Illinois

9 Ideal Illinois Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2024

9 Ideal Illinois Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024

While Chicago is undeniably the most famous destination in Illinois, drawing in millions of tourists annually, the state offers countless lower-profile getaways showcasing a rare side of the Prairie State. Beyond the hustle of the big city lies a range of distinct communities and locales perfect for mini-breaks to escape bustling crowds. 2024 encourages opportunities to veer off the major highways and uncover the true heart of Illinois during a relaxed weekend trip in the overlooked backcountry.

From historic settlements saturated in Americana to pastoral prairies blanketing millennia-old scenic views, these ideal Illinois destinations guarantee immersion in authentic Midwest charms. Over three unforgettable days, exploring off-the-beaten-path routes presents a unique glimpse of the state at a relaxing pace. Those who appreciate quality over quantity should consider venturing along picturesque backroads to recharge in these intimate countryside delights.

Oglesby

Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby, Illinois

Spend a fabulous weekend surrounded by picturesque natural beauty and small-town charm in this adorable village of LaSalle County. Oglesby is the famous home of Starved Rock State Park, one of Illinois’s most unique wilderness areas. Straddling the Illinois River, it boasts wooded trails, sandstone canyons, and seasonal waterfalls that promise adventurers endless recreational opportunities. Enthusiasts come from across the state to hike, camp, fish, kayak, and watch wildlife across its 2,600-acre territory. The town further offers Matthiessen State Park, which offers additional space for outdoor adventures and a great alternative if you want to escape the crowding in Starved Rock State Park.

After a fulfilling adventure in the great outdoors, guests can relax and unwind with a cocktail while listening to music in the cozy atmosphere of Lizzie’s Lounge. Afterwards, they can sleep a comforting night and experience delightful accommodation that won’t break the bank.

Macomb

A rich mix of attractions in this bustling college town in McDonough County promises tourists a jam-packed long weekend in the fringes of Illinois. Home to Western Illinois University, this harbors a lively art scene that welcomes newcomers for a unique visual art experience at the WIU Art Gallery. The recognized exhibits diverse works by regional and national artists featuring various art forms. History lovers get insight into the town’s past by touring the Western Illinois Museum. Inside, a diverse artifact collection with archives and memorabilia paints a vivid picture of McDonough County’s colorful history.

A wide array of nature spaces ensure outdoorsy travelers are spoilt for choice when stepping into the open. The Malcomb Park District enriches the tourist experience with acres of recreation opportunities. Options remain just as abundant when it comes to accommodation, although the Hampton Inn is definitely among the best local hotels.

Woodstock

From its popular annual festivals to its charming historic district and its beautiful outdoor spots, Woodstock has something for everyone. A weekend escape during the Woodstock Folk Festival is the perfect way to experience the rich cultural vibes in this adorable McHenry County community. However, there is plenty of fun for those visiting outside the festival period. Woodstock boasts a quaint historic district with an incredible display of old-world architecture, perfect for exploring at a snail’s pace. Strolling down its quiet streets reveals iconic landmarks like the Woodstock Opera House. The historic venue is housed in an 1880s building and provides moving live art performances for the public’s amusement.

Meanwhile, one of the best times to be downtown is during the Woodstock Farmers Market. The atmosphere is consistently energetic on Tuesdays and Saturdays as vendors bring out their fresh produce and traditional crafts. For accommodation, consider staying at the Quality Inn & Suites.

Casey

A small town with a “big” profile, this quiet community boasts a fair share of Guinness Book of World records that never fail to delight first-timers. These constitute quirky roadside attractions that stand out for their extraordinary size, including the 46,000-pound World’s Largest Rocking Chair and the 12-meter-long World’s Largest Wind Chime. Collectively, they are charismatic landmarks enticing tourists with fantastic photo opportunities. When not checking off the list of “World’s Biggest” attractions in Casey, you can revel in its serene natural scenery at Fairview Park. This riverfront oasis encourages tourists to enjoy the ultimate outdoor experience with its multiple campsites.

While discovering the different points of interest lining the downtown corridors, remember to stop by Wildflour Bakery & Candy Co. to indulge your sweet tooth with delicious chocolates, gourmet candy, and novelty baked goods. With this, staying at Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover keeps you at a central location in the town for easy exploration.

