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States & Destinations

Explore Illinois by...

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About Illinois

Introduction  Facts

Find inspiration for Illinois...

IDEAS
From Blues to Rock to Broadway

From soulful blues and jaw-dropping skyline views to legendary rock ’n’ roll and the bright lights of Broadway — this epic three-city rail adventure takes in Chicago, Cleveland and New York. 

IDEAS
Route 66 – The Mother Road.

Explore the start of Route 66, Great Lakes style. 

IDEAS
Discover the Indiana Dunes

Welcome to the Indiana Dunes, one of the most biodiverse places in the United States. 

IDEAS
Explore the Beauty and Adventure of Willow Falls

Willow River State Park’s stunning falls and scenic surroundings offer year-round adventure, from hiking and paddling to camping and nature exploration.

IDEAS
America’s Route 66

Travel along the Historic Route 66 on this 16-day fly drive holiday, where every turn, from Chicago to Los Angeles, offers a unique slice of Americana.

IDEAS
World Class Art & History at the University of Illinois.

Visit the University of Illinois campus where you can explore art, history, world-class music and theatre performances.

IDEAS
Cruising the Heart of North America: Discover the Great Lakes by Water

Discover a different kind of voyage, one that offers the culture of world-class cities, the tranquillity of remote wilderness, and the allure of inland seas, the Great Lakes USA offer it all.

BROCHURE
Great Lakes USA

ILLINOIS • MICHIGAN • MINNESOTA OHIO • PENNSYLVANIA • WISCONSIN

IDEAS
Great Lakes Road trip ideas

Made up of bodies of water as large as some seas, the Great Lakes area makes for one incredible base to plan a road trip around. In fact, the entire U.K. can fit inside the combined area of the five Great Lakes. 

BROCHURE
2025 Flagstaff Visitor Guide

2025 Official Flagstaff Visitor Guide and Vacation Planner

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Illinois

The Land of Lincoln

Illinois is located in the heart of the US, boasting scenic byways, lush vineyards and weaving networks of lakes and rivers. It is the 24th largest state and it is bordered on three sides by water. Illinois has been home to four US presidents, each celebrated with myriad trails and historical markers; Abraham Lincoln is brought back to life at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, and visitors can dine at President Obama's favourite restaurants in the Chicago suburbs. Chicago is known as 'America's Favourite City' and is a stunning metropolis with a genuinely charming mid-western atmosphere. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is blessed with 29 miles of lakefront, including sandy beaches and cycle paths. The city is as diverse as its scenery, from its jaw-dropping skyscrapers to outdoor sculptures.

Experience interactive public art, authentic Blues music, interesting architecture, fine dining and worldclass museums and theatre. Chicago is also a shoppers' paradise, with the Magnificent Mile shopping area welcoming millions of visitors to its wealth of premium department stores every year. Some of the most unique items can be found in the eclectic neighbourhood boutiques just a short journey from downtown and the best bargains can be found at the outlet malls statewide.

 

Highlights

Experience true Americana in Illinois from the legendary Route 66 to charming towns along the Mississippi River to presidential history in Spring-field. Visit Chicago, a vibrant city brim-ming with music, dining and shopping.

State Secret

Start your Route 66 adven-ture by visiting quirky roadside attrac-tions such as the Gemini Giant spaceman, the world's largest ketchup bottle and covered wagon and 1950s-style diners

State Facts

Land Area: 55,513.1 sq. miles

Water Area: 2,400.3 sq miles

Population: 12.8 million

State Capital: Springfield

Largest City: Chicago

Local Time: CST – 6 hrs behind the UK

Climate: Hot summers and cold winters with snow December to March. Moderate rainfall the rest of the year

Ntl Parks: 63 State Parks

More Information

Illinois Office of Tourism
Tel: 08456 020 574 | Web: www.enjoyillinois.co.uk |

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