8 days in Chicago and Beyond Itinerary

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

Second City has been added to your itinerary. Do your shopping at Woodfield Mall and Chicago Premium Outlets. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Tribune Tower and Shalom Memorial Park. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Chicago: Riverwalk Lot (in Naperville) and Pioneer Sholes Historic Site (in Saint Charles). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Garfield Park Conservatory, don't miss a visit to Michigan Avenue Bridge, take a stroll through Lincoln Park, and test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms.

For more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Chicago trip planner.

Philadelphia to Chicago is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Philadelphia to Chicago is minus 1 hour. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Philadelphia in January, with highs in Chicago at 32°F and lows at 18°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to drive to Nauvoo.

Nauvoo is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States, on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa. On the 31st (Tue), deepen your understanding at Historic Nauvoo and then contemplate the long history of Nauvoo State Park. On the next day, contemplate the long history of Brigham Young Home, then learn about winemaking at Press House Winery, then look for gifts at Boyer's Western Wear, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nauvoo Temple.

To see reviews, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Nauvoo trip website.

You can drive from Chicago to Nauvoo in 4.5 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 35°F, and evening lows to 17°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Wed) early enough 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 2nd (Thu): explore the engaging exhibits at Discovery Center Museum and then admire the masterpieces at Rockford Art Museum.

To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Rockford trip itinerary planning app.

Getting from Nauvoo to Rockford by car takes about 4 hours. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Nauvoo in February; daily highs in Rockford reach 32°F and lows reach 14°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) to allow time to fly back home.