Freeport

Rich history naturally blends with bustling arts in this lovely town along the Pecatonica River in Stephenson County. Freeport hosts a fair share of historical markers, notably the actual site of the second Lincoln-Douglas debate. You can witness the landmark location at the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square. The site features lush park surroundings, with the focal point being life-size statues of the two great men of history. Furthermore, there is even more detailed history to uncover at Silver Creek Museum. This magnificent facility harbors diverse artifacts that hint at the town’s and country’s heritage.

Freeport is renowned for its lively arts community, and newcomers can join locals inside the Winneshiek Playhouse to enjoy entertaining and family-friendly performances. Additionally, you can book a room at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson for luxurious accommodation without compromising your budget.

Galena

If you are up for an immersive trip down memory lane during your weekend retreat, Galena is one of the ideal Illinois destinations for this. Boasting a heritage dating back to the 1820s, the town’s rustic charm shines through a classic display of old-world architecture throughout its historic downtown district. You can discover some of its most treasured gems through taking the narrated Galena Trolley Tours, which highlights the individual landmarks in the site-rich neighborhood. Consider touring the U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site to uncover rich American history. The storied legacy of the 18th president of the United States comes alive in the modest Italianate building.

You will also want to check out the bustling craft brewery and distillery scene in Galena, where you can taste freshly crafted beers and spirits at establishments like the Galena Brewing Company. Finally, cap off your day with a unique, yet comfortable, accommodation experience at the historic DeSoto House Hotel.

Pomona

This isolated community in the Shawnee National Forest promises tourists a laid-back short vacation where they can revel in Mother Nature’s majesty. Pomona presents plenty of natural wonders perfect for exploration, notably the Pomona Natural Bridge. This hidden treasure stretches around 30 meters and is the ideal hiking trail for adventurers who prefer quiet and secluded routes. The Little Grand Canyon is another scenic hiking opportunity, spoiling tourists with dramatic canyon vistas along the Big Muddy River.

Pomona lies in the Shawnee Hills wine country region and houses several wineries where oenophiles can sample tasty local crafts. Tourists have the chance to visit establishments like Pomona Winery and Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. While there aren’t many B&Bs in Pomona, you can find decent accommodation in nearby small towns, such as Makanda Inn, which is about 20 minutes away.

Litchfield

The Ariston Café, a popular stop along U.S. Route 66

Located south of Springfield, this south-central Illinois gem is a major highway stop that welcomes many in-transit visitors. Litchfield is enveloped by lush landscapes offering a pleasant outdoor escape, with access to a lovely swimming lake. Milnot is popular during the summer, with locals and tourists flocking to its sandy shores to enjoy a cool dip and sunbathe. Those who enjoy good-natured social encounters will love the atmosphere at Litchfield Pickers Market. Bustling with spirited vendors and buyers, it is a hub for souvenir hunters with various antiques, primitives, and collectibles.

However, historically inclined travelers may gravitate towards the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. This fantastic facility preserves the community’s historic artifacts in a premier venue along Route 66. Multiple hotels and inns, including Baymont by Wyndham Litchfield, provide lodging services to the many people passing through Litchfield.

Savanna

This Mississippi River town near the Iowa border delights tourists with 19th-century charm and relaxed rural scenery. Outdoors enthusiasts can look forward to exciting adventures in Savanna thanks to Mississippi Palisades State Park. Covering over 2,500 acres, this recreation hub beckons campers, picnickers, hikers, and bird watchers to discover its spellbinding river bluffs and dramatic rock formations. Besides the beautiful outdoors, Savanna interests the indoor inclined at the Savanna Museum and Heritage Center. Inside, a vast collection of archives, artifacts, and relics tell the unique story of Savanna through the years.

Alternatively, visitors can catch the latest Hollywood installations at Savanna Times Theater. The family-friendly venue screens classic and new movies at very reasonably priced tickets. You don’t have to search too long for a hotel in Savanna, with top options like Savanna Inn & Suites available.

Wrapping Up

Illinois’ unbeatable charms come from the authentic experiences in its lesser-known small towns. From the historic riverfront settlement of Freeport to the dynamic communities of Macomb, these hidden gems offer a genuine taste of prairie living. Whether simply relaxing on picturesque courthouse squares, hiking diverse trails, or enjoying parades and festivals with locals, visitors gain notable insight into the true heartland character shaping the state outside its large cities. For those seeking to fill limited time with quality cultural immersion, any of the above ideal Illinois destinations will be an excellent choice.

