Vacation Rentals in Illinois

When you visit Illinois, you may have to struggle with a long list of exciting places to go. However, you can dream big and hit the road to discover without any plan. The good thing is that there'll be an exciting place to visit wherever you go. First, head to Chicago, the state's biggest city, and find out why over half of the population in Illinois live here. Then, visit Lake Michigan near Chicago and enjoy soaking up all the lake offers. Next, you can travel to northern Illinois, about three hours from Chicago. Visit the nearest museums and state parks. If you prefer heading south or central Illinois, you'll find historic sites, parks, and rural farmlands.

Visit various cities and suburbs in Illinois and discover their uniqueness. Whether you want to begin with Chicago, Springfield, or Peoria, the neighborhoods around will fascinate you with their Midwestern cuisine. The cuisine is a blend of tastes from Native North America and Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. You will find locally produced corn and soybeans in the cuisine. Visit various parts, including markets, malls, antique shops, and bars. Buy a few gifts and try different cocktails in bars.

Illinois has miles of grassy land that are home to wildlife. You can stroll in rural Illinois and spot an eastern cottontail rabbit and groundhogs. Next, head to the wooded areas and eastern wild turkeys reintroduced after being extinct. Next, travel Central Illinois and visit Wildlife Prairie State Park, where you can spend a day with your loved ones exploring the park. Enjoy watching animals like black bears, snakes, elk, foxes, eagles, among others. In addition, you can take your family to Southern Illinois in Shawnee National Forest, that's about five hours from Chicago. Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing in the beautiful forest. Take stunning selfies with the legendary Bigfoot statue and other scenic features in this forest.

One thing you'll love Chicago for is the huge Lake Michigan. When you visit during summer, nothing will stop you from spending days on the sandy beaches and soaking up all the fun in the lake. Head to various beaches like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Grand Haven State Park, or Warren Dunes State Park, where you'll enjoy sleeping on the sand or joining others in water sports. In addition, you can try activities like boating, paddle boarding, shoreline sightseeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, among others.

Visit Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, the most beautiful sights in Chicago for sightseeing. While you can spot the harbor from the city's Navy Pier, a boat tour might be the best idea. Here, you'll enjoy taking beautiful photos of the lighthouse from a close range. If you take a boat ride to the tower, Navy Pier can offer an ideal viewing point. Then, visit other nearby parks near the lighthouse, such as Jane Addams Memorial Park and Milton Olive Park, and spend time exploring.

Visit the only Cathedral in Chicago among the largest Roman Catholic dioceses in the US. First, ensure you learn about the history of Holy Name Cathedral and discover why many travelers flock here. Then, head across the street from the cathedral and find where Hymie Weiss, a North Side Gang Member, was murdered. Finally, learn about the most notorious criminals in Chicago.

Head to LaSalle County near Illinois River bluff, where you'll enjoy one of the most picturesque parks in Illinois. Starved Rock State Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy sightseeing and engage in other activities around the park. Try recreation activities like camping, hiking and fishing. Learn the history of Starved Rock State Park, that's thousands of years old.

If you are a history enthusiast, Illinois has scenic, historical sites you can visit and explore the state's history. For example, visit Galena, a national historic district and learn the history of Native Americans who mined the mineral Galena and named the mine after the mineral. If you love architecture, you can visit Galena's six blocks of Main Street and enjoy glimpsing at French colonial and Greek revival buildings.

When you've spent long days exploring the cities and natural landmarks in Illinois, you may prefer spending an evening in a club. So head to the nearest neighborhoods near Chicago, Peoria, or Springfield and look for a suitable club to spend your night while being entertained. Try Chicago Magic Lounge, City Winery, or Kings Dining & Entertainment Lincoln Park, among others. Here, you can enjoy an evening with friends and locals, enjoying drinks, food, games, and live entertainment.