Travelling Central Illinois

Although often overshadowed by crowd-favorite Chicago, Illinois has a lot to offer in terms of travel and adventure. From spelunking in the Shawnee National Forest to skiing down the slopes of Galena, there’s something for everyone in this Midwestern state.

And what’s more, the weather is perfect for getaways all year round! In the spring, the flowers are in bloom and the temperature is just right for walks in the park. In the summer, the days are long and the nights are perfect for stargazing. Fall brings beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures perfect for hikes. Winter is the ideal time to cozy up by the fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa.

What to pack for an Illinois vacation

The beautiful state of Illinois is a cornucopia of things to do. From breathtaking natural scenery to man-made marvels, there is no shortage of attractions. And with so much to see and do, you’re going to need a little bit of help packing for your trip.

To make things easy for you, we’ve put together a list of some must-have items to pack for an Illinois vacation. From comfortable shoes to a map of the state, these items will make sure you have the best possible time exploring all that Illinois has to offer!

• Packable Cooler
• Water Bottle or Hydroflask
• First Aid Kit
• Travel Picnic Kit
• Car Charger
• Travel Mug
• Sunglasses
• Cell Phone Mount
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones
• Roadside Emergency Kit
• Shoes that You Can Slip On.
• Rain Gear
• Hand Sanitizer, Sunscreen, and Bug Spray
• Travel Pillow and Blanket
• Travel Tote or Duffel Bag
• Toiletry Bag
• Travel Games
• Travel Snacks
• Day Pack
• Flashlight

Where to stay in Illinois

Interesting AirBnbBs, Hotels, and other interesting places to stay in Illinois:

• The Has Been (Alvin, IL)
• The Owl House (Galena, IL)
• Havisham House (Alto Pass, IL)
• Rocky Hill Retreat (Galena, IL)
• H&H Farmhouse (Magnolia, IL)
• Audrey’s Abode (Jacksonville, IL)
• Cabin on the Wine Trail (Pomona, IL)
• Spanish Style Villa (Rockford, IL)

Budget-friendly activities in Illinois

• Grandview Drive (Peoria, IL)
• Caterpillar Visitor’s Center (Peoria, IL)
• Peoria Zoo (Peoria, IL)
• Forest Park Nature Center (Peoria, IL)
• Peoria Civic Center (Peoria, IL)
• Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum (Peoria, IL)
• Luthy Botanical Garden (Peoria, IL)
• Giant Oak Park (Peoria, IL)

Illinois travel tips

• Plan your route
• Get up early
• Don’t be afraid of a long drive
• Pack a lunch and go out for dinner
• Dress for success
• Recruit friends
• Ditch the plan

No matter what time of year it is, Illinois is the perfect place to get away from it all. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!