The Best Illinois Travel Destinations For Retirees

After spending most of their lives working, retirement seems to be the time to travel to the heart’s content. The United States is no short of locales to discover, and Illinois gives every reason to be on the list. There is an adventure in experiencing The Garden of Gods and an option to dive into historical knowledge in the town of Nauvoo.

With so much to discover, Illinois stands out as an ideal travel destination for retirees looking to create memorable experiences while embracing the beauty and charm of the Midwest. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a leisurely week, the best of Illinois awaits.

Shawnee National Forest

Spread across 289,000+ acres of southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is ideal for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities. The Garden of the Gods, with its famous rock formations and foliage observation points, is perfect for a slow-paced hike or a relaxing picnic. There are plenty of quiet fishing spots, including Cedar Lake and Lake Glendale, to catch bluegill, largemouth bass, sunfish, and carp.

Shawnee also boasts bird-watching opportunities. Bald eagles and migratory birds are often seen, especially around the lakes and wetlands. Retirees can also appreciate the more secluded locations within the forest. Bell Smith Springs, for instance, is less frequented but promises beautiful sandstone cliffs, a natural bridge, and clear swimming holes.

Galena

Galena stands for history amid picturesque beauty. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the 1850s-built Ulysses S. Grant Home, where the former president lived. A guided tour of the home provides insights into Civil War-era life and Grant’s legacy. Another charming spot is the Dowling House, the oldest building in town. This small stone house from 1826 narrates the early settler life through a half-an-hour tour.

Galena Center for the Arts is the evening spot to check out local exhibits and musical or theatre performances. Retirees can finally indulge in wine tasting at local vineyards like Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery.

Cache River Wetlands

Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands in Cypress fulfills the desire to spend some time in nature near the southern tip of Illinois. This area is rich in biodiversity, featuring wetlands that resemble the swamps of the Deep South. The wetlands are home to many rare plants and animals, including bald cypress trees that are over 1,000 years old. Bird enthusiasts will love spotting rare species like herons, woodpeckers, and even migrating waterfowl along the Heron Pond Trail.

Meanwhile, the Lower Cache River Swamp’s boat tours with Cache Bayou Outfitters is for those who want to learn about the area’s biodiversity without strenuous activity. Retirees can enjoy peaceful days birdwatching or exploring the visitor center, where local natural history exhibits provide deeper insights into the wetlands’ ecology.

Woodstock

Known for its starring role in the movie Groundhog Day, the town takes fame for its historic Woodstock Square, a hub of activity surrounded by locally owned shops and restaurants. The 1889 Opera House is a highlight where stars like Orson Welles once performed. It’s a fantastic stop for retirees to catch a show or attend a community event. Retirees can also take their time walking around Emricson Park, taking a shot at its 9-hole course, or relaxing in the shade of mature trees.

Just a short walk away, Woodstock’s Farmer’s Market is one of the best in the state, displaying fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Millennium Park, Chicago

Downtown Chicago beckons retirees with its 24-acre mix of art, architecture, and green spaces at the Millennium Park. An iconic attraction is the Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean,” where visitors can capture reflective selfies against the backdrop of Chicago’s skyline. Nearby, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts free concerts and outdoor performances during summer, perfect for enjoying music al fresco.

The Crown Fountain delights with its interactive water displays and the faces of Chicagoans, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors. Additionally, art-loving seniors can visit the nearby Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue, home to renowned collections spanning centuries and continents since 1879.

Nauvoo

Nauvoo attracts retirees interested in religious heritage along the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a guided tour through Historic Nauvoo, where volunteers dressed in period attire deliver insights into pioneer life and the town’s role in American history. The Nauvoo Temple is a Greek Revival architectural landmark that stands as a symbol of the town’s Mormon legacy.

Alternatively, the Family Living Center is where visitors can watch demonstrations of pioneer-era crafts like candle-making and blacksmithing. It’s a quieter attraction to understand daily life in the 1800s. Simultaneously, wine lovers will appreciate Baxter’s Vineyards, Illinois’ oldest winery. The vineyard has wine tastings, a winery tour, a gift shop, and an outdoor seating contributing to it being a perfect afternoon pop-in.

The Herrington Inn & Spa, Geneva

Geneva, Illinois: Herrington Inn and Spa, via Jeff Krouldis / Shutterstock.com

Apart from being within easy reach of Naperville, a luxurious retreat on the Fox River is the ideal description for Geneva’s Herrington Inn & Spa, a boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century creamery. Retirees can take advantage of rooms with private balconies overlooking the river. The spa promises a range of relaxing treatments, including massages and facials, making it a haven for rejuvenation. The Fox River Trail is a scenic walking path easily accessible from the inn. Retirees can indulge in walks or cycling along the river or find a spot to sit and take in the views.

Downtown Geneva is a few minute’s distance. Here retirees can peep in places like The Little Traveler, a historic home turned into a multi-room shopping experience filled with items from decor to apparel.

Galesburg

A tranquil yet engaging destination for retirees in the northwest of Springfield is Galesburg. The Galesburg Railroad Museum throws a spotlight on exhibits depicting the town’s importance as a railroad hub. Visitors can even walk through an old train car and view artifacts from Galesburg’s railroading past. Next, history enthusiasts can head to the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site. This modest home, where the famous poet was born, has been turned into a museum. The site also has a garden and a small visitor’s center with exhibits on Sandburg’s life and works.

Away from the typical touristy limelight, the Orpheum Theatre is a 1916 theater that still organizes live performances and films. Its vintage charm and intimate setting make it apt for retirees to admire a show or enjoy a film screening.

After going through the 8 vacation spots, there is no reason for retirees to not choose Illinois as their travel destination. They can find relaxation, outdoor rush, natural beauty, and past connections in these towns of Illinois and their attractions. With numerous cornerstone gems and captivating stops, Illinois comes out as a top travel destination for retirees looking to enrich their lives with new experiences while basking in the comfort of friendly communities and beautiful scenery.