16+ Best Things To Do In Illinois

Last updated August 26, 2025

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Illinois is home to numerous special events all year long including the globally renowned Lollapalooza.

From the shining city of Chicago to the undulating agricultural fields of Poplar Grove, you can witness various attractions and experience countless fun activities in this state.

Are you prepared to start planning your trip to Illinois? Here are 16+ best things to explore in Illinois!

1. Chocolate Sanctuary

Are you acquainted with chocolate-infused glazes applied to chicken breasts accompanied by nuts, bell peppers, and bread crumbs?

These are some of the methods to enjoy Chocolate Sanctuary's signature ingredient.

It is an upscale dining establishment in Illinois focusing on both savory and sweet dishes that highlight the nutritious cacao bean at the forefront.

Some of its dishes implement a chocolaty variation on classic favorites while others are entirely original creations that will have you exclaiming "delicious!".

Dining at the vibrant Chocolate Sanctuary remains without a doubt among the most interesting activities to engage in within Illinois State.

From its barbecued pork chops with a crust to its silky smooth pies, each instance of your meal will be an extraordinary experience.

And everyone definitely needs to indulge in some tasty meals from time to time!

2. Bahá'í Worship House

You don't need to be spiritual to value the beauty and uniqueness of the Bahá'í Temple.

It’s one of just a small number in the whole world and the sole example of its type inside North America.

Also, who would anticipate it being situated in Wilmette?

It is here, nonetheless, with its enormous round design that features numerous windows surrounding a large central dome.

There are places for prayer and chapels inside, and there are 9 outdoor gardens outside adorned with various exquisite and calm elements and fountains intended to evoke emotions of tranquility.

Encountering all of these will be difficult alone due to their enormous scale, though it's achievable.

In case you're not acquainted with the Baháí faith, it is founded on a Persian prophet's doctrines, and you will gain much insight into its faith and roots through exploring its shrine.

Guests are always invited here and there is no charge for entry.

You don’t even need to adhere to Bahá’í beliefs to experience spirituality upon seeing the Bahá’í Worship House.

It's among the most magnificent locations to see in Illinois State and it has the ability to rejuvenate your belief in a lovely world.

3. Winnetka

Winnetka is a quaint town located on the northeastern edge of Illinois.

With an annual income of $207000, it boasts one of America's richest demographics.

Tourists in this town can marvel at the intricate and costly mansions that adorn its lovely, tree-lined roads, including the magnificent Georgian mansion that served as the location for the very first 2 Home Alone films.

There is additionally access to beaches, and due to the wealthy residents, the coastlines of the beaches are among the cleanest in Illinois.

Then, additional attractions in Winnetka consist of excellent parks, galleries, eateries, and cultural organizations.

Although Winnetka may not be a major tourist destination, it certainly deserves a visit.

If nothing more, it’s an opportunity to observe how the highest levels of society exist, enjoy their coffee, and take a swim in the unspoiled shoreline waters.

4. Leaning Tower of Niles

Situated in Niles, this is a semi-scaled replica of Italy's original.

Although it was not built for any formal reason, it was acknowledged by Italian authorities in the year 1934, and then Pisa and Niles were designated sister cities soon after.

Currently, this tower is viewed as one of Niles's largest tourist draws.

It features a pool and four fountains along with a complete setup of historic, resonant bells, making it an excellent spot for tourists.

It also serves as a guiding light for summer enjoyment as many street performers and musicians camp near the tower whenever the climate is pleasant.

It's additionally a popular spot for joggers, artists, dog owners, strollers, and meal vendors.

You may not have the opportunity to visit Italy, but you'll experience a glimpse of it by visiting the Leaning Towerof Niles.

So, go ahead and arrange a stop, and ensure that your phone camera is fully prepared for countless photos!

5. Superdawg

You can't go to Chicago without tasting a hot dog that is Chicago-style.

Fortunately, this drive-in provides an entertaining and distinctive holiday adventure that will satisfy your appetite and fill your camera.

While it provides a delicious hot dog in a poppyseed bun adorned with piccalilli, its true appeal lies in its unique 1950s-style car hop service.

When you get to the drive-in, approach the neon signs that promote its flashy, cubic building, and once you’ve submitted your request, a staff member will serve it.

They'll even help you place your straw into your milkshake.

The Superdawg DriveIn symbolizes a past time in Chicago and that's precisely what makes this drive-in so unique.

Their menu is excellent, and their service is classy and traditional.

You will certainly want to share about a location such as Superdawg on social media.

6. Chicago Art Institute

Attracting over 1 million guests annually, this art institute in Chicago is a key Illinois attraction.

It’s one of the USA's largest and oldest art museums, hence it’s commonly mentioned alongside organizations like the Metropolitan Museum ofArt in New York and the National Gallery in Washington DC.

Displays at this museum vary from modern photography and art to ancient textiles.

