Gurnee is a town on the outskirts of the city of Waukegan. Part of the wider Chicago Metropolitan Area, the town is popular with vacationers, in part because of local attractions Gurnee Mills Mall and Six Flags Great America. This charming town enjoys the best of both worlds: old school charm and the trappings of modern life — perfect for a family staycation.
Aurora is a suburb of Chicago that possesses historic charm and character. Officially a city in its own right, Aurora is known locally as the “City of Lights” because it was the first city in the region to boast its own all-electric street lighting. This quaint town is largely residential, but it has a bustling downtown that features locally-owned stores and major retail brand names. Most of the city’s nightlife is located around The Hollywood Casino in the dockside area.
An authentic slice of 19th-century American life awaits vacationers at Fox Lake in Illinois. This charming village is the perfect place to relax and escape the rat race for a few days. One of the main landmarks in Fox Lake is the Mineola Hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Legend has it that infamous gangster Al Capone used the hotel as a secret hideout. The town is also famous for its many water-based activities, which include jet-skiing, tubing, and pleasure boating.
Located in Central Illinois, Champaign is home to a huge University of Illinois campus. Other popular attractions include the Spurlock Museum, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, and the Krannert Art Museum. Champaign is the ideal staycation location for travelers looking for examples of local history and culture.
Nestled on the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria has a reputation for the arts. Home to the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the city attracts thousands of culture vultures from around the world every year. Visitors can also enjoy the very best Mother Nature has to offer at Wildlife Prairie Park, Peoria Zoo, and Luthy Botanical Gardens.