Illinois, nicknamed ‘The Prairie State,’ offers several amazing weekend getaway ideas that are both affordable and fun to implement. With so many live music festivals, boutique shops, and river rafting opportunities among many others, you will not run out of exciting things to do in Illinois. Additionally, Illinois is filled with farmlands, wetlands, and rolling hills, and it also has an abundance of modern and unique attractions. You could try the deep-dish pizza in Chicago or learn about the Amish culture of Arthur. If you’re looking for something exciting to try, read below for the best weekend trips in Illinois, USA, that you can do to spend some time with your loved ones.
1. Chicago
One of the top weekend trip destinations in Illinois, Chicago is an amazing year-round place that is filled with diverse neighborhoods and exciting attractions. You will find a lot of incredible restaurants, comedy shows, cultural performances, and museums to explore around here. During summer, the city comes alive with so many festivals happening that it becomes hard to choose which one to attend. You can take a boat ride on the canal or get amazed by Chicago’s skyline from Navy Pier’s Ferris Wheel. Whatever it is you want to do here, the Windy City will never disappoint you.
2. Galena
Galena is the perfect weekend getaway for families and couples who want to escape the big city for a while. In this small town, you can stroll along the streets, shop at Old Market House, or pay a visit to Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site to admire historical artifacts. You can stay in one of the cute bed and breakfast accommodations here for a relaxing romantic experience or visit the town during the winter months for skiing and snowboarding.
3. Rockford
Rockford, situated between Chicago and Galena, and makes for a good weekend trip in Illinois. This large city is unique, diverse, culturally rich, and offers a lot of recreational activities and tourist attractions for visitors. You could visit the local breweries here, check out some amazing restaurants, and can even learn ice skating in this city. There are several Japanese gardens here that you can check out too if you want to reconnect with nature. Rockford also houses Burpee Museum of Natural History which contains a dinosaur exhibit.
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4. Rosemont
10 minutes from O'Hare Airport, Rosemont is a convenient weekend getaway in Illinois. Here, you can indulge in fun activities regardless of what age group you are from. You can choose to visit Allstate Arena, the biggest indoor facility in this area, to attend a sporting or musical event or attend a Broadway show at Rosemont Theatre. Apart from this, you can also visit Donald E. Stephens Museum of Hummels to admire porcelain masterpieces, enjoy indoor skydiving at iFLY, explore food joints and sports joints, or check out Fashion Outlets of Chicago.
5. Springfield
The capital of Illinois, Springfield, is a great weekend destination for keeping your entire family entertained while learning about the local history. This destination is perfect for history buffs as it will definitely transport you back into time. This is also the home of Abraham Lincoln, so you can check out Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s Tomb, and the war memorials here. After the history tour, you can enjoy some time in Washington Park or visit the local Henson Robinson Zoo.
6. Alton
A city that is famous for its limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River, Alton is a paradise for nature lovers. Passing through Alton is the Meeting of the Great Rivers, also known as the converging point of Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers. This makes Alton a great spot for indulging in river cruises or simply strolling along the riverside. It also has a great art scene, so you should definitely check out the local art exhibits, watch pottery-making sessions, and more. On a weekend trip to this city, you can also indulge in fun activities such as zip-lining, hot air balloon rides, or visit the observation deck at Gateway Arch, the world’s largest arch, for an unforgettable experience.
7. Quincy
Quincy is known as the “Gem City” of Illinois and it is located on the Mississippi River. Quincy is the closest suburb to Boston and offers a lot of fun and nature-oriented activities. During your trip, make sure that you visit Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Emerald and Necklace Park, and more, to enjoy the natural scenery. If you are interested in historical tours, you can learn all about the local history of Quincy at United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, United First Parish Church, Quincy Historical Society, and Adams National Historical Park.
8. Shawnee National Forest
If you love adventurous activities, then a weekend trip to Shawnee National Forest, between Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, is a must. A perfect outdoor destination, this forested area is filled with hills, lakes, and woodlands for you to explore. You can hike to Garden of the Gods here which has sandstone cliffs and rock formations, or you can rock-climb Jackson Falls. There are a few other exciting trails to pursue here such as River to River Trail and Rim Rock National Recreation Trail where you can have an enjoyable time.
9. Elmhurst
Situated in the Northeast region of Illinois, Elmhurst is a great weekend trip destination as it lies close to Chicago. You have innumerable sights to explore here such as parks and museums and lots of things to do such as touring around and indulging in nature-related activities. If you are visiting this city with your family, including the kids, then a few top attractions to visit are Wilder Park, Enchanted Castle, and Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park. You can also visit Elmhurst History Museum and Art Museum to learn about the local art scene and history of this city.
10. Evanston
Evanston is a good weekend destination that is convenient to reach due to its close proximity to Chicago. From a historic lighthouse to several museums, there are a lot of attractions and fun things to do in this city. You can learn to make alcohol that is used in your favorite drinks at the FEW Spirits distillery, learn the history of this city at one of the museums, or learn how to paddle, kayak, or sail at Northwestern University Sailing Center.
A variety of things to do and see
Illinois is a large city that is well-known for its topography. It offers a lot of cultural experiences and recreational activities to anyone who visits here. From the Windy City, Chicago, to the home of Abraham Lincoln, this state has a lot to offer you. Make sure you visit as many weekend getaways as you can when visiting Illinois to make the most of your trip.
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