Find Your Real Getaway in NW Illinois

Find YourReal Getawayin NW Illinois

Escape to NW Illinois

100 miles west of Chicago lie the rolling hills, old growth forests and the pristine rivers in Northwest Illinois. With its quaint cabins and darling bed & breakfasts, it’s the perfect weekend getaway in Illinois. Every mile is steeped in history, surrounded by outdoor beauty and dotted with charming villages.

Get Here

Your real getaway is closer than you think.

  • 100 miles from Chicago
  • 112 miles from Milwaukee
  • 91 miles from Madison
  • 90 miles from Cedar Rapids
  • 281 miles from St. Louis

There's More to Discover

Trip Ideas

5 Favorite Adventures in Northwest Illinois

Northwest Illinois offers tranquil landscapes and adventurous activities in Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore our waterways, parks, backroads, and more.

Your next adventure awaits

Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a week-long adventure, discover a region rich in history from a treasure trove of museums to monuments and historic sites. Travel the original Lincoln Highway. Visit our restored prairies, and meet a bison or two. Jump out of a perfectly good airplane. It’s all here…in northwest Illinois.

UpcomingEvents

28 Mar
Community Events
29 Mar
Live Entertainment

"A Bopsody of Rhapsody" by FlowPoetry

Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana
30 Mar
Ogle County

Public Skyviewing at the Weiskopf Observatory

Weiskopf Observatory in Byron Forest Preserve
02 Apr
Museum Exhibits
02 Apr
Live Entertainment

Cirque LuzDalia (Circus)

Dixon Park District
02 Apr
Live Entertainment

Cirque LuzDalia (Circus)

Dixon Park District
03 Apr
Live Music

Kenny & Dolly in Harmony

White Pines Lodge
03 Apr
Live Entertainment

Cirque LuzDalia (Circus)

Dixon Park District

GetInspired

You know it's spring when the season starts at the 🚜 #JohnDeereHistoricSite in #GrandDetourIL. April 2 marks opening day! 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 for a whole lotta good stuff throughout the year.
On Apr. 3-4, The WhitePinesLodge (@whitepines_resort) presents Dave Karl & Wendy T as they bring the iconic Kenny & Dolly "Real Love" tour back to life, with all the hits & onstage magic you remember.  Plus, enjoy a delicious buffet, dessert, and coffee/tea included in your ticket! 🎵🎵🎵

Info at link in bio, under EVENTS!
"𝘼 𝘽𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙍𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙮" promises to be a truly magical evening filled with spoken word & music  performances. Don't miss your chance to experience this unforgettable showcase of talent at the CMAAA in #OregonIL on March 29. Go to our EVENTS calendar for details at bio link.

#VisitNWillinois #middleofeverything #CMAAA #FlowPoetry #LiveMusic #OregonIL #Poetry #oglecountyil #oglecountyillinois @enjoyillinois #enjoyillinois
Two music legends, Tom "Bones" Malone and Blue Lou Marini, will join Dixon Municipal Band for a one-night FREE spring concert at @DixonTheatre on March 23 only!  #Music #BluesBrothers #SNL #FreeFun
.
Tom Malone, a trombonist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and producer, is among the most experienced professionals in the business. Tom is best known for his work with The Blues Brothers, The David Letterman Show, and Saturday Night Live.

Lou Marini’s seven-year association as an original SNL band member led to his role as “Blue Lou” in John Belushi and Dan Akroyd’s cult classic movie, “The Blues Brothers.”
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗜𝗥𝗖𝗨𝗦 🎪 (@cirque_luzdalia to be exact) is coming to the new @DixonParkDistrict facility on April 2-3, two shows each day featuring magicians, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and NO animals! Ticket link in the event listing at link in our bio, under EVENTS.
Back by popular demand, Dancing Queen: An #ABBA Salute, Mar. 21-22. You get LUNCH & a SHOW at @WhitePines_Resort!  Call 815-655-2400 for reservations.

Matinee Shows:
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Friday, March 22, 2024
Matinee Seating Begins: 11:20 am

Tickets:
Platinum Seating – $72.00 (comes with a free cocktail)
Gold Seating – $65.00
Silver Seating – $62.00
Price Includes: Buffet, Coffee, Tea, Show, Dessert, Tax and Gratuity
Join us for #DougLofstrom & the New Quartet, performing world music & jazz at "Music at the Museum"  on March 22 at the #SavannaMuseum in #SavannaIL!  Enjoy unique arrangements of traditional pieces, light refreshments, and a casual cabaret atmosphere. Info at link in bio under EVENTS.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Request a free copy or view our latest guide online.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Ideas and resources to help plan your next real getaway in NW Illinois.