13 Illinois Day Trips From Chicago That Are Actually Worth It In 2026
Chicago is a fantastic home base, but sometimes you just need to get out of the city and see what else Illinois has to offer. When that happens, I point the car toward the rest of Illinois and let the city shrink in the rearview mirror.
Within a few hours, the scenery shifts dramatically. Sandstone canyons carved by ancient water, river towns lined with brick storefronts, quiet gardens designed for lingering, and theme parks loud enough to rattle your bones all sit within easy reach.
Each one gives me a distinct memory. Muddy boots after a waterfall hike, the hush of a Japanese garden, the rush of a roller coaster cresting its first drop.
If 2026 calls for a day that feels different from routine, these 13 trips earn a spot on the calendar.
1. Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
Few places in the Midwest pack this much scenery into a single park. Starved Rock State Park, located at 2668 E 875th Rd in Oglesby, Illinois, features 18 canyons carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago.
The sandstone walls rise dramatically, and in spring, waterfalls cascade into canyon pools that look almost too beautiful to be real.
The park has over 13 miles of well-maintained trails, so hikers of all skill levels can find a route that works. St. Louis Canyon and French Canyon are fan favorites and absolutely worth the short hike.
Bald eagles are frequently spotted along the Illinois River in winter months, adding a wildlife bonus to any cold-weather visit. Pack a lunch, wear sturdy shoes, and give yourself a full day here because rushing through Starved Rock would genuinely be a shame.
2. Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby
Right next door to its more famous neighbor, Matthiessen State Park is the quieter, equally stunning sibling that deserves its own spotlight.
Found at 2500 IL-178 in Oglesby, Illinois, this park features two distinct sections called the Dells and the Lake Area, both connected by trails that wind through gorgeous rock formations.
The cedar trees clinging to canyon walls and the soft sound of running water make this one of the most peaceful places I have visited in the entire state. Because Matthiessen gets fewer visitors than Starved Rock, you often get these dramatic gorges almost entirely to yourself, which feels like a rare gift.
Bring a camera because every corner of this park looks like it belongs on a postcard. Visiting both parks in a single day trip is very doable and completely worth the drive from Chicago.
3. Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
Chicago has its lakefront, but Illinois Beach State Park in Zion offers something the city simply cannot: a wild, undeveloped stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline that feels genuinely remote. Located at 1 Lake Front Dr in Zion, Illinois, this is the only remaining natural beach ridge shoreline left in the entire state.
The park covers over 4,000 acres and includes sandy beaches, wetlands, prairies, and savanna habitats, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. More than 650 plant species have been recorded here, which is an impressive number for a spot just an hour north of downtown Chicago.
Summer swimming is popular, and the sunsets over the lake are the kind that make you forget to check your phone. Arriving early on weekends is smart since parking fills up quickly during warm months.
4. Galena, Illinois
Galena is the kind of town that makes you wonder why you ever stayed in the city. Centered around historic Main Street in Galena, Illinois, this remarkably preserved 19th-century river town sits in the hilly northwest corner of the state, looking like it was lifted straight from a history book.
The town’s Main Street is lined with Federal-style brick buildings housing local shops, bakeries, and galleries.
Ulysses S. Grant once called Galena home, and his preserved house is open for tours that offer a fascinating window into Civil War-era life.
The surrounding countryside features rolling hills that burst into brilliant color each autumn.
Galena rewards slow exploration, so budget a full day to wander the streets, browse the shops, and soak in the historic atmosphere. This town has serious charm that hits differently in person than in any photo.
5. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield
Springfield is about three hours south of Chicago, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum at 212 N 6th St makes every minute of that drive worthwhile. This is not a dusty, quiet museum experience.
The facility uses theatrical sets, life-size figures, and immersive special effects to bring Lincoln’s life and presidency to vivid reality.
The “Ghosts of the Library” presentation and the dramatic “Whispering Gallery” exhibit exploring Lincoln’s political critics are highlights that genuinely surprised me with their production quality.
Original artifacts including rare documents and personal items from Lincoln’s life are displayed throughout the museum’s thoughtful galleries.
Springfield itself offers additional Lincoln-related sites within walking distance, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Plan to spend at least half the day at the museum alone before exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
This is one of the best presidential museums in the entire country.
6. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford
Ranked among the finest Japanese gardens in North America, Anderson Japanese Gardens at 318 Spring Creek Rd in Rockford, Illinois, is the kind of place that slows your heart rate the moment you step through the gate.
The garden was designed in the 1970s by master gardener Hoichi Kurisu, and his attention to balance and natural beauty is evident in every carefully placed stone and pruned branch.
Waterfalls, koi-filled ponds, a teahouse, and winding stone paths create an atmosphere of genuine tranquility that feels worlds away from city life. The gardens look spectacular in every season, but spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are particularly stunning times to visit.
Rockford is about 90 minutes from Chicago, making this a very manageable day trip. Spend time simply sitting by the water and letting the garden do its quiet, restorative work on you.
7. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Just 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, The Morton Arboretum at 4100 IL-53 is a living museum of trees that covers 1,700 acres of woodland, meadows, and restored prairie. It is the kind of place that feels like a deep breath for your whole body, especially during the busy weeks when city life gets loud.
The arboretum cares for more than 4,300 different plant taxa from around the world, and its seasonal programming is outstanding.
The wildly popular Illumination holiday light show in winter transforms the landscape into something magical, and rotating seasonal exhibitions and large-scale outdoor art installations draw repeat visitors throughout the year.
Trails range from easy paved paths to longer natural routes, so every fitness level is welcome. Membership pays for itself quickly if you plan to visit more than once, which after your first trip, you absolutely will want to do.
8. Cantigny Park, Wheaton
Named for a World War I battle where Illinois soldiers fought bravely, Cantigny Park at 1S151 Winfield Rd in Wheaton, Illinois, is one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the Chicago suburbs.
The estate was once the private home of Robert R. McCormick, the influential publisher of the Chicago Tribune, and his legacy is woven throughout the property.
The grounds include formal rose gardens, themed display gardens, and acres of open parkland perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. The First Division Museum on the property tells the story of the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division through impressive exhibits including tanks and outdoor military equipment displays.
Admission is charged per vehicle, with parking fees that vary by day and occasional free parking promotions throughout the year. Spring and early summer are ideal visiting times when the gardens are overflowing with color and the grounds look their absolute best.
9. Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo Chicago at 8400 31st St in Brookfield, Illinois, spans more than 200 acres and is home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species.
It has been a Chicago-area institution since 1934, and it continues to evolve with new exhibits and conservation programs that set it apart from many other zoos in the country.
The Tropic World habitat, which recreates rainforest environments for primates, and the Great Bear Wilderness area are perennial crowd favorites.
The dolphin presentations at the zoo’s dolphin habitat remain a highlight for visitors of all ages, and the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare is genuinely impressive to witness up close.
Brookfield is only about 14 miles west of downtown Chicago, making this one of the easiest day trips on this entire list. Budget a full day to do it justice because rushing through a zoo this large means missing too much good stuff.
10. Six Flags Great America, Gurnee
Sometimes a day trip calls for screaming at the top of your lungs while traveling at 70 miles per hour, and Six Flags Great America at 1 Great America Pkwy in Gurnee, Illinois, delivers exactly that.
Located about 40 miles north of Chicago, this is one of the most popular theme parks in the Midwest and a serious destination for thrill seekers.
The park features over 50 rides including Goliath, a record-breaking wooden roller coaster, and Maxx Force, which accelerates from zero to 78 mph in less than two seconds.
Hurricane Harbor operates as a separate gated water park and typically requires its own admission or a qualifying pass, adding a cool, refreshing element to a summer visit.
Buying tickets online in advance saves money and avoids long gate lines. Arriving at opening time is the smartest strategy for hitting the biggest coasters before crowds build up throughout the afternoon.
11. Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna
Perched along the Mississippi River in Savanna, Illinois, Mississippi Palisades State Park at 16327A IL-84 is one of those places that stops you in your tracks the moment you reach an overlook.
The towering limestone bluffs rise hundreds of feet above the river, and the views from the trail system are genuinely breathtaking on clear days.
The park takes its name from the dramatic cliff formations that line the river, and its 2,500 acres include trails for hikers, areas for rock climbers, and campsites for those who want to extend the adventure into an overnight trip.
Fall foliage here is extraordinary, with the golden and red treetops contrasting beautifully against the wide silver ribbon of the Mississippi below.
Savanna is roughly three hours from Chicago, so an early start is recommended. The drive through northwestern Illinois alone passes through lovely countryside that sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
12. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
About five hours south of Chicago near Collinsville, Illinois, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site at 30 Ramey St is one of the most remarkable and underappreciated archaeological sites in North America.
This was once the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, home to as many as 20,000 people at its peak around the year 1100 AD.
Monks Mound, the largest earthwork in the Western Hemisphere, rises 100 feet above the surrounding plain and covers more ground at its base than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Climbing to the top on a clear day rewards visitors with sweeping views and a powerful sense of standing on genuine history.
The on-site interpretive center, when open, provides in-depth exhibits explaining the culture and daily life of the Mississippian people who built this extraordinary city. Cahokia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely earns a spot on any serious Illinois travel itinerary.
13. Illinois Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac
Pontiac, Illinois, sits right on historic Route 66, and the Illinois Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum at 110 W Howard St is a surprisingly rich tribute to America’s most legendary road.
The museum is housed inside a beautifully restored 1900s fire station, and the building itself is worth a look before you even step inside.
Exhibits celebrate the golden age of American road travel with vintage maps, neon signs, photographs, and memorabilia that capture the spirit of mid-20th century highway culture.
The adjacent walls of Pontiac feature an impressive collection of outdoor murals painted by local artists, making the entire downtown feel like an open-air gallery dedicated to Route 66.
Pontiac is about 100 miles southwest of Chicago, making it a quick and easy half-day trip. Pair it with a drive along the original Route 66 alignment through central Illinois for a genuinely nostalgic and rewarding experience on the open road.