Weekend Trips from Chicago in Illinois
The big city is great most of the time. Chicago has coffee shops, movie theaters, more stores than you can count and gas stations on every corner. Sometimes, however, Illinois residents need a break from the lights and
the noise. The solution? A fun-filled weekend vacation to eliminate stress and get away from it all.
There are numerous places where you can take weekend trips in Illinois. Some allow revelers to get back to nature in rustic accommodations, while others boast all the comforts of home. Depending on your vacation style, one of these three locations might be perfect for you and your family.
Starved Rock State Park
About two hours outside Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is one of the most peaceful weekend trips available in Illinois. Numerous nature trails offer unlimited possibilities for hiking, or you might want to experience the great outdoors from the back of a horse.
They also have campgrounds (closed during hunting season) for those who prefer tents to hotels, and 18 beautiful canyons will tempt anyone who loves to explore. If you enjoy mountain climbing, this weekend trip in Illinois can include scaling the sandstone rock formations.
There are plenty of lakes, streams, waterfalls and ponds if you enjoy water-filled scenery, and make sure you don't forget your fishing pole. Temporary licenses are available for your weekend trip. You'll also find that Starved Rock State Park is home to numerous species of plants and animals, so you'll never experience a boring moment.
Peoria, Illinois
If you prefer weekend trips in Illinois that don't take you too far away from the comforts of home, Peoria is the perfect weekend getaway. Snuggled between Chicago and St. Louis, with a population of just over 100,000 people, Peoria is a perfect combination of cultural entertainment and laid-back lifestyle.
The Peoria Zoo, for example, is a great way to connect with nature without having to sleep on the ground. Explore the different animals, delight in the exhibits, then head home to your hotel for a cocktail and a lavish dinner.
There are numerous places where you can take weekend trips in Illinois. Some allow revelers to get back to nature in rustic accommodations, while others boast all the comforts of home. Depending on your vacation style, one of these three locations might be perfect for you and your family.
Starved Rock State Park
About two hours outside Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is one of the most peaceful weekend trips available in Illinois. Numerous nature trails offer unlimited possibilities for hiking, or you might want to experience the great outdoors from the back of a horse.
They also have campgrounds (closed during hunting season) for those who prefer tents to hotels, and 18 beautiful canyons will tempt anyone who loves to explore. If you enjoy mountain climbing, this weekend trip in Illinois can include scaling the sandstone rock formations.
There are plenty of lakes, streams, waterfalls and ponds if you enjoy water-filled scenery, and make sure you don't forget your fishing pole. Temporary licenses are available for your weekend trip. You'll also find that Starved Rock State Park is home to numerous species of plants and animals, so you'll never experience a boring moment.
Peoria, Illinois
If you prefer weekend trips in Illinois that don't take you too far away from the comforts of home, Peoria is the perfect weekend getaway. Snuggled between Chicago and St. Louis, with a population of just over 100,000 people, Peoria is a perfect combination of cultural entertainment and laid-back lifestyle.
The Peoria Zoo, for example, is a great way to connect with nature without having to sleep on the ground. Explore the different animals, delight in the exhibits, then head home to your hotel for a cocktail and a lavish dinner.
Related information
- Starved Rock is a great place to explore rock formations and waterfalls.
- Make sure to visit the Peoria Zoo.
- Alton is sustained largely by agritourism.
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