For a trip that offers the best of both worlds, you can’t ask for much more than a motorhome holiday across Illinois. Known as “The Prairie State”, Illinois is made up of forests, wetlands and miles of flat farmland, and that’s not all.
The state is also home to Chicago, the third largest city in the US, providing a contrast that makes a trip to the state so diverse. With the help of motorhomebookers.com, visitors can experience the modern marvels of a metropolis one day and find themselves surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and sandstone bluffs the next.
Read on to learn about must-see attractions and how you can explore Illinois in comfort and style with a camper van.
Voted the number one attraction in Illinois, Starved Rock State Park features beautiful waterfalls, over a dozen miles of trails and access to the Illinois River. Named a National Historic Landmark in 1966, Starved Rock has a long history of camping, with many premium campsites featuring camper hookups, making it an ideal motorhome destination.
A haven for nature lovers, Giant City State Park is located about a 5-hour drive south of Starved Rock and offers a different kind of landscape with huge sandstone bluffs and hundreds of different species of wildflowers and trees. What it does have in common, though, are its opportunities for outdoor recreation, which include horseback riding, archery and hiking.
A visit to Illinois isn’t complete without first exploring Chicago, and there’s no better place to take it in than by making a stop at Willis Tower. Formerly the Sears Tower, this 108-storey building has an observation deck that offers amazing panoramas of the Chicago skyline that are definitely worth seeing.
Whether you’re starting or ending your trip here, Chicago is a must-see for its world-famous attractions and big-city entertainment. Not only are iconic landmarks like the Cloud Gate sculpture and Willis Tower here, but you’ll also get plenty out of visits to Millennium Park and Shedd Aquarium, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
Although it’s not the state’s largest city, Springfield is Illinois’ state capital for good reason. The city is steeped in American history and is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. You’ll also find the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas house with hundreds of original pieces inside.
One of the best-kept secrets in Illinois is the small northwestern town of Galena. Quaint and classic, Galena offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, thanks to the Galena River, hiking trails at Apple River Canyon State Park, wine tours, and a charming downtown core with one of the best main streets in the country.
If you’re planning a motorhome holiday in Illinois, you must know what you need to qualify for a camper van rental. Generally speaking, you must be at least 25 years old and possess a valid driver’s licence and a major credit card to rent a motorhome. Renters aged 21 to 24 may be subject to additional daily fees.
Renters do not need to possess a special licence to drive most motorhomes or camper vans. As long as the vehicle weighs under 26,000 pounds, which most motorhomes do, you can operate a rental with your standard license.
If you’re travelling in the high season between July and August, it’s also important to book your camper van rental several months in advance. Since the summer months are especially busy, you may also want to book your campground stays early.
For a varied vacation that will take you from the deep forests and farmlands of middle America to the top of the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, Illinois will check all of your boxes. With plenty of fascinating history and architecture, Illinois is also full of naturally beautiful landscapes.
To experience Illinois for yourself, a motorhome holiday that offers the comforts of home and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the surroundings is one of the best ways to travel. With motorhomebookers.com, you can plan your next trip quickly and easily and find a vehicle that suits your needs.
To learn more about available motorhomes and find flexible dates and pricing, visit motorhomebookers.com today and start your journey!