According to forum posts, RV or winter camping in Illinois, particularly in Chicago, is not recommended due to harsh winter conditions, including the potential for heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures. Travelers have suggested that winter RV travel in Illinois can be risky, with possible issues ranging from snow accumulation to strong winds that could affect RV stability.

Some travelers noted that while winter RV travel is not advisable in Illinois, other winter activities like visiting state parks may still be enjoyable. However, specific activities like skiing or snowboarding were not discussed in the posts provided. For general winter enjoyment, areas outside of Illinois are recommended, such as Southern California or Florida, for milder winter experiences suitable for RV travel.

According to forum posts, travelers seeking restaurant recommendations in Chicago have a wide range of options. For Italian cuisine, suggestions include La Scarola, Volare, Monteverde, and Casa Tua. Burger enthusiasts recommended places like Centennial and Au Cheval. For those interested in trying Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza, Pizzeria Uno and Lou Malnatis are frequently mentioned.

Some travelers called out specific dining experiences that stood out. Goosefoot was highlighted for its unique tasting menu paired with beers, offering a different take from traditional wine pairings. For seafood lovers, Shaws Crab House was recommended for its high quality, though it's noted for being pricey.

For visitors staying in specific areas like the River North neighborhood, posts suggested checking out a variety of dining spots, including Jaleo for tapas and Ema for Californian Mediterranean cuisine. The West Loop area was also recommended for top-notch restaurants like Girl & Goat and Publican.

Travelers have advised checking the Eater Chicago and Time Out websites for up-to-date lists of best restaurants and ensuring that they make reservations well in advance due to the popularity of many dining spots.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend the Carl Sandburg birthplace in Galesburg and the only remaining site of the Lincoln-Douglas debates at Knox College. These historic stops offer a deep dive into America's literary and political past.

Travelers have called out Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks as essential stops for those looking to enjoy beautiful views and hiking opportunities in north-central Illinois. The parks are noted for their stunning rock formations and waterfalls, providing a pleasant break from the highway.

Some users suggest visiting quirky roadside attractions, which can be found listed on the Roadside America website. These can offer unique photo opportunities and brief entertainment along the journey.

Wildlife Prairie Park, just east of Peoria, is highlighted by some travelers for its accessible wildlife viewing by car or train ride, offering an interactive nature experience close to the highway.

For a more urban stop, the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area is mentioned as having an attractive university campus that is peaceful, especially in June when student presence is reduced.

According to forum posts, Chicago O'Hare Airport offers various transportation options, including a Blue Line metro service for connections to downtown Chicago. However, the tram service is currently replaced by a shuttle bus for terminal transfers. Additionally, rideshare services such as Uber can be accessed at the Departures level of Terminal 2, with specific zones designated for different ride options.

Travelers have noted that certain airport hotels near O'Hare provide shuttle services to and from the airport. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare is specifically mentioned as being conveniently located within the airport, making it highly accessible for travelers with early flights or short layovers.

For international travelers, posts suggest that clearing customs and immigration at O'Hare can be time-consuming, particularly during tight layovers. It is recommended to allow at least three hours for these procedures to ensure a smooth connection to subsequent flights.

According to forum posts, some recommended hotels in Chicago include the London House Hotel, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, and the Radisson Blu Aqua. These hotels are praised for their views and locations near tourist attractions. The Intercontinental and Hilton Mag Mile were also mentioned as good options for special occasions like anniversaries.

For those traveling with family or groups, the Embassy Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, and Homewood Suites in River North are suggested due to their suite-style rooms, which offer more space. These hotels are appreciated for their central location and proximity to major attractions.

For visitors to Shawnee National Forest, the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express in Marion are recommended for their convenience and access to local dining options. Additionally, a B&B in Anna, Illinois, which is an old school, has been highlighted as an intriguing option for a unique stay.

Travelers have called out that the Hyatt Place Chicago/River North is a favorable option when using Hyatt points, providing a good balance of location and amenities.

According to forum posts, some travelers recommend suite hotels for accommodating families or groups. Options like the Embassy Suites and Residence Inn are mentioned for their spacious layouts, often including separate bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room, which can be beneficial for larger groups or families.

For many users, staying in River North or the Magnificent Mile is ideal due to their proximity to major attractions and safety. These areas are noted for their abundance of hotels, restaurants, and ease of access to public transportation, which enhances the convenience for tourists.

Some travelers have discussed the importance of booking hotels that offer flexibility, such as refundable rates, especially during busy seasons or around large conventions when prices can spike. The option of booking directly with hotels for potentially lower rates than online listings is also highlighted.

Travelers have called out that while Airbnb is popular in other cities, Chicago’s regulations make short-term rentals less viable in central areas, suggesting that legal Airbnb locations are typically further from downtown, which might not be ideal for all tourists.

Shawnee National Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, with hiking being a prominent choice. Travelers have mentioned enjoying trails such as the Rim Rock Trail, Garden of the Gods, Giant City Nature Trail, and Hawks Cave Trail. These trails provide opportunities for observing spectacular rock formations and lush forest scenery.

For those interested in water activities, kayaking and canoeing on the Cache River are highly recommended. This area is noted for being the northernmost cypress swamp in the USA, offering unique canoe trails through beautiful wetland landscapes.

The forest area is also rich in historical sites. For instance, visitors can explore the Millstone Bluff, which offers insights into Native American history. Additionally, the area's proximity to historical landmarks related to the Trail of Tears adds a layer of historical significance to visits.

Visitors have also highlighted the exceptional beauty of Shawnee National Forest during the fall, noting that the Garden of the Gods is particularly stunning when the leaves change colors.

According to forum posts, travelers have several options to travel from O'Hare to downtown Chicago. One popular mode is the Blue Line train, which runs directly from O'Hare and is considered both convenient and cost-effective. Some travelers also recommend taking a taxi or using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft for direct transportation.

For a more upscale experience, travelers have called out the possibility of using Uber Black. The Blue Line train provides a direct link to various downtown stops and is accessible directly from the terminals at O'Hare, making it a reliable choice mentioned by many users.

In addition to these, some users have suggested using a combination of public transit options. For instance, one could take the Blue Line train and then a short taxi ride to reach specific downtown locations, which could be beneficial if carrying heavy luggage.