Illinois is a fantastic state to live in. Many famous people call it home. They include Ludacris of Champaign, Melissa McCarthy born and raised in Plainfield, Bill Murray of Evanston, rapper Kanye West, and Victoria’s Secret Angel, Taylor Hill of Palatine.
This Midwest state offers a wide variety of fun things to enjoy. The Land of Lincoln is widely associated with President Abraham Lincoln who spent most of his life here. But it is more than just Lincoln’s history here. Illinois is one of the most multifaceted states in America.
Apart from its towering buildings, the gleaming metropolis of Chicago, and the rolling farmlands of Poplar Grove, you can see a variety of sights and participate in a variety of activities and excursions. Hiking, climbing, camping, and kayaking, for example, are all popular activities in the mountains and rivers.
Malls will appeal to shopaholics, while galleries, vineyards, dance halls, and botanical gardens will appeal to culture lovers. If you visit the location at the correct time, you can join in the festivities with both locals and visitors!
If you are in Illinois, here are the activities we highly recommend for you to enjoy!
-
Museum visits
Get started by visiting The Art Institute of Chicago which is located downtown Grant Park. The art museum was founded in 1879 and is one of the oldest art museums in the country. The Art Institute of Chicago houses a collection of over 300,000 pieces. Art lovers can see works by well-known artists such as Pablo Picasso, Grant Wood, and Edward Hoppers.
-
Millennium Park
The huge silver bean has become ingrained in the popular psyche. Of course, there are other things to do besides sightseeing. You can kick off your shoes and splash about in the Crown Fountain or go rollerblading and rock climbing in Maggie Daley park!
-
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
With a guide who understands where "the business" was done, delve deep into the city's gangster ways. Stay comfortably on this bus tour, which is suitable for all weather conditions, and choose from a variety of departure times to fit your schedule. Hear tales about big-time mobsters such as Al Capone, Tommy O'Conner, Bugs Moran, and Hymie Weiss, as well as the Untouchables who helped bring them down.
-
Stand on the Skydeck of Chicago
On the Willis Tower, originally known as the Sears Tower, is the Chicago Skydeck, the highest building in the western hemisphere. If you dare, you can stand on the enclosed glass ledge that overlooks Chicago from a height of 1,353 feet!
-
Museum of Science and Industry
Explore a coal mine, view a genuine submarine, learn about storms, admire the fairy castle, and learn more about your body at the Museum of Science and Industry's various exhibits for adults and children.
-
Visit butterfly house at the Peggy Notebaert Museum
Although the Nature Museum offers a variety of educational and entertaining activities and exhibits, the Butterfly Haven is one of the most popular. Here, over 1,000 butterflies from around the world fill the indoor garden.
-
Visit Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
This one is located in Galena which is about a 2 hour drive from Chicago. It is a distillery owned by 2 brother that launched Distilling Co in 2013. If you are interested in learning more about the distillation process they have a daily tour for visitors to check out what happens in the back.
-
Swim along the tides in Illinois State Beach Park
Some of the most popular activities here are swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, volleyball, and so much more. It is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, north of Chicago downtown. The event calendar is always filled with fun activities and entertainment.
-
Grafton Zipline
If you are visiting the oldest city of Jersey County in Illinois called Grafton - which is located on the Mississippi River. You cannot miss the thrilling tree-top canopy adventure. For those who prefer to relax on the ground, the city has many great restaurants and a winery on site.
10. Visit the Grandview Drive
Grandview Drive is a must-visit if you're looking for an inexpensive but enjoyable way to go about the neighborhood. It boasts breathtaking vistas of the Illinois River as well as historic residences. You can also ditch the car and stroll along a one-and-a-half-mile paved sidewalk.
11. Navy Pier
Navy Pier is the staple of Chicago, and featured on many postcards and advertisiments. Its attractions include dining and shopping, as well as tours of glass gardens and rides at amusement parks. The Ferris wheel, which is illuminated at night, is the most well-known attraction, but there are also games, cruises, carousels, art displays, funhouse mazes, remote control boats, and more. What is great about it is that it is open all year round.
12. Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock has got to be one of my favorite places to hike around here. With natural beauty, breathtaking waterfalls, 13 miles of trails to explore, fishing, and boating, you will never get bored.
13. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
This one is perfect for all the history nerds. This presidential museum is unique in that it is a fully immersive, walk-through experience. You'll be able to discover everything there is to know about the late president's life and the American Civil War. It is located in the heart of Springfield which is our state capitol.
14. Chocolate Sanctuary
The Chocolate Sanctuary is all about the cocoa bean. Yes! To all of you chocolate lovers, they add chocolate to every meal. Furthermore, they have incredible house-made craft chocolate treats such as their signature chocolate bread. They are located approximately 45 minutes from Chicago and are right around the corner from Six Flags
15. Alpine slide
It is another attraction located in Galena. It is a fun 2,050 ft tailored sled track. The lift takes you on top of the mountain where you can enjoy the panoramic views of three states and the sled ride takes you down the mountain alongside the Mississippi River.
Bonus Recreational Opportunities:
1. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan will be at the top of most visitors' lists when it comes to the greatest locations to visit in Illinois. That's because you may get there from a variety of locations and participate in a variety of activities. Your road trip will be unique, from drinking artisan beer in a Civil War-era church to staying in retro-chic inns.
2. Visit Harrisburg all the way to Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest should be on the list of places to visit in Illinois for nature lovers. Its natural beauty will leave you gasping with admiration, from craggy bluffs to dazzling lakes.
3. Take a picture beside the Leaning Tower of Niles
It contains four fountains and a pool, as well as a whole collection of old, still-ringing bells, making it a popular tourist attraction. When the weather is pleasant, several musicians and buskers set up shop in front of the tower, and runners, painters, dog walkers, and food vendors frequent the area. You may never have the opportunity to visit Italy, but you may have a taste of it by visiting the Leaning Tower of Niles.
4. Stroll along the Anderson Japanese Gardens
Take a break from the city's frenetic pace and wander through the lovely Anderson Japanese Gardens. In this charming garden, take a break by the reflecting pool to feed the koi and stroll across the arching bridges to let your cares fade away.
5. Go scuba diving at Mermet Springs
Scuba diving may be done anywhere, but only Mermet Springs offers fascinating attractions like an underwater petting zoo and a sunken 727 Boeing airliner. Visitors can rent or bring their own equipment, and classes are also available.
Conclusion
If you want to have fun, Illinois is the place for you!
Illinois has it all, from rolling hills to soaring skyscrapers. Going to thrilling amusement parks, experiencing magnificent natural places, and even visiting the first-ever McDonald's are just a few of the exciting Illinois activities available. Some of Illinois' most popular attractions are centered on the state's distinctive history, both presidential and architectural.
There are many charming towns, dynamic cities, and state and national parks to visit.
From the urban scene of the Windy City to the more low-key attractions, be sure to try out these excellent activities, visit these sites, and have a great time in the beautiful state of Illinois. It is worth visiting and worth experiencing.
