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7-Day Illinois Itinerary

A mix of city life, historical sites, and natural escapes across Illinois.

Explore Illinois: A 7-Day Road Trip Through Chicago, Historic Landmarks & Scenic Nature

Day1

Arrive in Chicago & Explore the City

Fly into O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway (MDW).

Top Things to Do in Chicago

  • Walk Along The Chicago RiverwalkEnjoy beautiful city views along the water.
  • Visit The Art Institute of ChicagoHome to famous works like American Gothic.
  • Take an Architecture Boat TourLearn about Chicago's world-famous skyscrapers.
  • Try Deep-Dish PizzaGo to Lou Malnati's or Giordano's.
  • Sunset at Willis Tower Skydeck (The Ledge)Stunning views from 1,353 feet up!

Overnight in Downtown Chicago.

Day2

More of Chicago & Navy Pier

Explore more of Chicago's iconic sights.

Top Things to Do

  • Stroll Through Millennium Park & See "The Bean" (Cloud Gate).
  • Visit the United CenterSee the Michael Jordan statue!
  • Spend the Afternoon at Navy PierEnjoy rides, lakefront views, and dining.
  • Optional: Relax at Oak Street BeachA great urban beach along Lake Michigan.
  • Dinner at Au ChevalFamous for its award-winning cheeseburger.

Overnight in Chicago.

Day3

Springfield - Lincoln's Legacy & Route 66

Drive from Chicago to Springfield (3.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Springfield

  • Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.
  • Tour Lincoln's Home National Historic Site.
  • See Lincoln's Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
  • Drive a Stretch of Historic Route 66.
  • Try a Horseshoe SandwichA Springfield specialty at D'Arcy's Pint.

Overnight in Springfield.

Day4

Starved Rock State Park - Hiking & Waterfalls

Drive from Springfield to Starved Rock State Park (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Starved Rock State Park

  • Hike to Wildcat Canyon & St. Louis CanyonBeautiful waterfalls and rock formations.
  • Walk Along Lover's Leap OverlookStunning views of the Illinois River.
  • Go Kayaking on the Illinois River.
  • Dinner at Starved Rock LodgeA historic lodge with rustic charm.

Overnight in Utica (near Starved Rock).

Day5

Peoria - Riverfront & Wildlife Adventures

Drive from Starved Rock to Peoria (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Peoria

  • Take a River Cruise on the Illinois River.
  • Visit Wildlife Prairie ParkSee bison, black bears, and native wildlife.
  • Explore the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
  • Dinner at Blue Duck BBQ TavernA local favorite.

Overnight in Peoria.

Day6

Galena - Historic Charm & Scenic Drives

Drive from Peoria to Galena (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Galena

  • Tour Ulysses S. Grant's HomeLearn about the Civil War general & U.S. President.
  • Walk Through Historic Downtown GalenaUnique shops and 19th-century buildings.
  • Visit Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery.
  • Hike at Horseshoe Mound PreserveGreat panoramic views.
  • Optional: Go Kayaking on the Galena River.

Overnight in Galena.

Day7

Return to Chicago & Depart

Drive from Galena to Chicago (3 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way

  • Visit the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL.
  • Explore Matthiessen State Park (near Starved Rock).
  • Stop in RockfordCheck out Anderson Japanese Gardens for a peaceful nature break.

Fly home from Chicago (ORD or MDW).

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Header photo: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.