Illinois is jam-packed with fun and interesting things to do, and it can seem a little overwhelming to try and see it all. So, we like to create road trip plans to fit a wide array of interests that help you get out and see Illinois! Here are some of the best road trips in Illinois:
- The Ultimate Terrifying Illinois Road Trip
Mark Bergner/Wikimedia
Google Maps Road trips are always a good option if you’re looking for things to do in Illinois. And if you love all things creepy and spooky, take in all of Illinois’s scariest attractions on this road trip. If you don’t believe in ghosts before you go, you will afterward.
- Road Trip Through Illinois’s Quirkiest Attractions
AlexanderBanning/Flickr
Google Maps Illinois is nothing if not quirky. Experience the very best of our offbeat, must-visit attractions in Illinois with this road trip.
- Illinois Natural Wonders Road Trip
Caitlyn Capps/Flickr
Google Maps So much beauty in Illinois, so little time. That’s why we created one big road trip to let you see some of the most gorgeous places in the state!
- Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Illinois
Tom Gill/Flickr
Google Maps Turn up the Christmas music and cruise through Illinois to see the most beautiful lights. It’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit! You’ll have to wait until the holiday season for this one, but it’s worth it.
- Awesome Illinois Weekend Road Trip
David Wilson/Flickr
Google Maps When you’ve just got two days to take a great road trip, it can be hard to decide where to go. But, we’ll help you fit it all in with this road trip! You can even break it up into two to three trips if you’re looking to do some day trips in Illinois instead.
- Road Trip Through Illinois’ Most Picturesque Small Towns
Dennis Carr/Flickr
Google Maps We’ve got a lot of charm going on here in Illinois. Take this road trip to enjoy the small towns that make our state great.
- Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Illinois Like Never Before
qJake/Flickr
Google Maps Nothing is more beautiful than the changing colors of the leaves in the fall. Take it all in during this autumn road trip, one of the best road trips in Illinois.
- Epic 3-Day Restaurant Road Trip In Illinois
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House Urbana/Facebook
Google Maps Start this road trip on an empty stomach! Once you begin, you’re in for three days of stuffing yourself silly.
- Illinois’ Most Abandoned Places Road Trip
Vail Marston/Flickr
Google Maps Is creeping through abandoned spots your thing? Then this road trip through Illinois’s forsaken locations should top your to-do list.
- Ultimate Illinois Waterfalls Road Trip
Chris Bartnik/Flickr
Google Maps Go chasing waterfalls throughout Illinois with this epic road trip. Pack your camera and jump in the car to see some of Illinois’ finest!
What do you think of this list of the best road trips in Illinois? Which road trip excites you the most? Are there any that you’ve already taken? Let us know in the comments.
Mark Bergner/Wikimedia
Google Maps
Road trips are always a good option if you’re looking for things to do in Illinois. And if you love all things creepy and spooky, take in all of Illinois’s scariest attractions on this road trip. If you don’t believe in ghosts before you go, you will afterward.
AlexanderBanning/Flickr
Illinois is nothing if not quirky. Experience the very best of our offbeat, must-visit attractions in Illinois with this road trip.
Caitlyn Capps/Flickr
So much beauty in Illinois, so little time. That’s why we created one big road trip to let you see some of the most gorgeous places in the state!
Tom Gill/Flickr
Turn up the Christmas music and cruise through Illinois to see the most beautiful lights. It’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit! You’ll have to wait until the holiday season for this one, but it’s worth it.
David Wilson/Flickr
When you’ve just got two days to take a great road trip, it can be hard to decide where to go. But, we’ll help you fit it all in with this road trip! You can even break it up into two to three trips if you’re looking to do some day trips in Illinois instead.
Dennis Carr/Flickr
We’ve got a lot of charm going on here in Illinois. Take this road trip to enjoy the small towns that make our state great.
qJake/Flickr
Nothing is more beautiful than the changing colors of the leaves in the fall. Take it all in during this autumn road trip, one of the best road trips in Illinois.
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House Urbana/Facebook
Start this road trip on an empty stomach! Once you begin, you’re in for three days of stuffing yourself silly.
Vail Marston/Flickr
Is creeping through abandoned spots your thing? Then this road trip through Illinois’s forsaken locations should top your to-do list.
Chris Bartnik/Flickr
Go chasing waterfalls throughout Illinois with this epic road trip. Pack your camera and jump in the car to see some of Illinois’ finest!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In Illinois September 21, 2021 Melissa M. What are some of the best day trips in Illinois? While road trips are fun if we have the time, day trips are best if we don’t have as much free time, yet still want to do a little traveling and exploring. How about taking an afternoon to explore the stunning Chicago Botanic Gardens? Perhaps a safari at Aikman Wildlife Adventures may suit you better especially if you’re looking for something to do with the kids. There are numerous state parks, like Mississippi Palisades State Park to enjoy, and small towns like Metropolis and Nauvoo are also perfect day trip destinations. What are some must-visit attractions in Illinois? Illinois is a state that has plenty of attractions, both natural and man-made, that we should all visit. If you enjoy quirky attractions, you’ll find many along Illinois’ Historic Route 66. Take some photos with the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, find antiques and get an ice cream at Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, or stop by Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. As for natural attractions, Giant City State Park is always worth a visit if only to see the fascinating rock formations. The massive Cave-In-Rock is a unique destination to explore as well. What are some of the most unique things to do in Illinois? Of all the unique things you can do around the Prairie State, a scenic train ride is hard to beat, allowing passengers to see parts of the state they wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In Illinois
September 21, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some of the best day trips in Illinois? While road trips are fun if we have the time, day trips are best if we don’t have as much free time, yet still want to do a little traveling and exploring. How about taking an afternoon to explore the stunning Chicago Botanic Gardens? Perhaps a safari at Aikman Wildlife Adventures may suit you better especially if you’re looking for something to do with the kids. There are numerous state parks, like Mississippi Palisades State Park to enjoy, and small towns like Metropolis and Nauvoo are also perfect day trip destinations. What are some must-visit attractions in Illinois? Illinois is a state that has plenty of attractions, both natural and man-made, that we should all visit. If you enjoy quirky attractions, you’ll find many along Illinois’ Historic Route 66. Take some photos with the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, find antiques and get an ice cream at Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, or stop by Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. As for natural attractions, Giant City State Park is always worth a visit if only to see the fascinating rock formations. The massive Cave-In-Rock is a unique destination to explore as well. What are some of the most unique things to do in Illinois? Of all the unique things you can do around the Prairie State, a scenic train ride is hard to beat, allowing passengers to see parts of the state they wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While road trips are fun if we have the time, day trips are best if we don’t have as much free time, yet still want to do a little traveling and exploring. How about taking an afternoon to explore the stunning Chicago Botanic Gardens? Perhaps a safari at Aikman Wildlife Adventures may suit you better especially if you’re looking for something to do with the kids. There are numerous state parks, like Mississippi Palisades State Park to enjoy, and small towns like Metropolis and Nauvoo are also perfect day trip destinations.
What are some must-visit attractions in Illinois?
Illinois is a state that has plenty of attractions, both natural and man-made, that we should all visit. If you enjoy quirky attractions, you’ll find many along Illinois’ Historic Route 66. Take some photos with the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, find antiques and get an ice cream at Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, or stop by Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. As for natural attractions, Giant City State Park is always worth a visit if only to see the fascinating rock formations. The massive Cave-In-Rock is a unique destination to explore as well.
What are some of the most unique things to do in Illinois?
Of all the unique things you can do around the Prairie State, a scenic train ride is hard to beat, allowing passengers to see parts of the state they wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to.
