- Among the many tourist attractions in Illinois, most of them were created for people who are on tight budgets
- Traveling to your attraction will be much easier if you have car insurance that gives you peace of mind for the journey
- Spending some time at each of these destinations will allow you to see what a large variety of things Illinois has to offer
Even though the windy city of Chicago is a popular destination for those who are visiting Illinois, the state has so much more to offer.
Traveling from one area of Illinois to another can provide you with an entirely new backdrop you can use to make things interesting on your trip.
Perhaps one of the best things about Illinois is that you can always find a destination that is fun for you and easy on your wallet.
If you’re looking to roadtrip and entertain yourself in Illinois, enter your ZIP code above first and compare at least three to four policies to find some affordable auto insurance as well!
Traveling Safely
Traveling is most enjoyable when you’re able to do it safely. Auto insurance is one of the smartest things you can do to protect yourself if you want to stay safe on the road. Not all auto insurance is created equal, though, so shop around to find the best coverage for your needs.
You may want to review your insurance policy to make sure it is up to the Illinois auto insurance standards.
Even though auto insurance is essential, there are other safety measures you can take to get yourself safely to your destination.
Always carry a physical map in case you lose cell coverage, consider packing a few light snacks with water and have an emergency kit on hand in your car. There is no such thing as being over-prepared when traveling.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Attractions in Illinois
Traveling on a budget in Illinois is not hard. From Route 66 to county fairs, there’s something you can find to do whether you have no money to spend or $50 to spend. You may even want to squeeze in a free tour of Chicago.
#10 — Fairs, Festivals, and Events
Cost: Free to $20
Must-See: Illinois state fair twilight parade
Along with the Illinois State Fair, which can run as much as $20 per person, you can enjoy a variety of other events that go on throughout the year.
These events are tailored to people who are looking for an exciting outdoor experience, and many of these events you can include on your trip are free to get into.
Other events require you to pay a fee before parking, but shouldn’t cost more than $20 for a family. Wheaton and Bloomington both even have winter events that are geared toward holiday craft shopping and are free to get into.
#9 — On Route 66
Cost: Free
Must-See: Iconic museums on Route 66
Not all of the museums along Route 66 are free, but many of them will allow you to stop in and check things out. In addition to the museums, you can enjoy vintage rest areas, unbelievable scenery, and a sense of camaraderie while you’re out on the open road.
One of the best budget-friendly trips you can take is a leisurely drive down Route 66. It’ll only cost you what it takes to fill up your tank plus the price of any snacks you want to bring along while you relax on the road trip.
#8 — History Near St. Louis
Cost: Free
Must-See: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
The Cahokia Mounds site, which is just outside of Illinois, in St. Louis, provides a backdrop for ancient worship from the Cahokia people.
The mounds are still in existence today, and visitors can take a short walk up to the top. The people who lived there hailed from the Mississippian people from thousands of years ago.
Taking a trip back toward the future, you can see the Civil War Legacy trail in Alton which is a free event for anyone who wants to visit.
Overlooking the Mississippi River, you will be able to see all the boat traffic that flows up and down the United States from the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton.
#7 — On Illinois’ Western Border
Cost: Free
Must-See: The Mormon town of Nauvoo
Mormon culture is a big part of the Midwest, so don’t miss out on learning more about it. The music performances, craft demonstrations, and carriage rides are all free at Nauvoo.
If you’re visiting the Western border of Illinois, you may want to check out the John Deere sites in Moline. There, you can learn more about the tractors, visit the John Deere Pavilion, and even learn more about how farming works at the Harvester Works Factory.
They are all located in close proximity to each other.
#6 — Other Historic Sites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTW0_TR0vGE
Cost: Free
Must-See: Abraham Lincoln’s tomb
Take in the grandeur of the Lincoln Tomb State Historic site just outside of Springfield, Illinois. Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and many of his family members are buried here.
Keep your eye out for the 117-foot tomb that has Quincy granite all around it.
After visiting there, you can see where he lived his life with his wife in Illinois. While the site is free, you will need tickets that you can pick up at the visitor center.
Heading 20 miles west will land you near Petersburg, Illinois into a recreation of New Salem. You can even see a recreation of the tavern, store, school, and log cabins that Lincoln would have visited as a child growing up in the area.
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Nearby, you can also visit the Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve. It is free to get into, and visitors can see exclusive views of the blackwater sloughs in the Mississippi River. The area also has mounds similar to other ones found in Illinois, but not any less impressive.
Part of the National Park Service, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site — the home of the great American poet — is another historically significant site near Springfield. It is free to visit, and visitors can take tours of the home on a regular basis.
There are also walking paths and nature facts people can learn about in the surrounding areas of the historic site.
