Home of President Abraham Lincoln, Lake Michigan, and ‘da Chicago Bears, Illinois has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fanatic, or just want to witness the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. turn green for Saint Patrick’s Day, it’s worth booking flights to Illinois.
The 21st state, located is the heart of the Midwest, is easy to get to from anywhere. Flights to Illinois are serviced by major airlines and Amtrak trains head right into the center of Chicago. With two airports to choose from and one of the largest train stations in the country, the options are endless for tourists looking to visit the Prairie State.
While visiting, make sure to visit one of Illinois’ numerous museums. The Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford features dinosaur fossils. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is the largest presidential library in the country. In Chicago, tourists can explore the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago). Illinois is a plethora of cultures wrapped into one state. Catering to the Greek, Swedish, Italian, German, Chinese, and Mexican cultures, and mixing in its own style of jazz and blues music, Illinois is worth the trip.
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Winters along the Great Lakes are long and cold. From late November into April, there is plenty of snow, icy winds, and sub-freezing temperatures, but it's also the best time to find cheap flights to Illinois. Conversely, July and August can be hot and sticky and good Illinois flight and hotel deals are usually available. Spring and fall tend to have perfect weather and are great times to visit, although the tornado season is March through May.Chicago summers can have temperatures well into the 90s with humidity to match. Winters are cold and raw with temperatures in the teens and occasional blizzards. Mild winters are not uncommon, but if booking Illinois flight and travel plans during the winter it's advisable to pack with snow and cold in mind.
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Peak Season:
Winter is a prime time for skiing and snowmobiling in Illinois. Summer is the peak of the festival season in the Chicago area with major events taking place in the parks and neighborhoods every weekend, despite the heat and humidity. While many tourists gather on the great state of Illinois during the summer season, it's more likely cheap flights to Illinois will be available during the winter months.
Off Season:
September can be the most enjoyable and mildest month of the year to visit Chicago, but there is less going on during this period. Fall is a wonderful time to visit the rest of the state and enjoy the milder temperatures and changing foliage. January to March is when Chicago is least busy and deals on hotels are usually attainable. However, it can be cold and windy.
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A tough city to drive in, Chicago has convenient public transportation, taxis are easy to come by, and many areas are a pleasure to walk through. The Chicago Transit Authority operates the "L" (or "El") a system of elevated trains that run 24 hours a day. There is also a River Bus that runs during rush hour in the summer, and the city is becoming increasingly bike friendly.
Except for Chicago, Illinois is mostly a quiet, rural state. Yet Amtrak trains, numerous commuter railroads, and, to a lesser extent, buses make getting around on public transportation feasible. Cycling is also generally easy on the state’s flat plains.
Once you reach your destination, check for local transportation, but be prepared to rent a car.
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- Illinois’ biggest city, Chicago has a plethora of things to do and see. To get a view of the whole city at once, however, it's best to head upwards. At 1,450ft., the famous Sears Tower is the tallest building in North America and the views from the top are stunning. Visit the Skydeck on the 103rd floor to see the city laid out beneath you. Less popular, but with even better views, is the Hancock Building. You can pay to visit the observation deck here, or, for free, head to the cocktail bar two stories up.
- Springfield is the state’s capital and the “home of Lincoln”. As well as his tomb at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, the city is also home to a 50ft. totem pole, topped with an eight-foot statue of the 16th President. The pole was carved in 1883 by the Raven clan in Alaska. Visit it at the entranceway to the Illinois State Museum.
- Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s home for the first 20 years of his career is on Chicago Avenue in Oak Park. Today, the building houses the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum, perfectly restored to the way it was in 1909, the last year he lived here. A must-visit destination for architecture fans.
- Just off Route 66 in central Illinois is a cluster of Amish villages that welcome visitors. Discover the history and culture of the Amish community in the Illinois Amish Interpretative Center in Arcola. Tours are available, including the chance to see supper at an Amish family’s home and visit a working Amish farm. All offer a fascinating and genuine insight to the lives of the Amish people.
- The Shawnee National Forest covers more than 270,000 acres. As well as the usual national park pursuits of walking, biking, orienteering, bird-watching and game-hunting, you can also walk the Trail of Tears. This is a national historic trail designated to commemorate the route the Cherokee people were forced to take during the winter of 1838-9. Many died of cold and starvation on the way. The trail nowadays stretches between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and commemorates their loss.
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