Illinois
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
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
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.
Illinois
Illinois awards AD Josh Whitman a new contract worth more than $31 million over the next 10 years
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois has extended athletic director Josh Whitman’s contract through 2036, committing more than $31 million over the next 10 years on the heels of a series of standout seasons for the department and its teams.
The university’s board of trustees approved the new deal for Whitman at its regular meeting on Thursday. The fifth-longest tenured AD among the four power conferences will make $2.15 million during the 2026-27 school year, a salary increase of more than 40%.
Whitman is scheduled to receive $100,000 raises annually before a $200,000 bump to $3.15 million in the final year of the agreement and a $500,000 retention bonus each June 30 that he remains on the job at Illinois.
The contract also includes additional incentives of up to $500,000 annually related to performance goals set by the university chancellor and three automatic one-year extensions through 2039 if certain Illini football and men’s basketball performance measures are met.
Whitman, a former Illinois football player, was hired in 2016. This was the fifth time his contract has been amended. The men’s basketball team reached the NCAA Final Four in April for the first time in 21 years. The football team won 19 games over the last two seasons, a program record for that span. Illini athletics also set a revenue record for a fourth consecutive year and topped $200 million for the first time in 2025-26, according to the board of trustees meeting memo.
ESSEX, Ill. – It’s been two days since we first told you about Constellation Energy buying several hundred acres of land in or near the Village of Essex and it’s still anyone’s guess what they are going to do with all of that land.
Fox Chicago’s Unit 32 brought you this story and our Bret Buganski is still on the hunt for some answers.
“My thought is, well, I think we lost our butts and our house because we bought it at the premium golf course price and now we are essentially could be having a data center in our backyard,” Essex resident Taylor Gunier said.
Gunier and her family moved into this house last summer.
She has spent the last year working with other concerned residents to figure out what Constellation is going to do with the 700 acres of land they have purchased in and around Essex from June 2025 to February 2026.
Data center in Essex?
The backstory:
Following a Freedom of Information request to the Kankakee County Recorder, a Unit 32 investigation found Constellation spent $47.5 million dollars in fourteen different land deals.
Property records reviewed by Fox Chicago show the company purchased at least 505 acres in just nine months. The total is likely higher because some of the public records did not include the number of acres sold each time.
Unit 32 also found that two Essex Village Board members were sellers in five of those transactions.
“Essex does not have any industrial zoning ordinances, which I think is part of why Constellation chose us. We would have been an easy target with few regulations for them to abide by,” said Essex resident Kylee Raney.
Raney is part of the Essex Coalition, a group of concerned residents following every move between the Essex Village Board and Constellation Energy.
It has also been making some of its own moves.
“We’ve worked with a third party consultant and we have built out a draft of industrial zoning ordinances. They are based off of the Kankakee County industrial zoning ordinances along with some ordinances from Yorkville and the data center that is being built there. So we made sure to keep the language broad so it could cover a multitude of industrial uses, but we wanted to make sure the umbrella of that language included data centers. So we have a petition and we have doubled the numbers of our signatures there. The petition is to urge our village board members to pass industrial zoning ordinances. Even if you don’t know what they’re gonna build, even if Constellation doesn’t have their customer yet, you can put protections, legal protections, legally binding protections in place to ensure that we can mitigate noise pollution, sound pollution, we can monitor water usage. There are lots of avenues that we can take to build out the regulations to protect our future. No matter what happens,” Raney said.
While Raney says Constellation has not told them what they’re going to use the land for, the village board seems to be taking precautions for a data center.
On their website, the Essex Village Board wrote it “… has issued a formal notice establishing development standards and mitigation requirements for a proposed data center facility that may be located within the village.”
It also posted a letter. The subject line says it is a notice about “development standards and required mitigation response plan” for a data center.
What they’re saying:
“Now, as far as buying that big land in Illinois, there could be multiple reasons. I don’t know what they’re going do with it,” said Mohammad Shahidapur, a distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Shahidapur has been teaching for 43 years.
Given his background, we asked him for his objective opinion as to what Constellation could be doing with all of this land.
“They could be building a big solar farm because having a nuclear unit, we can sort of reduce the issues because sun doesn’t shine all the time. So then once the sun is shining, you know, basically, they can sell that and then when the sun is not shining they can replace it by nuclear. That could be one reason. They could be also going after data centers in a sense maybe they’re lining up with some of these tech companies to build more data centers and providing power through their nuclear units, so it’s sort of a joint venture,” Shahidapur said
The statement Constellation sent us when our story first aired says in part: “Constellation is seeking to annex land into Essex near the Braidwood Clean Energy Center to help the company strategically market the facility’s carbon-free generation to potential future developers.”
“So, obviously, I’m not an insider at the company, but if I’m a betting man, I would bet based on buying a bunch of land, looking to annex it, that they’re looking to build out one of these data centers,” said Andrew Rocco, a stock strategist with Zacks Investment Research based in Chicago.
Rocco’s focus is on the tech industry and where it overlaps with the energy sector.
So we also asked him for his unofficial analysis on what he thinks Constellation may do with the 700 acres of land they purchased in and around Essex:
“Braidwood is the largest nuclear plant in Illinois. And as I mentioned before, getting these nuclear facilities through the regulatory red tape, even though kind of the Trump administration has said they’re pro-nuclear, but still there’s a ton of regulatory red tape and really nothing has been approved in the last 10 or 20 years. So having this already built out, I think it does around 2,400 megawatts of carbon-free baseload electricity. So this is exactly what these large tech companies are looking for. They’re looking for an immense amount of energy, dependable and clean. Now you can look at natural gas as an alternative to something like this, because obviously the startup costs are going to be lower for natural gas. And natural gas is very, very cheap. And it makes up the most amount of energy produced in the U.S. currently. But once you have a nuclear reactor already running, this one’s been running since the late 80s, you don’t have to worry about that. So the upfront costs have already been paid for. Now they’re looking likely to secure this large plot of land nearby to put a data center in and just connect it right up to that massive nuclear plant.”
Again — that is Rocco’s unofficial opinion on what Constellation may be doing with all that land.
Unit 32 reached out to Constellation to see if they would tell us what was going to happen with all of the land they bought in and around Essex. They told us that since they do not have a customer, they do not have any plans.
The Source: The information in this report came from interviews with Essex residents, statements from the Essex Village Board and Constellation Energy along with interviews with stock strategist Andrew Rocco and IIT professor Mohammad Shahidapur.
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