Unforgettable Illinois: 10 Must-See Spots, Hidden Gems & Places to Stay in the Prairie State*

Discover the top 10 things to do in Illinois — from Chicago icons to hidden small-town gems. Book tours, stays, and travel extras with my favorite affiliate picks!

Blog Disclosure:

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through my links — at no extra cost to you. It keeps my coffee cup full and my travel blog running. Thanks for the love!

Why Illinois Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

Illinois is so much more than just Chicago deep dish and cornfields (although… those are solid too). This state blends world-class culture, natural beauty, and quirky roadside gems you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re city-hopping or chasing waterfalls, I’ve rounded up the absolute best things to do in Illinois — including some offbeat surprises.

Top 10 Things to Do in Illinois

1. **Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) – Chicago**

You can’t visit Illinois without snapping a selfie in front of *The Bean*. Hang out in Millennium Park, catch a concert at Pritzker Pavilion, and people-watch.

**Book skip-the-line attractions:**

[**Tiqets Chicago Passes**](https://tiqets.tp.st/h8P2EGQI)

2. **Starved Rock State Park (Hidden Gem)**

One of the Midwest’s most beautiful parks — think sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails galore. Ideal for nature lovers.

**Rent a car for your road trip:**

[**EconomyBookings**](https://economybookings.tp.st/bRR16EhB)

3. **Navy Pier & Centennial Wheel – Chicago**

A lakeside carnival vibe with rides, restaurants, boat tours, and fireworks shows in the summer.

**Score a cruise deal or tour:**

[**WeGoTrip Chicago Tours**](https://wegotrip.tp.st/YVL5ihrF)

4. **Galena (Charming Small Town Gem)**

A historic riverside town full of boutiques, wineries, and vintage bed-and-breakfasts. Great for a romantic weekend escape.

**Book a cozy stay:**

[**Hotellook Lodging Deals**](https://hotellook.tp.st/eTR4sPTY)

5. **Anderson Japanese Gardens – Rockford**

One of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in the U.S., complete with koi ponds and serene walking paths.

**Plan your visit + SIM card for travel:**

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6. **Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum**

Celebrate America’s most iconic road trip route in Pontiac, IL. Tons of vintage cars, neon signs, and photo ops.

**Need a ride?**

[**Qeeq Car Rentals**](https://qeeq.tp.st/fZzvdFjb)

7. **Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower**

Face your fears and step onto the famous glass ledge, 1,353 feet above the city streets.

**Skip the line with:**

[**Tiqets Chicago Attractions**](https://tiqets.tp.st/h8P2EGQI)

8. **Cahokia Mounds (Hidden Gem)**

An ancient city built by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago. Explore massive earthen pyramids and a visitor center museum.

**Grab a reliable car rental:**

[**LocalRent Deals**](https://localrent.tp.st/BWSEer3z)

9. **Illinois Beach State Park**

A gorgeous Great Lakes shoreline retreat perfect for swimming, hiking, and camping just an hour north of Chicago.

**Book travel insurance for the trip:**

[**VisitorsCoverage Plans**](https://visitorscoverage.tp.st/YjSIozxi)

10. **Magnificent Mile – Chicago**

Shop ‘til you drop on this famous stretch of high-end boutiques, department stores, and iconic restaurants.

**Plan your ride:**

[**GetTransfer Private Transfers**](https://gettransfer.tp.st/7ugUWF39)

Where to Stay in Illinois

* **Budget-Friendly:** [**Hotellook Deals**](https://hotellook.tp.st/eTR4sPTY)

* **Unique Stays:** [**WayAway Stay + Flight Packages**](https://wayaway.tp.st/a3ky7N3D)

* **Luxury Options:** [**WeGoTrip Tours + Lodging**](https://wegotrip.tp.st/YVL5ihrF)

Travel Essentials You’ll Love

* [**BikesBooking Bike Rentals**](https://bikesbooking.tp.st/lzXnwZrC)

* [**Kiwi Flights**](https://kiwi.tp.st/IHgvmtaV)

* [**Radical Storage for Your Bags**](https://radicalstorage.tp.st/tIES5ra9)

* [**Drimsim Global SIM Cards**](https://drimsim.tp.st/Y3raNHJt)

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