Attitude’s guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Illinois: from wild city adventures to romantic country escapes

Dale Fox
·6-min read
Two men in bathing costumes sit down by a beach holding hands
A male couple sits on the pier at Hollywood beach in Chicago (Image: Illinois Office of Tourism)

When planning LGBTQ+ travel, it’s easy to get stuck in the routine of the usual destinations, but the Midwestern US state of Illinois offers a unique and fabulous alternative for queer travellers.

Known for its vibrant city life, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, Illinois is a place that truly opens its doors to everyone. From the lively streets of Chicago to the peaceful charm of its many small towns, Illinois has something to offer every type of queer traveller.

Illinois isn’t just another stop for LGBTQ+ travellers—it’s a place that embraces the community with open arms. With progressive policies like marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws, Illinois is an inclusive environment where everyone can feel safe and celebrated.

Below is our guide to the best spots across the state, from lively neighbourhoods to charming small towns.

Chicago: LGBTQ+ communities and culture

Close up of a post in Northalsted Chicago inside the Legacy Walk
The neighbourhood of Northalsted is the soul of downtown Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene (Image: Illinois Office of Tourism)

Chicago is the beating heart of Illinois’ LGBTQ+ scene, home to some of the country’s most iconic queer neighbourhoods. Northalsted (also known as Boystown) stands as the USA’s oldest recognised gay neighbourhood. It contains everything from independent clothing stores and eateries to comedy clubs and places of worship.

Walking around Northalsted, visitors can explore The Legacy Walk, the world’s only outdoor museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture. Spanning several blocks, it features bronze plaques that honour influential queer figures from across the world, including Alan Turing, Marsha P. Johnson, and Sylvester.

Northalsted is also known for its diverse and lively nightlife. Whether you’re into show tunes or all-night clubbing, this neighbourhood has something for everyone. Popular spots like the legendary Roscoe’s Tavern offer world-class performances from Drag Race legends, while LGBTQ+-owned restaurants like Lexington Betty Smokehouse bring flavour to the area when you’re feeling peckish.

Andersonville, another LGBTQ+ hotspot in Chicago, provides a more laid-back experience, with independent shops, LGBTQ+-owned restaurants, and a community-driven vibe. It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed brunch, browse quirky bookshops, or sip a drink in one of its cosy bars.

Two men in vests with bikes smile at each other on a beach
Chicago has a host of fabulous beaches (Image: Illinois Office of Tourism)

For a more chilled day out, the Uptown and Edgewater neighbourhoods offer beachside bars, jazz clubs, and a friendly local scene perfect for unwinding. Yes – Chicago has a beach! Over 20 of them, in fact, along the breathtaking Lake Michigan. There, you can relax and do all the usual beach things, with the backdrop of the Chicago skyline behind you.

Galena: A romantic LGBTQ+ getaway

Two women on a wooden trolley bus
Galena is a romantic and picturesque town in northwest Illinois (Image: Illinois Office of Tourism)

For a quieter, more romantic escape, Galena is the ideal destination. Nestled in the scenic hills of northwest Illinois, this picturesque town is known for its 19th-century architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Galena’s inclusivity shines through its welcoming LGBTQ+-owned inns, like Jail Hill Inn and Aldrich Guest House, both known for their inclusive hospitality.

Strolling through Galena’s charming streets, you’ll find a host of small coffee shops and cafes to relax in while exploring the town’s boutique shops and art galleries. Galena’s annual Pride Picnic in Grant Park reflects the town’s community spirit, offering live music, drag performances, and family-friendly activities in a safe, inclusive space.

Other welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations in Illinois

View of downtown Champaign
Illinois has a host of charming towns, including Champaign (Image: Illinois Office of Tourism)

While Chicago often takes centre stage, Illinois is home to several LGBTQ+-friendly towns offering a slower pace and small-town charm. Oak Park, a progressive community rich in history, was home to famous figures like Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway – both of whose former homes are now museums. Visitors can also stop by small businesses like the Einnim Candle Bar + Apothecary for unique, handcrafted gifts.

Aurora, Illinois’ second-largest city, has a growing LGBTQ+ scene with its own bars, restaurants, and events. The annual Aurora Pride Parade is a family-friendly celebration of inclusivity, and while you’re in town, you can treat yourself to something sweet from Ms. Jana’s Candy, a beloved LGBTQ+-owned business. There’s also a designer outlet mall in Aurora, for an impromptu shopping spree.

