Illinois
The city that invented the skyscraper, with prairie, river bluffs and Lincoln country behind it.
Photo: Unknown (See source)
Windsor Locks, CT – Amtrak Vice President of Infrastructure and Project Delivery Warren LeBeau joined Gov. Ned Lamont, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and state and local... The post Amtrak Joins Gov…
Customers benefit from $8 million in federal investments NORMAN and PAULS VALLEY, Okla. – Amtrak passengers have a more welcoming experience at two Oklahoma stations following about $8 million in..…
The post Amtrak Advances Planning for Replacement of Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges in Maryland appeared first on Amtrak Media .
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued October 16 at 2:59PM EDT until October 16 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Flood Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM CDT until October 18 at 10:32AM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM CDT until October 17 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Good to know
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. The US State Department has more information on visas…
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country…
The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check…
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada).
Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Risk levels section – removed the advisory to avoid non-essential travel to the Northern Gulf coast…
Chicago is the one state city where you genuinely do not need a car. Everywhere else in Illinois you do.
Both Chicago airports connect to the centre by train, and the Blue Line from O'Hare runs 24 hours.
Tipping is expected rather than optional. Budget 18 to 20 percent for table service, a couple of dollars a drink at a bar, and 15 to 20 percent for taxis.
Prices on shelves and menus exclude sales tax, which is added at the till and varies by state and city.
Top destinations in Illinois
Frequently asked questions
May, June and September. July and August are hot and humid, and winter is genuinely cold, though Chicago handles it well.
Yes. Springfield holds the Lincoln sites, Galena is a preserved 1850s river town, and Starved Rock has canyons and waterfalls.
Amtrak runs several times a day and takes about three and a half hours. Driving is similar without the parking hassle at the far end.
The tourist areas along the lake, Loop and North Side are heavily policed and busy. As anywhere, take normal city precautions late at night.
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Run tours in Illinois? Publish them everywhere from one place.
Tourpublish takes the tours already in your reservation system and publishes them to your website, social channels, messaging apps, AI assistants and marketplaces.
Travel information last reviewed 16 October 2026. Compiled from U.S. Department of State, IATA Timatic, Open-Meteo and Tourpublish Travel Intelligence. Always confirm entry rules and safety guidance with official government sources before you travel.
Advisories, entry rules and alerts apply to United States as a whole.
Aggregated from official sources. Content is never rewritten — always display the publisher, publication time and original source link.
Photography: Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source).