Illinois - 66 Destinations You Must Visit

Adams County, Illinois is an idyllic county located in the Western region of the state. It is mostly rural, spanning 673 square miles with a population of 66,891 people as of 2019. Primarily agricultural in nature, it is home to generous fields and rolling plains viewed by many as a great backdrop for outdoor recreation. Those who live in Adams County can enjoy all that rural living has to offer thanks to its plethora of parks and trails maintained by the County’s Department of Parks & Trails. W

Alexander County in Illinois is a wonderful getaway for small-town charm and beautiful scenic views. Located near the Shawnee National Forest, visitors to Alexander can explore a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, boating, nature walks and more! There are numerous eateries to satisfy your cravings and local vendors selling unique products. Historic sites provide fascinating insights into the past. Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or adventure and exploration

Boone County, located in the northern part of Illinois, is a dynamic and exciting place to visit. The county is home to a variety of fascinating sites, such as Boone County Fairgrounds and the Rockton Township Historical Museum. It is bounded on the east by Winnebago County and Wisconsin, on the south by Ogle and McHenry Counties, on the west by Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties and on the north by Freeport. In addition to natural attractions like parks, trails, rivers and lakes, Boone County a

Bureau County, Illinois is located in the northwestern part of the state. It borders the Iowa border which helps shape its predominantly rural landscape. Founded in 1837, Bureau County is home to a variety of beautiful natural areas and historic sites. Local attractions include the Nahant Marsh Wildlife Preserve, where visitors can explore nature with paddling and walking trails, as well as take a guided tour at the Hugo M. Overlook Visitor Center. For those interested in native wildlife and pla

Calhoun County, Illinois is an area blessed with natural beauty and rural charm. It lies on the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Springfield. The county's friendly towns are full of small businesses, community festivals, and historic architectural gems! Agriculture makes up a large part of the local economy and provides plentiful job opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore vast bluffs in Morris Park or experience the scenic Jo Daviess County nearby. Whether you're looking to settle

Carroll County, Illinois is located on the northwestern corner of the state and borders Iowa. The county was founded in 1839 and was named after Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Today, the county consists mostly of rural communities with a few small cities. Agriculture remains a mainstay in Carroll County, which is known for its production of corn, soybeans, wheat, livestock and horses. This area boasts many outdoor resources like lakes, parks and tr

Cass County, Illinois is a unique place with a rich history. Located in the heart of the state, it boasts towns like Virginia, Ashland, and Beardstown. This county is filled with attractions such as Cave-in-Rock State Park and its impressive Mississippi River. The past of Cass County is incredibly fascinating and its legacy can be found throughout the area's countless shops and restaurants. Not only does Cass County have a vibrant atmosphere, but plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers to

Champaign County, Illinois is an expansive and diverse county with a population of over 200,000. Founded in 1833, it was originally used as a trading post by many migrating pioneers to the Midwest. Today, Champaign County is home to a variety of notable establishments, attractions and points of interest. From bustling downtown Urbana to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship university - to the colourful suburban lifestyles of Mahomet and St. Joseph. The county also bo

Christian County, located in south-central Illinois, is a rural area abundant with natural beauty and history. Established by settlers from the American South in 1839, it was named after Christian County, Kentucky. Despite being home to just over 32,000 residents, it has a wide range of attractions that make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Here you can enjoy the unique landscapes such as teeming forests and hillsides immersed in farmland, visit fascinating

Clark County is located in the south-central region of Illinois and got its name in 1819 in honor of George Rogers Clark, who fought against British forces during the American Revolution. The county seat is Marshall, and other communities include Martinsville, Westfield, and Casey. There are several recreational areas for visitors, along with beautiful parks like Marshall City Park and Johnson Creek Conservation Area. The county is mostly rural but has a collection of small and large businesses

Clinton County, Illinois is a charming rural county situated in the southwestern portion of the state. The landscape is lush and inviting with rolling hills, lush forests, and bright green fields. The county's major industries include corn, soybean and hay farming as well as oil production. You'll find several small towns scattered throughout the area where you can explore some of the local significance such as New Baden, Centralia, and Almeman. In these quaint towns you can also find some uniqu

Coles County is located in east-central Illinois and it is a great place for those looking for small-town charm. With many small towns and villages, Coles County offers a variety of attractions, like Effingham Lake and the Douglas-Hart Nature Center. Shopping enthusiasts can visit one of the many quaint boutiques and stores throughout the County. Plus, there are several eateries that serve scrumptious food while providing old-fashioned hospitality. What truly sets Coles County apart is the peopl

Cook County, Illinois is the most populous county in the state and home to over 5 million people. Located mostly within the Chicago metropolitan area, it includes downtown Chicago as well as many suburbs. Originally created in 1831, many of its municipalities offer renowned museums, parks, and activities that draw tourists from around the world. The county also has an extensive transportation infrastructure with multiple major highways and public transit options such as buses and rail lines. Add

Crawford County, Illinois is located in the southeastern part of the state and consists of 25 townships stretching across 399 square miles. The county seat is Robinson, a city that was first settled in 1816. The county has an estimated population of 20,500 citizens who enjoy its many historic sites such as Fort Crawfords or Cassell Beach Lake. Agriculture plays a vital role in Crawford County as it is home to soybean and cornfields among other things. In addition, there are several hunting and f

De Witt County, Illinois is a small county located in eastern central state that has a vibrant history, with plenty of charm and beauty to discover. Established in 1839, the county has grown over the years and now consists of 12 townships, an array of small villages and communities, including Farmer City and Clinton. From bustling cultural attractions to scenic waterways, there are ample opportunity to experience something new every day here. Those interested in history will find some great coll

DeKalb County, Illinois is known for its rich culture and history. Located in the heart of Illinois, DeKalb County is home to more than 110,000 people, making it the 12th largest county in the state. Local attractions such as Indian Creek Park, The House Café and the Events & Sports Center offer a variety of activities for residents to enjoy. DeKalb also features several educational institutions, including Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College. Well-connected to nearby cities by an

Douglas County is situated in the heart of Illinois and it is part of the Metro Lake Land region. It is home to 66,840 people across its 502 square miles making it a diverse rural county with plenty of natural beauty. This area boasts a strong agricultural infrastructure and public school districts, as well as recreational rivers and lakes that provide many tourists throughout the year enjoy its plethora of activities. Douglass County also has some amazing historic attractions that bring people

DuPage County, Illinois is a diverse and vibrant county located to the west of Chicago. It offers great schools, beautiful parks, and plenty of recreational activities that make it an ideal place to live or work. Major employers include Dupage Medical Group, McDonald's, ABB, Medline Industries Inc., Walgreens, and more. The population continues to grow steadily along with the economy and job market in this area. There is something for everyone here; those who love shopping can find all kinds of

Effingham County, Illinois is located in the southeastern portion of the state and offers its citizens a vibrant small-town lifestyle. The county seat, Effingham itself, dates back to 1831 and retains much of its original charm, with brick homes and local shops lining the wide main street. Elsewhere in the county, vast fields, busy farmland, and vast state parks all create a picturesque backdrop to the many lakeside resorts which offer visitors a comfortable lodging experience. For those looking

Fayette County, Illinois is a rural area located in the center of the state and is home to just under 20,000 residents. It enjoys a rich agricultural history, having been established in 1821 by pioneers who first arrived via the Cumberland Trail. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there is an enjoyable atmosphere throughout the county. Despite its small size, Fayette County boasts numerous attractions such as historical sites, delightful wineries and vineyards, shopping centers where vis