Here Are The 7 Best Places In Illinois To Visit On A Long Weekend
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
Do you have a long weekend coming up and looking to explore some of what the Prairie State has to offer? Well, there’s a lot to explore here, but we’ve narrowed it down to a list of just seven places to get you started. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or want to slow down a bit out in nature, here are a few ideas for some memorable long weekend getaways in Illinois.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Considered the best state park in Illinois, Starved Rock is a place of wonder. Throughout its 1,630 acres, you'll find 13 miles of trails, many of which lead to extraordinary canyons with waterfalls. To make a weekend out of it, consider spending the night at the historic Starved Rock Lodge located right in the park!
Grafton, IL 62037, USA
At 33 miles, the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway is a smaller portion of the 550-mile Great River Road and takes travelers on a breathtaking journey through the area where the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers meet. Start the journey at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, then travel the road and stop at the small towns along the way. The byway eventually ends at Pere Marquette State Park. If you need a place to spend the night, try the Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton.
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Galena, IL 61036, USA
We can never say enough good things about Galena! With its history, scenery, and incredible downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and place to stay, you can certainly spend an entire weekend getting to know this charming town. Read our previous coverage to find out why Galena is a top choice for weekend getaways.
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Chicago, IL, USA
Whether you're visiting for the weekend or live in the city and want to explore it on a staycation, Chicago offers plenty to see and do. From award-winning restaurants, world-class museums, stunning architecture, and an endless list of attractions, Chicago is a perfect place to explore over a long weekend.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, 2865 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL 62975, USA
Throughout the Shawnee Hills wine country in southern Illinois, you can take a weekend to explore the wineries and small towns along the route. Featuring 11 wineries over the course of 40 miles, you'll enjoy the scenery and wine tastings along the way. There are even a few wineries that offer accommodations. You can read about those wineries in this post.
Casey, IL 62420, USA
Casey, Illinois, may be small in stature -- but it's home to many big things. In fact, a dozen of the large objects found around town are in the Guinness Book of World Records! You'll have a blast exploring Casey and taking photos of all the massive attractions here. You can learn more in this post.
Springfield, IL, USA
If you want to explore a city, but one that's not as big as Chicago, Springfield is an excellent place for a getaway. As the state's capital city, there's plenty of historical sites, inns, and restaurants. You can check out this post for a fun weekend itinerary in Springfield.
Where do you prefer your long weekend getaways in Illinois? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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