Illinois Travel Guide

Geographical Position and Climate of Illinois

Illinois is situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, sharing borders with Wisconsin to the north, Indiana to the east, Kentucky to the southeast across the Ohio River, and Missouri and Iowa to the west. The Mississippi River defines its western boundary with Missouri and Iowa. The northeastern boundary with Indiana consists of a line drawn along the Wabash River, until it intersects with the Ohio River, which also serves as the southeastern border with Kentucky.

Illinois comprises a diverse range of landscapes, including urban areas like Chicago in the northeast, vast agricultural plains covering much of central Illinois, and forested hills and coalfields in the southern parts of the state. The diversity of its terrain offers a variety of natural resources and contributes to its economic and cultural richness.

Best time to visit Illinois

Spring (April to June):

  • The weather is mild, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
  • Nature is in bloom, especially at parks and botanical gardens.

Summer (July to August):

  • Warm temperatures are ideal for exploring the state’s numerous festivals and events.
  • It’s the perfect season for beach activities along Lake Michigan.

Fall (September to October):

  • Cooler temperatures and changing foliage create a beautiful landscape, especially for scenic drives.
  • Harvest festivals and apple picking are popular fall activities.

Winter (November to March):

  • Cold and snowy, which is perfect if you enjoy winter sports or want to experience holiday festivities in Chicago.
  • Indoor attractions like museums and theaters offer plenty of entertainment away from the cold.

Travel to Illinois

By Air:

  • O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers numerous domestic and international flights.
  • Midway International Airport (MDW), also in Chicago, provides additional flight options, primarily for domestic travel.

By Train:

  • Amtrak operates several routes that serve Illinois, including the famous City of New Orleans, Illinois Zephyr, and Lincoln Service.
  • Chicago’s Union Station is a major hub for train travel in the Midwest.

With Bus:

  • Greyhound and other intercity bus services connect Illinois with cities across the United States.
  • Megabus offers affordable travel options with stops in Chicago and other Illinois cities.

By Car:

  • Interstate highways such as I-90, I-94, I-55, and I-70 cross through Illinois, making it accessible from all directions.
  • Driving allows you to explore the state at your own pace and visit more remote areas.

By Water:

  • For a unique approach, some travelers may opt to arrive by boat via the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Michigan, which borders northeastern Illinois.

Places to visit in Illinois

Illinois map and flag

Important Information

Capital – Springfield

Largest City – Chicago

Territory – 149,997 km2

Population – 12,812,508

Time Zone – UTC-6 (CST)

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