8 days in Illinois Itinerary
8 days in Illinois Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Illinois journey planner
Start: Hancock
Fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Drive to Rockford
1
Rockford
— 1 day
Drive
2
Chicago
— 3 nights
Drive
3
Utica
— 1 night
Drive
4
Springfield
— 2 nights
Drive
5
Galena
— 1 night
Drive
End: Hancock
Fri, May 7 - Fri, May 14
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Rockford is the third largest city in the U.S. On the 7th (Fri), explore the world behind art at Rockford Art Museum, then have fun and explore at Discovery Center Museum, and then admire the natural beauty at Anderson Japanese Gardens.
To find more things to do, maps, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Rockford sightseeing planner.
Hancock to Rockford is an approximately 5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Hancock to Rockford. Traveling from Hancock in May, things will get a bit warmer in Rockford: highs are around 72°F and lows about 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can drive to Chicago.
To find more things to do, maps, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Rockford sightseeing planner.
Hancock to Rockford is an approximately 5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Hancock to Rockford. Traveling from Hancock in May, things will get a bit warmer in Rockford: highs are around 72°F and lows about 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can drive to Chicago.
Things to do in Rockford
Highlights from your trip
3
nights
3
nights

Windy City
A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.You'll discover tucked-away gems like Chicago Botanic Garden and Lakefront Trail. Step out of Chicago to go to Naperville and see Riverwalk Lot, which is approximately 48 minutes away. There's still lots to do: explore the world behind art at Richard H. Driehaus Museum, admire the local landmark of Crown Fountain, make a trip to Buckingham Fountain, and contemplate the waterfront views at Chicago River.
To see traveler tips, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read Chicago travel planner.
You can drive from Rockford to Chicago in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and subway. In May, daily temperatures in Chicago can reach 71°F, while at night they dip to 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Utica.
Things to do in Chicago
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night

North Utica, often known as Utica, is a village in Utica Township, LaSalle County, Illinois. Start off your visit on the 11th (Tue): explore the activities along Allen Park, do a tasting at Illinois River Winery, then admire the majestic nature at Matthiessen State Park, and finally admire the majestic nature at Starved Rock State Park.
Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Utica using our trip planner.
You can drive from Chicago to Utica in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. In May, daytime highs in Utica are 72°F, while nighttime lows are 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Springfield.
Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Utica using our trip planner.
You can drive from Chicago to Utica in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. In May, daytime highs in Utica are 72°F, while nighttime lows are 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Springfield.
Things to do in Utica
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
2
nights
2
nights

Flower City
Springfield is the capital of Illinois, but its real significance is as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln.Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): steep yourself in history at Dana-Thomas House, get engrossed in the history at Union Station - Lincoln from History to Hollywood, then contemplate the long history of Lincolns New Salem State Park, and finally see the interesting displays at Illinois State Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: ponder the world of politics at Illinois State Capitol, then make a trip to Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials, and then get a sense of history and politics at Old State Capitol.
To find where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Springfield trip planning site.
You can drive from Utica to Springfield in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, train, and bus; or do a combination of taxi, shuttle, and flight. In May, daytime highs in Springfield are 76°F, while nighttime lows are 55°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can go by car to Galena.
Things to do in Springfield
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night

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. On the 14th (Fri), sample the fine beverages at Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., then contemplate the long history of Ulysses S. Grant Home, and then view the masterpieces at Outside the Lines Art Gallery Galena.
To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Galena online trip itinerary maker.
Traveling by car from Springfield to Galena takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, ferry, and car; or fly. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Springfield in May; daily highs in Galena reach 69°F and lows reach 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.
To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Galena online trip itinerary maker.
Traveling by car from Springfield to Galena takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, ferry, and car; or fly. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Springfield in May; daily highs in Galena reach 69°F and lows reach 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.
Things to do in Galena
Highlights from your trip
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Illinois travel guide
The Prairie State
The most populous state in the country's Midwest region, Illinois features a diverse landscape that includes both the enormous urban sprawl of Chicago and flat central plains, devoted almost entirely to farmland. With a great selection of things to do, Chicago is the state's centerpiece, featuring world-famous architecture and renowned museums. Farther away from this giant urban center, you can explore historical landmarks dedicated to local heroes Abraham Lincoln and Ernest Hemingway. The state also includes a prehistoric Native American site, one of only 20 World Heritage Sites in the United States, a unique feature well-worth adding to your itinerary.