15 Best Lakes in Illinois

Kinkaid Lake

Sitting in the Great Lakes region of North America, Illinois is an extremely diverse state. It is home to massive metropolises like Chicago, flat prairie lands, rivers and highlands, as well as a plenty of wildlife species. Illinois is a total of 150,000 square kilometres, with over 6,000 square kilometres of this being made up …

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15 Best Water Parks in Illinois

Magic Waters, Cherry Valley

There’s no better way to cool off than to sink into the clear waters of an Illinois water park. Hours and hours of fun for water lovers of all ages can be found. Whether you’re looking for action packed, heart pounding, hair raising thrills, rafting rides, relaxation on the lazy river, or a splashing good …

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15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois (by a Local)

Hiking around Galena

According to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the population of Illinois.  That’s a big city with a big draw. But the majority of the state is made up of cornfields, suburbs, rolling plains, and tight knit communities. And these are just as worthy of being high on your bucket-list. …

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15 Romantic (Weekend) Getaways in Illinois

Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast

I’ve lived in Illinois my whole life and explored its natural beauty, charming small towns, bustling cities and hidden gems, all the while staying in some of the state’s nicest B&Bs and hotels. Now I’ve whittled down my favorites to this pick of the best romantic weekend getaways in Illinois. ‘The prairie state’ has quaint …

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50 Best Things to Do in Chicago (IL) in 2023 by a Local

View from Skydeck Tower

The Windy City has awe-inspiring skyscrapers, hunger-stomping food and culture to match almost any city in the world. But what never ceases to amaze me is just how much you can do for free in Chicago. Donations by philanthropists have bestowed the city with superlative museums and more than 700 works of public art, by …

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25 Best Things to Do in Illinois (Updated 2023)

Lincoln Park, Chicago

At the heart of the United States is Illinois, a state of firsts. The first skyscraper was erected in The Prairie State along with the first Ferris wheel. The State, which was named after the Illinois River, is as varied as possible and is the leading producer of corn in the US but also home …

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16 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois by a Local (2023)

Shawnee National Forest

Illinois, Land of Lincoln or The Prairie State, is popular and famous for many reasons.  Illinois is a state that is full of natural beauty and stunning landscapes and is bordered by Lake Michigan to the north and the Mississippi River to the west. From rolling hills to pristine lakes and towering waterfalls, the state …

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