10 Amazing Illinois Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive In 2025
The state of Illinois is among the most diverse in the country, known for its golden fields of corn, as well as its lakeside views along Lake Michigan and the natural beauty of the Mississippi River. If you are visiting the area, then there are plenty of places to spend the day, not only around Chicago but at many of the major destinations in the state. No matter what city you are starting your day in, if you are planning a day trip in Illinois, then any of these ten spots will make the perfect getaway in 2025.
Chicago
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (1 hour, 15 minutes)
Chicago is home to O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, and is close to a host of incredible destinations nearby. Outdoor lovers in particular have a lot to look forward to. Lake Geneva, located nearby in Wisconsin, is particularly popular due to its scenic location along Geneva Lake. The lake was originally known as "Big Foot Lake," so-named for a local Potawatomi leader. It is also host to a unique Wisconsin tradition called mail jumping, when postal carriers deliver mail from a moving boat by leaping onto the lake docks. Visitors to the area can set out on a cruise aboard Lake Geneva Cruise Line to tour the best sights along the lake, particularly famed estates like Black Point Estate, a 1888 Queen Anne home situated on the lake's southern shores.
Indiana Dunes National Park (45 minutes)
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in nearby Porter, Indiana. The park is known for its many sandy dunes, but woodlands and prairies also line those dunes. Hikers can enjoy a day walking along the surrounding trails. The West Beach Trails offer incredible views from the top of the Dune Succession Trail stairs, where travelers can spot jack pines and take the opportunity to go bird-watching. Those who want to set out onto the water can enjoy a swim from the dune beaches, while those who want to explore further out can head out by kayak. Harbor Country Adventures, down the road, is available for kayak rentals for anyone who wants to set out on the lake. Of course, fishing is also popular, while those visiting in the winter can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.
Starved Rock State Park (1 hour, 30 minutes)
Another popular destination for viewing natural wonders is Starved Rock State Park, located in Oglesby, Illinois. Guests to the area will find it easy to head out on the water by boat for a day of fishing for catfish, bullhead, and bass. Kayakers and canoers will also find plenty to see as they paddle along the shoreline. Kayak Starved Rock is situated on the northern shore and offers both single and tandem kayaks for those who wish to explore the river. A visit to the area should also include a stop at Starved Rock Lodge. The Lodge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Back Door Lounge serves up craft cocktails. Depending on your time of visit, you may also catch a live music performance while staring out onto the surrounding vast forests from The Veranda.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1 hour, 15 minutes away)
A day trip to Milwaukee is a visit to a regional powerhouse of culture. The Milwaukee Art Museum is the largest in Wisconsin and features over 34,000 art pieces, including the iconic pop art pieces by Andy Warhol. History lovers will want to stop nearby at The Pabst Mansion, first constructed in 1892 in the Flemish Renaissance Revival style. Guests can learn about the Pabst family, founders of Pabst Brewing Company, while exploring the home's architecture and furnishings. Another popular stop is the Harley-Davidson Museum. A favorite among those who enjoy the open road, the museum boasts a large collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and showcases the company's history through the years.
Galena (2 hours, 45 minutes)
Day trippers to Galena will find plenty of historic spots to enjoy. Historic Downtown features storefronts that appear much as they did in the 1800s. With more than 125 shops and restaurants, there is no shortage of places to stop in as you walk along Main Street. Earth's Treasures is one such destination, featuring clothing and jewelry, as well as unique stones and crystals.
Nearby, a deeper dive into history is available at the Dowling House, a historic destination constructed of limestone and dating back to 1826. This former trading post was once the only one in town. Today, tours offer a glimpse into the history of the house and its significance at the beginning of the 19th century. A proper museum visit may be in order as part of your trip, and the Galena and US Grant Museum is the perfect place to stop. Housed in a 1865 mansion, visitors will find Civil War artifacts and displays, as well as a timeline of the famed Civil War general, Ulysses S. Grant.
David Davis Mansion (2 hours, 15 minutes)
The David Davis Mansion is the perfect historic destination, located in Bloomington. Davis was a Supreme Court justice who practiced law in the area and had a home constructed. First completed in 1872, the mansion exemplifies Italianate and Second Empire architecture in the mid-Victorian style. This elegant mansion welcomes guests to tour its luxurious rooms, where they can learn about Davis' life and his working relationship with former President Abraham Lincoln. Guests can also enjoy the surrounding grounds, including Sarah's Garden. Sarah Davis maintained a flower garden on the grounds that was restored in the 1990s. Today, 70 plants, including a range of flowers, can be seen on the grounds.
Rockford
Rock Cut State Park (15 minutes)
Rockford is home to the Chicago Rockford International Airport and is conveniently located near one of the state's best outdoor getaways, Rock Cut State Park. Popular among campers, the park is also a great spot for daytrippers. Horse owners can head out on equestrian trails, enjoying the sights by horseback. (Please note that there are no rentals or stables in the park.) Those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can wander the hiking trails. The waters of Pierce Lake are popular among those who want to fish or launch out from one of the boat ramps. And during the winter, visitors flock to the park for a day of skiing.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House (In Town)
There is plenty of culture to be enjoyed in Rockford, including architectural and botanical sights. Frank Lloyd Wright was a respected American architect, and the Laurent House is a premier example of his work. The only building he designed accessible for those with disabilities, it is characterized by mid-century style, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, viewing couches, and neat architecture. Guests might also want to take the joint tour of the Anderson Gardens. The Anderson Japanese Gardens are among the most notable Japanese-style gardens in the country. First designed by Hoichi Kuurisu, a master designer and craftsman, the gardens today feature streams, winding paths, waterfalls, and koi ponds.
Peoria
Wildlife Prairie Park (20 minutes)
Peoria is home to the Peoria International Airport and is a welcome destination for visitors. Visitors can head just outside of town to Wildlife Prairie Park, one of the most enticing parks in the state for animal lovers. Guests can look forward to spotting a wide variety of birds, mammals, and aquatic life. Black bears and cougars coexist with turtles, swans, and cranes in the area. You can climb aboard the Adventure Track, a narrated hayrack ride that depicts the park's history and its animals. Guests can also hop on the Prairie Zephyr Train for a scenic tour of the park or hop in a car for the Off-Road Adventure Tour. Yet with laser tag, kayaking, biking, and even more activities, there is no shortage of things to do while you are in the area.
Moline (1 hour, 30 minutes)
Moline is home to the Quad Cities International Airport, and guests can stay right in town for an exciting day out at a variety of popular spots. The Channel Cat Water Taxi ferries guests between Moline and nearby Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa, then back to Moline. Guests can start at the Riverbend Commons and can use the taxi to spend the day at destinations like the Isle Casino Hotel (in Bettendorf) for a day of games.
Further down the route, Lindsay Park (Davenport) features a historic village that was first established in 1851 and now serves as the perfect destination for shoppers. Mezzanine Boutique is one such stop where visitors can find holiday gifts alongside clothing and home decorations. Finally, back in Moline, the John Deere Commons features the Vibrant Arena, perfect whether you are catching a Quad City Storm game or enjoying the evening at a concert.
No Shortage Of Day Trips
No matter where in the state of Illinois you are staying, you will always find plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Whether you are arriving in the bustling metropolis of Chicago or stopping in the smaller city of Peoria, you do not have to go far to see incredible natural wonders and historic destinations. From cruising along the shores of Geneva Lake to learning the history of Illinois at the David Davis Mansion, you can find plenty of ways to enjoy the day. The next time you are in Illinois, make one of these numerous day trip destinations your next stop.
