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• State of Illinois.

Tips for your trips. Tourist information. Official websites.

Tourism website

+ Government website.

Illinois, often referred to as “The Prairie State,” is a diverse and populous state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Known for its iconic skyline in Chicago, rich history, and cultural attractions, Illinois offers a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Visitor Guides • Outdoors • What’s Inside?

Chicago: The largest city in Illinois, Chicago is a global metropolis known for its architecture, vibrant arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings. Explore Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and take in panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck.

Springfield: The state capital, Springfield, is rich in history and home to many Abraham Lincoln sites, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Key Tourist Destinations

Galena: A historic town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, Galena offers charming streets, boutique shops, and a glimpse into the past.

Starved Rock State Park: Located along the Illinois River, this state park features stunning canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails, providing a natural retreat.

Art Institute of Chicago: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, the Art Institute of Chicago is a cultural treasure with an extensive collection of artworks.

Shawnee National Forest: Explore the natural beauty of Southern Illinois in Shawnee National Forest, known for its rolling hills, rock formations, and diverse flora and fauna.

Route 66: Follow the historic Route 66, the “Main Street of America,” which crosses through Illinois, passing by iconic roadside attractions and historic landmarks.

Annual Events

Chicago Air and Water Show: One of the largest free air and water exhibitions in the U.S., showcasing aerobatic performances and military aircraft over Lake Michigan.

Illinois State Fair (Springfield): A classic state fair with agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a variety of food and vendors.

Chicago Jazz Festival: Held in Millennium Park, this festival celebrates the vibrant jazz scene with performances by local and international jazz artists.

Illinois’ combination of vibrant urban life, historical significance, and natural wonders make it a captivating destination for a diverse range of travelers. Whether you’re exploring the cultural offerings of Chicago, delving into history in Springfield, or enjoying the scenic beauty of the state’s parks and landscapes, Illinois has something to offer for everyone.

#1 Visit New York

Our article about the city of New York. Information about the city’s attractions, culture, events, and activities. Public transport.

#2 Visit San Francisco

Our article about the city of San Francisco. Information about the city’s attractions, culture, events, and activities. Public transport.

#3 Grand Canyon

Our article about the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description.

• Public transport.

Information about all types of public transport.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Getting Here & Getting Around (enjoyillinois.com) • Guide to traveling to and getting around in the USA (visittheusa.com)

BUS: Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Megabus, Peter Pan, Trailways, Chinatown buses.

TRAIN: AMTRAK | eTicketing | Interactive Map. Amtrak serves many different areas of Illinois. Chicago isthe main hub of Amtrak’s long-distance routes, and a coast-to-coast rail trip will usually require you to change trains in Chicago.

AIRPORT: Chicago has two major airports, O’Hare and Midway. O’Hare is one of the main international gateways to the United States, while Midway is smaller and closer to the downtown.

FERRY: America has the largest system of inland waterways of any country in the world. It is entirely possible to navigate around within the United States by boat ⇒ The New York State Canal System • The St. Lawrence Seaway • *The Mississippi River.

CAR: ROADTRIPPERS – #1 road trip planning platform. America’s love affair with the automobile is legendary, so travelling the United States without a car can be difficult. (*Driving in the United States)

More about transport

Illinois Made | Taste of Illinois.

Discover the Illinois food scene. The best restaurants in Chicago and Illinois, Michelin stars, artisan tastes, farm-to-table, local favorites, wine trails and craft brews.

⇒ video source: Enjoy Illinois / youtube.com /

• Useful websites.

Links to additional resources with useful information for planning your trip.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION.

Entering the USA can be an easy and seamless process when you are prepared. + U.S. visa & entry requirements (visittheusa.com)

www.usa.gov

USA Trip planner.

Create a day by day itinerary customized to you. A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences. Over 230,000,000 data points.

visittheusa.com

Visit Chicago.

The largest city in Illinois, Chicago is the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the idea of the skyscraper.

choosechicago.com

More Helpful Resources

Yelp: Yelp is a crowd-sourced review platform that provides information on local businesses, including restaurants, bars, and shops.

AAA (aaa.com): The American Automobile Association provides a range of services for travelers, including travel planning, trip insurance, and roadside assistance, for those traveling by car in the United States.

U.S. Department of State – Travel (state.gov): This website provides information on travel visas, travel warnings, and travel alerts for international travelers to the United States. It also provides resources for U.S. citizens traveling abroad.

Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov): This website provides information on customs regulations and procedures for international travelers entering and exiting the United States. It also provides resources for travelers bringing goods into the country.

Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov): This website provides information on airport security procedures, including what items are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov): This website provides information on health and vaccination requirements for travelers to the United States, as well as health and safety tips for traveling in the country.

National Park Service (nps.gov): This website provides information on national parks and monuments in the United States, including park activities and events, camping and lodging information, and park regulations.

National Weather Service (weather.gov)