Your Guide to Taking a Travel Assignment in Illinois
When you think of Illinois, Chicago probably comes to mind first—and while the Windy City lives up to the hype, there’s so much more waiting for you across this Midwestern state. From charming towns to rugged state parks, Illinois offers travel nurses and healthcare travelers the perfect blend of work and play.
Whether you want to grow your skills, enjoy affordable city life, or recharge in the great outdoors, Illinois has it all.
Ready to start your Illinois travel assignment? Explore healthcare travel jobs in Illinois and discover the perfect opportunity for you.
Why Travelers Love Illinois
Illinois offers healthcare travelers the perfect mix of affordable living, easy commutes, and a balanced lifestyle. With four distinct seasons, your travel assignment here comes with colorful fall hikes, cozy winters, and sunny summer patios. The mid-sized cities mean less traffic and stress, making it simple for you to get to your travel nursing assignment, whether you’re working in a busy downtown or a quieter community.
How TNAA Makes It Even Better
When you travel with TNAA, you’re traveling with an agency that prioritizes your travel experience. There’s a reason we were voted Best Travel Nurse Agency and Best Overall Agency.
- Expert assistance through licensure, credentialing, housing, and more
- Reimbursement for licensure, certifications, and even travel to ease your expenses
- Personalized job matching to find your ideal role
- Referral bonuses, with no limit to how many travelers you can refer
- Mental health, sick leave, 401(k), and other best-in-class benefits
Where to Explore on Your Illinois Travel Assignment
Chicago
Whether it’s incredible food, museums and history, or bustling nightlife and epic skyline views you’re after, Chicago never disappoints. Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods offer unique cultural experiences, from historic districts to trendy art scenes, giving you endless ways to explore and connect. Plus, with events and festivals happening year-round, there’s always something exciting to experience on your days off.
- Explore incredible museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Indulge in legendary food like deep-dish pizza, Chicago dogs, and Jibarito sandwiches.
- Unwind with a stroll or cruise along the Chicago Lakefront Trail
- Head to the top of Willis Tower for breathtaking city views.
- Game on: the Bears, the Bulls, the White Sox, the Cubs, the Blackhawks, and the Fire all call Chicago home, so there’s always a team to root for, no matter what time of year you go.
No matter what your interests are, Chicago offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation for healthcare travelers looking to make the most of their assignment—and their time off. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel right at home in the Windy City.
Springfield
Illinois’ state capital offers a rich blend of history and Midwestern charm that healthcare travelers will appreciate, with a welcoming small-town vibe that’s perfect for relaxing after a long shift. Springfield’s manageable size makes it easy to get around and discover local restaurants and parks.
- Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for an immersive historical experience.
- Tour Lincoln’s Home and other key historic landmarks.
- Enjoy local comfort food at friendly neighborhood diners and cafes.
- Take a walk or bike ride through Washington Park or Carpenter Park.
- Explore downtown shops, art galleries, and seasonal festivals.
Whether you’re diving into history or simply unwinding, Springfield offers a perfect mix of culture and calm for healthcare travelers on assignment.
Peoria
Peoria combines small-city charm with plenty of cultural and outdoor activities, making it a great choice for healthcare travelers seeking a well-rounded experience. The city’s vibrant arts scene, local breweries, and scenic riverfront provide plenty of ways to relax and explore during your downtime.
- Visit craft breweries and enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences.
- Walk or bike the scenic Illinois Riverwalk.
- Take a riverboat cruise to see Peoria from a new perspective.
- Spend time in the city’s parks and green spaces for fresh air and relaxation.
Peoria’s welcoming community and variety of activities help healthcare travelers recharge while making the most of their assignment.
Rockford
Rockford is a hidden gem offering a balance of cultural attractions and natural beauty for healthcare travelers. From stunning gardens to vibrant arts, Rockford provides plenty of options to unwind and explore when you’re off the clock.
- Visit the serene Anderson Japanese Gardens for a peaceful escape.
- Explore the Rockford Art Museum’s diverse collections.
- Stroll through Sinnissippi Park or the Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden.
- Discover the local dining scene and neighborhood breweries.
- Attend community events and seasonal festivals downtown.
With its mix of culture, nature, and friendly vibe, Rockford is a great spot to enjoy life outside of work during your travel assignment.
Quirky, Unique Small Towns in Illinois
Casey
This small town is famous for its collection of world-record “big things,” including the largest wind chime and rocking chair—fun stops for unique photos and a lighthearted break from work.
View this post on Instagram
Galena
Historic charm and rolling hills make Galena an ideal spot for peaceful weekend getaways.
Must-See Illinois Nature Escapes
Shawnee National Forest
For a nature-filled break, Shawnee National Forest offers breathtaking hikes, such as the Garden of the Gods, and scenic spots like Giant City State Park. It’s the perfect place to recharge on your days off from your travel assignment.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park, just two hours from Chicago, offers 13 miles of scenic trails, 18 canyons with seasonal waterfalls, and even winter ice climbing for the adventurous. Nearby wineries, cozy inns, and the historic town of Ottawa make it an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Cahokia Mounds
Explore ancient Native American earthworks at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Matthiessen State Park
Discover Illinois waterfalls and canyons on scenic hiking trails just south of Starved Rock.
Great River Road
Take a scenic drive along the Mississippi River, dotted with charming river towns and beautiful views.
Your Illinois Travel Assignment Awaits
From career-boosting hospital assignments to off-shift adventures in nature, Illinois offers travel nurses and healthcare travelers a destination that does it all.
And with TNAA, we’ll help you get the most out of your travel assignment in Illinois with expert support, license help, and benefits that work for you.
Ready to get started? Check out our travel nurse and healthcare travel jobs in Illinois and apply today!
