Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Illinois Driftless Area, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Illinois Driftless Area
  2. Important essentials for Illinois Driftless Area
  3. Activities for Illinois Driftless Area
  4. Illinois Driftless Area in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Illinois Driftless Area in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Illinois Driftless Area in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Illinois Driftless Area in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Illinois Driftless Area in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Illinois Driftless Area in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Illinois Driftless Area in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Illinois Driftless Area in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Illinois Driftless Area in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Illinois Driftless Area in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Illinois Driftless Area in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Illinois Driftless Area in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Illinois Driftless Area, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America by month

January

January in Illinois Driftless Area is freezing and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

February

February for Illinois Driftless Area is frigid and snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

March

In March, Illinois Driftless Area is brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect several inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for Illinois Driftless Area, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you vacation in Illinois Driftless Area during April, you might see that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May for Illinois Driftless Area is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

In June, Illinois Driftless Area is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and occasionally jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Illinois Driftless Area, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

July

In July, Illinois Driftless Area is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Illinois Driftless Area, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Illinois Driftless Area is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

September in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

October

October in Illinois Driftless Area is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

November in Illinois Driftless Area is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

December

In December, Illinois Driftless Area is freezing, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect several inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for Illinois Driftless Area, with several of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

What to do in Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America

The Illinois Driftless Area is a unique and captivating region that draws countless tourists every year. Nestled in the northwestern corner of the state, the area boasts stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a wide range of recreational activities. From exploring quaint small towns to hiking through rugged wilderness, here are the top tourist attractions in the Illinois Driftless Area.

1. Starved Rock State Park

Located in LaSalle County, Starved Rock State Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The park features towering sandstone bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and meandering canyons that offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike the park's 13 miles of trails, fish in the Illinois River, or take a scenic boat tour.

2. Galena

This charming town has earned its reputation as one of the best-preserved 19th-century mining towns in the US. The town boasts a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Greek Revival, and Italianate. Visitors can wander through the town, browsing boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries, or take a historic trolley tour.

3. Mississippi Palisades State Park

Situated along the mighty Mississippi River, this state park offers amazing views of towering limestone bluffs, pristine forests, and sparkling waterfalls. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the park's stunning natural beauty, while boating, fishing, and camping offer opportunities for outdoor adventure.

4. Matthiessen State Park

With its rolling hills, wooded canyons, and picturesque streams, Matthiessen State Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers. The park's trails wind through rocky gorges, beneath towering waterfalls, and past tranquil ponds, offering endless opportunities for hiking and exploration.

5. Apple River Canyon State Park

This hidden gem is tucked away in the northwest corner of the state and offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The park's trails wind through forested canyons, past sparkling streams, and offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

In conclusion, the Illinois Driftless Area is a hidden gem in the Midwest that offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're interested in exploring historic towns, hiking through rugged wilderness, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, there's something for everyone in this unique and captivating region. So why not plan your visit today and discover all that the Illinois Driftless Area has to offer?

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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