Illinois offers something for everyone. Are you an urban explorer? Illinois delivers big with Chicago! Seeking nostalgia? Take a drive on historic Route 66. Love outdoor adventures? Check out the various state parks and rivers scattered throughout the state. Here are our 7 favorite things to do during your trip.
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Chicago
We will start with Chicago because to many, Chicago IS Illinois! Why go anywhere else? Don’t fall into this trap. Illinois has so many wonderful places to see and things to do. But as one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago obviously needs a place on our itinerary. Here are a few things not to miss in Chicago:
- Architecture River Cruise – float by all of the famous Chicago skyline buildings and hear expert commentary about the architectural history of the city.
- Field Museum – this is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. It contains more than 40 million artifacts from around the world with exhibits on culture, science, and history.
- Navy Pier – this picturesque pier is Chicago’s go-to place for attractions, shopping, dining and more. Take a spin on the Centennial Wheel, board a boat tour, catch a flick at the IMAX Theater, and enjoy the rides at Pier Park.
- Millennium Park – see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (AKA “The Bean”), catch a free concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, relax in Lurie Garden’s five acre urban oasis, and marvel at Crown Fountain’s glass towers that display digital images.
- The Magnificent Mile – shop until you drop, then relax in a horse-drawn carriage ride while you learn about the city’s history. Later, enjoy world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife options.
Chicago Food
In Chicago, food is an institution! Don’t miss some of the best junk food you have ever tasted. Try Giordano’s for deep dish pizza, Superdawg for Chicago-style hot dogs, and Al’s Beef for Italian beef sandwiches
There are many great places to stay in Chicago. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Abraham Lincoln Sites in Springfield
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum was designed by a former Disney Imagineer, and it shows! Find yourself immersed in Lincoln’s life from boyhood until his murder at Ford’s Theater. You can spend an entire day going through scenes of Lincoln’s life, enjoying the two 4-D theater presentations, and seeing the library’s artifacts.
While you are in Springfield, you can also tour other Lincoln sites. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is where Lincoln lived with is family from 1844 until they moved to Washington, D.C. in 1861. You can also visit Lincoln’s final resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
There are plenty of places to stay in Springfield. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Frank Lloyd Wright Sites
Those who admire architecture and design should dedicate part of their Illinois itinerary visiting Frank Lloyd Wright sites. Frank Lloyd Wright is one of America’s most famous architects and is know for his “Prairie School” style. His designs feature open floor plans, horizontal lines, natural light and materials, geometric forms, and cantilevered roofs and eaves. Most are located in the Chicago area. Here are a few to check out:
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio – see where Frank Lloyd Wright lived from 1889-1909 and where his unique style was born.
- Unity Temple
- Frederick C. Robie House
- Rookery Building
- Muirhead Farmhouse
- Laurent House
There are many great places to stay in Chicago. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a collection of ancient sandstone formations located in Shawnee National Forest. Take the quarter-mile Observation Trail to view the sandstone rocks and enjoy panoramic views of the forest. Longer hiking trails are also available, as well as trails suitable for horseback riding.
Camping is allowed and reservations are not required for campsites. If you decide not to camp, there are many great places to stay in Harrisburg. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Galena
Galena is a charming town known for it’s 19th-century architecture, beautiful scenery, and a variety of activities that suits all interests. Take a stroll down historical Main Street and enjoy it’s many boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Take a trolley tour to learn more about Galena’s history.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking or biking along the 8 mile long Galena River Trail. In the winter, Chestnut Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Summertime activities at the resort include scenic chairlift rides and an alpine slide. And don’t miss the 200 acre Horseshoe Mound Preserve for amazing landscape views.
History aficionados will find many things to love in Galena. Historic homes you can visit include Ulysses S. Grant’s Home, Belvedere Mansion, and Dowling House. Take a ghost tour to learn more about the people and legends of Galena. And visit Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve to learn more about the Native American history of the area.
There are many great places to stay in Galena. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is a must for any nature lover. The park is renowned for it’s beauty, diverse animal and plant life, and unique geological features. Most impressive are the cascading waterfalls flowing down the canyons of the park after rain or snowmelt. The park is haven for wildlife, especially birds. Bald eagles are often present during the winter months.
There are 18 different canyons in the park. Each can be explored through 13 miles of hiking trails suitable for all activity levels. The most popular canyons are St. Louis Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, and Ottawa Canyon. In the winter, cross-country skiing and ice climbing are popular. Other activities available are fishing, boating, kayaking, hunting, birdwatching, and picnicking.
You can book a campsite in the park. Or stay in the Starved Rock Lodge cabins or hotel. There are many other great places to stay near the park, too. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Small Town of Big Things
Just off I70, Casey is a small town filled with big things. It is home to 12 of the World’s Largest items as recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records. Another 20 or so big things haven’t been recognized or were surpassed by larger items.
Created by lifelong resident Jim Bolin, these roadside oddities are intended to encourage tourism to the small town. Today visitors flock to the town for great photo opportunities. Here are the town’s recognized “World’s Largest” items:
- World’s Largest Wind Chime – 42 feet long; visitors can pull the rope to hear the chimes.
- World’s Largest Teeter Totter – 82 feet long; you can walk across is on some Saturdays.
- World’s Largest Rocking Chair – 56 feet tall; unfortunately you can’t sit on it!
- World’s Largest Mailbox – 5,743 cubic feet; you can enter it and mail a letter.
- World’s Largest Barbershop Pole – 14 feet tall
- World’s Largest Golf Driver – 43 feet tall
- World’s Largest Wooden Shoes – can hold 15 people; toss some cash in the shoes to make a donation to help maintain the World’s Largest attractions.
- World’s Largest Swizzle Spoon – 11 feet tall
- World’s Largest Golf Tee – 30 feet tall
- World’s Largest Pitchfork – 60 feet long
- World’s Largest Key – 28 feet tall
There are many great places to stay in Casey. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area
What’s on your Illinois trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Illinois. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
We hope you have enjoyed this installment on our 7 Sensational Sites in Each State of the USA series. Tell us what you think in the comments below. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post.