Illinois Travel Guide
From Springfield's Lincoln legacy to Quincy's Mississippi River bluffs and the dramatic sandstone wilderness of Shawnee Forest Country, Illinois rewards travelers who venture beyond Chicago. Travel, Taste & Tour covers three distinct Illinois destinations — 47 articles across the Land of Lincoln.
Featured Destinations
Deep-dive destination guides with all our coverage in one place
Springfield
6 articles
The Land of Lincoln and the Route 66 capital of Illinois, Springfield is far more than a state capital.
Quincy
2 articles
Perched on the bluffs above the Mississippi River, Quincy is one of Illinois's most architecturally stunning small cities — a "Gem City" of Victorian mansions, German heritage, and a riverfront that still feels like the 19th century.
Shawnee Forest Country
5 articles
The southernmost tip of Illinois hides one of the Midwest's most dramatic landscapes — the Shawnee National Forest, where sandstone bluffs, cypress swamps, and ancient rock formations create a wilderness that surprises every first-time visitor.
All Illinois Articles
51 stories
Vacation for the History Buff: Discover Ottawa, Illinois
Ottawa, Illinois: The Middle of Everywhere
Macomb, Illinois: Play, Explore, and Experience America’s Roots
Located on historic Route 66, Springfield is the history-filled capital of Illinois.
Embrace winter in the Midwest with a trip to Illinois’ Starved Rock Country.
The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 in Illinois
Pontiac, Illinois is A Must-Stop Destination on Route 66
Located on historic Route 66, Springfield is the history-filled capital of Illinois.
Quench Your Appetite for Adventure in LaSalle County, Illinois
Discover Downstate Illinois: Small-Town Charm, Big-Time Adventures
Visit Pontiac & Lemont this Spring in Illinois
Taste Your Way Across The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail of Southernmost Illinois
Historic Rivertown BUCKET LIST: QUINCY, ILLINOIS
Flock to the Rock: A Winter Wonderland in LaSalle County, Illinois
Starved Rock Country in LaSalle County, IL is renowned for breathtaking natural landscapes, scenic trails, and charming small towns.
Head for the Hills of Shawnee Forest Country in Southernmost Illinois
Quincy, Illinois is the eye candy on the arm of the Mississippi River.
It's Time to Make Memories in NorthWest Illinois
Springfield, IL
Kankakee, IL
Geneva, IL
50 Great Things to See & Do in Western Illinois
MATTOON, IL
Geneva, IL
Springfield, Illinois: Exploring Abraham Lincoln's Historic Capital City
TOUR AMERICA: UNFORGETTABLE HOMETOWNS
Things to Do in Springfield, IL: Lincoln's Hometown on Historic Route 66
Forgottonia (Macomb), IL
DuPage, IL
Travel iconic Historic Route 66 to Springfield, Illinois!
Heritage Corridor, IL
Galesburg, IL
PROST! Explore all things German in the city with Germanic roots dating to 1830.
Come join us in Mattoon, Illinois, where a variety of events happen all year long.
Explore Eagle Season where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the Great River Road.
Decatur, IL
Head for the Hills of Shawnee Forest Country – in Southernmost Illinois
Great Rivers & Routes, IL
Adventure Starts Here
Blackhawk Waterways, IL
Head for the Hills of Shawnee Forest Country – in Southernmost Illinois
Go Rogue on the Great River Road
Outdoor Adventure is calling your name!
Galesburg, Illinois: History, Art, Live Music, and Summer Adventures
Springfield, IL: Abraham Lincoln's Hometown and Illinois State Capital
Head for the Hills of Shawnee Forest Country – in Southernmost Illinois
Mattoon, IL
Great Rivers & Routes, IL
Galesburg, IL: Small Town, Big Flavor — Food and Drink Guide
Explore Elgin, Illinois
Heritage Corridor, IL
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