Illinois

Two Illinois cities make Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best list. See rankings

Published

6 months ago

January 15, 2026

Two Illinois cities make Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best list. See rankings

Tripadvisor released its 2026 Best of the Best Destinations list for the U.S., awarding cities based on above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over 12 months.

Unsurprisingly, New York City ranked first on the list due to its must-see landmarks, shops and tours. But Illinois cities made the list as well, receiving two of the travel company’s 25 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Here’s what the website had to say.

Chicago ranks among Tripadvisor’s Top 10 US travel destinations

Chicago ranked No. 6 on the list, with the website pointing out the Windy City’s “cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy and die-hard sports fans.”

Tripadvisor highlighted Chicago’s city tours, day cruises, landmarks and games as “great things to do,” raving about the city’s cultural experiences. Whether you fancy a history museum, stand-up comedy performance or a walk around the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, Chicago has plenty in store for tourists.

Others are reading: Where is the best place to retire in Illinois? See rankings from U.S. News

Galena makes Tripadvisor’s Best US Destinations list

Less than a three hour drive from Chicago is the quaint town of Galena, which landed at No. 25 on Tripadvisor’s list.

The website compliments the town’s kid-friendly atmosphere, water tours, historical sites and holiday and seasonal tours.

“If not for the modern-day goods sold in the retail establishments, you might think Galena was frozen in time,” the website wrote, complimenting Galena’s traditional architecture and lengthy history.

Whether you’re looking for a visit to the home of former President Ulysses S. Grant, a walk through the underground Vinegar Hill Lead Mine or a luxurious tour of the town’s fine dining, there’s an endless supply of things to do.

Tripadvisor 2026 Best of the Best US Travel Destinations

Here is Tripadvisor’s full ranking of top travel destinations in the U.S.:

New York City, NY
Las Vegas, NV
Oahu, HI
Nashville, TN
New Orleans, LA
Chicago, IL
Charleston, SC
Key West, FL
Washington, D.C.
Boston, MA
Maui, HI
San Francisco, CA
Miami, FL
Sedona, AZ
San Diego, CA
Mount Desert Island, ME
Miami Beach, FL
Island of Hawaii, HI
Los Angeles, CA
Kauai, HI
Moab, UT
Asheville, NC
Anna Maria Island, FL
Key Largo, Fl
Galena, IL

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Illinois

8 people displaced, children rescued after fire in Springfield’s Six Corners

Published

8 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Press Room

8 people displaced, children rescued after fire in Springfield’s Six Corners

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Before 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th, firefighters at the Springfield Fire Department responded to a call for a fire at a multi-family home at 479 Central Street in Springfield.

When crews arrived, they had noticed flames shooting from the windows of the home. When crews began their attack of the fire, they had also spotted a teenager and an infant trapped inside the home, both of them were rescued safely.

The fire was quickly put out and without any injuries. 8 people were displaced as a result of the fire and are currently being assisted by the Springfield American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad.

Central Street Springfield fire(Springfield Fire Department)

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Illinois

Illinois Launches Holiday DUI Crackdown

Published

18 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Press Room

Illinois transportation and law enforcement officials are reminding drivers to make safe choices during the busy Independence Day holiday travel period.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies have launched the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs through the early morning hours of July 6.

According to provisional IDOT data, Illinois recorded 17 fatal crashes and 18 traffic deaths during last year’s Independence Day holiday travel period. Four of those crashes involved drivers who had been drinking.

In addition to looking for impaired drivers, officers across the state will be increasing enforcement of seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving laws.

Officials encourage anyone planning to drink alcohol or use cannabis to arrange for a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where they are instead of getting behind the wheel.

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Illinois

Illinois legislation to regulate cannabis market

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

Illinois legislation to regulate cannabis market

In Illinois, new legislation is designed to keep the cannabis market safe and growing.

Senate Bill 3222 prohibits the sale of certain intoxicating hemp products to anyone under 21.
Beginning in November, some products will be required to have child-proof packaging.
Misleading marketing and packaging will be banned. The law also allows all Illinois cannabis retailers to register as medical dispensaries and allows curbside and drive-thru pickup until 2:00 a.m. for all customers. The law also expands conditions to qualify for a medical card, which can now be certified through telehealth.

For more information, click here.

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