by Sydney Rasmussen | Mar 6, 2026 | Illinois, Places & Experiences
Illinois is a state where every road and river tells a story. In Chicago, world-class museums and innovative cuisine reflect a city that has shaped global culture, while the winding path of Route 66 invites travelers to retrace America’s past, from historic prisons to quirky roadside landmarks. But venture south, and the rhythm slows: Shawnee National Forest’s towering rock formations and the Cache River’s whispering wetlands reveal a wild, untamed side of the Midwest. Here, the Land of Lincoln unfolds as a journey through human ingenuity and nature’s quiet beauty.
by Kass | Nov 19, 2025 | Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Travel Tips
Route 66 isn’t just asphalt and neon, it threads across the ancestral and living homelands of many Indigenous nations. From Potawatomi lands at the Chicago start, through Osage and Kickapoo land in the Midwest, across dozens of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma, to Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Navajo and Hualapai lands in Arizona, more than half of Route 66 runs through Indian Country. For travelers looking to go beyond the kitsch, the most authentic experiences are those led and offered by tribal people themselves. These experiences vary from guided canyon walks and pueblo tours to trading-post galleries, and tribally owned lodgings. Spending your money at these establishments directs tourism dollars to local economies and cultural programs. You can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
by Shannon Lowery | Aug 18, 2025 | Illinois, Itineraries, Michigan
Discover one of America’s most underrated road trip regions on this Great Lakes highlights itinerary. Along the way you’ll find pristine beaches, picturesque lakeshore communities, plenty of outdoor activities on land and water, delicious regional cuisine, a strong winery and brewery culture, deeply-rooted Indigenous heritage, and a year-round loving embrace of these stunning landscapes. Pack the car and hit the road. This is your ultimate Great Lakes region road trip, the highlights edition.
by Shannon Lowery | Jan 28, 2025 | Illinois, Itineraries, Route 66
Route 66, also known as the Mother Road and America’s Main Street, starts in Chicago, Illinois and stretches 2,448 miles all the way to California. If you don’t have weeks to spend exploring the whole thing at once, this seven-day sample itinerary along the Illinois-Missouri-Kansas section is the perfect way to satisfy your appetite for a road trip adventure.
by Semaj Thomas | Dec 23, 2020 | Illinois, Places & Experiences, Travel Tips
If you’re living in my home city and you’re undecided if nature is your thing, or even if you’re visiting The Windy City and you want to pass on the horns and train rumblings for a while, start your day at this state park that offers hiking, a fort, beautiful canyons, and a WATERFALL!
