Illinois vacation rentals

Explore Illinois from vacation home rentals

It's not nicknamed the "Prairie State" for nothing. Illinois is characterized by vast swathes of pretty, flat grasslands which provide a habitat for a ton of wildlife and plenty of possibilities for outdoor fun. To the north, on the banks of Lake Michigan, is Chicago, one of the world's great cities. If you score an Illinois vacation rental here, expect world-class museums, retail spaces to satisfy even the pickiest of shoppers and one of the most iconic skylines in the US. This is the start of Route 66, the epic roadway which has led brave souls out west for centuries. It's a fitting place to start.

Historic attractions near Illinois vacation rentals

Illinois is filled with fascinating historic sites to explore on your trip. Vacation rentals are available near places like the Buckingham Fountain, a historic rococo fountain in Grant Park with light and water shows, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, a marked trail commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You'll also like the Chicago Water Tower, a castle-like stone tower built in the 19th century.

Attractions near your Illinois vacation homes

You would need a book to write about all the attractions that are housed in Chicago, let alone the rest of the state. There are some notable highlights, though. If you're lucky enough to nab an Illinois vacation rental in the big city, you'll be treated to a ton of free world-class museums. The Oriental Institute features ancient artifacts from the East, while the National Museum of Mexican Art is the biggest Latino art museum in the country. If you like wildlife, you can stop by Lincoln Park Zoo on the banks of Lake Michigan. Opened over 150 years ago, it's home to more than 1,000 animals.

Activities near your Illinois summer rental

Whether you're planning to come and stay in an Illinois vacation rental with the rest of the family, or just as a couple, the state's got your activities covered. After you tire of Chicago's shopping scene – difficult for most retail junkies – there's a whole world of lakes, rivers and forests which provide countless outdoor activities. If you saddle up, you can go horseback riding along the prairies. Not adventurous enough for you? No problem. You can don a helmet and life jacket to go racing down the water rapids on rafts, or even hurl yourself out of a plane, with a parachute of course.

Local weather for your trip to Illinois vacation rentals

It's unsurprising that the summer break sees the biggest influx of family vacationers to Illinois. It's festival season in Chicago and the whole state is drenched in hot weather. It's not necessarily the best time to visit, though. If you plan to stay in an Illinois vacation rental and explore the big city, your best bet is nabbing one during the slightly cooler shoulder months, you'll still bathe in bright skies and a warm climate but the crowds have all but disappeared. Visiting Illinois in winter? With lots to do and rock bottom pricing on rentals there is no reason not to.

Exploring the natural features in Illinois

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to appreciate the scenery, Illinois is a great place to spend some time outside. Here are some of the area’s most enchanting sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Weldon Springs State Park (11.6 mi / 18.6 km)
• Clinton Lake State Recreation Area (18.8 mi / 30.3 km)
• Rock Springs Conservation Area (22 mi / 35.4 km)
• Railsplitter State Park (12.8 mi / 20.6 km)
• North Fork Trailhead (16.7 mi / 26.8 km)
• Scovill Park West (20.9 mi / 33.6 km)

Transportation to and around Illinois

Fly into Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional), the closest airport, located 27.7 mi (44.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Decatur, IL (DEC), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away.

If you're traveling by train, Lincoln Station, Uptown Station and Springfield Station are the main stations that serve the city. You can get around Illinois by jumping on the metro at Washington Park Station, Emerson Park Station or Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center Station.

Sample regional cuisine in Illinois

Midwestern cuisine is a unique blend of the tastes of Central, Northern, and Eastern Europe and Native North America and focuses on simple and hearty dishes. Illinois is a top producer of corn and soybeans, both of which are prominent in the cuisine, and Chicago-style dishes are common throughout the country. If you want to experience the distinctive flavors of the Midwest, visit a restaurant near your Illinois vacation rental.