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Illinois

Takeaways: Michigan basketball ends Illinois streak, wins Big Ten

Published

12 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Takeaways: Michigan basketball ends Illinois streak, wins Big Ten

Michigan basketball entered Friday having lost nine straight games to Illinois. With the sole regular-season matchup coming in Champaign against the KenPom No. 4 Illini, it was going to be a tall task for the Wolverines to end that streak.

The game matched up the nation’s No. 2 defense against the No. 1 offense, and in front of a raucous Orange Krush, the maize and blue took a little while to get into an offensive rhythm. Because the No. 5 offense is no slouch, especially against the No. 31 defense. What’s more, Morez Johnson Jr. returned to Champaign after spending his first year with Illinois.

However, the Illini certainly showed how much Michigan appears to be their rival, and really played a physical brand of basketball. After Illinois got a five-point lead, the Wolverines bounced back and got a six-point lead. Illinois had a slight advantage in the first half on the boards, but the Wolverines had a field goal advantage. Both teams were relatively even on turnovers.

Ultimately, Michigan ended up taking a seven-point lead into the locker room at halftime, but backup point guard LJ Cason appeared to have hurt his knee on the final score of the half.

The second half started with a Michigan layup and an Illinois 3. The next round of scoring went exactly the same way. But then Yaxel Lendeborg hit a 3 to stop the asymmetry. They traded baskets, but then after a few Illinois turnovers, the Wolverines pushed the lead to 10.

Cason returned to the game after the under-16 media timeout, providing (temporary) good news for the maize and blue (he would leave the game again shortly). But the Wolverines missed a few shots, and Illinois took advantage, getting a shot from the field by Mirkovic before Wagler hit a 3 to cut the lead to five, prompting a Michigan timeout with 13:09 remaining.

Illinois cut Michigan’s lead back down to six, but Yaxel Lendeborg stretched it back to nine with a layup-and-one. Then Aday Mara started taking over.

Mara was unguardable, scoring floaters, dunks, and putbacks. His quick 7 points put the Wolverines up to a game-high of 14 with 9:13 remaining. The Illini answered to end the nearly three-minute field goal drought, ending Michigan’s 7-0 scoring run. But the Wolverine defense held, and Trey McKenney finally hit his first (of three) 3-point attempts to push the lead to 15, and he hit again on the next trip, pushing the lead to 18 with 7:34 left in the game. It was a 13-2 scoring run for the maize and blue.

After an Illinois timeout, they missed again, and Will Tschetter got in on the contagious, 3-pointer action, pushing the lead to 21. Cadeau finally broke the makes from deep, and Wagler hit to cut the lead back to 18 with 5:41 remaining.

Illinois couldn’t mount a comeback, and Michigan won, 84-70. Here are our five takeaways.

Homecoming for Morez Johnson Jr.

An Illinois native who spent his first year with the Illini, the Orange Krush did as much as it could to make it uncomfortable for the outgoing transfer. However, it wasn’t the case, as Johnson was often the best player on the floor.

He was the only Michigan basketball player in double digits at halftime, with 13 points, five rebounds, and a steal, and he was something of an energizer bunny out on the floor for the Wolverines. There were no qualms for Johnson returning to his old stomping ground, as he played one of his best games in a maize and blue uniform.

Johnson was quiet in the second half, but the damage was done, and it makes his former teammate’s pregame comments more prescient:

What could have been.

Johnson finished with a double-double, scoring 19 points and netting 11 rebounds.

Michigan’s offense outplays Illinois’ offense

As noted, the Illini entered the game with the No. 1 overall offense, while the Wolverines were No. 5. Yet, when the rubber hit the road, it was the maize and blue who had the superior offensive attack, managing to shoot 52.5% overall and 60% in the second half. Illinois managed 41.3% and 43.3% respectively.

The Michigan defense forced Illinois to go through a series of uncomfortable stretches in the second half, with multiple three-minute droughts from the floor. And Illinois, which is accustomed to getting to the foul line, couldn’t seem to draw many fouls until relatively late in the game. Even when the Illini forced three Wolverine turnovers late, they couldn’t seem to take advantage.

Ultimately, Michigan was dominant on both ends of the floor.

