You don’t have to travel out of the state to take an amazing road trip. Illinois is full of inexpensive and exciting road trip destinations that will transform your weekend into a fun vacation. Check out some of the top places to visit in Illinois and start planning your trip.
Go Big in Casey, IL
Casey, IL, might not be the first city that comes to mind when choosing a road trip destination. Still, it’s well worth a visit. While it might not have traditional attractions, it has some cool things you can’t find anywhere else. Where else can you see the world’s largest barbershop pole, wind chime, and golf tee? Those are just a few of the city’s largest attractions.
Stroll Into the Past in Galena
Galena is a gem of a city in northwest Illinois and the ideal road trip destination. Only a few thousand residents call this city home and are always happy to welcome tourists passing through. And while it’s a small town, tourist season is always booming, thanks to the impressive 19th-century architecture that makes it look like Father Time has yet to pay a visit.
You’ll love walking along the cobblestone streets and taking in historic structures, including the Ulysses S. Grant home. Add in the quaint shops and delicious restaurants, and you’ll definitely want to add this destination to your road trip list.
Take the Waterfall Loop in Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois is often stuck in Chicago’s shadow, but it holds its own when it comes to gorgeous scenery. That’s especially true when you take the waterfall loop through the southern portion of the state. You’ll start at the spectacular Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville, IL. After visiting four additional locations, you’ll wrap up your adventure at Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest in Herod. Let’s just say that you’ll want to get out your good camera for this trip since you’ll see one majestic waterfall after the next.
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Travel the Lincoln Trail
The waterfall loop will allow you to get up close and personal to nature. Then, you can take the Abraham Lincoln Trail for a nice dose of history. The drive will take you through the heart of Springfield, where you’ll see Lincoln’s tomb, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and so much more. Now, while you can drive the entire trail in just over 30 minutes, you’ll want to devote hours or an entire weekend to the experience.
Whether you want a relaxing weekend of shopping and sightseeing, a history lesson, or breathtaking views of waterfalls, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Illinois. You just need to pick a destination, pack a bag, and hit the road. Then, you can experience the state in an entirely new way.
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