Best Chicago Illinois Travel Books of 2026

American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals by Tony Comerford is a gripping and gritty account of life on the road with the carnival. Comerford's firsthand experiences working behind the scenes with the colorful characters and legends of the carnival subculture are both fascinating and shocking. From the freak shows to the labor abuses, Comerford exposes the truths about this secretive world. The book is reminiscent of the gritty writings of Studs Terkel and John Steinbeck, with a dash of Jack Kerouac and Hunter S. Thompson. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the American road story and the subcultures that exist on the fringes of society.

Illinois Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit is a comprehensive guide that every traveler should have in their possession. The book is a perfect guide for anyone looking to explore Illinois and its hidden gems. It features more than 100 must-see destinations in the state, complete with driving instructions and GPS coordinates. The guide also includes information about the best time to visit, weather conditions, and average expenses. What sets this book apart is the inclusion of lesser-known facts about all the amazing destinations featured in this blueprint. Overall, it is an excellent travel guide for anyone planning to explore Illinois.

The "C is for Chicago" Board Book is a delightful A-Z tour of the Windy City, showcasing its people, places, food, and music with whimsical rhymes and design-centric illustrations. From "The Bean" at Millennium Park to Wrigley Field, this book highlights iconic landmarks, sports legends, and local cuisine like Chicago Hot Dogs and Deep Dish Pizza. The durable version of the beloved picture book is perfect for traveling and little hands. Overall, this children's book is a charming love letter to Chicago that is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

Hey Kids! Let's Visit Chicago is an exciting travel and learning guide for children. Written by Teresa Mills, this book is perfect for kids who want to learn about the history and attractions of The Windy City. With interesting facts and details about famous landmarks and places, this book is a great way to prepare for a family trip to Chicago or to simply learn more about the city. The Hey Kids! Let's Visit Series also includes other popular destinations like New York City, Paris, and Rome. Overall, this book is a fun and educational read that children will enjoy.

The Ultimate Chicago Bulls Trivia Book is a must-read for die-hard fans of the team. The book offers an incredible collection of amazing trivia quizzes and fun facts that will challenge your knowledge of the team's history. With 13 specially themed chapters full of multiple-choice questions, true or false queries, and "Did You Know" tidbits, this book is a great way to test your memory and learn more about your favorite team. The book is perfect for both competitive fans who want to prove their devotion and more relaxed fans who want to teach a new generation about the team's history. Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to any Bulls fan's collection, and it's a unique way to show your fandom to the world.

Living Landmarks of Chicago is a captivating book that delves into the history behind fifty of the city's most iconic landmarks. The book goes beyond just the architectural aspect and provides fascinating stories of the people who shaped the city and its attractions. Organized chronologically, the book illustrates the city's development from 1836 to 1932 and beyond. The author's writing style is engaging and brings the landmarks to life. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Chicago's rich history and architecture.

The Ultimate Chicago Blackhawks Trivia Book is a must-have for die-hard fans of the “Original Six” NHL franchise. With 300 trivia questions contained in 15 quizzes and 150 “Did You Know?” facts, readers will become certified experts on the team’s history. The book covers all aspects of the Blackhawks’ journey, from their first owner to their six Stanley Cup wins, and features favorite players such as Tony Esposito, Bobby and Dennis Hull, and Patrick Kane. The book is a fun and challenging read, with questions ranging from easy to hard. Overall, this book is a great addition to any Blackhawks fan’s collection and is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

This coloring book is an excellent tool for children and visitors to learn about the attractions of Chicago, also known as 'The Windy City.' With 32 pages, it features famous landmarks like the Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, and Willis Tower, among others. The book is approved by educators and teachers, making it an ideal gift for students learning about Chicago. It is printed in the USA with soy ink and is guaranteed to be 100% safe against non-toxic inks, paints, and dyes. Overall, the Coloring in Chicago 'The Windy City' Coloring Book is a fun and educational way to explore the city's iconic landmarks and attractions.

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: Ingenious Recipe Hacks by So Yummy is a must-have cookbook for anyone looking to make meal-prepping fun and stress-free. With step-by-step recipes, time-saving tips, and interactive special features, this cookbook is perfect for busy individuals or those looking to impress guests. So Yummy, the most viral food brand on social media, promises to inspire creativity and confidence in cooking with their approachable and surprising recipes. Overall, Cook Smarter, Not Harder is a fantastic addition to any kitchen and provides a unique twist on traditional recipes.