A travel guide to the state of Illinois

Illinois is the fifth most populated state in the United States. Also known as the Prairie State and the Land of Lincoln, the capital is Springfield and the largest city is Chicago in the northeast. Find out more information about travel in Illinois in this article.

Family-friendly

There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy. Theme parks, zoos, children's museums, botanic gardens and water parks are just some of the places families can visit. Find out more about the lives of presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant and take a trip through a living history of Barack Obama. Alternatively, consider a trip to the Navy Pier Imax theatre, watch a baseball game, visit a planetarium or take a trip on a cruise boat along the Mississippi River.

Outdoor activities

Illinois state stretches 400 miles from north to south and due to this and its position in the middle of the continent, Illinois has a varied climate which lends itself well to many different outdoor activities. Hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, cycling, snowmobiling and eagle watching are all popular outdoor activities in this state. There are a number of lakes, state parks and forests in the state of Illinois, including Shawnee National Forest, Nauvoo State Park and Cache River State Natural Area.

Historic sites and museums

Illinois has a varied history, including native Americans, 19th century settlers and a number of American presidents. Find out more about these things by visiting one of the many historic sites and museums including the Black Hawk State Historic Site, an area associated with the great warrior Black Hawk of the Sauk nation; Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a prehistoric Indian city; and Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Centre, the home of the Reagan family from 1920-23.

Chicago

Chicago, also known as Chi-Town and the Windy City is a diverse city with many different attractions. From theatre and classical music to sports and comedy, there is something for everyone. A popular way to see Chicago and learn more about the culture and history of the city is through a walking tour. There are a great variety of tours available, both self-guided and those led by a guide. A tour specially designed for children ensures the little ones are not left out either.