Bench, fastbreak, and points in the paint

The Wolverines dominated all three categories, finishing the game with 20 bench points, 10 fastbreak points, and 42 points in the paint. We already discussed Johnson and his homecoming, but we cannot leave out Aday Mara, who was just such a mismatch for Michigan vs. the Illini. As noted, Mara really flexed late in the game, taking it over. He was the catalyst for most of these stats.

Meanwhile, Illinois only had 7 bench points, 1 fastbreak point, and was just behind Michigan with 32 points in the paint.

The streak was emphatically broken

As we said in the open, the Illini had beaten the Wolverines nine straight times. Even the Fab Five couldn’t beat Illinois in Champaign, as the maize and blue have historically struggled at State Farm Arena. Though it took some time for the Wolverines to flex, flex they did, and this was as emphatic of a win as Michigan had all season.

The final score may have been just a 14-point gulf, but honestly, the game wasn’t really that close (and it hadn’t been for most of the final 10 minutes). This was a huge win for the Wolverines, one that’s been years in the making. If not decades.

With the win over Illinois, Michigan has won the outright Big Ten regular-season title.

No. 1 overall seed back in the realm of possibility

It may come down to the Big Ten Tournament now that Michigan has lost the head-to-head with Duke. And the Blue Devils’ 54-point win over Notre Dame pushed them into the No. 1 NET ranking, stealing it away from the maize and blue. But with a win over the No. 4 NET-ranked Illini, the Wolverines have the second-best win in college basketball (behind Duke, of course). They also have wins over No. 5 Gonzaga, No. 7 Purdue, No. 11 MSU, No. 12 Nebraska, and will face No. 26 Iowa on the road next week.

There’s a strong case for the maize and blue to have the No. 1 overall seed given the levels of domination over most all of the aforementioned teams.

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Illinois

Wisconsin man, woman killed in head-on Wadsworth crash involving semi ID’d: officials

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Wisconsin man, woman killed in head-on Wadsworth crash involving semi ID’d: officials

WADSWORTH, Ill. (WLS) — Two people who were killed in a head-on crash involving a semi in the north suburbs on Thursday morning have been identified, officials said on Friday.

The Lake County sheriff’s deputies and the Newport Township Fire Protection District responded to the Route 173 crash, which happened west of North Kilbourne Road in Wadsworth, around 7:50 a.m.

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Witnesses told investigators that the driver of a 2009 Acura sedan, which was traveling eastbound, appeared to be having difficulty staying in his lane and drifted into the path of a Freightliner semi-truck, which was heading westbound.

The two vehicles then collided head-on, officials said. A third vehicle was also hit.

Chopper 7 was over the scene at 9 a.m., capturing the damage.

The sedan’s driver, a man, and a passenger, a woman, were pronounced dead on the scene.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified them as 51-year-old Kelly Wooten and 45-year-old Jacklyn Bradley of Stoughton, Wisconsin. Preliminary autopsy results indicate that both Wooten and Bradley died from blunt-force injuries.

The driver of the third vehicle, a 54-year-old Salem, Wisconsin woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash shut down Route 173 between Kilbourne Road and U.S. 41 in both directions.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team is investigating.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

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Illinois

AIPAC faces test of its power in Illinois primary as Democrats debate future of Israel relationship

Published

2 days ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

AIPAC faces test of its power in Illinois primary as Democrats debate future of Israel relationship

WASHINGTON — A crowded primary season in Illinois is shaping up as the next test for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a powerful advocacy organization that’s generating fresh turmoil over the Democratic Party’s relationship to Israel and the role of undisclosed campaign cash in this year’s midterm elections.

AIPAC, which was founded decades ago to lobby for U.S. support for Israel, has reserved at least $1.9 million in advertisements through its super PAC in the race to replace Rep. Danny Davis, a veteran politician who is retiring. The organization hopes to boost Melissa Conyears-Ervin, the city treasurer in Chicago, to victory over a dozen other candidates in the March 17 primary.

Other organizations that critics believe are tied to AIPAC are also spending heavily in Illinois, a source of bitterness and recriminations in a state already known for its bare knuckled brand of politics.

The aggressive spending comes after AIPAC put almost $2 million into a recent Democratic primary for a special election in New Jersey, an effort that’s widely considered to have backfired. AIPAC targeted Tom Malinowski, a former congressman who narrowly lost to progressive candidate Analilia Mejia — who has been outspoken in criticism of Israel.

