Illinois—you might know it as that state in the Midwest where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, the home of numerous Chicagoland sports teams, and the subject of Stufjan Stevens’ 2005 album of the same name. What you might not know about Illinois is that it’s a great place for a weekend getaway, especially if you book a one-of-a-kind cabin to stay in.
For the unfamiliar, here’s a quick lay of the land. Chicago sits at the northeastern corner of Illinois, along Lake Michigan, and at the southwestern edge, St. Louis lies just across the state line on the other side of the Mississippi River (which forms Illinois’ western boundary). Outsiders might take a look at a map and assume that the vast expanse of land between these two cities is filled with nothing but cornfields and cows. While there are plenty of those, Illinois also has many great places for outdoor adventure.
Public lands like Shawnee National Forest, in southern Illinois offer miles of hiking trails and lakes for fishing and swimming. Starved Rock State Park between Chicago and Peoria has stunning seasonal waterfalls as well as hiking trails, biking, boating, horseback riding, and more. You can get a taste of real prairie—the massive grasslands that covered much of the state before white settlers arrived—and even spot buffalo at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. As you’ll see at some of the private cabins below, there are also plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on placid lakes and creeks. Finally, if you’re looking for a more relaxing hideaway, there are wineries and farm stands to visit and lots of historic towns to stroll through. Late spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit for those activities.
