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There's no doubt that the city of Chicago is the number one destination for any Illinois visitor. With some of the nation's most beautiful architecture, The Windy City is known for numerous historical buildings, towering skyscrapers, and beautiful modern structures. The cuisine is also a strong attraction. Fine dining, soul food, farm-to-table health food, and Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza make for a variety of delicious options. With some of the country's finest museums and galleries, culture is a big draw as well. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, the views along Lake Shore Drive are spectacular. You'll be able to engage in a day of watersports, and then in the evening, visit one of Chicago's many trendy neighborhoods for an unforgettable night.

Sprawling Lake Michigan is bordered by four states. In Illinois alone, 12 cities boast lake shoreline. Of course, the most famous of these is Chicago – with its famous Lake Shore Drive, Navy Pier, and other attractions, it is a favorite Lake Michigan destination. However, the lake brings something worth checking out to every Illinois city it touches. Evanston's shoreline has been seen in many big-budget movies. Highland Park is well known for its beautiful beaches and yacht club. Lake Bluff, meanwhile, offers one of the most stunning natural views of Lake Michigan you'll find anywhere. All of Illinois' lakeshore villages and cities offer a wide range of watersports and boating activities.

The state slogan 'The Land of Lincoln' speaks to Illinois' rich history. Abe Lincoln moved to the state as a young man and lived there until elected president. However, being home to perhaps America's greatest president is just a small part of Illinois' history. Sites like the Harrison/Bruce Historical Village and Schmidt Burnham Log House have lovingly preserved examples of life in the 1800s. The Lincoln Home National Historic site in Springfield is a glimpse into the home life of Abraham Lincoln himself, while admirers can pay their respects at The Lincoln Tomb. With dozens of heritage homes that also act as museums, famous memorials and world-renowned monuments, the history of the early United States is on display throughout Illinois. The state pays homage to the original settlers as well with Native American settlement sites such as The Cahokia and Dickson Mounds.

The city of Chicago is home to some of the world's largest and most respected museums. The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Chicago History Museum, and The Museum of Science and Industry may be the most recognizable names, but there are dozens more to educate and amaze the entire family. Throughout Illinois, however, there are many more fantastic museums. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie honors those who perished while combating prejudice of all kinds. Lakemoor's Volo Auto Museum is a must for any car lover. Both vintage and bizarre cars are on display, as well as famous TV and movie cars like KITT from Knight Rider, Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters and General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. The Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview offers fun hands-on learning, while Springfield's Illinois State Military Museum exhibits rare artifacts from US military history. Whatever your interest, there's an Illinois museum for you!

Illinois may be widely known for its beautiful architecture, but its dozens of state parks and lush forests offer a beautiful natural escape to lucky visitors as well. Illini State Park is the perfect spot to take the family for a picnic and a hike. Lombard Park District boasts 450 acres of parkland, gardens, and facilities. The Mississippi Palisades State Park offers stunning riverside cliff and rock formations, while the Spitler Woods State Natural Area and the immense Siloam Springs State Park have some of the most beautiful woodlands in the state. Of course, the famous Grant Park is a horticultural wonder not to be missed.