🇺🇸 Top Things to Do in Illinois — Attractions & Experiences

Illinois offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, from world-class museums and historic landmarks to vibrant cities and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Unique Experiences

• Take an architectural river cruise in Chicago to learn about the city's rich history and iconic buildings
• Visit the Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, a historic drive-in restaurant that has been serving "cozy dogs" (hot dogs on a stick coated in cornmeal batter) since 1949
• Explore the Illinois Wine Country, which features over 100 wineries and vineyards throughout the state
• Attend a Chicago Blues Festival, a annual event that celebrates the city's rich blues music heritage
• Take a gangster tour in Chicago to learn about the city's infamous history of organized crime
• Visit the Pontiac-Oakland Museum, a unique museum dedicated to the history of the Pontiac and Oakland car brands
• Go on a hot air balloon ride over the Illinois countryside for a breathtaking view of the state's rolling hills and scenic landscapes

Outdoor & Nature

• Shawnee National Forest, a beautiful forest with opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure
• Starved Rock State Park, a stunning park featuring sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails
• Indiana Dunes National Park, a scenic park along the shores of Lake Michigan with hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities
• Pere Marquette State Park, a beautiful park along the Illinois River with hiking trails, camping, and outdoor recreation
• Lake Michigan, a stunning lake with opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming
• Garden of the Gods, a unique park featuring stunning rock formations and scenic hiking trails

Cultural Experiences

• The Art Institute of Chicago, a world-class art museum featuring a collection of art from around the globe
• Field Museum, a natural history museum featuring Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever found
• Museum of Science and Industry, a interactive science museum with exhibits on science and technology
• Chicago History Museum, a museum dedicated to the history of Chicago and its people
• Illinois State Museum, a museum featuring exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Illinois
• Robie House, a historic house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and now a museum showcasing his architectural style

Hidden Gems

• The Cozy Dog Drive In, a historic drive-in restaurant in Springfield that serves "cozy dogs" (hot dogs on a stick coated in cornmeal batter)
• The Pontiac-Oakland Museum, a unique museum dedicated to the history of the Pontiac and Oakland car brands
• The town of Galena, a charming historic town with many preserved 19th-century buildings and a rich history
• The Illinois and Michigan Canal, a historic canal that played a significant role in the development of the region
• The Starved Rock Lock and Dam, a historic lock and dam that offers stunning views of the Illinois River

Day Trips

• Galena, a charming historic town with many preserved 19th-century buildings and a rich history (distance from Chicago: 160 miles, 3 hours)
• Springfield, the state capital and home to many historic sites, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (distance from Chicago: 200 miles, 3.5 hours)
• Starved Rock State Park, a stunning park featuring sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails (distance from Chicago: 100 miles, 2 hours)
• Indiana Dunes National Park, a scenic park along the shores of Lake Michigan with hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities (distance from Chicago: 50 miles, 1 hour)
• The Illinois Wine Country, a region featuring over 100 wineries and vineyards throughout the state (distance from Chicago: varying, 1-3 hours)

Planning Tips