Planning an Illinois Road Trip: Where to Go + What to See

Planning an Illinois Road Trip

There’s nothing better than hitting the open road and seeing a state from a new perspective—its scenic highways and byways, parks, and cities helping you get to know the place like a local. Planning an Illinois road trip gives you a chance to discover what makes the Prairie State so unique while exploring some surrounding states, too. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places to take a summer road trip! Illinois has so much to offer from big cities to beautiful nature, shimmering waterways, and amazing hidden gems located just off the beaten path.

In this guide, I’ll show you all the steps to planning an Illinois road trip you won’t forget. If you follow my road trip tips—stay flexible, choose your round trip stops, and do your research before setting out—you’ll be able to hit all the highlights and make the most of your trip.

While I share all the details you need to plan the perfect Illinois roadtrip, you may come across affiliate links I’ve included to products and travel services I actually use and wholeheartedly recommend. If you see something you like and make a purchase, I earn a small commission from it to help me keep my blog going! I’m so grateful for your support. 

How to Plan an Illinois Road Trip

If you only have a weekend to spare and would like to see as much as possible from the natural beauty of the state, you will have to plan your itinerary carefully so you can see everything in a limited timeframe.

Start off from Chicago and have a breakfast on the roadside or at one of the upmarket cafes of the city. Visit the Illinois Beach State Park, where you can take in the beautiful scenes of Lake Michigan and explore the 6+ mile-long shoreline. If you need a break from driving, you might want to stop by the Matthiessen State Park, where you will see stunning waterfalls and great rock formations.

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to stop by the Giant City State Park, where you can see some freaky stone structures that will start off your imagination. ​

Lake Michigan

Explore Chicago

Chicago draws millions of visitors annually and is a fantastic place to visit on any Illinois road trip. While it’s not the state capital, it’s the largest city in Illinois and offers tons to experience in the way of dining, entertainment, shopping, and even outdoor recreation! This riverfront city is bisected by the Chicago River and features a 1.25-mile Riverwalk where you can stroll beside the water in the heart of the city. 

Grab a classic Chicago dog, see a show at the Chicago Theater, shop on the Magnificent Mile, paddle kayaks down the river for an urban outdoor recreation experience, and check out the famous Bean sculpture while you’re exploring the city.

Venture Into Michigan

To see more on your Illinois road trip, you might want to venture into Michigan. Detroit is around a 4-hour drive from Chicago, and it offers some fantastic sceneries and roadside attractions. Book a room at Best Western Premier Detroit Southfield to stay in comfort and get a great place to start your adventures while you explore Michigan and the surrounding states.

Start off in Chicago and follow the scenic back roads or the coastal highways, stop when you want, and take in the beautiful landscape of the states.

Hit Outdoor Adventure Destinations in Illinois

If you’re looking to take a short-distance road trip in Illinois, you can check out the area surrounding Ottawa and Utica. You will find the Starved Rock State Park, where there are plenty of fantastic camping sites and outdoor activity centers awaiting. Try freshwater fishing, cycling, or even rock climbing. Take a boat ride in the morning, or simply watch the sunset every night.

You can find other rock climbing centers in Illinois if you would like to take your skills to the next level, such as the Shawnee National Forest near Harrisburg or the Giant City State Park in Makanda.

Sand Dunes on Lake Michigan

Take a Round-Trip Ozarks Tour

If you are looking for a great culture-driven trip, you can visit the Ozark land of Illinois. Start off in Carbondale, where you can familiarize yourself with the traditions of Salukis. Stop by the Ohio River to take some stunning pictures or capture the tranquility of some of the traditional places. Make sure that you check out the cypress forests, the Karbers Ridge, and some of the stunning waterfalls.

Start Planning an Illinois Road Trip Now

Taking a road trip can be a great adventure, especially if you plan to drive through and around Illinois. Check out the above trails and start planning an Illinois road trip you’ll never forget today! 

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