A trip to the Chicago History Museum is an ideal staycation destination, both educational and fun for the whole family. Now showing through December 31, Millions of Moments: The Chicago Sun-Times Photo Collection, exhibits 150 images from the largest photograph col­lection ever acquired by an American mu­seum. Consisting of 5 million negatives from the 1940s through the early 2000s, the collection tells the story of the city’s dramatic history in pictures depicting labor strikes, racial unrest, immigration, crimes and catastrophes.

On permanent exhibit, Facing Freedom in America reveals how the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts and struggles over what it means to be free. Chicago: Crossroads of America depicts the city’s rich cultural history. Step into a vintage jazz club, browse fashions from days gone by in a Marshall Field’s display window, and see L Car No. 1 which transported people from the Loop to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Jackson Park. And City on Fire: Chicago 1871 tells the story of the great conflagration through the eyes of those who lived it using hundreds of images and artifacts from the period. For more details and to plan your trip, go to chicagohistory.org.

Chicago is well known for its architec­tural prowess, but did you know that Quincy has over 3,600 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including pristine examples of mid-mod­ern homes, churches and commercial buildings? Abundant Architecture and Mid Mod Quincy provide self-guided walking and driving tours of the area’s architectural treasures which you can download online at seequincy.com. Additional guides include Family Fun, Bike Quincy, and Off Grid Stays, making planning your trip quick and easy.

Situated along the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities have an endless variety of family friendly events and activities that make it a perfect destination for spring getaways. Enjoy a Celebration River Cruise and explore the great Mississippi’s attractions and history. The Captain’s Narrated Lunch Cruise includes a lunch buffet and a guided tour, and the Cap­tain’s Dinner Cruise features dinner, dancing and spectacular evening views on the observation deck. For outdoor adventurers, the QC area offers a host of options for golfing, biking, hiking, boating, kayaking and camping. To see all that the Quad Cities area has to offer, go to visitquadcities.com.

For those who prefer more luxurious accommodations, Rhythm City Casino and Resort in Davenport includes deluxe king and double queen suites with whirlpool tubs, customized, holistic spa services-including a sauna, cold room, couples massage room, pedicures and more-and gourmet dining at Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood. For entertainment, the Event Center features headliners, such as Tony Danza, performing Standards and Stories with his four piece band on May 13, and Micky Dolenz, The Voice of the Monkees, appearing on May 20. And it is never too soon to make plans to attend the annual Quad Cities Balloon Festi­val, presented by Rhythm City Casino Resort, on August 11 and 12.

On your way to the Quad Cities, be sure to make time to visit Rock Falls, just an hour and fifty minute drive west from Chicago. For nature lovers, the Rock Falls Birding Trail is an opportunity to see vireos, warblers, flycatchers, and many other bird species passing through on their migratory routes along the Rock River. And the RB&W Sculpture Walk, which runs along the river, features a variety of public art sculptures accompa­nied by a virtual guided tour by the artists themselves. The RB&W District Amphi­theater is also the site of the annual Bellson Music Fest, named after legend­ary jazz drummer and Rock Falls native, Louie Bellson. To download the Otocast App for the Sculpture Walk and see the lineup of bands at this year’s festival on June 10, go to visitrockfalls.com.

It is a little known fact that before prohi­bition Illinois was one of the largest wine producing states in the US. Today, over a hundred Illinois wineries produce some of the finest varietals and blends in the country. Effingham is home to a number of top wineries, including Tuscan Hills Winery, modeled after an Italian-style villa and featuring Italian foods, enter­tainment, and handcrafted fine wines with wine tastings available seven days a week. Tuscan Hills Winery also hosts the annual Effingham Artisan Fair, featuring artworks, music and unique creations from the area’s rich makers craft tradi­tion. To learn more and plan a wine tour of the area, go to visiteffinghamil.com. The Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Alliance provides an interactive map of wineries on their website, as well as an app on the Apple App Store (search for illinoiswine). Meet the IGGVA team and sample top Illinois wines at Rosemont Uncorked on June 3 and 4. Go to illinoiswine.com for more details.

For families with children, no trip to downstate Illinois would be complete without stopping in Springfield to experience the History Comes Alive event. From June 2 through August 6, you can take a trip back in time and meet Abraham and Mary Lincoln and a cast of supporting characters as they portray scenes and ceremonies from the past. Listen to Abraham Lincoln deliver some of his most famous speeches at the Lincoln Depot. Watch the Flag Lower­ing Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated, and enjoy live music and talk with the Lincolns as they meet and greet guests at an ice cream social at Edwards Place.

