After the chilly winter, spring is in the air and marks the perfect time to explore Illinois. For road trippers cruising along legendary Route 66, there is so much to take in throughout urban and rural Illinois. Explore a rich melting pot of culture, history and nature: New experiences along iconic Route 66 Route 66, one of Illinois' Seven Scenic Byways, is steeped in history and bursting with exciting new attractions. This spring, travellers can experience: Chicago’s revamped Route 66 – The Windy City has breathed new life into its connection to Route 66, offering fresh experiences celebrating its status as the highway’s starting point. Gemini Giant Muffler Man returns to Wilmington – One of the most iconic roadside landmarks along Route 66, this towering fiberglass figure is a must-stop a photo op. Shea’s Gas Station Museum and Route 66 Motorheads Motor Museum (Springfield) These two museums showcase the golden age of road travel. Shea’s Gas Station Museum preserves the nostalgia of a bygone era, while the Motorheads Museum features classic cars, vintage gas pumps, and a unique Route 66-themed bar and grill. Old Cannonball Jail (Carlinville) – Step back in time at this historic 19th-century jailhouse, known for its distinctive iron ball construction and fascinating stories of justice. Tours of the jail are available from April through October. It’s Electric Neon Sign Park (Granite City) – This newly opened park pays homage to the glowing neon signs that once lit up Route 66, featuring restored vintage signage that brings the highway’s history to life after dark. The Route 66 Mural Trail (Southern Illinois) – This outdoor gallery spans multiple towns, showcasing large-scale, artist-created murals that celebrate the unique culture, landmarks, and legends of Route 66.   Smell the flowers in Chicago and beyond Illinois isn't just about open roads—it’s also home to breathtaking gardens and parks that come alive in spring. From cherry blossoms in the city to vast fields of tulips and native wildflowers, here are the best spots to embrace the season’s natural beauty. Chicago: Grant Park – “Chicago’s Front Yard” – This sprawling green space, located between the city’s iconic skyscrapers and Lake Michigan, transforms in spring with vibrant flower beds, cherry blossoms, and the famous Buckingham Fountain in full flow. Lincoln Park – Home to one of the nation’s oldest free zoos, Lincoln Park also boasts manicured gardens, walking trails, and lakefront views, making it a prime spot to enjoy the fresh spring air. Garfield Park Conservatory – 2025 Spring Flower Show “Rooted in Mystery” – One of the largest and most impressive indoor gardens in the U.S., the Garfield Park Conservatory unveils a brand-new exhibition this spring, featuring exotic blooms, interactive displays, and hidden floral surprises.   Must-Visit Gardens and Parks Across Illinois Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe) – Located a 45-minute drive north of Chicago and spanning 385 acres with 27 breathtaking gardens, it bursts into life with thousands of tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms in bloom. Spring visitors can take part in special workshops and seasonal tours. The Morton Arboretum (Lisle) – “Vivid Creatures” Exhibition – Located a 45-minute drive west of Chicago, this world-class tree museum and botanical garden will debut Vivid Creatures, a spectacular display of oversized, colorful sculptures inspired by nature. Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby) – Known for its waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and lush spring wildflowers, this state park is a haven for nature lovers. Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford) – A tranquil escape featuring winding paths, koi-filled ponds, traditional Japanese architecture, and cherry blossoms. Apple River Canyon State Park (Jo Daviess County) – Situated in the hilly northwest corner of Illinois, once a part of a vast sea bottom that stretched from the Alleghenies to the Rockies, the park now offers visitors hiking, camping and fishing, surrounded by limestone bluffs, deep ravines, springs, streams and wildlife. Richardson Farm Tulip Festival (Spring Grove) – One of the Midwest’s most spectacular floral displays, this festival features endless rows of colorful tulips, perfect for a springtime stroll. Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center (Springfield) – Designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, this garden offers peaceful woodland trails lined with blooming dogwoods, violets, and prairie wildflowers. Pere Marquette State Park (Grafton) - With nearly 8,000 acres of scenic beauty, Pere Marquette State Park is located on the Illinois River and is the largest state park in Illinois. It features the 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, over 12 miles of hiking and running trails, and 20+ miles of equestrian trails. Shawnee National Forest (Harrisburg) - Nestled between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest is teeming with natural beauty. Famed for the Garden of the Gods, it is also home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail, a system of 403 miles of equestrian and hiking trails. Getting there For UK travelers, Travelbag offers a 10-day trip to Illinois including stays in Chicago and along Route 66 from £1,599pp including return flights and seven-days car rental.