#5 — Family Fun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl2Frfv2gJY
Cost: Free
Must-See: The sandy beaches with potted palm trees
Palm trees in the Midwest? If you can’t believe it, you’ll need to see Oak Street Beach. The beach is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a hiking trail along with white-sand beaches.
The urban landscape surrounding the beach lies in stark contrast to the 18-mile lakefront trail and outdoor activities at the beach.
The palm trees seem just right in the summer months, but would be out of place during the sub-freezing winter temperatures. That, of course, is why they are in pots.
If you happen to be in the area of Lincoln Park at the right time, you may even be able to catch a free day at the Lincoln Park Zoo so bring the family along.
#4 — Parks and Nature
Cost: Free
Must-See: The grand Christmas tree ceremony in Millennium Park
For a park in the city, Millennium Park offers many nature activities for people of all ages. The winter months boast the Christmas tree ceremony with the city lit up around it and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink which is free.
In the summer months, cool down around the fountains and take in some of the best free concerts and events right in the park.
Millennium Park has something going on nearly every weekend, and most events are free to the public to attend. Some may require tickets that can be acquired from different organizations.
At Cantigny Park, visitors can walk through the gardens and learn about the flowers. They can also take in some of the nature trails in the park. Cantigny even has hiking for different skill levels that range from the easiest hiking paths to challenging ones.
In addition to the traditional parks in the Springfield and Chicago areas, there are other free parks in Illinois people can visit like:
- Starved Rock State Park
- The Garden of the Gods
- Mississippi Palisades State Park
#3 – Gardens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN9AJNbw6D0
Cost: Free to $10
Must-See: Lurie Garden’s living prairie-scape
Since you’re in the Midwest, plant life is a huge part of the culture. Don’t let your trip slip by you without stopping to see the Lurie Garden. The Lurie Garden has tallgrass and other Midwest living plants.
You may also want to check out the arboretum at The University of Chicago.
The arboretum not only allows you to see all the beautiful plants year round but also gives you the chance to get a world-class education on what the plants do and how they can affect the ecosystem surrounding the city of Chicago.
#2 — Free Tours in Chicago
Cost: Free
Must-See: Chicago Greeter tours give you access to 40 interest areas
Visiting Chicago like a local is one of the best ways to get a taste of the city. As long as you book your trip 10 days in advance, you will have a chance to talk with one of the Chicago greeters.
Just give them some information about you, and they’ll help you pick out all the right places you need to see while you’re in the city and can also help you navigate the public transportation system in Chicago.
People who are worried about safety especially can get more information from the greeters. They’ll be happy to tell you that many of Chicago’s neighborhoods are very safe as long as you take the appropriate measures to protect yourself while there.
You can also take tours of the Loop which take about an hour.
The Millennium Park visitor center has tours available for people who are visiting the city. You won’t need a reservation for these tours, but be sure to stop in or call in first to guarantee they’re open because they have seasonal hours.
#1 – Museums
Cost: Free
Must-See: Federal Reserve Bank and Money Museum
Visiting the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum is one of the easiest ways to learn more about how money’s made, where it comes from, and how it gets into your pocket from the government. The museum also has a cube made out of one million dollars.
While you’re there, be sure to learn more about the history, learn how to spot a fake bill, and even take a self-guided tour that will leave you feeling like you’re an exclusive member of the federal reserve.
Chicago also has places like the Krannert Art Museum where you can not only view art but you can also learn more about the way art is made. If you’re looking for specific cultural museums, the National Museum of Mexican art is located in Chicago.
The University of Chicago also boasts the Oriental Institute. There, you can learn about Oriental Art, view artifacts, and even see pieces of the Qur’an.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a life-like statue of King Tut or a toy that was created in 2350 BC, the Oriental Institute is one of the must-stop destinations for your trip.
Money-Saving Tips for Social Outings
Chicago is not an expensive city to visit if you do it the right way. You can save money on each of the must-see destinations by planning ahead.
Look for days that are offered for visitors for free, seasonal events that may not be available every year and smaller events that are open to the public.
Keep in mind, taking the trip of a lifetime can be as simple as cruising down the open road with the radio on and your windows down.
If you want to save even more money, consider asking about specials when you make reservations, don’t be afraid to use coupons, and look for free things to do while you’re online.
While the Chicago public transportation system isn’t expensive compared to other cities, you can save even more money by being ready to walk everywhere you go.
Find a great place to park, get a good deal on the parking cost, and strap your sneakers on before you take on the city.
Even if you don’t have any money to spend at all, Chicago will fit your budget. Get crafty with your trip by using your time wisely and sharing things with friends.
You may be surprised to find that just taking some time out of your day to walk around exploring can be more enjoyable than spending hundreds of dollars visiting the traditional tourist destinations in Illinois.
Looking for a cheap yet enjoyable trip to Illinois? Enter your ZIP code below first and find better and more affordable auto insurance to save money on the road!