Chicago skyline glowing at golden hour over Lake Michigan

The Prairie State

Illinois Travel Guide: Things to Do, Road Trips & Iconic Universities

From the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan to Gothic quads, green college towns, Route 66 nostalgia and the wild Shawnee Forest — discover the best places to visit in Illinois, with a flagship guide to campus tourism you won't find anywhere else.

Explore Illinois Universities Browse Destinations

Why Illinois?

A record-breaking destination with a story on every block

Illinois tourism is booming, welcoming record visitor numbers and spending in recent years. Big-city energy meets small-town charm, world-class museums sit beside legendary highways, and some of America's most beautiful campuses are open to explore.

120M+

Annual visitors statewide

300+

State parks & natural areas

300 mi

Of historic Route 66

12+

Visitable college campuses

Featured

Best places to visit in Illinois

Four regions, endless itineraries. Start here, then dive deeper.

Cloud Gate Bean sculpture in Chicago Millennium Park reflecting the skyline

Chicago & Beyond

Chicago & the Lakefront

Skyline views, Millennium Park, museums and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Explore Chicago →

Historic Abraham Lincoln site in Springfield with American flags

Land of Lincoln

Springfield & History

Walk in Abraham Lincoln's footsteps through Springfield's historic district.

Discover history →

Great Rivers Country

The Great River Road

Limestone bluffs, river towns and one of America's prettiest drives.

Hit the road →

Southern Illinois

Shawnee National Forest

Garden of the Gods, canyons and fall colors in the wild south.

Get outdoors →

Gothic university campus quad in autumn with a visitor walking the path

Our Specialty · Campus Tourism

Visit Illinois Universities & College Towns

Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful campuses in the country — and most welcome visitors. Wander the Gothic cloisters of the University of Chicago, stroll Northwestern's lakefront in Evanston, or picnic on the expansive Main Quad at UIUC. It's the perfect, easy-to-combine add-on to any Illinois trip.

🏛️Iconic architecture — from Gothic limestone to grand libraries.
🍂Stunning in every season — fall foliage on the quads, summer festivals, cozy winter cafes.
🗺️Practical visitor info — campus tours, best times to go, nearby eats & hotels.

Plan a campus visit

Plan by interest