Illinois Has More Adventures Than You Think
Curious about what life in Illinois actually looks like? If kayaking the Chicago River between skyscrapers, lingering too long at your favorite pizza place, or witnessing people ice skating (...or wiping out) at Maggie Daley Park sounds like your type of day, Illinois might be calling you home! This list of things to do will take you from quiet lakefront sunrises to wide-open prairie trails, offering a real tate of the culture, architecture, and laid-back Midwestern spirit that locals know and love. Whether you're hunting for hidden gems in small towns or soaking up big city life, there's always something new to discover in Illinois.
Hannah, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Hannah has spent her entire life in Illinois, learning early that the state is equal parts cornfields, quiet downtowns, and people claiming Chicago when they're really living a life in the burbs. She loves Mauve Cocktail Lounge treats, small town downtowns, travel books (she's been voraciously reading them since elementary school), ice cream at the OG Dairy Queen, and correcting grammar just for fun. At Snappy Scout, Hannah edits Illinois moving guides with decades of relocation experience, old soul wisdom, and just enough youthful energy to keep it practical.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Illinois?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
This is the Iconic Road Trip to take
Route 66
Go Outside & Hike
Trek Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest
Maybe You Should Go Chasing Waterfalls
Soak up LaSalle Canyon Falls at Starved Rock
Spend Time on the Water Cooling Off
Relax in the suburbs at Centennial Beach in Naperville
For the Sports Fans
Sports fan or not, there's no place like Wrigleyville
Throughout Summer
Head to Navy Pier to watch fireworks over Lake Michigan
During the Short Days of Winter
Find your new suburban downtown coffee shop - like Plainfield's Krema!
When You're Tired of Crowds and Need to Get Away
Spot bison at Wilmington's Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Stargaze in Desolate Dark Nights
Bundle up and catch views at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Penfield
Just When You Think You've Seen It All, This Roadside Oddity Will Leave You in Awe and Confusion
Find the World's largest Catsup Bottle (170 feet tall!) in Collinsville, Illinois
Hidden Gem Spotlight
Lynfred Winery in Roselle is the oldest family-owned winery in Illinois! The tasting room is intimate, and you can also bring your wine and charcuterie outdoors to the porch or gazebo during the warmer months. Being in their wine club is one of those "you only know it if you live here" secrets. Hot tip - you can also pick up your Lynfred Wine Wheeling, Highland Park, or Naperville (Naperville is "Tasting Devine Cellars").
— Hannah Swieczka
Illinois Local Expert
Ready to See If Illinois Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Illinois guide for the bigger picture.