Illinois State Points of Interest & Stops

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Outdoor adventure and history collide in the remarkable midwestern state of Illinois.

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A road trip through Illinois is guaranteed to be full of surprises. Head to the south for breathtaking natural beauty as you cruise along the rocky sandstone bluffs and around the flowing rivers.

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You do not have to travel far to enjoy a day out in nature in Illinois.

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Illinois is an incredibly bike-friendly region, with an impressive network of trails going through cities, small-towns, and even the most untouched, rural parts of the state.

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When it comes to swimming, the crown jewel of Illinois is understandably the great Lake Michigan.

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Although soft, white sand and turquoise waters may not come immediately to mind when you think of Illinois, this state has a surprising number of beaches where you can spend your summer afternoons.

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The Prairie State has more than just acres of farmlands and flat, grassy pastures (although there is no shortage of those either).

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Illinois may be known as the Land of Lincoln, but take a step back, and you will discover that life in this area actually dates back over 1,000 years.

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The diverse landscapes of wetland marshes, oak savannahs, and flowing riverbeds attract hundreds of species of birds each year.

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There is no greater feeling than getting outside for a fresh breath of air.

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As its name implies, this scenic route travels along the mighty Mississippi River, hugging the border between Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.

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Take a drive-through history as you travel along the first federally-funded road in the entire country.

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This 425-mile route is the quintessential journey for many road trippers traveling through Illinois.

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Catering to both nature lovers and history buffs, this 150-mile scenic byway has plenty of sights and attractions for all types of visitors.

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The Illinois section of the country is first transcontinental highway may only be 178 miles out of the entire 3,142-mile journey; however, it is packed with tons of beautiful sights, historic attractions, and charming riverfront villages.

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This designated National Scenic Byway is a short but picturesque drive for 33 miles through the floodplains of both the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

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Located near the southern border of Illinois, this scenically stunning 188-mile route follows the banks of the Ohio River.

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This leisurely hike through Bell Smith Springs takes you to the largest natural bridge in the state.

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This 2-mile loop through the heart of Matthiessen State Park is a moderate but fun trek with tons of exciting natural sights along the way.

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There may be plenty of beautiful spots to visit in this state park, however, the views from this scenic lookout are second to none.

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This 14-mile network of trails has four individual routes each bringing you to the shores where you can soak in the views of this sparkling 1,750-acre reservoir.

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There are plenty of beautiful hikes in the Shawnee Forest, but this trail is considered to be one of the most scenics.

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Ideal for both day trips and overnight hikes, this 11-mile trail is suitable for all different levels of hikers.

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This short but challenging hike through the Shawnee National Forest gives you front-row seats to one of the coolest geological structures in Southern Illinois.