Known as the Prairie State and once home to one of the United States’ most popular presidents, Illinois has a rich and complex history, from epic explorers to kingpins of the Prohibition-era. This is a state full of stories to tell. Chicago’s towering cityscape on the edge of Lake Michigan, sporting heritage, and plethora of museums draw the eye, but beyond the city limits lie huge canyons, rock climbing parks, and Amish communities.

Visitors head here to cruise world-famous Route 66, spend time at the ballpark with a classic baseball snack, and get out into the fresh air of Illinois’ swathes of fertile fields where corn grows as far as the eye can see in some areas. On the western side of the state, you’ll see steamboats meander past and charming river towns for miles along the Mississippi River, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site sits on the Missouri border preserving the largest prehistoric city in North America.

The ideal time to travel through the state of Illinois is late April to late October when temperatures are moderate. Other times of the year can be more extreme and involve rain, snow, or humid heat. Visitors do come during the winter, but there tend to be fewer arrivals due to Chicago’s bitter temperatures in particular. If you’re heading here after the fall, be sure to pack plenty of warm layers and have travel plans in place for likely snowfall. Spring and summer months are popular times to explore scenic city parks and the state’s peaceful lake and river-studded scenery — Chicago alone boasts 29 miles of lakefront. Cabin rentals in Illinois are also the perfect jumping off point for grabbing a kayak and exploring the Lake Katherine Nature Center on sunny days.

The Leaning Tower of Niles

Less than half an hour’s drive out of Chicago, discover a little piece of Italy hidden in the unassuming village of Niles. In 1991, Italy established a sister pact with this tower, a smaller homage to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Every day, the bells ring out traditional country tunes to enjoy in the surrounding streets.

Writers Theater

Founded in 1992, the Writers Theater in Chicago’s North Shore district has been putting on shows of all sizes and genres for guests from all over the world for decades. Adding a creative twist to classic works, this community theater welcomes over 65,000 guests every year for engaging entertainment.

Riding a riverboat in Peoria

Leave dry land for a while on a leisurely paddlewheel cruise along the riverside. Spend a few hours sightseeing and wildlife-spotting, or take an overnight trip to Starved Rock for the full experience with live banjo performances, indulgent buffets, and rushing waterfalls if you arrive at Starved Rock State Park in the spring.