Enjoy Illinois: Day Trips Outside Chicago

Illinois, the land of deep-dish pizza, cornfields as high as an elephant’s eye, and some of the country’s oddest museums and roadside attractions, is also brimming with history, culture, and stunning natural wonders.

Most visitors start their journey of discovery in Chicago before venturing out into the rest of the state. Find a spectacular intro to the city in 4D at the Flyover attraction at the Navy Pier and make sure to spend some time at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., with perhaps the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris.

A visit to Wrigley Field—home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916—is also a must. And, of course, there is always the Riverwalk along the banks of the Chicago River for a view of the city’s electric skyline from earthbound vantages. From there, find the Magnificent Mile of shopping, and choose from Chicago’s illustrious collection of rooftop restaurants and cafés for a meal wrapped in all the majesty and possibility the Windy City can offer. An easy way to tour and save comes from the Chicago CityPASS, which is packed with attraction discounts and upgrades, and remains valid for nine consecutive days once usage begins.

Once you’ve had your fill of Chicago and its pizza, take some time to travel across the rest of the state to gain an insight into its history and culture. Here are some easy day trips from Chicago to consider in your quest to Enjoy Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield

Hold onto your stovepipe hat as you head into the early world of Abraham Lincoln at the Presidential Museum. With captivating galleries, engaging theaters, and active displays, this historical museum offers a step back in time. Explore a replica of the 1861 White House, experience a holographic immersive exhibition, and take in the Treasures Gallery of rotating exhibits featuring such original documents as the Gettysburg Address.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford

Anderson Japanese Gardens / Photo: Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Image Library

Visitors to Rockford can Zen out at the Anderson Japanese Gardens, ranked among North America’s top Japanese gardens. This 12-acre slice of serenity serves as a peaceful oasis where guests can slow down and stroll among the Garden of Reflection, Japanese maples, cloud pines, azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons. If it’s a family day in town, head to the nearby Discovery Center Museum, where kids and inner kids alike will find a little knowledge and amazement.

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, Springfield

Dana Thomas House / Photo: Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Image Library

This historic site was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright at the turn of the last century for a modern socialite with a generous budget. It was the 72nd building designed by the legendary architect, and it retains much of its original glass art and furniture. The 12,000-square-foot manse has 35 rooms on three main levels and 16 “mini” levels to explore.

Garden of the Gods, Herod

Garden of the Gods / Photo: Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Image Library

This garden is Mother Nature’s playground in Southern Illinois and a testament to her rock sculpting skills. The views and rock formations here seem almost crafted by visionary artists rather than formed over eons by wind, rain, and water. Visitors hike along trails lacing through towering sandstone formations which look as if dragons might rise from the jagged edges. It’s a geological wonderland and popular in any season.

Illinois Railway Museum, Union

Illinois Railway Museum / Photo: Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau/Illinois Office of Tourism Image Library

Take a ride on the nostalgia train at the Illinois Railway Museum, the largest rail museum in the country. The museum is a ticket to a time when train travel was at its peak. Visitors can ride these historic railcars along a five-mile demonstration track and marvel at the crowded collection of locomotives and streetcars. For an added bite of Americana, stop at the Central Avenue Diner.

Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby

Matthiessen State Park / Photo: Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Image Library

Matthiessen State Park might be considered a secret hideaway among nature lovers. It boasts dramatic canyons, sweeping waterfalls, and striking rock formations right out of the pages of National Geographic. Nearby Starved Rock State Park also showcases the unique beauty of the Illinois River Valley, with majestic landscapes comprising more canyons and waterfalls.

The Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Childrens Museum at Morton Arboretum / Photo: Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Image Library

The Morton Arboretum, a nature lover’s lair, is only about an hour west of the Windy City. With 16 miles of trails, it’s a haven for hikers, runners, and bikers. Hop on an open-air tram for a guided tour, check out the award-winning Children’s Garden, or lose yourself in the Maze Garden to test your inner GPS. Then, take a break at The Ginkgo Restaurant for a meal with a Meadow Lake view.

U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Galena

Julia Dent Grant Statue at the U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site / Photo: Courtesy of the Illinois Office of Tourism

History buffs and presidential enthusiasts can venture to Galena, Illinois, site of the Ulysses S. Grant Home. Visitors will get a glimpse into the life of the Civil War general and 18th President of the United States. Completed in 1860, this house is a National Historic Landmark with rooms furnished to reflect the era. Visitors to Grant’s town will find themselves frozen in time in the 19th century, as they explore Main Street and wander through more than 125 shops, galleries, restaurants and wineries, and boutique hotels, inns, and B&Bs in centuries-old steads. Then they can head to nearby Stockton for some 20th-century sustenance in the form of Velveeta and other neon orange cheese treats at the original Kraft Foods Factory, now part of the Stockton Heritage Museum.

…And More

During all seasons, Illinois is boosted by its collection of more than three dozen water parks, including notable indoor fun zones such as Great Wolf Lodge and Pelican Harbor. For those looking to road-trip through the state, keep in mind Route 66—the legendary scenic byway—cuts right through it, flanked by original diners, historic signage and all manner of odd museums and even stranger roadside attractions. The nearly 100-year-old highway runs right through Springfield, making the Illinois State Fair that happens in mid-August the perfect day stop during a packed journey of discovery.