On your way to Springfield, be sure to check out all of the Route 66 and Abe Lincoln attractions throughout Logan County. The young Lincoln lived in New Salem and worked as a store clerk, postmaster, soldier and surveyor. He later traveled the area as a lawyer on the 8th Judicial Circuit, and revisited the area
as a politician in the famous senatorial debates with Stephen Douglas. You can walk in Lincoln’s footsteps, visit historical landmarks and buildings, and learn about his life along the way. Route 66 attractions in the area include the famous neon sign from The Tropics Restaurant, a popular stop along Route 66, and The Mill Museum, home to memorabilia from the restaurant. This year’s Balloons Over 66 festival will take place on August 25 and 26. To plan your trip, go to destinationlogancountyil.com.

A must-see experience for national park lovers! Say goodbye to crowds this year and say hello to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Unique sights, sounds, history, and adventure have combined to make an amazing national park vacation without all the waiting lines. See more colorful badlands than you find in other national parks. The landscape, featuring layers of clay, black coal and burnt orange “scoria” rock—all dotted with prairie dogs and roaming herds of bison—makes this a North Dakota gem not to be missed. Elk, wild horses and bighorn sheep also roam this western North Dakota land-scape. Hiking trails never feel like rush hour. They are popular but offer plenty of breathing room. Gateway cities with inviting hotels, restaurants, and shops are ready to greet you. Now all you have to do is get there! What are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure at HelloND.com.

For a waterfront getaway, head north to Elkhart Lake and enjoy one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful and vibrant lakeside resort towns. Situated on a 292 acre, spring-fed freshwater lake, Elkhart Lake is the ideal destination for watersports, fishing or just relaxing and reconnecting with nature. The Shore Club offers water ski and wake-board lessons, tubing, pontoon rentals and guided party boat rides for group outings and celebrations. At Tie 1 On Wisconsin Fly Fishing Guide Service, you can learn the art and science of fly fishing and fish for Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout on local streams and rivers. And Ecology Outfitters’ Guided Silent Water Tours are a perfect way to explore the hidden nooks and crannies of the lake at a relaxing pace. Kayak, paddle, life jacket and basic skills orientation are included, making these tours perfect for beginners. On May 11 to 13, The Osthoff Resort will host Jazz on the Vine 2023, featuring jazz greats Najee, Spyro Gyra, Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui and many more. And on May 19 to 21, racecar enthusiasts can experience the SVRA Vintage Festival Weekend at Road America, featuring sights and sounds from motorsport’s pioneering age to the modern era. To see all that Elkhart Lake has to offer and plan your getaway or vacation, go to elkhartlake.com.

Just north of Milwaukee along Lake Michigan, the picturesque towns of Ozaukee County offer beautiful lakefront beaches and ports with irresistible small town appeal. In Port Washington, you will experience a touch of New England charm with its Art Deco lighthouse, boat-filled harbor and certified Clean Marina. Whether you are interested in fishing, boating, hiking or golfing, Port Washington is the perfect destination. Explore the history of the town with a self-guided walking tour and visit the local museums, including the 1860 Light Station Museum, where you can hear the stories of a 19th century lighthouse keeper. Cedarburg is known as the “Antiques Capital of Wisconsin,” with antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants along the Washington Avenue Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And, Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Grafton is one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land overlooking the lake. The park features modern amenities and ample opportunities for bird watching, fishing, hiking and picnicking. To plan your trip go to ozaukeetourism.com.

While events take place in Kenosha all year long, the calendar is especially full in the late spring and summer months. There’s something going on every weekend and even during the week! June 3 and 4 features the Outta Sight Kite Flight at Kennedy Park; the Monster Truck Throwdown at Wilmot Raceway, which is located at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds; and it’s Free Fishing Week-end in Wisconsin. Jerry Smith Produce & Pumpkin Farm offers many events, including Babies on the Farm, June 10-11 and June 17-18, Sunflower Fields for many weeks, and the Sweet Corn Fest August 12-13. July 2, the Firecracker 5K, 10K, 1 Mile happens in Downtown Kenosha and along the lakefront. It’s also the day of the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade in Downtown Kenosha. July 3 and 4, the Celebrate America festival takes place along the lakefront with fireworks on the Fourth of July. For details, go to VisitKenosha.com.

Most Chicagoans know about Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan, the former Dutch settlement’s renowned springtime festival, happening May 6 to 14. Many may not know, however, about its delightful summertime celebrations. Juneteenth Freedom Festival on 17th welcomes all to dance, savor local BBQ and connect over conversation. On June 23 and 24, the Celtic Festival brings together Scottish clans for ancient athletic competitions and features Celtic music, food, and libations. That same weekend, Holland’s 20th Pride hosts a family-friendly celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, along with evening events for adults.

Theatre fans will want to visit between June 8 and August 18 for a Hope Repertory Theatre award-winning experience. 2023 highlights include Boeing-Boeing, a comedic tale of a man engaged to three flight attendants at once, and the season’s musicals feature classics by Bob Marley, 80’s rock bands, and Billy Holiday. All performances are within walking distance of Holland’s historic downtown, so an excellent evening of dining and theatre is easily arranged. As spring turns to summer, there’s no better time for a getaway to Holland, Michigan. Find all the Holland highlights at holland.org.