Illinois

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Overview of bright lights of Chicago at night.

Dan Welldon

Why visit Illinois

Chicago dominates the state with its sky-high architecture and superlative museums, restaurants and music clubs. But venturing further afield reveals Oak Park, Hemingway's mannerly hometown, scattered shrines to local hero Abe Lincoln, and a trail of corn dogs, pies and drive-in movie theaters down Route 66. A cypress swamp and a prehistoric World Heritage Site make appearances in Illinois too.

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From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

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  1. 1 Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2 Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3 Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
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  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
    The USA

    10 days / 9 nights

    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

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Top places to visit in Illinois

Discover the best attractions in Illinois from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Illinois travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

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Traveling with Kids

Within the confines of a museum’s walls, children can explore our planet’s rich history, dive deep to the bottom of the ocean, and discover what other…

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