Champaign, home to the University of Illinois, is a lively college town with a welcoming LGBTQ+ atmosphere. Nearby in Urbana, you’ll find The Fire Doll Artisan Chandlery, where handcrafted candles offer a unique shopping experience. In Alton and Springfield, visitors can dive into Illinois’ rich history, with LGBTQ+-owned businesses like Wooden it be Lovely and Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. providing warm, inclusive spots to relax and enjoy the local culture.

Pride celebrations in Illinois

People celebrating Pride in Chicago on the streets
Illinois is known for hosting the country’s most fabulous Pride celebrations (Image: Illinois Office of Tourism)

Pride celebrations in Illinois are among the most vibrant in the country. Chicago’s Pride Parade is one of the largest in the U.S., drawing over a million attendees every June to celebrate love, identity, and equality. Usually held at the end of the month, the Pride Parade caps off Chicago’s month-long celebrations, which include the two-day Chicago Pride Fest. The festival, held in the Northalsted neighbourhood, features live music, drag performances, food stalls, and dance exhibitions, with proceeds benefiting local LGBTQ+ non-profits.

But Pride isn’t limited to Chicago. Across Illinois, towns and cities celebrate Pride with their own unique festivals. Springfield PrideFest offers everything from drag shows to youth talent competitions, while Aurora’s annual Pride Parade and Rockford’s Pride Alley Party bring together LGBTQ+ communities for joyous celebrations. Smaller towns like Ottawa and Galena also host family-friendly Pride events, offering a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.

LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Illinois

A woman stands outside a restaurant smiling
Illinois is filled with a range of queer-owned businesses from restaurants to artisanal ventures (Image: Illinois Office of Tourism)

Illinois is home to a wide range of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, contributing to the state’s unique and diverse culture. The Illinois Made initiative highlights these businesses, encouraging visitors to support local entrepreneurs.

Supporting these businesses is not only a way to enjoy Illinois’ local culture but also an opportunity to foster a sense of community. Whether you’re stopping for a bite to eat or picking up a handcrafted gift, Illinois’ LGBTQ+-owned businesses help create a sense of belonging for locals and visitors alike.

Plan your visit
Whether you’re exploring Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods or taking in the peaceful charm of Galena, Illinois offers a diverse and inclusive experience for every traveller. With a welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural offerings, Illinois is a state that truly embraces everyone. Start planning your trip today at enjoyillinois.co.uk.

The post Attitude’s guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Illinois: from wild city adventures to romantic country escapes appeared first on Attitude.

Latest stories

  • Cars stranded as heavy snowfall leaves road conditions difficult

    A father-of-two who spent five weeks in a coma has told how he wants to “curl up on the settee and cuddle my family” after making it home from hospital for Christmas.

  • "Never Again For Us": 22 Travel Destinations That Were Truly Underwhelming, According To Travelers Who Completely Regret Their Time There

    "It’s constantly called one of the best islands in the world, and judging by the endless stream of crowds, people believe it. But I have to disagree..."

  • Watch: Planes struggle to land in strong winds at London’s Heathrow Airport

    Watch as planes struggle to land in strong winds at London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday (22 December). Over 100 flights at Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, have been cancelled on Sunday, while dozens of ferry routes in Scotland and Ireland are no longer running due to the bad weather. Eighty of the Heathrow cancellations are on British Airways, involving short-haul domestic and European flights.

  • 7 places in Norfolk named best in the UK in 2024

    From bars to bakeries, here are some of the places in Norfolk named among the best in the UK in 2024.

  • Manchester flights cancelled amid 'emergency' incident at UK airport

    Emergency crews were scrambled to the incident on the runway on Sunday (December 22)

  • Seasoned Travelers Are Sharing The Hidden Gem Destinations That Are Bizarrely Underrated For The Winter

    "I've been to 20+ countries, and I truly don't believe anywhere is as beautiful as this place..."

  • Huge former convent on the coast that's on the market for a bargain price

    Exceptional location, impressive size and potential to unlock

  • ‘Serene’ North East coastal spot among England’s most beautiful places

    Find out why Holy Island in Northumberland, North East has been named among the most beautiful places in England by The Times.

  • Learn to survive the 'wild winter' in Oxfordshire by 'skinning pheasants'

    As we continue to be buffeted by gales, what wild winter experience does Oxfordshire offer?

  • Travel news LIVE: Over 100 Heathrow flights cancelled as stormy weather disrupts Christmas getaway

    Friday is expected to be the UK’s busiest day on the roads for festive travel with an estimated 23.7 million journeys planned for the day

  • Pre-Christmas travel disruption expected as 70mph gusts hit UK with yellow weather warning issued

    Stormy weather with gusts of around 70mph are causing pre-Christmas travel disruption, affecting flights, trains and ferries. A yellow warning for wind is in force until 9pm on Sunday across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and most of England - with the storm covering an area west of Southampton, Birmingham and Newcastle. Another yellow warning for ice, specifically covering an area of eastern Scotland, is in place from 9pm tonight until 10am on Monday morning.

