8 Best Family Vacation Destinations In Illinois

ILLINOIS — Summer — it's the season of no school, balmy weather and, if you're lucky, plenty of down time to relax and unwind with the family. And with Illinois' bicentennial coming up this year, what better time to explore the Land of Lincoln and all it has to offer?

Last month, we asked Patch readers to share their favorite family vacation destinations right here in Illinois, from staycations to road trips. Here are readers' picks:

1. Starved Rock State Park

Nancy F. of Evanston recommends the state park in Oglesby, Illinois, with its waterfalls, canyons and abundant hiking trails. "The area is breathtakingly beautiful," Nancy writes, adding that it offers "hiking trails, the variety of flora and fauna, the peacefulness; in the winter the eagles congregate due to the open water." Starved Rock was recently named the Most Beautiful Place In Illinois by Conde Nast Traveler, and offers camping, lodging and restaurants.

2. Springfield

Readers Megan R. of Bolingbrook and Richard C. of Plainfield say families should check out the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, plus Lincoln's Tomb, where you'll find the final resting place of the 16th president, along with his wife and their four sons. Also in Springfield is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, recently named the best museum in Illinois, the Air Combat Museum, Camp Butler National Cemetery (once a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison) and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. You can also enjoy a classic Route 66 diner, the Cozy Dog Drive In.

3. Galena

Readers Dawn of Minooka and Jan of Spring Grove sung the praises of Galena, known for its quaint downtown, old-fashioned shops, restaurants and scenery. There are plenty of resorts and hotels in Galena catering to travelers. Historic spots include President Ulysses S. Grant's home (open Wednesday through Sunday). A series of family friendly festivals are on tap during the summer, from the Great Galena Balloon Race (June 15-17) to Midwest Garlic Fest (Aug. 11-12), and Galena County offers road trips, golf and more.

4. Chicago

Reader Jennifer R. of Hickory Hills recommends a staycation of sorts, staying around the Chicago area and finding new places to explore or spots the family hasn't yet visited. A side trip she recommends: A visit to Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, a historic Route 66 fixture in Willowbrook since 1946. The spot has been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives" and "Chicago's Best" and was one of Eater.com's best suburban restaurants in 2017. Chicago was also just ranked the No. 3 city for staycations in the country. Find more ideas here.

5. Oregon, Illinois

Harriet W. of River Forest recommends Oregon, Illinois, known for its beautiful bed and breakfasts, fishing, boating, hiking, antiquing and great dining options (she gives honorable mention to La Vigna and Blackhawk Steak Pit). There are also two state parks — Castle Rock and Lowden State Park — and White Pines Ranch, a family operated camp offering horseback riding and more.

6. Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna

Reader Shauna W. of Manhattan recommends this scenic destination, about a three-hour drive from Chicago and about 30 minutes from Galena. The 2,500-acre park offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, geocaching and more, and has easy access for Mississippi River steamboat rides.

7. Giant City State Park, Makanda

Reader Martha K. of Highland Park suggests Giant City State Park, saying it has these things going for it: "Hiking, close to Carbondale, Crab Orchard Lake for fishing and boating. Near Fort de Chartes (a French fortification built along the banks of the Mississippi in 1720) and Fort Kaskaskia ( constructed by the French around 1759 to defend the town) for history." The state park was also featured in the 2014 hit "Gone Girl."

8. Metropolis

Greg W., a Patch reader from Michigan, recommends heading to Metropolis for the 40th annual Superman Celebration, but you'd better make your plans in a hurry: The fest is from June 7 to June 10. This year, the four-day fest will host featured guests, actors Brandon Routh ("Superman Returns," 2006), Shaun Sipos (of the new TV show "Krypton" as well as an appearance on "Smallville") and Blake Ritson ("Krypton"). Find a full list of celebrity guests here. The event started as a one-day "homecoming" for local residents and now attracts Superman fans from around the world. Entry to the event is free, and festivities include a carnival, live music, helicopter rides, celebrity autographs and Q&A sessions and more. Metropolis, originally home to French settlers in the 1750s, is along the banks of the Ohio River in Massac County.

Want more ideas? Illinois Road Trips: 5 Spots Less Than 4 Hours From Chicago

What do you think of these reader picks? What's your favorite Illinois family vacation spot? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Dasha Petrenko/Shutterstock.