8 Ideal Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in Illinois
Nestled within Midwestern United States, Illinois is a scenic state home to a plethora of amazing attractions. The epicenter for many prominent historical movements, such as the abolishment of slavery, there is an endless array of historic sites throughout the state. Illinois also boasts many scenic natural attractions and parks which are ideal for getting away from urban troubles. With so much to offer, the state is home to some of the best places to spend a 3-day weekend.
Springfield
The capital city of Illinois, Springfield, is a bustling city and any history lover’s dream. Home to a population of 114,000 people, Springfield holds immense significance throughout the state’s past. This is because it was the home of President Abraham Lincoln and where Barrack Obama announced his presidential candidacy. So, no matter where you go, you can find important and unique historic sites. Some of the most popular are the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, The Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site showcases the establishment where President Abraham Lincoln once practiced law in the city. Similar to this, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the site where Abraham Lincoln lived with Mary Todd for 17 years during the 1850s. If you want to learn more, check out the Illinois Governor’s Mansion, where you can take a tour of the lovely 160-year-old estate.
While the historic attractions in Springfield are endless, there are also a lot of fun things to do in the city. For a weekend away, the Henson Robinson Zoo is a great place to enjoy with family. It is home to amazing animals, such as lemurs, boa constrictors, and owls. Thus, you can spend an evening roaming through the different exhibits and meeting friendly creatures. If you get tired of roaming through the city, grab a bite at the famous Indigo Restaurant to recharge your body and mind. The famous restaurant serves some of the best lobster, sushi, and cheesecake in the region.
Matthiessen State Park
Nestled into the central region of the north, in Utica, Illinois, Matthiessen State Park is an underrated gem. It has an area of 1,700 acres with stunning forests, cliffs, streams, and other natural attractions. However, the park's prime attraction is a stream flowing from Matthiessen Lake into the Vermillion River. Surrounded by rock formations, drops, and sandstone layers, this stream provides a stunning trail that is perfect for a day outdoors. There are also multiple smaller trails through deep forests, lakes, and other wonders with clear markings throughout.
If you are not into hiking, you can also try your hand at horseback riding. With more than 9 miles of multi-use mountain biking and horseback riding trails, there is no end to the fun. No matter what you plan on doing throughout the day, you should always end your day at the Cozy Corners Campground. With amazing campsites encompassed by nature, you can relax and enjoy a weekend away from technology and work!
Gurnee
If you are a thrill seeker, there are few options better than Gurnee in Illinois. While this small village does not seem like much at first glance, it boasts the stunning Six Flags Great America amusement park. With more than 300 acres of rides, slides, food, and more, this park brings in millions of visitors each year. If you are lucky enough to visit during Christmas or Halloween, the park revamps its decor and rides for a unique festive experience. While Six Flags Great America is amazing in itself, it is also home to Hurrican Harbor Chicago, a massive water park. Here, you can enjoy a completely new set of water rides, such as Tsunami Surge, the world’s tallest water coaster. So, if you want to enjoy some adrenaline-filled fun in Illinois, this is the place to be.
If you are looking for a more relaxing weekend, there is no need to worry, as Gurnee has you covered. The village has a vibrant culture and loads of amazing establishments to have a great time. For example, you can spend the day shopping in Gurnee Mills. It is the state’s third-largest shopping mall with a wide range of outlets, luxury, and convenience stores. After spending your day out and about, book a room in the luxurious Great Wolf Lodge for a relaxing weekend stay. The resort has amazing rooms, play areas, beautiful architecture, and a chill vibe which is perfect for a long weekend in Gurnee.
Starved Rock State Park
When it comes to natural attractions in Illinois, Starved Rock State Park should be at the top of your list. This surreal park is one of the most famous in the state, with more than 2,600 acres of natural land. Here, you can find the Illinois River, sandstone canyons, cliffs, and other natural formations for a unique environment. To take in these sights, hop on one of the many tours provided by the park. For example, the Historic Trolley Tour takes place on weekends stopping at the Visitor Center, downtown Utica, and other historic sites! Or, you can also opt for the stunning Waterfall & Canyon Trolley Tour, which showcases three beautiful waterfalls and canyons for a fun time outdoors. These tours provide food, guides, and snacks for a safe option to check out all the park has to offer.
Apart from this, Starved Rock State Park also offers 13+ miles of hiking trails. These trails are well-marked and traverse through canyons, caves, creeks, and waterfalls so that you can take in the beauty at your own pace. Most trails are also connected to the lodging and camping area, so you won’t have to walk too far to enjoy the park’s scenery.
