Question 1

What is Illinois famous for?

Accepted Answer

Chicago above all — its skyline and architecture, deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, blues and jazz, and pro sports — plus Abraham Lincoln's home and tomb in Springfield, the start of Route 66, Lake Michigan beaches, and the prairie farmland that gives the "Prairie State" its name. It's big-city culture surrounded by heartland.

Question 2

When is the best time to visit Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Late spring through early fall (May–October) is ideal, especially for Chicago — warm weather, lakefront festivals, patios and baseball. September–October adds crisp air and fall color. Summers are warm and lively; winters are cold and snowy (Chicago's wind is real), though the holidays and museums keep the city magical.

Question 3

Is Illinois basically just Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Chicago (and its suburbs) is the headliner and where most visitors go, but the state has more: Abraham Lincoln's Springfield, historic Route 66 towns, the college town of Champaign-Urbana, Galena's preserved 19th-century streets, Starved Rock State Park's canyons and waterfalls, and river towns. Chicago first, but the rest rewards a road trip.

Question 4

Do I need a car in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

In Chicago, no — it has an excellent transit system (the "L" trains and buses) plus walkable neighborhoods and rideshare, and a car is often a hassle (traffic and pricey parking). For the rest of the state — Springfield, Route 66, Starved Rock, Galena — a car is essential, as those are spread out with limited transit.

Question 5

Is Illinois safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the tourist areas of Chicago (the Loop, Magnificent Mile, lakefront, museum campus, popular neighborhoods) and the state's smaller towns are welcoming with normal city awareness. Chicago is large with neighborhoods best avoided, mostly away from where visitors go; use standard care at night and keep valuables out of parked cars. Emergency number: 911.

Question 6

What should I not miss in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Millennium Park and "The Bean" (Cloud Gate), an architecture boat cruise on the river, the Art Institute, the view from Willis Tower's Skydeck or 360 Chicago, Navy Pier, the Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium), deep-dish pizza, and a blues or comedy show. Walking the lakefront and neighborhoods is half the fun.

Question 7

What food is Illinois (and Chicago) known for?

Accepted Answer

Chicago deep-dish pizza (thick, saucy) and tavern-style thin crust, the Chicago-style hot dog ("dragged through the garden," never ketchup), Italian beef sandwiches, and a world-class fine-dining and global-neighborhood food scene. Downstate you'll find the "horseshoe" sandwich (a Springfield specialty) and classic Midwestern fare.

Question 8

Where is Abraham Lincoln's home?

Accepted Answer

In Springfield, the state capital (about 3.5 hours south of Chicago) — you can visit the only home Lincoln ever owned (a national historic site), his tomb, the Old State Capitol, and the excellent Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It's the heart of Illinois's Lincoln heritage and a moving day of history.

Question 9

Does Route 66 start in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the historic "Mother Road" begins in downtown Chicago (a "Route 66 Begin" sign on Adams Street) and runs southwest across Illinois through classic small towns, diners and roadside attractions (Pontiac, Springfield, the Cozy Dog) on its way to California. Illinois has some of the best-preserved, best-marked stretches for a nostalgic road trip.

Question 10

How do I get to Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Chicago's O'Hare (ORD, a major global hub) or Midway (MDW); both connect to downtown by "L" train. Amtrak and interstates (I-90, I-80, I-55 along old Route 66) tie the state together. In Chicago rely on transit; for the rest of Illinois, rent a car.

Question 11

What is the capital of Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Springfield is the capital of Illinois, United States.

Question 12

How many cities in Illinois does lodomap cover?

Accepted Answer

lodomap currently covers 5 cities and towns in Illinois, including Chicago, Evanston, Naperville. See the full list in the Cities & Towns sidebar.

Question 13

What is Illinois known for?

Accepted Answer

Illinois is known as Chicago (architecture, deep-dish pizza, museums, blues and sports), Abraham Lincoln's Springfield, the start of Route 66, Lake Michigan, and Midwestern prairie and river towns.

Question 14

What is the national capital of United States?

Accepted Answer

Washington, D.C. is the national capital of United States.

Illinois

Illinois at a Glance

Info about Illinois

Know Before You Go — United States