The Land of Lincoln
The Iconic City of the Midwest
Chicago School of Art, Route 66 Attractions
Get To Know Illinois
Most people who think of visiting the Prairie State only think of Chicago, and while this is one of its main attractions, Illinois is so much more than just the Windy City! Whether you already live near this Midwestern state or you’re coming from someplace far away, a bus to Illinois has plenty to offer in terms of family fun, nightlife, and excitement for people of every age.
There's no shortage of things to do in Illinois.
Chicago alone has so many fascinating sights, Millennium Park is one of its greatest attractions where you can find an ice rink, public art displays, and free concerts on certain nights. It’s also where you can find the famous sculpture lovingly referred to as, “The Bean,” by locals. In addition, you’ll want to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, the Magnificent Mile (a.k.a. Michigan Avenue), and Lincoln Park while in the city.
Outside of Chicago, there’s still plenty to do. You’re able to take in more of Route 66, America’s most famous road, in the great state of Illinois than in any other, so why not spend a day driving past all the great drive-ins, diners, and strange exhibitions along its length? If you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids, try taking them to McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, the Scovill Zoo in Decatur, or Sholem Aquatic Center in Champaign. A bus trip to Illinois is friendly for all ages!
Must See List
Top Cities To Visit in Illinois
Chicago
Give yourself plenty of time to explore this huge and historic city that offers so many fascinating sights. Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s greatest attractions where you can find an ice rink, public art displays, and free concerts on certain nights. It’s also where you can find the famous sculpture lovingly referred to as, “The Bean,” by locals. In addition, you’ll want to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, the Magnificent Mile (a.k.a. Michigan Avenue), and Lincoln Park while in the city.
Champaign
Home to the Fighting Illini, this college town boasts a plethora of fun activities to do year round. Stop by Black Dog BBQ to chow down on ribs, brisket and burgers or Maize Mexican Grill for authentic and delicious Mexican food. When the sun goes down, make sure to visit downtown champaign to enjoy a beer in an outdoor garden or a cocktail in an upscale lounge.
Naperville
If you’re looking for a place to entertain the kids, try taking them to Dupage’s Children’s Museum in Naperville. The museum features hands-on exploration of the arts, math, and sciences. Not to mention an abundance of shops and yummy restaurants nearby. Stop by Egg Harbor cafe for flavorful pancakes, hot coffee, and fresh breakfast all day long.
Bloomington
Bloomington is located in one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation, so it comes as no surprise that it is the only city in the world that produces beer nuts. Make sure to pair your beer nuts with a drink in one of Downtown Bloomington’s many bars and restaurants. The downtown area features 11 blocks of shops, dining, art galleries and museums. The city of Bloomington is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Illinois so expect shops and industries to pop up!
Historical Sights
Are you a Lincoln enthusiast? You’ve come to the right place! It’s easy to get excited about our 16th president’s legacy while visiting the state he represented both in the Illinois legislature and U.S. House of Representatives, and fortunately, there are plenty of places to visit in order to shadow the life of this great man. You can find the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s Tomb, and Lincoln’s Presidential Library in Springfield, Ill. You can even see the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square in Freeport. A bus trip to Illinois is sure to be a historic one.
There are also plenty of other historical sites in the Prairie State, such as the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee and the Naper Settlement in Naperville. In addition, Amish country still exists within central Illinois, providing a strong link from our country’s past to its present.
Cultural Destinations
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, you can’t miss the city’s Art Institute, which is home to an impressive array of American artists, or the Chicago Symphony. In Rockford, the Anderson Gardens offer the most beautiful Japanese garden in the country, Peoria has a beautiful, riverfront museum, and the state boasts a number of fantastic museums and exhibits from Bloomington’s WonderLab Science Museum to Moline’s John Deere Pavilion to Galesburg’s Railroad Museum.
Where and When to Stay
We’re sure we don’t have to warn you about the cold winters in Illinois, but those who want to see some snowfall should arrive sometime from December through February. If you’re looking for milder weather, try April. The Amish Country Quilt Show will be in full swing, and the parks and gardens will be at their prettiest.
When it comes to where to stay, those looking for an elegant resort need look no further than Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles or the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. If you’re hoping for a more down-to-earth option, it’s almost impossible to ignore Illinois’ incredible cabin rentals like at Timber Ridge Inn in Jonesboro or Coyote Cabins Retreat and Farm in Sullivan. If you’re traveling with the kids, Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort in Utica is part-lodge, part-water-park, and all family fun.
What to Bring
Make sure you’re dressed for success when you roll up to the Prairie State. In the winter, this means loose-fitting layers, and if you’re planning on going outside often, a good pair of long johns. Make sure you pack your rainboots and an umbrella if you’re planning on traveling to Chicago in the spring or summer. Though it’ll be warmer, you should expect lots of wetness as the skies open up often.