Chicago
A name you are probably familiar with, Chicago is a bustling metropolis and the most populous city in Illinois. Home to a population of 2.75 million people, this city is the embodiment of an urban hub. Testament to this, Chicago is home to all sorts of amazing weekend activities and attractions, such as historical sites, eateries, and stores. One of the best ways to spend your time in Chicago is by taking in the vibrant culture and amazing establishments. So, walk on over to the Magnificent Mile, a long strip within central Chicago home to more than 400 stores. Surrounded by massive skyscrapers on both sides, this is the perfect place for shopaholics to indulge in some shopping! If you don’t like being at the bottom of these skyscrapers, you can opt to look at them from the top instead. Just head over to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, which provides a bird’s eye view of the city from a height of 1,000 feet.
Apart from the urban beauty of Chicago, the city’s 235 square mile area has many unique sites to see. For example, if you are a baseball fan, Wrigley Field is a must-visit. Opened in 1914, this field is the location for the Chicago Cub’s first game and has since been their ballpark! So, it holds immense history for the sport, and if you are lucky, you might even be able to catch a weekend game. If baseball is not your thing, walk over to the beautiful Chicago Riverwalk. This path runs parallel to the Chicago River and showcases the city’s world-class skyline. If you get hungry, grab a bite at one of the many cafes and food joints set along the Riverwalk. So, no matter what you enjoy, the bustling metropolis of Chicago is sure to be a great weekend destination.
Shawnee National Forest
One of the largest natural areas in Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a treasure trove of scenic beauty. Covering 289,000 acres of land, this forest offers sprawling expanses of land with never-ending sights and activities. For example, it encompasses the beautiful Garden of the Gods Wilderness, which is a unique uplifted sandstone plateau with many canyons and cliffs. Similarly, the forest boasts stunning hardwood forests, crystal clear lakes, and dozens of amazing spots to sit down and relax. Apart from the beautiful sights, this diverse environment provides an amazing habitat for a plethora of animals. To this end, you can spot more than 500 animal species in the forest, such as the bald eagle, copperhead snake, black bear, Indiana bat, and many more.
Visitors at Shawnee National Forest can traverse the 35+ trails spread throughout the massive park. Rim Rock Recreational Trail is one of the best, with a few miles of meandering routes surrounded by massive rock formations. After a hike in the forest, head over to the Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. This area is home to dozens of cozy campsites which offers basic amenities for a relaxing weekend stay. There are also provisions for picnicking, fishing, and boating, so you can enjoy the great Illinois outdoors!
Rockford
Full of fun things to do, Rockford is a major city located in northern Illinois. The city is home to a population of nearly 150,000 people providing a lively environment and amazing culture. While it may be a large city, one of Rockford’s prime attractions is nestled within nature. This is the famous Anderson Japanese Gardens, a 12-acre garden in the middle of Rockford. Tourists visit from all over to take in the enthralling Japanese-style trees, koi ponds, and waterfalls for a serene experience.
Once you have had your fair share of natural sights, it is time to check out Rockford’s amazing museums. Two of the best options in town are the Rockford Art Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History. Constructed in 1913, Rockford Art Museum is a historical landmark showcasing more than 1,900 items through various exhibits. Similarly, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is home to unique artifacts and items, such as a T-Rex skeleton, a triceratops skeleton, and even a rooftop garden!
After spending your day out and about in Rockford, you might be feeling a bit hungry. To fill your tummy, visit the beautiful Lino’s restaurant. This Italian family joint has an alluring ambiance and serves some of the best pizza in the state. Or, if you want to grab a drink and cool down, spend your evening at the Stone Eagle Tavern. All in all, Rockford is a comprehensive and fun way to enjoy Illinois.
Cave-In-Rock State Park
True to its name, Cave-In-Rock State Park boasts a stunning cave that attracts tourists from across the country. This massive cave is 55 feet (17 m) wide, creating a surreal environment secluded from the surrounding wilderness. You can enter the cave, click pictures, and touch the limestone walls which have formed over thousands of years. After spending time in the cave, you can explore the surrounding park, which has an area of over 200 acres.
The most popular activities here are hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking. So, you can always find tourists along one of the two established hiking trails which traverse forested areas, cliffs, streams, and more. Or, spend the day relaxing along the Ohio River with a fishing rod in hand and catch yourself fish to enjoy for dinner. After enjoying your day outdoors, walk back to the campground, which offers 34 class-A sites and accommodation for large RVs. Combining comfort with unique natural sights, Cave-In-Rock State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true.
From the historical significance of Springfield to the massive cave at Cave-In-Rock State Park, there is no end to amazing destinations in Illinois. No matter what you enjoy, you are sure to have a fun weekend in Illinois. So, plan out your trip according to your interests and spend an enjoyable 3-day weekend with friends and family!
