30 days in Illinois Itinerary

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

Step off the beaten path and head to Chicago Riverwalk and Lake Michigan. Get outdoors at Lakefront Trail and Chicago River. Venture out of the city with trips to Woodfield Mall (in Schaumburg), St. Joseph Catholic Church (in Joliet) and IL Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum (in Pontiac). The adventure continues: stroll around Lincoln Park, ponder the design of Crown Fountain, wander the streets of The Loop, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Holy Name Cathedral.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Chicago itinerary planning site.

Baden-Baden, Germany to Chicago is an approximately 14-hour combination of train and flight. You can also fly. The time zone difference when traveling from Baden-Baden to Chicago is minus 7 hours. In June, Chicago is a bit warmer than Baden-Baden - with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Springfield.

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

Get some historical perspective at Dana-Thomas House and Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site. Shop till you drop at Outlets at Tuscola and White Oaks Mall. Get out of town with these interesting Springfield side-trips: Tower Park (in Peoria Heights), Peoria (Caterpillar Visitors Center & Grand View Drive) and Lincolns New Salem State Park (in Petersburg). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Old State Capitol, get engrossed in the history at Union Station - Lincoln from History to Hollywood, have fun at Washington Park, and learn more about the world around you at Illinois State Museum.

To see other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Springfield trip planner.

You can fly from Chicago to Springfield in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In June, daytime highs in Springfield are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Harrisburg.

Harrisburg is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Illinois, United States. Start off your visit on the 27th (Tue): take in the dramatic scenery at Burden Falls, then identify plant and animal life at Garden of the Gods, and then take a peaceful walk through Shawnee National Forest. On the 28th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: identify plant and animal life at Little Grassy Fish Hatchery and then admire the majestic nature at Giant City State Park.

To see where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Harrisburg trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by car from Springfield to Harrisburg takes 3.5 hours. In June, daily temperatures in Harrisburg can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) so you can drive to Nauvoo.

Nauvoo is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States, on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa. On the 29th (Thu), contemplate the long history of Historic Nauvoo and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nauvoo State Park. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of Bailey House, look for gifts at Boyer's Western Wear, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nauvoo Temple.

To find reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Nauvoo trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Harrisburg to Nauvoo takes 5.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in June, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) early enough to travel to Oglesby.

On the 1st (Sat), explore the activities along Allen Park, hike along Starved Rock State Park, and then immerse yourself in nature at Matthiessen State Park.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Oglesby using our trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Nauvoo to Oglesby. In June, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can 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. Take a break from the city and head to Chestnut Mountain Resort and Thunder Bay Falls. Visit Ulysses S. Grant Home and Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House for their historical value. Venture out of the city with trips to Kewanee (Francis Park & Goods Furniture Store), Jumer's Casino Rock Island (in Rock Island) and Albany Mounds State Historic Site (in Albany). And it doesn't end there: appreciate the extensive heritage of Root Beer Revelry, identify plant and animal life at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, get a taste of the local shopping with River Bend Gallery, and stroll around Grant Park.

For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Galena trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Oglesby to Galena in 2.5 hours. In July in Galena, expect temperatures between 31°C during the day and 19°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can 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. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Anderson Japanese Gardens and Norwegian Settlers Memorial. Explore Rockford's surroundings by going to Conover Square (in Oregon) and Illinois Railway Museum (in Union). The adventure continues: brush up on your military savvy at Historic Auto Attractions and explore the engaging exhibits at Discovery Center Museum.

To find photos, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Rockford online vacation maker.

Getting from Galena to Rockford by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. In July in Rockford, expect temperatures between 33°C during the day and 20°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.