The Autumn Trip Planner and Fall Colour Report  from state DMO Enjoy Illinois is now live. It showcases the best places across Illinois to see brilliant colors as the seasons change. Plan a road trip along Illinois' seven scenic byways, stopping to see the State Parks, meeting the makers from the Illinois Made program, and staying in unique accommodations along the way. Chicago and Beyond Chicago's skyline makes for a dazzling display of its own but around the second week of October visitors will see plenty of fall foliage popping in places like Millennium Park, on elm, hawthorn and maple trees. In Lincoln Park, the maple, ash, birch, and elm trees paint the park’s grounds with red, orange, and yellow. Starved Rock is a renowned natural region situated less than 100 miles to the southwest of Chicago, and displays seasonal waterfalls, majestic bluffs, and rugged canyons. The hiking trails curve through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River with outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddle boat cruises, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking. Visitors can stay at Camp Aramoni, a luxury campground offering 11 safari-style tents, sat on 96 acres of lush forests that comes alive in the autumn. Extending from the village of Antioch in the north to beautiful Ottawa in the south, the Fox River Valley is a picture-perfect northern Illinois destination, less than an hour from Chicago and home to 32 miles of forest trails. With 1,700 acres and more than 222,000 live plants, The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a tree-filled landscape and a vibrant hub for nature education, as well as a world-renowned centre for scientific research 30 minutes from Chicago. In the East Woods of the Arboretum, the sugar maple tree steals the show as every fall, the woods are transformed in oranges and yellows. Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, 90 miles north-west of Chicago, has been named one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. The 12-acre site consists of koi-filled ponds, winding paths, gentle streams, and waterfalls. Central Illinois Two-hours south of Chicago, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign is Illinois’ first farmstead cheese making facility. Learn about the cheese-making process in this Goat Dairy while tasting their varieties of cheese and sample goat milk gelato. Then explore the Eastern portion of the farm along the pasture and pond with the goats themselves. The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur is a working farm that hosts activities for visitors to test their path-finding skills in several corn mazes. Visit the friendly farm animals, enjoy wagon rides and pumpkin picking, as well as pumpkin ice cream and their famous iced pumpkin cookies. The town of Monticello, two and half hours south of Chicago, is home to the Allerton Park & Retreat Centre, built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, it now offers a unique opportunity to experience art, nature, and history. There are outdoor concerts, themed dinners and wine tasting along with nature hikes and educational events. Half an hour further south, the area around Lake Decatur offers 30-miles of shoreline with beautiful wildlife vistas at lakeside parks. Nearby Rock Springs Nature Center is home to a large visitor center, a museum, a restored farmhouse, nearly nine miles of hiking trails, and a paved bike trail. In Peoria, three hours south of Chicago, Grandview Drive offers scenic views of the Illinois River while walking, biking, hiking or just driving through. President Theodore Roosevelt referred to the area as the “world’s most beautiful drive,” in a visit to Peoria in 1910, as it offers visitors numerous panoramic scenic views of the Illinois River Valley even more so in autumn, with the ever-changing colors. Southern Illinois There are numerous trails and lakes near Carbondale, five and a half hours south of Chicago, perfect for exploring in autumn. At almost 44,000 acres and with three lakes (Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devils Kitchen,) at nearby Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge there are endless opportunities for watching wildlife, hiking nature trails, swimming and fishing. Six hours south of Chicago, the Shawnee National Forest covers much of southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The area is well suited for an outdoor adventure any time of year, offering a range of activities. Garden of the Gods, renowned for its breathtaking views and walking trails, showcases the famous rock formations and provides a panoramic view of the ancient forest. Giant City is named for its natural landscape of giant sandstone bluffs and narrow corridors framed by sheer cliff faces. Visitors can stay in the 34 cabins offered at Giant City State Park  nestled into the bluffs near the main lodge that offers a full-service restaurant, a deck and an outdoor swimming pool. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 award-winning wineries located along a 35-mile scenic drive, Hickory Ridge Vineyard & Winery, is said to be one of the best views on the trail and is located on the western edge of the forest. A stone’s throw from the National Forest, the Cabins at Sunrise Hill are three A-Frame cabins set on 25 acres and fully self-contained. Read the Fall+Winter Enjoy Illinois magazine for more inspiration 

