Close
Menu

Travel with Pride in Illinois

IL ♥ LGBTQ

Photo Credit Dice Sales

A couple enjoys a walk along the lakeshore at Oak Street Beach with the waters of Lake Michigan and the buildings of Chicago in the background.

From fabulous nightlife to quaint retreats, Illinois greets LGBTQIA+ travelers with trip ideas that start in Chicago’s vibrant queer neighborhoods and continue to attractions and festivals around the state.

Scroll

Home You are in… Plan Your Visit » Trip Ideas » IL ♥ LGBTQ

Trip Highlights


Explore the Highlights

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Feel right at home—even miles from home—in Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ communities.

See Highlights
Things You Might Like...
Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods: Northalsted
Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods: Northalsted

By Amber Holst of Concierge Preferred

Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods: Andersonville
Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods: Andersonville

By Amber Holst of Concierge Preferred

Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods: Uptown & Edgewater
Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods: Uptown & Edgewater

Located on the north side of Chicago, the neighborhoods of Uptown & Edgewater co...

Andersonville

This Swedish neighborhood on Chicago’s north side has quietly become an LGBTQ favorite with its quaint restaurants, eclectic shopping, and laid-back bars that favor a touch of sophistication over blinding disco balls. Read more about Andersonville's LGBTQ-friendly attractions.

Northalsted

By day, Northalsted is a friendly neighborhood of specialty shops, alfresco dining and coffee houses. At night, it’s a raucous party featuring everything from glam drag queens to show-tune sing-alongs. Read more about this vibrant LGBTQ hot spot.

Edgewater/Uptown

This pair of north-side neighborhoods are filled with hidden cultural gems and excellent LGBTQ-friendly bars for a more low-key (but no less fun) night out. Read more about Edgewater and Uptown.

Hear From the Locals: For more on LGBTQ-friendly Chicago attractions, see our article Hometown Pride, in which prominent LGBT Chicagoans share their favorite things to do around the city.

Like Welcome to the Neighborhood?
Chicago Neighborhoods

Museums, dining, shopping, nightlife and everything in betwe...

View Trip Idea

Out & About in Galena

Home to B&Bs, quaint shops, and wineries.

See Highlights
Things You Might Like...
LGBTQ Getaways: Galena
LGBTQ Getaways: Galena

If you need a little R&R and want to get away from the bustle of big city life, ...

Located in northwest Illinois near the banks of the Mississippi River, the town of Galena makes for a romantic weekend getaway for people of all ages and identities. Read our guide to an LGBTQ getaway in Galena, or check out some of these highlights:

Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape

Step inside the world of Miss Kitty at her Grape Escape lounge, a local favorite that’s home to smart cocktails, a diverse wine list, a Bloody Mary buffet—and a touch of sass just to keep things interesting. Visit Miss Kitty's.

Historic Main Street

Explore nineteenth-century storefronts along Galena’s Historic Main Street that are now home to eclectic shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining. No wonder Midwest Living magazine named it “Best Main Street in the Midwest.”

Inn at Irish Hollow

Old World charm meets modern amenities in these quaint cottages that dot a real working farm. Wake up to views of rolling hills and freshly prepared cuisine served with plenty of Midwestern hospitality. Visit Irish Hollow.

Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard

Add some local wine to your B&B retreat with a tasting downtown at Galena Cellars Winery. Or venture out to their vineyard where wine tastings come with views of the rolling countryside and a guided tour. Visit Galena Cellars.

Like Out & About in Galena?
Outdoor Adventures in Illinois

National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state...

View Trip Idea

Pride Month

Celebrate the heritage, camaraderie, and fabulousness of being yourself.

See Highlights
Things You Might Like...
Out and About in Illinois
Out and About in Illinois

Chicago is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ communities in t...

Pride of Chicago
Pride of Chicago

The Legacy Walk is the world’s only outdoor LGBTQIA+ History Museum Walk, consis...

Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois
Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois

Put your dancing shoes on or unwind at one of the many bars and night clubs in Illinois. L...

It’s a rite of passage for some. For others, it's an annual chance to party. But everyone agrees that Chicago’s Pride Month is one of the largest LGBT celebrations anywhere. Every June, two weeks of celebrations culminate with the Chicago Pride Parade—a four-mile route featuring 200 outrageous floats and more than 800,000 revelers cheering every step of the way.

In Illinois, Pride extends way beyond Chicago, with celebrations springing up in places such as Springfield, Peoria, and Southern Illinois.

While you're in town for the parade, enjoy everything an Illinois summer has to offer. Find summer things to do in Illinois.

Nightlife Oh So Fabulous

Enjoy dining, dancing and the occasional drag show.

See Highlights
Things You Might Like...
Chicago Nightlife
Chicago Nightlife

A night out in Chicago will exceed all your expectations.

Because this city gets even ...

Experience the LGBT side of Chicago’s nightlife. Savor exquisitely prepared dishes while being serenaded by female impersonators. Dance well into the night—at bars you thought only existed in the movies. And explore the outrageous, like amateur drag queen contests. Here, anything is possible.

Explore Chicago Nightlife.

TAG Approved® Hotels

Stay with confidence at LGBTQ-friendly hotels.

See Highlights
Things You Might Like...
Chicago Marriott Naperville
Chicago Marriott Naperville

The newly transformed hotel creates the ideal ambience for your events. Easy access to I-8...

Illinois is home to more than 50 hotels that have been certified by the Travel Alternatives Group for their diverse staff and commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Find TAG approved hotels in Illinois.

Saying "I Do" in Illinois

Wedding bells chime for LGBTQ couples.

See Highlights
Things You Might Like...
11 Unique Venues for LGBTQ Weddings in Illinois
11 Unique Venues for LGBTQ Weddings in Illinois

Offering rustic-chic barns, rooftop city skylines, posh hotel ballrooms, and the...

Illinois has legalized same-sex marriage—a step that honors vows between all couples. So when you’re ready to say “I Do” this summer, you’re invited to exchange vows in Illinois at venues that include a wide range of settings.

We've compiled a list of 11 Unique Same-Sex Wedding Venues in Illinois to help you find your dream wedding venue in the Land of Lincoln.

Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine.

Get Your Copy Now!
The Official Website of the Illinois Office of Tourism
  • Choose Chicago
  • Great Lakes USA
  • Visit The USA

Download Acrobat Reader

© 2024 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Ratings provided by TripAdvisor