  • Historic Kamloops steam train may soon return with a multi-city excursion

    Kamloops' beloved steam locomotive may be back on new tracks by 2026 to run one of the world's longest steam-powered rail excursions. After talks of keeping the historic train off the rails to be displayed in a museum, a new board of directors at the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society is taking things in a new direction, with the goal of returning the locomotive to operation. "This train has touched the hearts of so many of our residents and visitors from around the world," said Jordan Popadynetz

  • Stretch of road near Oxford dubbed 'congestion hotspot' as warning issued

    A stretch of road near Oxford is set to be a congestion hotspot as millions of drivers prepare for the Christmas getaway.

  • I caught the overnight Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Lapland. St. Nick didn't show up, but the $73 train was full of surprises.

    While traveling in Finland, I took the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Lapland. The $73 train was beautiful, but there were some surprises.

  • Why this trail through the Norfolk countryside is one of the UK's best cycling routes

    Running from Aylsham to Wroxham, here is why the Bure Valley Path is one of Norfolk's most underrated cycling routes.

  • Conditions expected to improve after bad weather disrupts Christmas travel

    The Met Office has forecast a ‘grey Christmas’ with some sunny spells and ‘extremely mild’ temperatures.

  • Indian restaurant in Cumbria crowned best in the North West

    An Indian restaurant in Cumbria has been named the best in the Northwest.

  • Pope again condemns 'cruelty' of Israeli strikes on Gaza

    Pope Francis doubled down Sunday on his condemnation of Israel's strikes on the Gaza Strip, denouncing their "cruelty" for the second time in as many days despite Israel accusing him of "double standards"."And with pain I think of Gaza, of so much cruelty, of the children being machine-gunned, of the bombings of schools and hospitals. What cruelty," the pope said after his weekly Angelus prayer.It comes a day after the 88-year-old Argentine lamented an Israeli airstrike that killed seven children from one family on Friday, according to Gaza's rescue agency."Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war," the pope told members of the government of the Holy See.His remarks on Saturday prompted a sharp response from Israel. An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman described Francis's intervention as "particularly disappointing as they are disconnected from the true and factual context of Israel's fight against jihadist terrorism -- a multi-front war that was forced upon it starting on October 7.""Enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people," he added."Cruelty is terrorists hiding behind children while trying to murder Israeli children; cruelty is holding 100 hostages for 442 days, including a baby and children, by terrorists and abusing them," the Israeli statement said. This was a reference to the Hamas Palestinian militants who attacked Israel, killed many civilians and took hostages on October 7, 2023, triggering the Gaza war.Gaza's civil defence rescue agency reported that an Israeli air strike had killed 10 members of a family on Friday in the northern part of the territory, including seven children.The Israeli military told AFP it had struck "several terrorists who were operating in a military structure belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation and posed a threat to IDF (army) troops operating in the area".It added that "the reported number of casualties resulting from the strike does not align with the information" the army held.- Hardened tone -The mounting criticisms of Israel appear to mark a change in the pope's tone in recent weeks.He has consistently called for peace since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war more than 14 months ago.But at the end of November, Francis denounced "the invader's arrogance" in Ukraine as in "Palestine", a contrast with the Holy See's modern tradition of neutrality.He has recently published a book in which the pope calls for scrutiny over whether the situation in Gaza "corresponds to the technical definition" of genocide, an accusation firmly rejected by Israel.At the end of September the Argentine Jesuit also criticised Israel's "immoral" use of force in Gaza and in Lebanon, where Israel launched an offensive against Hamas's fellow Iran-backed ally Hezbollah. Since 2013 the Vatican has recognised the State of Palestine, with which it maintains diplomatic relations, and it supports the two-state solution.The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people on the Israeli side, the majority of them civilians, according to an AFP count based on official Israeli figures.That toll includes hostages who died or were killed in captivity in the Gaza Strip.At least 45,259 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's retaliatory military campaign in the Palestinian territory, the majority of them civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.Those figures are taken as reliable by the United Nations.ljm/ybl/jhb/sbk/gv

  • The Christmas afternoon tea that’s one of London’s most enchanting secrets

    The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea, available until New Year’s Day, truly lives up to its reputation as one of London’s best.

  • Christmas travel chaos for passengers as weather forces cancellation of services

    People’s Christmas travel plans have been thrown into chaos with stormy weather across the country forcing travel disruptions.