campus trip

Pair any region with a visit to one of Illinois' iconic universities — our specialty.

Explore Universities