Illinois holiday homes

Why visit Illinois

• Urban and cultural delights: Experience the vibrant energy of Chicago with its world-class museums and bustling streets.
• Natural escapes: Enjoy serene state parks and picturesque landscapes perfect for family getaways.
• Outdoor adventures: Discover hiking, cycling, and picnicking spots that showcase Illinois' scenic beauty.
• Rich history: Explore heritage sites and museums that tell the story of Illinois' diverse past.
• Local charm: Immerse yourself in friendly neighbourhoods and local culture for an authentic experience.

Top attractions in Illinois

Illinois offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences perfect for holidaymakers. Explore vibrant urban parks, immerse yourself in the rich history at various museums, and unwind in the natural beauty of state parks. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities or a taste of local culture, Illinois has something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.

• Navy Pier: A vibrant hub on the shores of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier features stunning views, amusement rides, and a variety of dining options. It's perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the lively atmosphere with friendly locals.
• Grant Park: Known as Chicago's front yard, Grant Park offers expansive green spaces, beautiful gardens, and iconic landmarks. It's an ideal spot for families to picnic, participate in events, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
• Six Flags Great America: A thrilling theme park filled with exhilarating rides and entertainment for the whole family. From roller coasters to live shows, there's something for everyone at this excitement-packed destination.

Things to do recommended for couples

Discover Illinois with your loved one. Enjoy a scenic drive along the winding roads, share a picnic by a serene lake, and indulge in local cuisine that captures the heart of the region.

Things to do recommended for families

Families will love exploring the interactive exhibits of the Chicago Children's Museum, enjoying scenic picnics at Millennium Park, and discovering local wildlife at the Brookfield Zoo.

Things to do recommended for groups

Groups visiting Illinois can experience the thrill at Route 66 Raceway and Chicagoland Speedway, while Overlook Adventure Park offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course, perfect for adventurous outdoor fun.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Illinois

Whether you’re journeying with a group, as a family, with your furry mates or planning an extended stay, be sure to refine your search using the appropriate filters. Here are some Vrbo booking tips for you.

• Traveling to Illinois with a group: Consider how many bedrooms you'll require, along with features like a fully-equipped kitchen or an outdoor area suitable for group get-togethers. Thankfully, you can filter for all these options—and more—on Vrbo.
• Traveling to Illinois with young kids: Travelling with young kids can be quite a challenge. It's important to prioritise their comfort and safety, along with suitable amenities like a private swimming pool. Additionally, it's wise to think about how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Illinois: For many, a family holiday wouldn’t feel complete without their furry companion by their side. If you can relate, take a look at Vrbo properties that welcome pets. Most of these pet-friendly accommodations offer feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Illinois: If you're after holiday rentals offering discounts for month-long stays or more, you've come to the right spot. With the appropriate filter, you can effortlessly locate and secure savings on monthly bookings. Think about including a parking space, a quality kitchen, or a private pool in your search as well.

Where to stay in Illinois

Illinois offers a vibrant mix of urban excitement and serene escapes. Explore the bustling streets of metropolitan Chicago, or enjoy idyllic locations perfect for a family-friendly getaway. With its rich outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes, and friendly atmosphere, Illinois presents an ideal base for travellers seeking both urban exploration and nature’s tranquillity.

• Chicago: Chicago is a vibrant city in Illinois that offers an eclectic mix of family-friendly, outdoor, and urban experiences. As you explore Chicago, you can enjoy its diverse shopping areas, dynamic arena entertainment, and a range of theatres that provide a taste of its cultural flair. The city is also known for its impressive sports facilities, renowned tourist precincts, and expansive urban parks that invite leisurely strolls or a bit of active exploration. Chicago’s geographic setting makes it a central hub for travellers looking to immerse themselves in both the hustle and bustle of city life and the relaxing charm of outdoor spaces.
• Downtown Chicago: Nestled within the heart of Illinois, Downtown Chicago offers a concentrated urban experience with a distinctly family-friendly and outdoor appeal. Visitors can delve into the vibrant shopping areas and enjoy live performances at local theatres, complemented by the thrill of arena entertainment events. The area is also celebrated for its proximity to noteworthy landmarks, including bustling tourist precincts, impressive sports stadiums, and serene urban parks. Downtown Chicago truly encapsulates the dynamic spirit of city living and outdoor enjoyment in one compact locale.
• Arlington Heights: Arlington Heights is a welcoming city in Illinois that blends family, city, and business themes into a unique travel experience. The area is well-regarded for its modern shopping centre and mall centre options, paired with engaging theatre experiences that cater to varied interests. Notable for its local attractions, Arlington Heights boasts significant sports facilities, important event conference venues, and a convention centre that highlight its dynamic cultural scene. This city serves as an ideal destination for travellers seeking a balanced mix of business, leisure, and family fun.

Best time to go to Illinois

If you're planning a trip to Illinois, it's a good idea to check both the weather and property rates. The warmest month is July.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	24.3°F (-4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average
February	28.8°F (-1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average
March	39.7°F (4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
April	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
May	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
June	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
July	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
September	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
October	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low
November	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low
December	30.0°F (-1.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low

Booking with Vrbo is simple

Looking to cut costs on your next adventure? Consider being a bit flexible with your travel dates, as prices can vary. Also, booking a longer stay can often lead to significant savings. To find the perfect Vrbo property that suits your budget, simply use our filters to sort by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Vrbo Trips: Planning made easy

Vrbo’s Trip Board provides you with a dedicated area to start new adventures, keep track of your ongoing plans, or check and organise your bookings. Your saved or booked properties are neatly sorted into Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To see your Trip Boards, visit: https://www.bookabach.co.nz/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Travel to captivating Illinois

Take a holiday to Illinois and enjoy the area's museums, entertainment and theatre scene. Well known for its shopping, restaurants and university setting, this welcoming city won't disappoint. Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are a couple of places to search for that perfect souvenir. A holiday rental can help make your stay complete—many rentals come with a full kitchen and laundry facilities.

Activities and attractions in Illinois

Do you want to find top things to see and do in the city? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to check out everything that Illinois has to offer. These are some of the most popular attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Lincoln Speedway (12.7 mi / 20.4 km)
• Den at Fox Creek Golf Course (22.9 mi / 36.9 km)
• Scovill Zoo (24.1 mi / 38.8 km)
• Miller Park Zoo (25 mi / 40.2 km)
• Gail's Pumpkin Patch (4.8 mi / 7.7 km)
• Hickory Point Golf Course (16.8 mi / 27.1 km)

Exploring the natural features in Illinois

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to take in the scenery, Illinois is a great place to get outside. Here are some of the area’s most stunning natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Angler's Lake Conservation Area (25.3 mi / 40.8 km)
• Weldon Springs State Park (11.6 mi / 18.6 km)
• Rock Springs Conservation Area (22 mi / 35.4 km)
• Lake Decatur (23.2 mi / 37.4 km)
• Tri Lakes Park (24.5 mi / 39.5 km)
• North Fork Trailhead (16.7 mi / 26.8 km)

Transport to and around Illinois

Fly into Decatur, IL (DEC), the closest airport, located 24.7 mi (39.7 km) from the city centre. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional), which is 27.7 mi (44.6 km) away.

If you're travelling by train, Lincoln Station, Uptown Station and Springfield Station are the main stations that serve the city. It's easy to get around Illinois by jumping on the metro at Washington Park Station, Emerson Park Station or Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center Station.