Best General Illinois Travel Guides of 2026

The Route 66 Travel Guide is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America's Route 66. This pocket reference includes detailed route maps, GPS coordinates, and addresses for all stops on the trip, making it easy to navigate. The guide also features 202 amazing places in the order they appear on Route 66, as well as 66 hand-picked “Iconic Places” and 11 premiere “Off Route” attractions travelers won’t want to miss. The logbook pages allow readers to memorialize their adventure, and the specially selected playlist immerses them in the nostalgia of America’s quintessential road trip. Overall, this guide is a comprehensive and unique resource for anyone planning a Route 66 road trip.

The Route 66 Travel Guide - 202 Amazing Places is a must-have for all Route 66 travelers. This guide takes you on a journey from Santa Monica to Chicago, visiting 202 places in the order they appear on the route. With QR codes, GPS coordinates, and addresses, you'll never get lost. The guide also includes lists of recommended overnight stays and RV parks, speed limits for each state, a road trip soundtrack, and a logbook to fill out each day with your personal experiences. Authored by Mark Watson, a California-based traveler who has traveled the entire U.S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. This guide is unique with its "Scan QR and go" feature for easy navigation. Highly recommended!

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 National Parks Passport Stamp Book is the ultimate journal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to document their adventures in America's National Parks. This newly updated edition includes all 63 National Parks, featuring a huge map of the United States with marked and pointed parks, as well as alphabetical arrangement and description of each park. The journal provides ample space to write about each visit, including the date of visit, weather, wildlife observed, personal notes, and more. Additionally, there is a QR code on each page that takes you to the official website for each park. Overall, this book is an excellent keepsake for both adults and kids who love exploring the great outdoors.

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.

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.

Barrio: Photographs from Chicago's Pilsen and Little Village is a captivating photo essay book that showcases the Mexican community living in two iconic Chicago neighborhoods. The author, Paul D'Amato, takes readers on a 14-year journey through the barrio and neighboring Little Village, capturing both public and private moments of the Mexican residents. The book is a visual narrative that is surreal, dreamlike, and haunting. Its unique composition and the author's acceptance into the heart of the community make it a must-read for photography enthusiasts.

The Secret Journal (God Stones) is a gripping YA contemporary fantasy novel by Otto Schafer. Breanne and Garrett are two teenagers who stumble upon a dangerous magic while seeking clues to a treasure hidden beneath the surface. They must band together to fulfill a powerful prophecy and save the planet from destruction. This book boasts well-developed characters, a fascinating story, and simmering suspense. It is a winner of the 2020 Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author Project for Best Young Adult Fiction and a finalist in the 2019 Foreword INDIES Book Of The Year Awards for Best Young Adult Fiction. Overall, The Secret Journal is an excellent read and a unique addition to the coming-of-age fantasy genre.

The Geography Workbook for Kids: 50 US States Activity Book is an excellent resource for children and adults interested in learning more about the United States. With 100 specially designed pages, readers can discover fascinating facts about all 50 states, including their largest cities, populations, famous people, highest peaks, capitals, and interesting trivia. The book features word scrambles, word matches, and fill-in-the-blank exercises that make learning geography fun and interactive. The flexible softcover paperback is sized at 8.5" X 11" and has a full-color matte cover for an elegant, professional look and feel. Overall, this workbook is an excellent tool for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of American geography in a fun and engaging way.

Unexpected Chicagoland is a stunning photo essay book that explores the hidden history of Chicago's architectural past. The book features over 200 captivating color photographs taken by Camilo José Vergara, a renowned photographer and sociologist, and accompanied by an original narrative by Timothy Samuelson, Chicago's leading architectural historian. The book showcases rarely seen work by some of the greatest architects of the twentieth century, such as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and William Burley Griffin, as well as dazzling examples of Art Deco design. Unexpected Chicagoland presents an authentic and gritty view of the metropolis, making it a lasting visual treasure that is worth adding to every art and architecture enthusiast's collection.