Things To Do in Illinois
The Land of Lincoln. The Prairie State. Illinois. There are multiple names for this midwestern state that borders five other states and Lake Michigan. While most people will think of Chicago, Springfield, and a small number of other attractions that are most associated with this state, there are a ton of things to do in Illinois that you may not know about.
Perhaps you are planning a trip across the country and your travels will take you through the midwestern region of the United States. Maybe you are looking for a new state to explore for a weeklong vacation. You may already be a resident of Illinois but you want to further explore the state that you call home. Whatever the situation is, this guide will be the roadmap you need to plan your activities and get the most out of an Illinois experience.
With a combination of beautiful landscapes, rich history, family-friendly fun, a major metropolitan, and plenty of entertainment opportunities, there is no limit to what you can experience in Illinois. Let’s take a journey around the state and take a look at the historical sites, state parks, notable venues, attraction-heavy cities, and sweeping views that make Illinois a great place to visit.
State Parks/Historic Sites
Every state has something unique to offer to travelers, and Illinois is no exception. with multiple state parks to visit and various attractions encompassed within, every type of personality can find something to love about this state.
Starved Rock State Park
If you want to find a location that is like nowhere else in the state, then Starved Rock State Park is the place to go. With 13+ miles of hiking trails to explore, it is a perfect attraction for adventurers, avid hikers, and even families. Enjoy the seasonal waterfalls that grace Starved Rock State Park in the spring or after heavy rains. Check out the Lodge for some dining and lodging accommodations and head to the visitor center to learn more about the park. There are even night hikes available during the solstices and equinoxes. Starved Rock State Park will satisfy your craving for natural beauty, especially if you make your way there during the peak of the fall season.
Buffalo Rock State Park
How do you feel about exploring a bluff that used to be an island in the Illinois River? If that sounds cool, then you better head to Ottawa, IL to find Buffalo Rock State Park. Featuring incredible rock formations to explore and admire, this park is a great way to spend an afternoon. Rent an e-bike, enjoy a picnic, or go camping overnight with a gorgeous backdrop in this 298-acre park.
Giant City State Park
Are you an outdoor-loving adventurous spirit? Then you’ll probably want to know about Giant City State Park. Located within the Shawnee National Forest, this park has activities like horseback riding, hiking, and even rapelling. One of the most popular sights here is the steep walls of the sandstone bluffs, formed over 12,000 years ago.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
You can find the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, IL. If you have an interest in Native American history and the most expansive remains of a native civilization north of Mexico, then you absolutely must plan a visit to this location. The city of Cahokia was even larger than London in the year 1250. Explore and learn about these archaeological remnants by climbing some of the mounds left behind by the structures and the many trails through the area. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is truly a marvel of the ancient world that is worth visiting and could be one of the most fascinating things to do in Illinois.
Dana Thomas House
The incredible story of activist Susan Dana Lawrence is worth learning about at the Dana Thomas House in Springfield, IL, as well as the history of the Charles C. Thomas Publishing company. This structure, which was commissioned for a remodel by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902, features incredible architecture and served as an art venue, event location, and publishing company throughout its history. If any of these names awaken your interest in the history of this home, then plan a visit to the Dana Thomas House to learn more about this unique building and its various occupants.
Frank Lloyd Wright is known for many things, including the midwestern architectural design trend for prairie-style houses.
Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site
Another iteration of historic houses in Illinois is the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site. This structure belonged to the French Canadian businessman and fur trader who had the home built in 1815. The Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site is described as a great example of French Creole architecture and features large group tours and an expansive property to explore.
Ulysses S. Grant Home
The Civil War general-turned-president Ulysses S. Grant lived in many places during his life. Before his Civil War service, he spent a year in Galena, where the citizens welcomed him home after winning the war with a brick villa to call his own. Though the Grant Home did not house his family for long periods, it was always available for his frequent visits to what he considered his home. Now a historic museum, the Ulysses S. Grant Home in Galena can be visited during the day with continuous tours around the property. If you admire the 18th president of the United States, then a trip to the Grant Home would be a fine addition to your travel itinerary.
National Attractions
Just as there are plenty of locations that the state of Illinois has deemed historic, there are several national attractions that the federal government has put on the national register.
Shawnee National Forest
If you want to escape into the vast wilderness of the midwest, then head to southern Illinois to find the Shawnee National Forest, almost 290,000 acres of nature to explore. Expansive oak-hickory forests, thriving wetlands, deep canyons, and unique rock formations make the land a truly immersive experience of the natural world. Shawnee National Forest sits between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and it is a must-see for anyone who loves to experience what Mother Nature has in store.
Abraham Lincoln Home National Historic Site
If you love the 16th president of the United States and are looking for a national historic landmark to check out, then the Lincoln Home National Historic Site would hit two birds with one stone. Come learn about the humble beginnings of one of the most successful presidents in history at this historical home in Springfield, IL. This was the only home ever owned by President Abraham Lincoln.
