Explore Things to do in Illinois
Illinois is the most populous Midwestern state in America, and yet it also contains some of the most remote towns and villages in the country. While the large city, Chicago, is a well-known tourist destination.
There are also a few hidden gems found in the wide sweeping farmlands and quaint towns of Illinois.
Visitors to Illinois can enjoy spending time at many historical monuments related to the presidency, or even visit America’s most ancient ruins.
Within the city of Chicago there is enough to keep anyone busy and well-entertained for a long time. From planetariums to amusement parks, and some of the world’s finest shopping.
Wrigley Field
One of Illinois’ most well-known attractions is the famous home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Wrigley Field to date is the oldest National League Ballpark and the second oldest active major league park in the country.
Wrigley Field has a few peculiarities that make it special including the ivy-covered brick outfield wall. A famous red marquee over the main entrance to the park. A tendency to have odd wind patterns from nearby Lake Michigan.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours learning about the ballpark that has captivated baseball fans for more than 100 years.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum documents the life of the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, and the American Civil War. The museum ranks as one of the most visited presidential libraries. The museum contains life-size dioramas of Lincoln’s boyhood home, areas of the White House. The presidential box at Ford’s Theatre and the settings of key events in Lincoln’s life.
As well as pictures, artifacts and other memorabilia. Examine up close a variety of artifacts from President Lincoln, his family, and the Civil War. Union Theater is home to the popular show Lincoln’s Eyes, which reflects upon President Lincoln’s life and legacy.
Starved Rock State Park
There are over 13 miles of hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park. There are 18 deep canyons in the park. French, LaSalle, Ottawa and St. Louis Canyons features the more long-lasting waterfalls at Starved Rock. Trails along the river offers scenic views such as Lover’s Leap Overlook, Eagle Cliff Overlook and Beehive Overlook.
The park is best known for its fascinating rock formations, primarily St. Peter sandstone. Laid down in a huge shallow inland sea more than 425 million years ago. Camping, boating and fishing are among activities offered in the park.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden nestled amid enchanting gardens, peaceful lakes and native woodlands is a spectacular site. The Garden’s convenient location close to downtown Chicago is in the heart of the North Shore. One of the topmost visited botanic gardens in the United States.
Take views of a waterfall garden. Discover hidden rooms inside an English Walled Garden. Cross bridges spanning sparkling lakes, a Japanese Garden.
There are 385 acres and 26 gardens of wonder to explore in all seasons. Enjoy seasonal festivals, tours by train or on foot, art exhibitions, and lots of ways for families to learn about the wonders of nature.
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo also known as the Chicago Zoological Park. The 216-acre park is home to 2,000+ animal residents and is also an accredited arboretum. Popular exhibits include the Seven Seas Dolphinarium, where bottlenose dolphins perform daily shows.
Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience will take you on a wild encounter! Guests will find themselves trekking through the lush forests of Rwanda to get a close-up look at mountain gorilla.
Tropic World a fully indoor simulation of Earth’s three primary rain forest habitats, featuring a large group of Western lowland gorillas, white-cheeked gibbon and more. Safari Tours for a narrated ride around Brookfield Zoo! You’ll get to know all the exhibits and fun things to do at the zoo.
Six Flags Great America
Experience Six Flags Great America Chicago’s area largest, most thrilling theme park. Filled with dozens of exciting rides, shows, & attractions.
With 16 heart-pounding roller coasters, a water park with fun soaking water rides and spectacular shows. Big pint-sized fun for the kids with over 30 rides in our children’s areas. Try out Maxx Force that will sport the tallest and fastest double inversion coaster.
Each themed area is amazing and features plenty of food, drinks, and rides to enjoy. The best part is that you should have more than enough time to visit all the areas of the park if you plan your time well.
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Blaum Bros. is a highly rated attraction. Family-owned and operated craft distillery producing premium whiskey, vodka and gin. The Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. was founded by two brothers looking to create a truly unique product and experience in historic Galena.
By sourcing grains from local farmers and controlling the entire process. In their facility, they’re able to produce the highest quality spirits from their custom, hand-made copper still. Tours from the distillation area, to the barrel room, to the comfortable tasting room and cocktail bar.
Shawnee National Forest
The Forest’s landscape features rolling hills, forests, open lands, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs. The area’s mild weather throughout the year makes a visit during any season enjoyable.
Shawnee National Forest famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail. Hikers greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss.
Paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. It features strikingly beautiful oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, lush canyons, razorback ridges and unique geological features.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens named one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Inspired by calm and tranquility this award-winning landscape. Comprised of koi-filled ponds, winding paths, gentle streams and cascading waterfalls. While relatively small in size, just 12 acres, the gardens have plenty of places to explore.
Master craftsmanship and 16th century traditional architecture found throughout the garden. Anderson Japanese Gardens is a popular tour destination for groups of all ages. The garden regularly offers guided tours. They also have a great restaurant, open primarily for breakfast and lunch.
Matthiessen State Park
Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby. Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation.
Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations. Addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities. Makes Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing. Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation.
Things to Do in Illinois
Whether you’re just visiting the Windy City, Chicago. Or you’re planning a trip around the whole state. Illinois is definitely a great place to visit America’s historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural centers.