But AIPAC appears undaunted by the experience, despite an outpouring of criticism from across the political spectrum.

“We expect to be involved in dozens of races both in primaries and general elections this cycle,” said Patrick Dorton, a spokesman for AIPAC’s affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, or UDP.

AIPAC has more urgently pursued its mission as Democratic skepticism and even hostility toward the U.S.-Israel relationship increases because of the war in Gaza, jeopardizing traditional bipartisan support for military assistance to a historic ally. But the group’s assertive interventions in this year’s primaries, which are expected to expand in the months to come, also risk further fracturing the party and eroding any remaining goodwill.

AIPAC has been dividing line in Illinois primary

Campaign finance laws involving super PACs make it nearly impossible to ascertain who is behind much of the money being spent in Illinois. Although UDP is open about its affiliation, recently created groups like Elect Chicago Women and Affordable Chicago Now haven’t yet been required to disclose the sources of their money.

Neither group is obligated to disclose its funding until after the Illinois’ primary. Critics suspect they’re conduits for AIPAC money, and AIPAC has declined to say whether there’s any connection.

UDP, Elect Chicago Women and Affordable Chicago Now are three of the top four spenders on advertisements in House races so far, with almost $11 million total, and the majority going to Illinois. Financial numbers are drawn from AdImpact, a nonpartisan ad-tracking service.

None of the organizations mention Israel in their campaign messaging, a strategy that AIPAC-affiliated groups have used in the past as well.

For example, the United Democracy Project assailed Malinowski in New Jersey as sympathetic to President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts, undermining him with liberal voters. In Illinois, it is promoting Conyears-Ervin to replace Davis in the 7th congressional district by saying she will fight to lower costs and protect healthcare.

The strategy has contributed to speculation and angst about AIPAC’s influence in politics. Supporters of Israel accuse critics of using antisemitic tropes about dual loyalty, and others say the focus on AIPAC is misplaced.

“I think the folks who are talking the most about AIPAC are seeking to demonize Israel and create a break in the U.S.-Israel relationship,” said Rep. Brad Schneider, a Democrat who represents Illinois’ 10th district.

“The problem is Citizens United and the decision to allow dark money,” said Schneider, the co-chair of the Congressional Jewish Caucus. “The problem is the rules. Let’s fix the rules.”

Candidates have been criticizing each other for their perceived willingness to accept help from AIPAC. Four progressive candidates vying for different Illinois congressional seats jointly condemned the organization’s role in the state’s primaries during a press conference in February. Another candidate is selling shirts on her website with anti-AIPAC messaging.

AIPAC has increased its campaign spending in recent years

Malinowski is still raw over his experience as AIPAC’s target in New Jersey, and he said that he won’t support any candidates backed by the organization this year. He described himself as pro-Israel even though he opposed unconditional assistance for the country, a stance that drew AIPAC’s ire.

“Obviously, we were going to talk about Israel and Gaza in the campaign because many voters would be asking questions about it,” Malinowski said. “But I wanted those discussions to be about the substance, not colored by baggage of endorsements from groups that are controversial now.”

AIPAC said in a statement that Mejia’s success in the primary was “an anticipated possibility,” suggesting they had no regrets that their role could have helped pave the way for a candidate who has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.

Although AIPAC has always been politically active, it began spending directly on campaigns during the 2022 midterms.

Since then, it has spent more than $221 million through its traditional PAC and its super PAC, according to Federal Election Commission filings between December 2021 and January 2026.

The super PAC has mostly focused on Democratic primaries. In the 2022 and 2024 cycles, UDP spent at least $1 million supporting or opposing 18 candidates, 16 of whom were Democrats. Many of those candidates were running in open races.

Traditional PACs are allowed to raise and donate up to $5,000 per candidate per election, and may coordinate directly with campaigns. Super PACs don’t have fundraising or spending limits but are not allowed to make direct or in-kind contributions to candidates nor coordinate communications.

In 2024, UDP’s biggest investments were made in support of centrist challengers to progressive incumbents. It spent more than $13 million in the 2024 Democratic primary in New York’s 16th District, in which current Rep. George Latimer defeated former Rep. Jamaal Bowman. It also spent $8.5 million opposing former Rep. Cori Bush, who lost her primary to Rep. Wesley Bell.

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