Flora, Fauna, and the Arts
Appreciating the beauty of the world, both natural and manmade, is a crucial aspect of any traveling plan. During your Illinois vacation or trip, looking for places to enjoy wildlife and artistic expression can help you get the most out of your experience. We will start with one of the most well-known attractions in Illinois that ranks among the largest art museums in the world; the Art Institute in downtown Chicago.
Art Institute of Chicago
Considered one of the top attractions in not just Illinois but the entire country by TripAdvisor, the Art Institute of Chicago features one of the most impressive collections of art in the world. Spanning hundreds of cultures and thousands of years, the art displayed in these galleries is sure to leave you full of wonder about what can be achieved by human creativity. Whether you want to admire ancient Egyptian culture, African tribal pieces, or modern paintings, the Art Institute of Chicago will have something for you to enjoy. Just a few blocks north of Soldier Field, this is one of the top Illinois attractions.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Located on the Navy Pier, this venue will take you back to the incredible era of Shakespearean dramas. However, even if you are not a Shakespeare fan, other plays and events will take place in the Theater to suit different tastes.
Lincoln Park Zoo
When a popular president like Abraham Lincoln comes from your state, you go all out with naming things after him. The Lincoln Park Zoo is located in Chicago, IL, and features about 200 unique species in specially-designed habitats, including polar bears. This is the perfect place to bring children, but it can also fascinate animal lovers of any age. Lincoln Park is the name of the land in the heart of Chicago in which the zoo itself resides, so you can explore this area without going to the zoo if you wish. Make the Lincoln Park Zoo part of your itinerary to get a glimpse into the animal kingdom during your stay in Chicago.
Richard H. Driehaus Museum
The art, architecture, and design trends of the late 19th century and early 20th century represent a fascinating time in the country’s history. The Richard H. Driehaus Museum seeks to capture these elements and present them to modern audiences. The Driehaus Museum is located near the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, so it is a convenient stop for travelers who pass through this massive city. Check out the Driehaus Museum which is housed in the home of successful 19th-century banker Samuel Mayo Nickerson, a structure that was meant to convey the immense wealth of the owner.
Chicago Botanic Garden
One of the world’s greatest living museums is the Chicago Botanic Garden. This attraction would thrill lovers of horticulture as it seeks to preserve plant life and enrich lives through the study of flora. 28 gardens on 385 acres of land make for a beautiful scene at the Chicago Botanic Garden, one that is sure to become one of your most memorable experiences while visiting Illinois.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Head to Rockford, IL near the northern border of the state to visit a 12-acre Japanese garden. Streams, waterfalls, koi ponds, and winding pathways have made the Anderson Japanese Gardens one of the highest-rated of its kind in the country. With architectural tours, vast natural views, and even dining options, you are sure to experience peace and calm at the Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Garfield Park Conservatory
One of the largest botanical conservatories in the nation, Garfield Park Conservatory is nicknamed “landscape art under glass.” It is a great way to enjoy the preservation and study of flora while in the city of Chicago.
Family Fun Ideas
Do your travel plans need to accommodate a few little ones and provide some great entertainment for the family? There are plenty of things to do in Illinois that are great for family fun, education, and discovery.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Along the Navy Pier lies multiple attractions for both travelers and Illinois residents, including the Chicago Children’s Museum. This attraction features interactive exhibits and believes in the power of play to help children learn about the world. It is one of many world-class museums within the Windy City, so make sure to stop by during your stay to keep the little ones entertained and educated.
Disney On Ice
The popularity of this event has skyrocketed as parents look for fun events to attend with their children. With multiple performances at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL, just northwest of Chicago, Disney On Ice is a must-see if you are in town when shows are happening.
Discovery Center Museum
With 300+ exhibits for families to interact with, the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, IL offers an incredible look at the fields of STEM in a way that is accessible to young minds. Plant the seeds of discovery and wonder for these fields of study by visiting the Discovery Center Museum, one of the most fun things to do in Illinois for families with young children.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Learning about the history of this country is so important for a child’s education, and Abraham Lincoln is one of the most important figures in the United States. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is the perfect venue for learning through interactive exhibits. Head to Springfield, IL to watch live reenactments of different times in Lincoln’s life, from his young childhood to the final tragic moments at one of the most visited presidential libraries in the country. Add the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to your list as an activity to enjoy with the whole family.
Navy Pier on Lake Michigan
United Center, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier are some of the most well-known attractions in the city. The Navy Pier features activities such as the Ferris wheel, a two-story maze with 4,000 square feet of tunnels, a carousel, a drop tower, a Lakeview Terrace with views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, and much more. It offers so many great ideas for families to have a fun afternoon or evening on the pier and is one of the most fun things to do in Illinois with children. Plenty of special events occur throughout the year that will entertain many types of families who make their way to Chicago, IL.
