Illinois - 66 Destinations You Must Visit

Madison County, Illinois is located just to the northeast of St. Louis in the southern part of the state. The county has a population of over 270,000 people, making it the fourth most populous county in Illinois. Madison County is home to numerous streams, lakes and parks that provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. It also contains many interesting historical sites as well as numerous museums and educational facilities dedicated to preserving and displaying the un

Marion County, Illinois is an impressive place to explore and discover. With its many local attractions like the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Log House Museum, Marion County offers visitors a glimpse into its rich past. Nature lovers will also enjoy picturesque trails along the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge or sailing on Rend Lake for a tranquil view of the area's beautiful landscape. Food enthusiasts can get their fill of local eats at Kiwanis Club BBQ or Stange's Café,

Massac County is a county located in the southeastern corner of Illinois. It is known for its miles of rolling hills, numerous bodies of water, and mix of both agricultural and industrial land. The county seat is Metropolis, a delightful town that sits on the Ohio River. With easy access to Expressways 57 and 24, Metropolis serves as an important transport hub for southeast Illinois travelers. Residents have access to a variety of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping at Fort M

McDonough County, Illinois is located in the west-central portion of the state and is home to a population of around 32,000 people. It was established in 1823 and served primarily as agricultural land until the economy diversified into light manufacturing with the 20th century sawmill industries. The county seat is Macomb, which annually hosts an international music festival called "Western Illinois Music Festival" featuring jazz, blues and other genres. Today, McDonough County offers residents

McHenry County, Illinois is located in the heartland of northern Illinois. With its beautiful mix of rolling hills, farms and winding rivers it has become a popular destination for tourists and vacationers alike. The county offers a variety of recreational activities from biking on scenic trails to fishing on the many lakes and streams. The Crystal Lake Park District operates numerous parks, trails and facilities for people to enjoy outdoor activities. McHenry also maintains several impressive h

McLean County, Illinois is a vibrant county located in north-central Illinois. It is home to the city of Bloomington, as well as numerous small towns, rural communities and farms. The economy is based on manufacturing and services, with major employers such as State Farm Insurance and Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America. The county also features a public university, Illinois State University (ISU), which brings students from all over the world to experience the local culture. Its vibrant c

Menard County, Illinois is a wonderful place to call home. Located in the heart of the midwest, Menard County offers its citizens the best of both big city life, and small town charm. With the nearby capital city of Springfield just minutes away, you can take advantage of all the amenities it has to offer while still enjoying a more laid-back pace of life in Menard County. From its three rivers, Lake Petersburg, and recreational trails and parks open year round, there are recreation options to k

Monroe County, Illinois is an exceptional place to visit and live. Situated in the southwestern region of the state, Monroe County is chock full of fun things to do in every season, from rafting and kayaking on the Mississippi River, to enjoying fall colors along its many hiking trails. Home to thousands of bald eagles each year, the area also boasts innumerable other wildlife species like rare songbirds, migrating waterfowl and more. Amish communities settled here in the 19th century and remain

Morgan County is located in the central part of Illinois and encompasses a total of 593 square miles. Sitting along the banks of the Illinois River, this county serves as a hub for industry, youth athletics, education and community activity. Rich in agricultural production, Morgan County works to serve local farmers with sustainable yields each season. In addition, their thriving industrial sector provides ample opportunity for economic growth. For those looking to stay active and healthy, resid

Ogle County, Illinois is a rural county located in the northwestern portion of the state. Established in 1836, Ogle County stretches 213 square miles and has a population of just under 55,000 people. Agriculture is its primary industry, with wheat and soybeans being two of its biggest crops. The rolling countryside offers stunning views of green hills and valleys along Route 64; an area known as the Little Grand Canyon. Other attractions include the Dixon Fireworks Festival and Rock River Recrea

Peoria County, Illinois is a county located in the central part of the state, known for its history, culture, and bright future. This area includes the city of Peoria, located on the banks of the Illinois River and home to major industry. The greater Peoria area also includes Morton and East Peoria, rich in commerce with many small businesses and family farms as well. As a root of many culturally significant national events like Abe Lincoln's debates during his presidential race, it has become a

Piatt County, Illinois is a small yet vibrant county located in the center of the state. Home to about 16,000 people, it is a wonderful place for those looking for an area steeped in history, with plenty of amenities but not too much hustle and bustle. Piatt County boasts excellent outdoor recreational opporunities - from the lush woodlands of Forest Park Nature Preserve to the winding waters of Sangamon River, there's something for everyone here. Over 100 businesses are located within its borde

Pope County, Illinois is a beautiful rural county located in the southeastern region of the state. It boasts rolling hills, open valleys and farmland perfect for outdoor activities. The county seat is Golconda, which dates back to the late 1800s when it was home to merchants, railroad tycoons and riverboat gamblers. Since then, Pope County has become an agricultural hub with many successful farmers growing corn, soybeans and other commodities. The county also has a large Amish population that br

Randolph County, Illinois is a peaceful rural landscape located in the Midwest. It boasts a population of 33,529 people, making it the 66th most populous county in the state. Randolph County offers a variety of activities to entertain and educate its visitors. From historical sites such as Fort Kaskaskia and the Trail of Tears State Forest to outdoorsy fun spots like Cedar Lake and Rend Lake, every traveler can find something special to do. Visitors also have access to some of the finest shoppin

Rock Island County is situated in the northwestern corner of Illinois, along the border of both Iowa and the Mississippi River. It is home to a vast array of cultures and communities, from rural farming towns to bustling cities. The county has a strong economy supported by major employers like John Deere and Alcoa. Education is also valued here, with multiple public school systems, excellent universities such as Augustana College and St. Ambrose University, and numerous resources for students wh

Sangamon County, Illinois, is a vibrant and diverse area with much to offer to both locals and visitors alike. Located in the central part of the state, it enjoys easy access to nearby major cities like Chicago and St. Louis. Boasting a wide range of outdoor activities such as golfing and fishing, sporting events at the University of Illinois' Springfield campus, fine dining options, shopping galore, museums and landmark sites, Sangamon County has something for everyone. Whether exploring its wo

Schuyler County, Illinois is a delightful rural region that is known for its rolling hills, peaceful wildlife and fresh air. The area also boasts some of the best Amish communities around, where visitors can experience a slower-paced lifestyle. During the summer months, tourists can explore local attractions such as boating within Lake Shafer, hiking along creek trails at Sampson State Park or even experiencing an outdoor theatre performance in the area. In addition to all that, beautiful farmla

Shelby County, Illinois is a vibrant area that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. With its deep rural roots and selection of small towns, you're sure to find what creates communities enjoyable in this region of Illinois. Covered with farmlands and rolling hills, you can enjoy the beauty of nature at places like Farmland Prairie State Natural Area while also exploring notable sites like Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park or Lake Shelbyville. Whether it's out

St. Clair County is located in southwestern Illinois and is home to over 275,000 people. The county is known for its rich history, which goes all the way back to the French colonization era. It was also a major hub for Native Americans prior to and during that time, due to its location along the Mississippi River and because of its abundance of natural resources. Today, St. Clair County remains a vibrant community which features numerous historical landmarks, such as Cahokia Mounds and Fort de C

Union County, Illinois is a well-kept secret in the Midwest. Located in Southern Illinois near the grand banks of the Mississippi River, this county is a perfect blend of rural charm and modern amenities. Home to roughly 17,000 people, Union County offers wide open spaces with an abundance of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. There are charming small towns such as Jonesboro and Anna that offer plenty of quaint shops and eateries. You can get away from it all or explore ne