There are over 300,000 items here altogether, and you’re sure to recognize a few of them, such as Old Guitarist of Pablo Picasso and American Gothic of Grant Wood.

Also, besides discovering the arts, you can participate in exclusive events at this museum including workshops, talks, and guided tours alongside curators and artists.

Go ahead and seize the chance to explore a very esteemed art institution throughout history.

7. Cave-In-Rock

This is a community village situated in the southern part of Illinois.

Although the majority of people are not familiar with its small cluster of residences and businesses, the village is recognized for its very famous tourist spot: a real cave hollowed from stone that is located by the river.

In the past, it was a cave of villainy and depravity.

It was utilized by pirates carrying out assaults on unwary longboats moving goods along the river.

It was also used by criminals, killers, and bandits as a refuge so the law enforcement couldn't locate them.

This cave was purified around the 1700s by a group of vigilantes who converged on the region and eliminated the troublemakers, and for a time, it served as a haven of tranquility.

It even served as a church during a period, and today, the cave simply serves as a fascinating tourist spot.

It's concealed from curious gazes, making it one of Illinois's most obscure activities to enjoy.

Visiting this cave is a trip that is definitely worth taking, and its extensive and vibrant past will give you an excellent narrative when you reach home.

8. Navy Pier

This ranks among the Midwest's most well-known locations.

Its fun activities range from shopping and eating to jumping on attractions at theme parks and exploring glass gardens. Also, its skyline appears on numerous postcards.

Extending over 3300 feet, it is a walkway by Lake Michigan’s coast that's filled with great attractions to observe and engage in.

Its most famous attraction is its Ferris wheel which illuminates at night, though there are additionally contests, voyages, merry-go-rounds, exhibitions, funhouse labyrinths, remote-controlled boats, and additional attractions here.

Then, another great aspect of Navy Pier is the fact that it remains open throughout the entire year, so whether you are going to Chicago some weeks time or this weekend, you can rely on it as an unwavering presence in this city.

Make sure you experience this most renowned USA boardwalk.

Explore Navy Pier during your time in Illinois State and experience all the incredible fun here!

9. Lincoln Park Zoo

This zoo houses many animals from various species, making it an excellent family-friendly must-visit place for anyone traveling to Illinois.

It’s also among the few remaining American zoos that offer free admission, therefore you won’t need to spend any money to experience it.

The creatures here span from owls and otters to octopuses, and their environments are equally enjoyable as their inquisitive little behaviors and traits.

You'll also see birds soaring, monkeys swinging, and rhinos trotting and sniffing.

Then, other activities here include stroking penguins, wandering through gardens, eating at the in-house restaurant, and taking different carousels and trains.

Parents can even jump right in alongside their children.

Free tourist spots are rare, and when you even see them, there’s no assurance that they will be as impressive as this zoo.

So, seize the opportunity while it's available, and create enjoyable and enduring memories during your Illinois trip.

10. Route 66

Route 66 stands as a type of place that evokes images of road voyages filled with motels, diners, and gusts of wind through one's hair from the windows.

The positive aspect is that this doesn't need to remain a dream when you stop at a spot like Route 66’s Motor-heads Bar.

Utterly reflective of the past, this Motorheads Bar offers a trip down memory lane that includes all elements from vintage automobiles in its design to classic trucker meals on its menu.

All spots in its parking lot are occupied by vehicles from different time periods.

Each section of its walls is adorned with posters of Coca-Cola and worn Ford advertisements.

There are also ancient and fully operational arcade games available to play here.

Motorheads Bar is not merely a restaurant and bar, nor is it solely a museum, it is a combination of all three.

So, if you’re searching for interesting attractions in Illinois, you shouldn't overlook this renowned attraction on Route 66.

Go ahead and shut off your engine in the iconic Motorheads Bar in order to enjoy an unforgettable break on your long-distance road journey.

11. Bengtsons Pumpkin Farm

There are 225 animals, 13 rides, and more than a hundred snacks and meals in this farm.

And this is merely a brief example of what you can find at Bengtsons Pumpkin Farm, an exceptional spot for families that’s certain to spark an adoration for rural life in your children.

Activities here encompass everything, from hayrides to petting farms that incorporate the experience of milking cows and feeding goats.

For more excitement, ride their vintage train or go down the massive 6-lane slide.

Then, when you become hungry, take a seat for a satisfying chuckwagon barbecue or simply snack on delicious goodies such as apple cider delicious donuts, and kettle corn.

Additional distinctive activities here include mechanical pumpkin catapults and pig races.

Indeed, this farm is among the top destinations in Illinois to go with children.

Regardless of whether you are with little ones or moody teens, everyone will surely recall the non-stop fun they had in this place.

12. Illinois Beach Park

When you go to this state park, you're free to relax on the beach with a margarita that is salt-rimmed as if you were inside the Caribbean.

This well-known coastal location provides swimming, sailing, angling, volleyball, scuba diving, and additional activities.

It also showcases stunning natural landscapes in sand dunes, canyons, and wetlands scattered with drift wood trees.

