Illinois

Whether you're sampling deep dish pizza in Chicago, 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.

Wherever your travels take you, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Seneca Hotel & Suites - Starting at $112 a night, this Chicago hotels is near Water Tower Place, Hancock Tower, and Chicago Water Tower. Don't miss out on the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building.
Ramada Galena - Starting at $71 a night this hotel is a great spot for visitors to Old Market House, Washburne House Historic Site, and Grant Home.
Howard Johnson Springfield - Starting at $50 a night this Sprinfield museum is near Lincoln's Tomb, Illinois State Fairgrounds, and Shea's Gas Station Museum. Plus, visitors will want to see the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Old State Capitol.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Hyatt Regency Chicago - Starting at $99 a night this Chicago hotel is near Michigan Avenue Bridge, Millennium Park, and Wrigley Building. Hotel goers will also want to visit Tribune Tower and Art Institute of Chicago.
- Starting at $128 a night and close to Grant Home, Washburne House Historic Site and Old Market House. Amenities include an indoor pool, spa tub, sauna, and a fitness facility.
- Starting at $92.65 a night and close to the University of Illinois at Springfield and Henson Robinson Zoo, this Springfield hotel is a great deal. Also near to Lincoln Depot and Dana-Thomas House.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago - Starting at $199 a night and close to Chicago Theater, Millennium Park, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and Art Institute of Chicago. Also available are a restaurant and bar, 24 hour room service, and a fitness facility. 4.0-star property!
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa - Starting at $159 a night with easy access to Grant Home, Washburne House Historic Site, and Old Market House. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness facility, a steam room, and tennis courts. Fireplaces in each room!
Crowne Plaza Hotel Springfield - Starting at $122 a night this Springfield hotel is close to University of Illinois , Henson Robinson Zoo, Lincoln Depot, and Lincoln Home Visitor Centre. Perfect for a family vacation!