Illinois is a large state known for its diverse landscape and history. The state is home to major cities like Chicago and Springfield, as well as rural areas and farmland. Illinois is also famous for its Abraham Lincoln, who was born in the state and served as its president. Here, in Chicago, the famous US Route 66 to California begins. Lake Michigan forms the state’s eastern border which features the Navy Pier, Chicago’s treasure. There are numerous points of interests in Illinois, from Rockford to Cahokia Mounds. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in this great state. Here’s just a few examples of the best things to do in Illinois. Mind you, this is just a small taste of what the state has to offer its visitors.
Things To Do In Illinois: Art Institute Of Chicago
If you ever plan to visit Illinois, and you’re an art lover, the answer for your question “what are top things to do in Illinois?” is a very easy one.
The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see. It’s one of the largest museums in the United States, with more than 300,000 pieces of art from around the world. The museum has everything from art from the 12th Century to contemporary works, as well as a large collection of American art.
The artists whose pieces of work you can see in this museum include Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne and many more.
The cost of the ticket is $25 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, and children under the age of 14 can enter for free, so it’s a great place to take the whole family.
Galena – A Historic Site
Galena, Illinois is a historic town that offers a variety of tourist attractions. The most popular attraction in Galena is the historic district where visitors can walk through the city’s many old buildings and learn about the town’s history. Another popular attraction is the Ulysses S. Grant Home and other Civil War Generals.
This historic town is also home to a variety of wineries and vineyards, which offer tastings and tours. In addition, Galena is near some beautiful parks, including Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park, which offer hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities.
Starved Rock State Park
It is a state park in the U.S. state of Illinois, characterized by the many canyons within its 2,630 acres (1,064 ha). Located just southeast of the village of Utica, in Deer Park Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, along the south bank of the Illinois River, the park hosts over two million visitors annually, the most for any Illinois park.Before European contact, the area was home to Native Americans, particularly the Kaskaskia who lived in the Grand Village of the Illinois across the river. Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to record a visit to the region.
The park now is a home to various animal species such as white-tailed deer, coyote, bobcat, fox and several hundred bird species. With twelve miles (19 km) of hiking trails open to visitors year-round, a number of waterfalls in the canyons, and spectacular views from atop Starved Rock, the park is a popular destination for hikers and picnickers.
Millennium Park
A trip to Chicago is not complete without a visit to Millennium Park. This 24 acre park features gardens, a skating rink, a music pavilion, and of course the famous Cloud Gate sculpture. The Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as the Bean, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. Visitors can walk underneath the sculpture to see their reflections in its shiny surface.
If you’re looking for a place to take a break from sightseeing, Millennium Park is the perfect spot. You can relax in the gardens, listen to live music, or go for a walk or jog around the park. There’s also plenty of food available if you get hungry.
Abraham Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a 1,208-acre (4.86 km2) park along the lakefront of Chicago and was named after the 16th president of United States, Abraham Lincoln. It is the city’s largest public park and includes a number of amenities such as playgrounds, tennis courts, softball fields, soccer fields, jogging paths, a swimming pool, an outdoor theater, several monuments, and two museums. The park is also home to Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Chicago History Museum. The zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum features interactive exhibits about nature and the environment, while the Chicago History Museum tells the story of Chicago from its early days to the present. The museum offers various artifacts, exhibitions, and programs.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
If you love nature and want to experience a traditional Japanese garden, Anderson Japanese Gardens is the place for you! This beautiful garden was estabilished in 1978 by John R. Anderson and Hoichi Kurisu, a landscape architect.
The gardens offer a lot of great things for visitors. The first is the garden itself which consists of 12 acres of land with over 100 varieties of plants. The second is the tea house which is a great place to relax and enjoy some traditional Japanese tea. The beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere are what make the Japanese Gardens so special. It is a place where you can forget about all your worries and just enjoy the moment. If you are ever in the area, be sure to check it out!
Shawnee National Forest
Whether you are looking to experience the great outdoors or just escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Shawnee National Forest, also known as “Garden Of The Gods”, is the perfect place for you. With over 280,000 acres of land, Shawnee National Forest offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From hiking and camping to fishing and picnicking, there is something for everyone there.
Designated as a National Forest in 1933, the forest is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. Over 200 species of birds can be found in the forest, along with 50 species of mammals and 30 species of reptiles. The forest also contains a variety of rare plants, including several species of orchids.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Skydeck Chicago
If you’re looking for fun places and things to do in Illinois, don’t forget about Skydeck Chicago. It’s one of the most popular observation decks, and it’s also one of the tallest buildings in the world.
You can see up to four states from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, and on a clear day, you can see up to 50 miles away and the city’s skyline. You can also step out onto The Ledge, a glass-enclosed balcony that extends 4.3 feet out from the building. If you’re visiting Chicago with your family, Skydeck Chicago is a great place to go. There are interactive exhibits on the lower levels, and the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
Similar Posts:
- Best Free Things to Do in Chicago – Places to Have Fun without Spending a Penny
- Things to Do in Springfield, IL: A Look at Tourist Attractions in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln’s Former Home
- Things to Do in Naperville, IL: Fun Activities and Things to See in Downtown Naperville and Beyond
- Things to Do in Rockford, IL. We’ve Compiled a List of Top Rockford Tourist Attractions and Best Places to Go
- Top 10 Things to Do in Lincoln City, Oregon. A Friendly Guide
- Things to Do in Schaumburg, Illinois. A Complete Guide to the Best Tourist Attractions in Schaumburg
- Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew): Tourist Attraction Guide, Prices, Tips for Visitors
- Things to Do in Peoria, IL. Top Tourist Attractions, Things to Do with Kids & Events in Peoria
