Northern Illinois

Travel Guide

Utica
Starved Rock State Park showing forest scenes
Northern Illinois featuring heritage architecture
Starved Rock State Park featuring interior views
Starved Rock State Park which includes a gorge or canyon and forest scenes

Crisscrossed by the Mississippi and Rock rivers, this nature-lover’s playground was also the boyhood home of three United States presidents.

The unique landscapes and historic small towns of Northern Illinois make it a visually arresting Midwest region, perfect for outdoor adventures. Drive north from Chicago, passing prairies dotted with stone monoliths, rolling hills and rocky bluffs. Connect with presidential history in the small towns where Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan once lived.

Begin your trip outside Ottawa in Starved Rock State Park, one of the state’s most popular outdoor spaces, known for its dramatic rock formations. Go skydiving for unforgettable views of the rivers and landscapes of the region.

Move north to Dixon and visit the Lincoln Memorial & Old Settlers Cabin, on the site of historic Fort Dixon. From here a young Abraham Lincoln fought in the Black Hawk War. Learn about more modern history at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, which explores the family’s humble beginnings.

Once you reach the Mississippi farther west, visit Mississippi Palisades State Park, rich in Native American history as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating. Bikers love nearby Savanna. Explore the classic bike and memorabilia collection and have a beer at the Iron Horse Social Club.

Admire 19th-century architecture and natural beauty in Galena, near the northern state border. Ski at the Chestnut Mountain Resort or hike through Native American sites and bird sanctuaries in the Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve.

Northern Illinois is the region west of Chicago, just south of Wisconsin. Fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a 1.5-hour drive from Ottawa or into the smaller Chicago Rockford International Airport farther west, which offers connections to other Midwest states and Canada. Rent a car at the airport or drive your own from home. The region’s parks are best accessed in a personal vehicle.

Whatever your fitness level, the state parks in Northern Illinois offer wilderness experiences for all, no matter how prepared for exercise you may be.

Where to stay in Northern Illinois

Default Image

The Galena Territory

Though The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound.

The Galena Territory
Galena showing a city

Galena Historic District

Travelers come to Galena Historic District for its stunning river views, and you can see top attractions like Old Market House and Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum while you're in town.

Galena Historic District
Downtown Dubuque featuring modern architecture and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Downtown Dubuque

Downtown Dubuque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Five Flags Center and Dubuque Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
Davenport featuring a city and a river or creek

Downtown Davenport

While visiting Downtown Davenport, you might make a stop by sights like Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino.

Downtown Davenport
Rockford which includes general coastal views and a city

Downtown Rockford

While visiting Downtown Rockford, you might make a stop by sights like BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Downtown Rockford
Default Image

Historic Millwork District

While Historic Millwork District isn't home to many top sights, Five Flags Center and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium are some notable places to visit nearby.

Historic Millwork District
Stoney Creek Inn Galena

Stoney Creek Inn Galena

2 out of 5
940 Galena Square Dr, Galena, IL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,209 reviews)
"Loved this Inn! Super rustic feel and clean!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Stoney Creek Inn Galena
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

3.5 out of 5
9853 US-20, Galena, IL
The price is P6,103 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
P6,103
P8,354 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,173 reviews)
"Very cute throw back in Galena. Rooms are definitely updated and the breakfast is great! Cool bar too."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

3 out of 5
662 N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL
The price is P4,126 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P4,126
P4,703 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rockford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,278 reviews)
Great Stay
"We stayed here after losing power during a storm and were pleasantly surprised. The room was spacious with a large TV, and while we didn’t get to use the pool, it appeared very clean and well-kept. Breakfast had a wide variety of options, which was a nice bonus. The only drawback was not being informed ..."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

3.5 out of 5
2558 N 3653 Road, Sheridan, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Sheridan. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (574 reviews)
"Everything was beautiful. The only thing I didn't like was that the jetted tub was very dirty. It seemed like the jets hadn't been cleaned in a long time. This is the second time this happened to me."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do