Illinois

An important Midwestern state, where Chicago draws visitors from around the world with its architecture, museums and lakefront.

Illinois lies in the U.S. Midwest, with Lake Michigan on its northeastern edge and the Mississippi River on its western border; most of the state is flat farmland. The largest city, Chicago, is one of the birthplaces of the modern skyscraper. You can take a river cruise to admire the architecture, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and Navy Pier, and try deep-dish pizza. The capital, Springfield, has Lincoln's Home and the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Route 66 also begins in Chicago. Summer and autumn are the best times to visit; winters are cold and windy. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the main gateway.

Destinations

• Chicago
• Springfield, Illinois
• Galena, Illinois
• St. Louis

Itineraries

• Route 66: Chicago to St. Louis – Start from the iconic sign in Chicago, passing through Pontiac and Lincoln's hometown to reach the Mississippi River.
• Great River Road: Twin Cities to St. Louis – Follow the Mississippi River south through blufftop towns, historic Galena, and Mark Twain's hometown.
• Lake Michigan Circle Tour – A counter-clockwise loop from Chicago featuring Indiana Dunes, Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks, and Door County.
• Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to Taliesin – Follow the footsteps of Frank Lloyd Wright, from his Oak Park Studio to Taliesin in Wisconsin.
• Missouri Triangle: Gateway Arch, Ozarks & Jazz – Travel from St. Louis through the Lake of the Ozarks and Branson to the jazz and BBQ of Kansas City.