If you are also searching for locations to visit away from the water, you're free to check out black oak’s savanna for activities such as hiking, biking, geocaching, and birdwatching.

You can stay in a campsite for several days and you can also enjoy a picnic; the decision is yours.

So, go ahead and include this state park in your Illinois vacation locations.

With a vast array of enjoyment available across various landscapes, it definitely deserves its spot on the state map of Illinois.

13. Old Book Barn

Are you fond of unusual travel spots? If that's the case, you'll have a great time at this place.

It spans 14000 square ft. and is filled to capacity with vintage, used, and rare books alongside arts, games, DVDs, crafts, CDs, and artifacts.

Entering the barn feels as though you are transported back into time.

Prior to the era of eBay and Amazon, you needed to locate hidden gems yourself, which could involve sorting through a variety of market treasures to discover a valuable item hidden among the clutter.

Thanks to the Old Book Barn, you can still enjoy that vintage thrifting venture today.

With its packed bookshelves filled with even more ends and odds, it's among the more distinctive sights to behold in Illinois, and its uniqueness is an additional aspect of its appeal.

Make sure to also greet the cats here while you visit!

14. Lollapalooza

You cannot talk about Illinois without referencing Lollapalooza.

It’s among the most renowned music festivals globally, so much so that imitators have emerged all over from South America to Europe.

It fully dominates Chicago City each summer and doesn't loosen its hold until four days.

Outdoor lively concerts are Lollapalooza's main attraction, though they are certainly not the sole attractions.

Art enthusiasts can explore the artworks and sculptures at the Art Market, and food enthusiasts can visit Chow Town with its numerous vendors providing a variety that includes pork dumplings and corn dogs.

Additionally, there are games, workshops, activities, and plenty of other events in Lollapalooza for guests of every age group.

So, if you're curious about how to spend the misty, late summer afternoons of your trip to Illinois, ensure you attend Lollapalooza.

Over 250,000 individuals always gather at the lakeshore each year to feast, sip, sway, and enjoy themselves to the fullest.

15. Shawnee National Forest

The state of Illinois may be best known for its tall buildings, yet there are a lot of natural wonders to experience when you step away from urban areas and explore the wild.

This forest is not the only location of its kind, but it’s among the finest.

Here, you will find the Garden ofthe Gods which features sandstone rock structures that have stayed unchanged for centuries.

There is also the River-River Trail which offers an extraordinary adventure through mountains, precipices, woodlands, and marshlands.

Then, there is Jackson Falls which features steep cliffs that descend to a scenic waterfall.

You'll also see Cedar Lake here which features pristine blue waters encircled by several verdant pathways in nature.

Outdoor pursuits in Shawnee National Forest include camping, kayaking, hiking, and equestrian activities.

You may also hunt, fish, windsurf, water ski, or rent a UTV/ATV for trail riding.

With its tall trees and roaring waterfalls, Shawnee is definitely among the most stunning destinations to explore in the USA.

It’s not only a marvel of Illinois; it is also a marvel for the whole nation, so you would certainly want to check it out.

16. Millennium Park

This park is among the most famous Illinois destinations.

Even if you have never visited it, you would have observed it in numerous films and television series.

Its massive silver bean remains ingrained in people's consciousness.

And there are various fun activities available here apart from sightseeing.

You can remove your shoes and wade in their Crown Fountain, you can head-bang at outdoor concerts in Jay Pritzker's Pavilion, or you can savor a tranquil moment in the stunning, vibrant Lurie Garden.

You're also free to go roller skating and bouldering in the vicinity of Maggie Daley.

Then, during summer, ride a bike, and if it is winter, try ice skating.

Millennium Park is a place that is always open, so ensure you set aside some time for your visit here.

It's a destination that shouldn't be missed for anyone passing through Illinois, particularly those with an extensive travel wish list of famous tourist spots.

17. SixFlags Great America

Situated in Gurnee, this is the most expansive theme park in this area, and it capitalizes on its environment by providing a mix of traditional Six Flags cuisine and distinctive Midwestern attractions, events, and experiences.

The Hometown Square here is an area themed around the countryside where everything possesses a charm reminiscent of spurs and boots.

Then, there's the lovely Southwest Territory, a place that ideally captures the essence of a countryside festival.

Note that if you take a ride on the SkyTrek Tower of 300 feet on a bright day, the whole Chicago skyline can be spotted in the background, even Lake Michigan.

There’s nothing more amazing than sightseeing like this!

So, if you’re searching for an exciting vacation destination in Illinois, set aside time for the stunning Six Flags.

It has all the cotton candies and roller coasters you could ever desire, and it is indisputably part of Illinois's main draws.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you're drawn to its shopping centers, art galleries, agricultural sites, wineries, or skyscrapers, there is a lot to enjoy in Illinois that'll create an unforgettable holiday experience.

An adventure is awaiting you in Illinois, so go ahead and grab it!