Central Illinois, IL

Travel Guide

Champaign showing signage and heritage elements
Bloomington
Spurlock Museum featuring interior views and heritage elements
Prospect Park Zoo which includes zoo animals, a pond and bird life
Prairie Aviation Museum showing aircraft and military items

Fans of Abraham Lincoln have much to excite them in this pleasant part of Illinois, also known for its research industries and agro-tourism.

Central Illinois is Abraham Lincoln country, from the state capital of Springfield, where his historic home still stands, to Bloomington, where he practiced law. The region has other fascinating offerings, from nature to the booming tech industry in the “Silicon Prairie.” Visit museums or catch a game at University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, explore local history in well-preserved downtowns and enjoy produce from this agricultural region.

Drive along Route 66 to Springfield to celebrate one of America’s best-loved presidents. Explore the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum exhibits, with memorabilia of his life as well as research resources related to Civil War history. The center of state government is the impressive Illinois State Capitol. Don’t miss the Frank Lloyd Wright Dana-Thomas House, one of the architect’s most famous constructions, blending easily with the surrounding landscape. Get exercise on nearby Bloomington’s Constitution Trail, a winding paved path passing many of the city’s historic and architecturally interesting sights.

Return to school in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, home to the University of Illinois’ main campus. On campus, the Japan House is an architectural marvel featuring three traditional Japanese gardens and offering tea ceremonies and other cultural experiences. Watch a movie or performance at the 1921 Virginia Theatre, which features an authentic pipe organ once used to play theme music for silent movies. Feed wildlife and learn about the natural world at the Anita Purves Nature Center, the gateway to the Busey Woods.

Bloomington and Springfield have airports offering connections to destinations across the U.S. Drive to Bloomington in just over 2 hours from downtown Chicago or from Indianapolis in under 3 hours. Limited rail connections are available in the area, but it is best explored by car.

Central Illinois is known for its agricultural areas. Experience a new side of them at Alto Vineyards and Winery, the region’s best-known viticulturist bring back bottles to surprise your friends with Illinois wine.

Where to stay in Central Illinois

Old State Capitol which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Downtown Springfield

4/5(301 area reviews)

Downtown Springfield is popular for its interesting museums, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum or Old State Capitol.

Downtown Springfield
Cajun fries ... Yum yum

North Champaign

While visiting North Champaign, you might make a stop by sights like Marketplace and Bonyark Creek Trail.

North Champaign
Hessel Park showing a park

Clark

If you're spending some time in Clark, Hessel Park and Champaign Public Library are top sights worth seeing.

Clark
Champaign which includes street scenes as well as an individual femail

Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, The Virginia Theatre and Orpheum Children's Science Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
Berry berry berry good ... My favorite :)

Campustown

Campustown might not have many top sights, but Alma Mater and Illini Union Rec Room are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Campustown
Tasty Bison Chili Cheeseburger at Scotty’s.

Bolten Field

Bolten Field might not have many top sights, but Hessel Park and University of Illinois Assembly Hall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bolten Field
The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center
The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center
3 out of 5
1621 Jumer Dr, Bloomington, IL
$90 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
$101 total
Jun 18 - Jun 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,747 reviews)
"Nice property, good breakfast. Check-in ok, stayed here a couple of times and both times no one at the desk upon arrival. It’s a little annoying to have to wait for staff to show up to check in. They need a way to page the staff if they are going to leave the front desk."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center
I Hotel And Illinois Conference Center
I Hotel And Illinois Conference Center
4 out of 5
1900 South First Street, Champaign, IL
$109 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
$123 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Champaign. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,582 reviews)
"Very very good hotel, very clean and staff is very professional"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

I Hotel And Illinois Conference Center
Crowne Plaza Springfield by IHG
Crowne Plaza Springfield by IHG
3.5 out of 5
3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL
$89 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$102 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Springfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"It was a great stay. The beds are absolutely comfortable to me."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza Springfield by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Yugo Guest Suites
Yugo Guest Suites
4 out of 5
410 N Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Urbana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Crystal Lake Park and University of Illinois ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (92 reviews)
10/10
"Great location, clean, bed and sofa were comfortable, great customer service, I love the cafe in the lobby and I like that they had a washer and dryer"

Reviewed on May 14, 2025

Yugo Guest Suites
Pet Friendly A-Frame Cabin @ Dawson Lake/Moraine View State Park
Pet Friendly A-Frame Cabin @ Dawson Lake/Moraine View State Park
Ellsworth
Stay at this cabin in Ellsworth. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attraction Moraine View State Park is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
Cabin in nature
"Unfortunately it rained for the duration of our stay so we were unable to take advantage of the lake, decks, fire pit etc."

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

Pet Friendly A-Frame Cabin @ Dawson Lake/Moraine View State Park
Stunning XL Log Cabin in Bloomington, IL! 2 Game Rooms + Hot Tub & Sauna!
Stunning XL Log Cabin in Bloomington, IL! 2 Game Rooms + Hot Tub & Sauna!
2 out of 5
Bloomington
Stay at this cabin in McLean County. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a sauna. Popular attractions Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores and Den at Fox Creek Golf ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Peaceful and relaxing
"We enjoyed the outdoor space with our family getaway to Bloomington. Thank you for sharing your home with us!"

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Stunning XL Log Cabin in Bloomington, IL! 2 Game Rooms + Hot Tub & Sauna!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Illinois