Dubbed ‘The Prairie State’, Illinois is a land of expansive forests, vast stretches of farmland and undulating hills — part of the sprawling American Midwest of legend. This largely rural region is, however, dominated by the US’s third-largest city: Chicago. Whether you’re tempted to discover the city’s epic food and cultural scene, or looking to explore wide open spaces on foot, bicycle or horseback, Illinois is a wonderful destination. Accommodation options range from simple B&Bs to swish urban hotels, with many of the best places to stay in Illinois clustered to the north.