Illinois destinations, parks and attractions
Are you going on a road trip to Illinois, looking for tips about the destinations so you and your party can enjoy it, be comfortable and not spend a fortune?
Here are some of the top destinations in Illinois and tips about visiting them
National parks and monuments in Illinois
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail,
Sixteen States: IA,ID,IL,IN,KS,KY,MO,MT,NE,ND,OH,OR,PA,SD,WA,WV.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is approximately 4,900 miles long, extending from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near present day Astoria, Oregon. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as the preparatory section from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wood River, Illinois.
- Lincoln Home National Historical Site:,
Springfield, IL.
Abraham Lincoln believed in the ideal that everyone in America should have the opportunity to improve their economic and social condition. Lincoln’s life was the embodiment of that idea. We know him as the sixteenth president but he was also a spouse, parent, and neighbor who experienced the same hopes, dreams, and challenges of life that are still experienced by many people today.
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail,
Various States IL,IA,NE,UT,WY.
Explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail across five states to see the 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847.
- Pullman National Monument,
Chicago, IL.
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited-by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came together in Pullman, a planned industrial community famed for its urban design and architecture.
- Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail,
AL,AR,GA,IL,KY,MO,NC,OK,TN.
Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat in 1838-1839.
Illinois State parks and historic sites
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Illinois Seasons, bugs, topography and climate
Located in the midwest at the edge of the plains, Illinois has cold winters,hot summers, and frequent short fluctuations in temperature, humidity, cloudiness, and wind direction. Many consider the more moderate temperatures of spring and fall to be the most pleasant.
Illinois Camping tips
Camping is available at many Illinois State Parks. The most-visited sites are listed below. For camping at other State Parks, consult the park listing page.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land with the exception of Wildlife Prairie Park. Sites with Beaches charge a $1 a day per person for beach use only. The fee schedule listed on the right navigation bar is for all sites with camping.
Seasons
Generally, throughout the state, camping is available year round weather permitting
- Spring - Summer Camping (May 1 through September 30)
- Fall - Winter Camping (October 1 through April 30)
As long as buildings, water and electrical service are available, regardless of the date, the regular camping fee will apply. When cold weather requires closing down buildings and shutting off water in Class AA,A, A-P, B/S or B/S-P campgrounds, the fee shall be reduced commensurate with the services and facilities available for use.
Please call ahead for available amenities especially for Class AA, A, A-P, B/S, B/S-P and C camping.
What is a "Premium Campground"?
A designated camping facility that has a preponderant history of consistently operating at capacity. The following sites have been designated as Premium Campgrounds:
- Chain O'Lakes State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
- Rock Cut State Park
- Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
- Starved Rock State Park
There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Illinois.