Chicago
Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Windy City is America’s third-largest city and among the nation’s best for food.
The skyline is filled with skyscrapers, but, on the ground, Chicago has become an outdoor gallery with work by the likes of Picasso filling the streets.
Head up Willis Tower – formerly Sears Tower – which was once the tallest building in the world, and look down on it from The Ledge. This is a glass box over a 100-storey drop – not for the faint-hearted, but a great view if you can handle heights.
Springfield
The capital of Illinois was home to 16th president Abraham Lincoln. He lived and worked in Springfield before his presidency and was later buried here.
Find out about his life at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where he lived for 17 years. There’s also the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Keep on your tour of historic sights at the old and new State Capitol buildings.
Naperville
This suburb of Chicago is an upmarket location that is well worth a short 40-minute drive out to see. The two-mile Naperville Riverwalk, with fountains, bridges and sculptures, is known as the ‘crown jewel’ of the city.
The Naper Settlement is an outdoor museum where ‘villagers’ in costume depict life during pioneer time.
Need to cool down? Head to Centennial Beach – a manmade feature with two acres of water sourced from Lake Michigan. For driving trails, hiking and cycling, visit The Morton Arboretum.
Rockford
Rockford, once known as Midway, got its name from the ford across Rock River. You’ll soon see why it’s also called the City of Gardens, however. Peaceful and picturesque places to unwind include Anderson Japanese Gardens and Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens.
There’s also plenty of outdoor adventure. Head to Rock Cut State Park for biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing and swimming. Don’t miss the Burpee Museum of Natural History here too.
Galena
The majority of Galena, known as the City That Time Forgot, is designated a national historic district. On Main Street you’ll wander past some impressive architecture – which today houses stores and restaurants.
Visit the former home of President Ulysses S Grant or see the spookier side of the city on a ghost tour. Follow the six-mile river trail here or head to Chestnut Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding.
Oglesby
If you want to take your Illinois rental car out to a place of peace and tranquillity, then head for Oglesby.
Here, you can visit both Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park. The former is home to captivating rock formations among forests and streams.
Look out for the white-tail deer and don’t forget to pack a picnic. The latter is the state’s most famous and historic park, with 18 canyons to explore.
Harrisburg
Situated in southern Illinois, Harrisburg is known as the gateway to the Shawnee National Forest. This near-300,000 acre forest features four attractions on the National Register of Historic Places.
Park up your rental car and hike to Burden Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, or head to the Garden of the Gods. Here, you’ll see impressive rock formations including Camel Rock, Anvil Rock and Devil’s Smoke Stack.