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Top reasons to visit DeKalb

• Cultural Experiences: DeKalb boasts a rich cultural scene, highlighted by the renowned Northern Illinois University campus.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy various outdoor fun, including urban parks, ski resorts, and ice skating opportunities.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: There are numerous attractions perfect for families, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.
• Vibrant City Centre: Explore DeKalb’s lively city centre filled with local amenities and entertainment options.
• Variety of Accommodations: Choose from comfortable hotels and pet-friendly motels to suit all travellers’ needs.

Find great hotels in and around DeKalb

Explore a variety of accommodation options in DeKalb, Illinois, catering to both business and leisure travellers. From comfortable hotels to welcoming motels, you'll find family-friendly and pet-friendly facilities to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for suites or specialised services, DeKalb offers a range of hotels to make your stay enjoyable and memorable.

• Motel 6 Sycamore, IL: Nestled approximately 6.4km from DeKalb, Motel 6 Sycamore is a convenient and affordable accommodation choice for travellers seeking a pet-friendly environment. This motel embodies a laid-back, no-fuss vibe, ideal for those on a budget or with furry companions. The property offers essential amenities such as complimentary pet stays, ensuring that your four-legged friends can join in on the adventure. With a welcoming atmosphere and straightforward services, this motel is perfect for a casual getaway.
• Hampton Inn DeKalb, IL: Located right in the heart of DeKalb, Hampton Inn DeKalb provides a modern, business-friendly atmosphere with a strong commitment to inclusivity. This hotel is particularly welcoming to the LGBTQIA community and features a range of amenities tailored for business travellers, including a 24-hour business centre and accessible meeting spaces. Guests can enjoy the convenience of pet-friendly policies alongside thoughtful services that ensure a comfortable stay. The combination of a professional setting and a warm, welcoming approach makes this hotel stand out.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/Aurora: Situated 33.8km from DeKalb, Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/Aurora is the perfect destination for families and pet lovers alike. This hotel embraces a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQIA community and is equipped with family-friendly amenities such as a children’s pool, free cribs, and an arcade game room. With its spacious accommodations and pet-friendly policy, this hotel ensures that both kids and pets feel right at home. Ideal for families looking to explore the region while enjoying quality time together, this hotel offers a delightful stay.

Where to stay near DeKalb

Your holiday in DeKalb, Illinois, promises a delightful blend of culture and outdoor fun, perfect for families. Explore the vibrant city centre, visit the renowned Northern Illinois University campus, and enjoy the local amenities that enhance the family-friendly atmosphere. Nearby areas offer a more secluded vibe, making it easy to unwind while still being close to the heart of DeKalb's attractions. Embrace the charm of this hidden gem during your travels!

• Sycamore: Located a mere 6.4km from DeKalb, Sycamore offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. With a steady stream of visitors, particularly from June to July and September, this city is known for its outdoor adventures and vibrant community events. Explore the local education centres, enjoy the arena entertainment facility, or set up camp in the scenic surroundings. Notable attractions include a historic college university, a bustling stadium, and the picturesque national state park, making Sycamore a great spot for both relaxation and exploration.
• Cortland: Just 4.8km from DeKalb, Cortland is a charming city that attracts visitors primarily from August to October. This destination is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from educational pursuits to camping in the great outdoors. Cortland is home to significant landmarks, including a historic college university, a national state park, and a beautiful beach. With its close-knit community and engaging atmosphere, your time in Cortland is sure to be memorable.
• Malta: Situated 9.7km away from DeKalb, Malta is a city that beckons adventure seekers and families alike. Peak visitation occurs from June to August, as travellers come to enjoy the great outdoors and family-oriented experiences. The area offers ample opportunities for education and camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Local attractions include a historic college university, an urban park, and the expansive national state park. Malta’s inviting atmosphere and natural beauty make it a wonderful destination for relaxation and adventure.

Things to do in and around DeKalb

DeKalb offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and outdoor fun, making it perfect for family getaways. Visitors can enjoy educational attractions, an arena entertainment facility, and campgrounds. For winter sports enthusiasts, ski resorts and ice skating opportunities are available, ensuring a memorable holiday experience in this charming Illinois town.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in DeKalb, visit Northland Shopping Plaza, which offers a vibrant atmosphere with various shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Geneva Commons, 33.8km away, for more shopping options.

Recreation

River Heights Golf Course offers a picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts, surrounded by lush greenery and outdoor vibes. Founders Park, located 11.3km from DeKalb, is perfect for relaxation with its tranquil atmosphere. Shabbona Lake State Park, 24.1km away, provides stunning natural beauty for a rejuvenating escape.

Adventure

At Raging Waves Waterpark, located 35.4km from DeKalb, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. Experience the rush of freefalling at the Chicagoland Skydiving Center, 27.4km away, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Alternatively, head to Vaughan Athletic Center, 35.4km away, for various adventurous activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in DeKalb by visiting Star Worlds Arcade for family-friendly fun, or enjoy a night of culture and romance at Steel Beam Theater, located 37.0km away. For more adventure, head to Sugar Grove Family Fun Center, 33.8km from DeKalb, for exciting arcade games.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for DeKalb

DeKalb, Illinois, offers visitors a chance to save on their trip with numerous free activities, such as exploring the Northern Illinois University campus. For transportation, consider using the bus or carpooling to cut costs. To save on accommodation, plan your visit during the cheaper months of January to February or November, and aim to book your stay on a Monday rather than a Saturday. Use Expedia's search tool to compare hotel deals and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in DeKalb are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in DeKalb is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in DeKalb is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from low to high, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your DeKalb hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in DeKalb

DeKalb, Illinois, is a fantastic destination for culture-themed and outdoor family vacations. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including historic colleges, urban parks, and entertainment arenas. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or city experiences, DeKalb has something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to discover local attractions that highlight the unique charm of this vibrant community.

• Northern Illinois University: This historic university offers a vibrant cultural experience with beautiful architecture and an engaging campus atmosphere. Explore its galleries and attend various events showcasing local talent.
• NIU Convocation Center: A hub for entertainment, this arena is perfect for family outings, hosting concerts, sports events, and community gatherings. Enjoy a lively environment filled with excitement and camaraderie.
• Ellwood House Museum: Step back in time at this charming museum, featuring stunning Victorian architecture and lush gardens. Discover the rich history of DeKalb and the lives of its early residents through fascinating exhibits.

Best time to go to DeKalb

The best time to visit DeKalb is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.6°F (-5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	37.6°F (3.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
April	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.7°F (-1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to DeKalb

Reaching DeKalb, Illinois, is convenient from its major airports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is 70.8km away, with excellent nearby hotels such as the 4.5-star Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel and the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago, both within 3.2km of the airport. Midway International Airport (MDW) is 85.3km from DeKalb, offering luxurious options like the 5-star Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, located 14.5km away. Alternatively, you can fly into Greater Rockford Airport (RFD), situated 41.8km from DeKalb, with nearby accommodations such as the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Rockford, just 12.9km from the airport.