Whether you’re sampling deep dish pizza in , visiting Lincoln’s Log Cabin, or heading to the Gateway International Raceway for some high-octane racing, there’s fun to be had all over Illinois.
Illinois achieved statehood in 1818, and today is the 5th most populous state behind Florida. With history from Native American inhabitants going back 7,000 years and French explorers who settled before Americans, Illinois is a state with a lot of stories to tell.
Illinois also boasts 3 US Presidents living in Illinois when they were elected: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Barack Obama. Ronald Regan also grew up in Illinois, though he moved Iowa after graduating from college.
Chicago, the 3th biggest city in the USA by population, is by far the most vacation-friendly spot in Illinois. The “Windy City” boasts an abundance of things to do, both educational and exciting. The Lincoln Park Zoo, Apollo Theatre, Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Art Institute Chicago, Chicago Field Museum, Sears Tower, and Navy Pier all offer fabulous family-friendly activities for any vacationer.
Sports fans can also see the Chicago Cubs play baseball at Wrigley Field, or watch the Chicago Bears, 9 time NFL champions, in a home game.
For nearby theme parks, visitors can have a blast at Six Flags Great America, which also features Hurricane Harbor, a water park attached to Six Flags. Other Illinois theme parks include Donley’s Wild West Town in Union, where kids can ride ponies and play like they’re in the Old West, and Knight’s Action Park in Springfield.
Galena, Illinois, known for its ski resorts and golf courses, is a great place to take a relaxing Illinois vacation. With affordable luxury hotels, Galena is ideal for vacationers who want to get away.
Full of history and interesting architecture, Galena was the original stopping point on the Mississippi river for boats traveling from St. Louis and St. Paul. Galena has also seen some recognition as being the home to Ulysses S. Grant in the 1860s.
The small town has recently pushed tourism and features some great seasonal events like the Country Fair and Halloween Parade.
Visitors can also have a unique experience at Illinois Amish Country, Illinois’ oldest Old Order Amish Country. Visitors can travel to different towns within Amish Country and do some shopping for handmade Amish furniture, local quilts, antiques, homemade fudge, and cheese.
After a long day of walking, sit down for an old-fashioned soda at Dicks Drug Store.
Volo’s Auto Museum is another place for family-fun. Just 50 miles north of Chicago, Volo’s Auto Museum has over 50 cars on display, some of them famous, like Herbie of the Disney movie.