13 days in Illinois Itinerary

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Chicago is known for museums, parks, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the world behind art at The Art Institute of Chicago, take a stroll through The Magnificent Mile, meet the residents at Lincoln Park Zoo, and make a trip to Millennium Park.

To see traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Chicago road trip app.

The Route module shows you travel options from your home to Chicago. In December, daily temperatures in Chicago can reach 38°F, while at night they dip to 26°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Rockford.

Rockford is the third largest city in the U.S. Start off your visit on the 25th (Fri): explore the engaging exhibits at Discovery Center Museum, walk around Sinnissippi Park, and then look for gifts at Tom's Farm Market and Greenhouse. Here are some ideas for day two: get a new perspective on nature at Midwest Museum of Natural History, take an in-depth tour of Ellwood House Museum, and then sample the fine beverages at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co..

For where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Rockford trip planner.

You can drive from Chicago to Rockford in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of subway and bus. Traveling from Chicago in December, plan for little chillier nights in Rockford, with lows around 21°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) early enough to drive to Galena.

Galena is the largest city in and the county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, with a population of 3,429 at the 2010 census. Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sun): pause for some photo ops at Galena Veterans Memorial Park, then contemplate the long history of Ulysses S. Grant Home, then brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Galena trip planner.

You can drive from Rockford to Galena in 2 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 31°F, and evening lows to 18°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sun) early enough to drive to Springfield.

Springfield is the capital of Illinois, but its real significance is as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln.

When in Springfield, make a side trip to see Lincoln Heritage Museum in Lincoln, approximately Lincoln away. There's much more to do: get engrossed in the history at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, take in the views from Sugar Creek Covered Bridge, walk around Union Square Park, and stroll the grounds of Camp Butler National Cemetery.

To see where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Springfield trip itinerary maker app.

You can drive from Galena to Springfield in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of car, ferry, and bus; or fly. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Galena in December, with highs in Springfield at 41°F and lows at 26°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Wed) early enough to drive to Utica.

North Utica, often known as Utica, is a village in Utica Township, LaSalle County, Illinois. Start off your visit on the 31st (Thu): stroll through Starved Rock State Park, stroll around LaSalle Rotary Park, then walk around Washington Square Park, then indulge in some personalized pampering at SaltTreeYoga, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Allen Park.

Plan my day in Utica using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Getting from Springfield to Utica by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or do a combination of flight, shuttle, and taxi. When traveling from Springfield in December, plan for slightly colder days in Utica, with highs around 36°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 23°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Thu) to allow time to drive back home.