From Starved Rock State Park to the Willis Tower, there are so many incredible attractions in Illinois. But, these places are often swarming with visitors, and some of us prefer a little peace and quiet. Here are the best places to go if you want to be left with your thoughts or just experience a bit lighter crowd.
- The tiny town of Fults
kbh3rd/Wikimedia Since only about 26 people live there, you won’t have a problem getting some alone time. While you’re there, visit the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve and go for a hike. It’s a bit strenuous, but it all pays off when you reach the top and see the beautiful view.
Located in Monroe County, 39 miles south of St. Louis.
- The secluded Rocky Comfort Cabins in Makanda
Rocky Comfort Cabins Live like a hobbit in these private cabins. Wine lovers will appreciate the short walk to Blue Sky Vineyard!
295 Panthers Den Road, Makanda
- The peaceful Jarvis Beach in Chicago
Sarah S/Yelp This is arguably the quietest beach in Chicago. Since it’s a smaller beach, there aren’t as many amenities, so pack up the cooler with drinks and snacks before you go.
1208 W. Jarvis Avenue, Chicago
- The lesser-known Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa
Emiko R/Yelp If you want all of the glory of Starved Rock with fewer people, try this park. It’s located on a bluff that actually used to be an island in the middle of the Illinois River.
1300 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
- The considerably less busy international airport, Midway
Leoboeudv/Wikimedia Okay, airports are always busy, but if you need to fly out of Chicago, try to fly out of Midway to avoid the crowds. Delays and wait times tend to be shorter, so you’ll spend less time packed in line with other travelers.
5700 S. Cicero Avenue, Chicago
- The calmer lake in Chain O’Lakes, Bluff Lake
Glen Miller/Facebook Chain O’Lakes is hopping with people in the summer, but Bluff Lake tends to be the least busy. When you get hungry, head over to Sandbar Bar and Grille for great food with a view of the lake.
Bluff Lake is located in Antioch.
- The lightly-trafficked Millstone Bluff Trail
Daniel Schwen/Wikimedia This trail is on the National Register of Historic Places, but is surprisingly quiet when it comes to visitors. Its 0.7 mile loop trail makes for an easy, but beautiful hike.
Located near Glendale.
- The private wine tastings at Lasata Wines in Lawrenceville
Lasata Wines/Facebook Enjoy wine with a small group of friends when you schedule a private tasting there. They make more than ten types of wine, so a trip there is sure to please anyone’s palette.
8880 Lasata Lane, Lawrenceville
- The private pool suites at Sybaris in Northbrook
Sybaris Pool Suites/Facebook Get a pool all to yourself at this hotel! The private suites provide not only your own place to swim, but a fireplace and spa robes to make your stay even more luxurious.
3350 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook
Have you ever visited any of these places? Where do you like to go to escape the crowds? Let us know in the comments.
kbh3rd/Wikimedia
Since only about 26 people live there, you won’t have a problem getting some alone time. While you’re there, visit the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve and go for a hike. It’s a bit strenuous, but it all pays off when you reach the top and see the beautiful view.
Located in Monroe County, 39 miles south of St. Louis.
Rocky Comfort Cabins
Live like a hobbit in these private cabins. Wine lovers will appreciate the short walk to Blue Sky Vineyard!
295 Panthers Den Road, Makanda
Sarah S/Yelp
This is arguably the quietest beach in Chicago. Since it’s a smaller beach, there aren’t as many amenities, so pack up the cooler with drinks and snacks before you go.
1208 W. Jarvis Avenue, Chicago
Emiko R/Yelp
If you want all of the glory of Starved Rock with fewer people, try this park. It’s located on a bluff that actually used to be an island in the middle of the Illinois River.
1300 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
Leoboeudv/Wikimedia
Okay, airports are always busy, but if you need to fly out of Chicago, try to fly out of Midway to avoid the crowds. Delays and wait times tend to be shorter, so you’ll spend less time packed in line with other travelers.
5700 S. Cicero Avenue, Chicago
Glen Miller/Facebook
Chain O’Lakes is hopping with people in the summer, but Bluff Lake tends to be the least busy. When you get hungry, head over to Sandbar Bar and Grille for great food with a view of the lake.
Bluff Lake is located in Antioch.
Daniel Schwen/Wikimedia
This trail is on the National Register of Historic Places, but is surprisingly quiet when it comes to visitors. Its 0.7 mile loop trail makes for an easy, but beautiful hike.
Located near Glendale.
Lasata Wines/Facebook
Enjoy wine with a small group of friends when you schedule a private tasting there. They make more than ten types of wine, so a trip there is sure to please anyone’s palette.
8880 Lasata Lane, Lawrenceville
Sybaris Pool Suites/Facebook
Get a pool all to yourself at this hotel! The private suites provide not only your own place to swim, but a fireplace and spa robes to make your stay even more luxurious.
3350 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook
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