14 days in Illinois Itinerary

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

Explore hidden gems such as Lake Michigan and Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. There's much more to do: admire the masterpieces at The Art Institute of Chicago, laugh and play at Navy Pier, get curious at Museum of Science and Industry, and learn more about the world around you at Field Museum.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read Chicago vacation planner.

Denver to Chicago is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. The time zone difference when traveling from Denver to Chicago is 1 hour. Traveling from Denver in March, expect nights in Chicago to be about the same, around 30°F, while days are slightly colder, around 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Springfield.

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

On the 13th (Sat), contemplate the long history of Dana-Thomas House, get a sense of history and politics at Illinois State Capitol, then don't miss a visit to Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials, and finally stroll around Union Square Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Sun): get engrossed in the history at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, then see the interesting displays at Illinois State Museum, then ponder the world of politics at Old State Capitol, and finally take in the views from Sugar Creek Covered Bridge.

To see photos, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Springfield trip maker app.

You can drive from Chicago to Springfield in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of train and bus. When traveling from Chicago in March, plan for a bit warmer days in Springfield, with highs around 51°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 31°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) 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 15th (Mon): get engrossed in the history at Westclox Museum, relax and rejuvenate at SaltTreeYoga, then admire the majestic nature at Matthiessen State Park, and finally admire the majestic nature at Starved Rock State Park.

To see maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Utica day trip app.

Traveling by car from Springfield to Utica takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or do a combination of flight, shuttle, and taxi. When traveling from Springfield in March, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Utica: temperatures range from 45°F by day to 28°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Rockford.

Rockford is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, the 171st most populous city in the United States, the largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area, and the city of the 148th most populous metropolitan area in the United States. Start off your visit on the 16th (Tue): explore the engaging exhibits at Discovery Center Museum, learn more about the world around you at Burpee Museum of Natural History, and then admire the natural beauty at Anderson Japanese Gardens.

To find where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Rockford trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Utica to Rockford takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi, shuttle, and bus. Expect a daytime high around 44°F in March, and nighttime lows around 26°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Tue) 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. Step off the beaten path and head to Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. and Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Galena: Lock & Dam 13 Recreation Area (in Fulton) and Stockton Heritage Museum (in Stockton). There's still lots to do: hit the slopes at Chestnut Mountain Resort, steep yourself in history at Ulysses S. Grant Home, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and identify plant and animal life at Horseshoe Mound.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Galena route planning app.

You can drive from Rockford to Galena in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. In March in Galena, expect temperatures between 42°F during the day and 24°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can drive to Rock Island.

Rock Island is a city in and the county seat of Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sat): look for gifts at John Deere Store, appreciate the history behind Atomic Cannon, then get a new perspective on nature at Fryxell Geology Museum, then examine the collection at Colonel Davenport House, and finally try your luck at Jumer's Casino Rock Island.

To see more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Rock Island trip itinerary website.

You can drive from Galena to Rock Island in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to 47°F, and evening lows to 27°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) so you can travel back home.