7 days in Searcy, Springfield & Chicago Itinerary

Searcy is the largest city and county seat of White County, Arkansas, United States. On the 20th (Thu), trek along Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail, then see what you can catch with Bud Lady Fishing Guide Service, and then trek along Collins Creek Cascade. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Fri): stroll the grounds of Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery.

To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Searcy trip itinerary planner.

Dallas to Searcy is an approximately 5.5-hour car ride. Traveling from Dallas in October, expect Searcy to be little chillier, temps between 75°F and 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 21st (Fri) to allow time for the car ride to Springfield.

Springfield is the capital of Illinois, but its real significance is as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): take an in-depth tour of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, engage your brain at Illinois State Museum, then contemplate the long history of Dana-Thomas House, and finally stroll around Union Square Park. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials, then steep yourself in history at Old State Capitol, and then steep yourself in history at Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

For photos, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Springfield day trip planning app.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Searcy to Springfield. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Searcy in October: high temperatures in Springfield hover around 70°F and lows are around 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Chicago.

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Chicago is known for sightseeing, museums, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the masterpieces at The Art Institute of Chicago, admire the local landmark of Buckingham Fountain, walk around Millennium Park, and shop like a local with The Magnificent Mile.

For other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Chicago trip planner.

Getting from Springfield to Chicago by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. When traveling from Springfield in October, plan for slightly colder days in Chicago, with highs around 65°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 49°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.