The Magnificent Mile
If you are looking for a combination of shopping, dining, activities, and historic landmarks, then you need to spend some time on Michigan Avenue, also known as Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Some notable locations along this stretch include the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building, and luxury hotels. Head to a sports store to purchase some swag before heading over to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game. Enjoy some of the fine dining locations or just go for a walk along this popular tourist destination in Chicago, IL. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave offers so much for travelers to enjoy and you will be able to experience a wonderful day with the family.
Amusement Parks
If you need a guaranteed way to keep kids busy for a whole day, then you can’t go wrong with amusement parks. From Six Flags Great America in Gurnee to the Water Works Indoor Water Park in Schaumburg, these attractions will let those little ones use up some of their energy on rides and water slides.
Concerts
Depending on the age of your kids, concerts can be another fun experience for music-loving families. In Tinley Park, IL, you can head to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater which features multiple performances throughout the year in a historic venue. Enjoy an evening of music and live entertainment by taking the kids to a concert.
Rock River Discovery Park
The first community-built outdoor science park in the country, the Rock River Discovery Park is a great place to bring your kids in Rockford, IL. The little ones will love manipulating water wheels, racing small boats, exploring a maze, and enjoying the playground elements. If you want to combine learning and play into one activity, then you can’t go wrong with a visit to this park.
Sporting Events
Sports hold such an important place in the lives of Chicago, IL residents. The city comes alive to support the multiple professional teams that play within its boundaries. Just imagine what it might have been like during the peak of the Michael Jordan years as he played for the Chicago Bulls. If your trip takes you to the major city of Chicago, then you may want to do some research to see what sports are in season during your stay. There are few things in the world more exciting than a live sporting event in a stadium filled with thousands of screaming fans. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular teams that you might want to check out.
Chicago Cubs
If you know anything about baseball, you may have heard of the long championship drought for the pride and joy of Chicago baseball fans. Fortunately, that curse was broken in 2016 after a 108-year streak of no World Series titles for the Chicago Cubs. A ball game is a perfect way to spend your afternoon or evening in Illinois, relaxing with a hot dog while hoping to catch a foul ball bare-handed. The Cubs play their games at Wrigley Field in downtown, so make sure you head there early to secure some decent parking for the event. Traffic is sure to be a problem both before and after the game.
Chicago Blackhawks
Prefer to watch a bunch of intense athletes fly around the ice while controlling a tiny puck with a stick? Then you’ll enjoy the fast pace of a hockey game at the United Center. With six Stanley Cup wins, the most recent iteration being in 2015, the Chicago Blackhawks are a storied franchise in the NHL that can provide an incredibly exciting atmosphere for you to experience. Few sports can boast louder stadiums than hockey, and the Blackhawks are no exception during a home game.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls dynasty of the 90s led to two three-peats for the NBA championship, thanks in large part to superstar Michael Jordan. The history of the Chicago Bulls is an incredibly powerful one, with this extended period of dominance changing how the world viewed the game of basketball and its stars. A Bulls game will get you on your feet and cheering, so consider checking out a home game during your time in Chicago, IL.
Chicago Bears
Playing games at Soldier Field, just along the coastline of the great Lake Michigan, the Chicago Bears are an NFL franchise with a deeply passionate fanbase. Currently, the Bears can boast about having the highest number of enshrines recognized in the Football Hall of Fame. Don some navy blue and orange gear, or head to the Magnificent Mile to pick up some Bears swag, and head to the stadium to cheer on one of the biggest sports team’s in Illinois.
Chicago White Sox
That’s right, Chicago has not one but two MLB teams that you can support. Whether you are a huge baseball fan or not, spending an afternoon or evening at the ballpark can be a fun and relaxing way to get the most out of your Illinois trip. Head to Guaranteed Rate Field for a Chicago White Sox game that is sure to leave you with fond memories of your stay in the city.
Illinois is a Great State to Visit
As you can see from the above attractions, there are tons of things to do in Illinois, whether you are a tourist, a permanent resident, or simply passing through. You can check out the many views of Lake Michigan or the Illinois River with walking tours or along Lake Shore Dr. Learn about the unique history of the state and its well-known figures by visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum or the Dana Thomas House. Head to Michigan Avenue for one of the top tourist attractions in the entire state. Admire the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park in Chicago. There are even things to do that haven’t been mentioned at all, such as the Civil War Memorial at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Whether you want to head to Six Flags Great America for some family fun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn more history, or a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field, the state of Illinois has so many things to offer. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time so that you can hit as many of these wonderful attractions as possible while still getting a chance to relax during your travels.