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• Chicago Chicago combines Lake Michigan vistas, bold architecture, celebrated museums, neighbourhood food and blues, jazz and theatre across a layered American city.
• Naperville Naperville, Illinois, pairs a scenic Riverwalk, historic Naper Settlement, lively downtown, family attractions and easy Chicago-area access for sightseeing.
• Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, Illinois blends Chicago-area parks, Route 66 heritage, shopping, golf and family attractions with easy suburban access to the wider region.
• Rockford Rockford, Illinois pairs Rock River landscapes with Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, Japanese gardens, museums, historic theatres and distinctive Midwestern culture.
• Aurora Aurora, Illinois blends Fox River history, historic theatres, museums, parks, diverse dining and Chicago-area shopping into a rewarding city escape.
• Champaign Champaign, Illinois blends University of Illinois culture, prairie landscapes, museums, live music, local food and easy access to Central Illinois attractions.

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Every region of Illinois, with guides to the cities, landmarks and local highlights inside each one.

• Chicagoland Explore Chicagoland for Chicago architecture, Lake Michigan parks, diverse neighbourhoods, historic suburbs, museums, gardens and Midwestern food.
• Driftless Area Explore Illinois’s Driftless Area for Galena’s heritage streets, Mississippi bluffs, wooded valleys, state parks and scenic rural roads.
• Southern Illinois Explore Southern Illinois for Shawnee Forest trails, river towns, sandstone formations, vineyards, wetlands and frontier history across the state’s southern tip.
• Quad Cities Explore Illinois's Quad Cities for Mississippi River trails, industrial heritage, Indigenous history, museums, markets and distinctive Midwestern riverfront culture.
• Northern Illinois Explore Northern Illinois for Chicago architecture and culture, Lake Michigan shores, river towns, prairie preserves and scenic state parks.
• Western Illinois Western Illinois pairs Mississippi River scenery with historic towns, prairie roads, railway heritage, outdoor recreation and welcoming Midwestern food culture.

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• Starved Rock State Park Starved Rock State Park in Illinois offers sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, river bluffs, hiking trails, wildlife and rich regional history.
• Garden of the Gods Discover the majestic rock formations and panoramic views of Garden of the Gods in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest, a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Matthiessen State Park Matthiessen State Park in Illinois offers sandstone canyons, waterfalls, prairie trails and woodland hikes near Oglesby, shaped by the Vermilion River.
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Cahokia Mounds in Illinois reveals America’s largest pre-Columbian city through ancient earthworks, reconstructed Woodhenge, archaeology and St Louis-area heritage.
• Illinois Beach State Park Illinois Beach State Park on Lake Michigan offers rare beach ridges, dunes, wetlands, prairies, woodland, birdwatching and quiet shoreline walks in Illinois.
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois preserves Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield home, historic streets, presidential history and nearby museums.

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.7 (80,049 reviews)

  Millennium Park

  Chicago's 25-acre public art playground where mirrored sculptures reflect skyscrapers, digital faces spout water, and free concerts echo under Gehry's steel trellis amid prairie gardens.

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.6 (75,045 reviews)

  Navy Pier

  Chicago's pier where Ferris wheel spins meet Shakespeare stages and Lake Michigan fireworks explode over the glittering skyline nightly.

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.6 (32,618 reviews)

  Lincoln Park Zoo

  Chicago's free urban zoo with 1,000+ animals in naturalistic habitats, from prowling big cats to playful polar bears amid Lincoln Park greenery.

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.6 (29,676 reviews)

  Shedd Aquarium

  Dive into five million gallons of wonder where dolphins leap, beluga whales glide, and 32,000 marine animals inspire conservation.

The closest countries to Illinois, if you are planning to cross a border on the same trip.

• Indiana Explore Indiana: From the bustling streets of Indianapolis to the serene beauty of Indiana Dunes, discover the diverse experiences that make Indiana the Crossroads of America.
• Missouri Experience the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Missouri, the heart of America, offering everything from bustling cities to serene natural escapes.
• Iowa Explore Iowa: The American Heartland with its blend of rural charm, vibrant cities, rich cultural experiences, and natural beauty, perfect for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
• Kentucky Discover Kentucky, a land of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. From horse racing to bourbon distilleries, this state has it all.
• Wisconsin Discover Wisconsin: A Midwestern gem offering stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a taste of America's finest dairy products.

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