Best Summer Getaways in Illinois

The sun is out, and it’s time for adventure! If you’re looking to enjoy scenic and versatile Illinois, we’ve got you covered! We’ve spent many happy summers exploring this beautiful state and are pleased to share some of our favorite destinations with you. 

Smardbuild specializes in stunning exterior remodels outside of Chicago, IL. We’ve been delivering killer home facelifts for more than 15 years and have enjoyed everything this state has to offer for even longer. We would love to talk to you about your exterior remodeling dreams if you live within our service area.

Fabulous Festivals and Events in Illinois in Summer 2022

There’s something unique and fun to do in Illinois every weekend! Check out some of our favorite Illinois festivals for 2022:

• 6/3-6/5 Chicago- Blues Festival and Lincoln Park Greek Fest
• 6-3-6/5 Bloomington- Cogs and Corsets: A Steampunk Happening
• 6/8-6/11 Alton- All-Wheels Drive-in Car Show
• 6/17/6/19 Galena- Great Galina Balloon Race
• 6/18 Rockford- Midsommerfest
• 6/22 Highwood- Inferno Fest
• 6/24 Yorkville- Summer Solstice Indie Music and Craft Beef Festival
• 6/25 Chicago- Navy Pier Pride
• 7/3-7/4 Local 4th of July celebrations. Check here for a comprehensive list.
• 7/6-7/10 Chicago- Taste of Chicago 
• 7/9 Rock Island- Dawn and On Music Festival
• 7/10 Fox Lake- Fox Lake Bloody Mary Fest
• 7/14-7/18 Chicago- Chicago Auto Show Street Fest
• 7/17 Yorkville-Metaphysically Fit Festival
• 7/16-7/17 Bridgeview- Chi-Town Hot Sauce Expo
• 7/23 Rockford and Peoria- Water Lantern Festival
• 7/23-724 Chicago- Ghana Fest and Bantu Fest
• 7/29-8/1 Chicago- Lollapalooza
• 8/5-8/7 Naperville- Naperville Food Truck Fest
• 8/5-8/7 Tiskilwa- Pow Wow Days
• 8/6 Mt. Vernon- Ash Bash Art and Music Festival
• 8/6-8/7 South Elgin- World of Faeries Festival
• 8/11-8/13 Port Byron- The Great River Tug Fest
• 8/11-8/14 Sycamore- The Sycamore Steam Show and Threshing Bee
• 8/12-8/13 Urbana- Taste of Champaign
• 8/13 Joliet- The Great Joliet Prison Break-In
• 8/18-8/20 Antioch- Blarney Island Fantasy Fest
• 8/19-8/21 Aurora- Aurora Uke Fest
• 8/20 Wheaton- All Night Flea Market
• 8/27 Sycamore- Ribs Rhythm and Brews Fest
• 8/27 Bolingbrook- Taste of Packistan

Most Romantic Summer Getaways in Illinois

Chicago

Chicago is for lovers. Shop the Magnificant Mile. Take in a world-class museum like The Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry. Stroll the Garfield Park Conservatory, Navy Pier, or Millenium Park. Take in the skyline from 360 Chicago, The Skydeck, or an architectural boat tour. 

Rockford

The most romantic attractions in Rockford are the unique garden spaces. Rockford is home to Anderson Japanese Gardens, Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, and Nicholas Conservatory. Take in a play at the hidden-gem Starlight Theatre for excellent theatrical performances under the stars. 

Alton

Enjoy a drink on a cruise on the Illinois or Mississippi River. Muster up your courage and try ziplining at Grafton Zipline Adventures. Learn about the area's rich history, and visit the various statues paying tribute to Miles Davis and Abraham Lincoln. Try your luck at Agorsy Casino.  Don’t miss Alton’s magnificent ancient cliff painting that fur traders first noted in the 1600s. “The Piasa,” or the bird, is an ancient monster.

Best Illinois Family Summer Trips

Springfield

Dive into history and visit the state capital, Abraham Lincoln Museum, Lincoln Home, and Presidential Library and Tomb. Take refuge at Adams Wildlife Center with a hike in the woods and visit the Henson Robinson Zoo and Kidzeum of Health and Sciences for hands-on kid-centered fun.

Splashes and Thrills

Check out some of Illinois’ amusement park options to find the right speed for thrillseekers of all ages.

• Great Wolf Lodge  
• Six Flags Great America
• Raging Waves
• Donley's Wild West
• Pirates Cove Children’s Theme Park
• Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park
• Safari Land

Outdoor Adventures in Illinois

Matthiessen State Park

Two hours north of Chicago in Oglesby, check out the beautiful waterfalls in Matthiessen State Park. These gorgeous and unique bluffs and waterfalls make excellent backdrops for picnics and hikes.

Cave-In-Rock State Park

This beautiful state park is located right along the Ohio River. Caves and bluffs bring out everyone’s inner adventurer. Camp or rent a nearby cabin and explore everything this beautiful area offers.

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park offers swimming, biking, kayaking, camping, and hiking amidst its breathtaking bluffs and canyons. Take a Summer Solstice Night Hike through the state park or a wildflower tour. 

Come Home to Ultimate Curb Appeal 

At Smardbuild, we specialize in stunning exterior remodels to welcome you home. If you’re in Addison & Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, we’d be honored to talk to you about your home exterior remodeling dreams. From siding to doors, gutters to porches, we can’t wait to partner with you to beautify your space. Reach out today to get started!