Three years ago, I lived as an au pair in the state of Illinois, about an hour away from Chicago. In this article, I’d like to introduce you to this fascinating US state and give you a glimpse of what you can experience there. Illinois is located in the Midwest, has nearly 13 million residents, and offers plenty of variety—both culturally and in terms of its landscapes!

🏙️ Chicago

The most famous city in Illinois is Chicago, the third-largest city in the US. A visit to this vibrant city is definitely a must for your bucket list! There’s no shortage of iconic sights and exciting places to explore—so make sure you plan enough time to take it all in.

list with things to do in Chicago
Tips for your time in Illinois (c) AuPairCare

🏛️ Springfield

Despite Chicago’s fame and size, Springfield is actually the capital of Illinois. It’s located in the southeastern part of the state, about 800 km from Chicago.

Springfield is best known as the longtime home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. There are many places in the city connected to his life, including his former home, his law office, the Lincoln Presidential Library, and even his grave. You can also explore a piece of the legendary Route 66 here: a section of the historic Brick Road still features the original bricks from the early highway!

🌲 Starved Rock State Park

Illinois has several beautiful state parks, and one of the most popular is Starved Rock State Park. It’s known for its 18 canyons and waterfalls, plus more than 20 kilometers of hiking trails—so there’s something for every fitness level. Entry is free, and there are even places to stay overnight if you want to extend your trip.

When to visit? In winter, you might spot frozen waterfalls. In spring, the melting snow feeds the waterfalls and makes them even more impressive. But no matter the season, Starved Rock is always worth the trip.

Other State Parks in Illinois:

  1. Buffalo Rock State Park – great for kayaking
  2. Pere Marquette State Park – known for spotting bald eagles
  3. Giant City State Park – dramatic cliffs, hiking, and scenic views
  4. Matthiessen State Park – beautiful rock formations and waterfalls
  5. Wildlife Prairie State Park – home to rescued wild animals like otters, moose, and bears
waterfall in starved rock
Starved Rock is the most famous state park in Illinois (c) AuPairCare

🚗 The Great River Road

Road trips are super popular among au pairs—and the Great River Road in Illinois is perfect for that. The full route spans 10 states and about 3,000 km, but even just the 885 km stretch through Illinois is worth the drive.

This scenic route follows the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the water, surrounding hills and forests, and dramatic cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns like Galena, with its pretty streets and alleys—perfect for snapping photos. In Moline, you’re right on the banks of the Mississippi, surrounded by deep gorges and unique rock formations that make for a great break spot.

Bird's eye shot of the Great River Road
The route along the Great River Road offers some fantastic views. (c) AuPairCare

Have fun exploring the diverse and surprising state of Illinois! Whether you're into big cities, historic sites, nature hikes, or road trips—there’s something here for everyone. 😊

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