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  Illinois offers a range of ways to embrace outdoor adventures this summer. Chicago may be known for its skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza, but the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan that stretch along the 28 miles of freshwater shoreline, and the waterways that traverse the city, offer respite in summer when temperatures average a pleasant 28’C. Venture beyond the city where nature parks and water parks are waiting to be explored and enjoyed.   Ten ways to make the most of summer in Illinois:   1.Bike along the scenic 606 trail   Experience the revitalization of an abandoned railway on Chicago's northwest side at The 606 trail. This 2.7-mile elevated park and trail boast a chain of street-level parks, scenic lookout points, an observatory, and captivating public art installations. Pedal your way through this urban gem and relish the city's beauty from a unique perspective. Renting a Divvy classic bike or scooter is an easy, affordable, and super-fun way to explore Chicago. Visitors can download the app, hire their mode of transport, and be on their way.   2.Soak up the sun on the beaches of Lake Michigan   Join locals and visitors at Oak Street Beach, one of Chicago's favourite destinations for soaking up the sun along Lake Michigan. Easily accessible via the Lakefront Trail, this spot is part of an 18.5-mile-long path that winds along the western shore of Lake Michigan, passing by various landmarks. Whispers at Oak Street Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and a drink while taking in the beautiful view of the Chicago skyline. North Avenue Beach is a lively hotspot known for its beach house and vibrant atmosphere. Engage in beach volleyball and people-watching as you soak in the summertime energy. For families seeking a more relaxed setting, Montrose Beach is perfect, offering playgrounds and picnic areas for a delightful afternoon.   3.Live your best Barbie life   With 27 spectacular gardens on 385 acres of blooming landscape, Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the largest public gardens in the world. Walk among wildflowers and native plants while crisscrossing the arching bridges of nine interconnected islands and follow ‘Barbie’s Real-World Day Out’ path as it weaves its way around the garden and through the perfectly pink roses. Electric Garden in West Loop has debuted their Malibu Barbie Cafe, a pop-up tribute to Mattel’s iconic doll, which will delight fans until October 15^th. Expect pops of Barbie’s trademark Rosco fluorescent pink colour and a human-sized Barbie doll box alongside a pop-up’s menu, created by Master Chef semi-finalist Becky Brown, with brunch served all day. Look out for rainbow pancakes, a wedge salad, and a cauliflower bowl.   4.Take a Chicago River cruise or kayak tour   Take to the water on a guided kayak tour on the Chicago River or one of the many Architecture River Cruises available, taking in all the major Chicago landmarks as you navigate right through the city.   5.Experience the thrills at Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor   Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor are two great parks you can experience at one destination. Home to seventeen heart-stopping roller coasters and a 20-acre water park to keep the family busy all summer.   6.The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park   Stretching across 300-acres of historically significant land, The Forge: Lemont Quarries  is ranked by USA Today as one of the ‘10 Best Aerial Adventure Parks in the USA’ and features the largest aerial challenge course, tallest climbing towers, and longest ziplines in the tri-state area. They offer mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boat excursions that feed the appetite of adventure enthusiasts looking for unique challenges.   7.Explore the trails at Starved Rock State Park   Located less than two hours from Chicago, embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure at Starved Rock State Park, where 13 miles of well-marked trails await. No matter the skill level, there are trails to suit all preferences as you explore the breathtaking bluffs and canyons near the Illinois River. Stay at Starved Rock State Park and Lodge - listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this authentic log-built lodge exudes a mix of rustic luxury, Midwestern hospitality and comfortable amenities where guests can relax in the comfort of the historic lodge accommodations, charming log cabins and spacious hotel rooms set among the pines, canyons and waterfalls of the park. Nearby in Utica is Matthiessen State Park, where a mile-long canyon leads to Lake Falls, a waterfall cascading 45 feet into the Lower Dells. This park offers a blend of geological wonders and recreational opportunities for all nature lovers.   8.Step back in time in The Land of Lincoln   Springfield, the capital of Illinois, was Abraham Lincoln’s home for the 17 years leading up to his election as the 16th president of the United States and for its strong connection to historic Route 66, which runs right through town. Start by taking a free tour of Lincoln's home, led by knowledgeable park rangers. At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visitors can see the world’s largest collection of Lincoln-related materials, incredibly realistic holographic presentations and other interactive exhibits. Situated in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Lincoln’s Tomb is the second most-visited grave in the country where a gold bust stands guard outside and it is believed to bring good luck to those who rub its nose.   9.Walk the Route 66 Experience at the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds   The Route 66 Experience is a new year-round, free experience on the outskirts of Springfield, where you can walk the entire Illinois Route 66 corridor in microform. Marvel at the Legends Neon Sign Park with new and restored neon signs, lit nightly from dusk, a paved brick road, a 25-foot tall grey steel Route 66 Giant, drive-in theatre replica and interpretive signs highlighting each Route 66 community from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks bridge.   10.Get your adrenalin pumping at Aerie’s Resort   Aerie’s Resort in Grafton is known for its spectacular views of the unique bluffs along the Great River Road overlooking the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The Grafton SkyTour scenic aerial lift provides a unique way to reach Aerie's Resort and showcases those breathtaking views. The Alpine Coaster, a thrilling new ride and the first of its kind in Illinois, sends riders travelling down the hillside over 3,000 feet of track at speeds up to twenty-five miles per hour through the foliage that Grafton is known for. The Grafton Zipline offers four zip lines, two suspension bridges, walking trails in between, and an ATV ride through the woods.