• Illinois is comprised mostly of small towns and rural areas, except for Chicago.illinois outline image by Kim Jones from Fotolia.com
  
  Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the U.S., due primarily to the Chicago area's large population; most of the state has a rural or small town feel. You have a number of options when seeking to plan quick getaways on a budget. Winter is the cheapest time to visit most places, but the weather will keep you indoors most of the time.
  
  

Springfield

• Springfield is the capital of Illinois and childhood home of President Abraham Lincoln. There are many tourist activities in the city, mostly centered around Lincoln's life and the history of the state, so it's a great place for U.S. history buffs. You can even tour the home Lincoln lived in during his time in Springfield. The city also has plenty of dining, shopping and other activities like golf, though you shouldn't expect the glitz and glamour of more urban cities like Chicago or New York (or the high price tags). A variety of hotels are found in Springfield, ranging in price but offering plenty of options for low budget travelers.
  
  

Starved Rock State Park

• Starved Rock State Park is a state park located in north central Illinois. Travelers on a budget can camp at the park for less than the cost of a hotel room. Hiking, biking, boating and fishing are all popular activities at the park, which offers 2,630 acres of Midwest nature and scenery, including 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails. There is no admission fee, another plus for budget-minded travelers. If camping is not your thing, you can stay at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge, located inside park grounds. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., and dogs are allowed on a leash (10 feet or shorter).
  
  

Chicago

• Yes, Chicago can be an expensive city, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy Chicago on a budget. Don't stay downtown unless you want to spend $200 or more a night. Instead, choose a more affordable hotel outside the downtown area and closer to O'Hare airport or the suburbs. Better yet, stay with friends or family in the area. If you stay outside the city, take public transportation into the city for sightseeing; it only costs a few dollars and you don't have to deal with the hassle and expense of parking downtown. Be sure to visit some of Chicago's free attractions, like the Lincoln Park Zoo and Millennium Park. While you might not be able to afford the clothes offered by Michigan Avenue boutiques, "The Miracle Mile" is a great place to window shop and people watch. Chicago also has many free events throughout the year, like Blues Fest in May, Jazz Fest in September and a variety of neighborhood street festivals that take place all summer long.