The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Illinois: Top Things to Do
Illinois is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is the sixth most populous state and 25th largest state in terms of land area. Illinois is known for its politics, history, architecture, and culture.
The city of Chicago is located in Illinois and is one of the major cities in the United States. Other popular tourist destinations in Illinois include Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, and Champaign-Urbana. Things to do in Illinois vary depending on what interests you but some popular activities include visiting museums, exploring nature trails and parks, golfing, shopping, and dining out at restaurants.
If you’re looking for things to do in Illinois, you won’t be disappointed. From big city attractions like Chicago to smaller towns with a lot of history and character, there’s something for everyone in Illinois. Here are just a few of the many great things to see and do in this Midwestern state.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Illinois is Chicago. The Windy City offers a variety of activities and attractions, including museums, theaters, shopping, and dining. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, take a drive down Route 66 or visit one of the many state parks.
For history buffs, Springfield is a must-see. This is where Abraham Lincoln lived and worked before he became president. Today, his home is open to the public as part of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
You can also tour the Old State Capitol Building, which houses exhibits on Illinois history.
If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, head to Lake Michigan where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. There are also several scenic hiking trails located along the lake shoreline.
For those who love winter sports, don’t miss out on skiing at one of Illinois’ many ski resorts.
Illinois Places | Top 15 Best Places To Visit In Illinois | Travel Guide
What is the Number 1 Attraction in Illinois?
If you’re looking for the top attraction in Illinois, look no further than the Willis Tower. The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story skyscraper in Chicago. It’s the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and attracts more than 1.7 million visitors per year.
With its iconic Skydeck on the 103rd floor, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Chicago and beyond.
Where is the Prettiest Place in Illinois?
There is no definitive answer to this question as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, there are many stunning places to see throughout Illinois. From the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park to the man-made wonder of Millennium Park in Chicago, there are plenty of options for those looking for a pretty place to visit in Illinois.
Other contenders for the title of prettiest place in Illinois could include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, the Garden of the Gods in southern Illinois or any of the numerous picturesque small towns dotting the state. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide where the prettiest place in Illinois is for them.
What Illinois is Famous For?
When it comes to the Land of Lincoln, there are a few things that Illinois is famous for. First and foremost, the state is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln. The 16th president was born in Kentucky but spent most of his life living in Illinois, including his time as President during the Civil War.
Springfield, Illinois is where you’ll find Lincoln’s tomb as well as several other important historical sites related to him.
In addition to its connection to Honest Abe, Illinois is also famous for being a major transportation hub in the Midwest. The city of Chicago has one of the busiest airports in the world and is served by several major interstate highways.
If you’re looking to travel by train, Amtrak also has a number of routes that pass through Illinois.
Finally, no discussion of what Illinois is famous for would be complete without mentioning deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs! These two culinary delights are favorites among locals and visitors alike and can be found all over the state.
What are Things Only in Illinois?
There are a few things that can be found only in the state of Illinois. One example is the world’s largest truck stop, which is located in Walcott. Illinois is also home to the first ever McDonald’s restaurant, which opened in Des Plaines.
Another unique thing to the state is Abraham Lincoln’s tomb, which is located in Springfield. Lastly, the city of Chicago has several unique things that can only be found there, such as deep dish pizza and The Bean sculpture.
Credit: www.viator.com
Unique Things to Do in Illinois
There is no shortage of things to do in Illinois, but sometimes it can be hard to find something truly unique and special. Here are ten ideas for things to do in the state that are sure to make your trip memorable:
1. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of one of America’s most famous presidents. It’s located in Springfield, Illinois – Lincoln’s hometown.
2. Take a ride on the Chicago “L.”
The “L” is a train system that runs throughout Chicago. It’s a great way to see the city, and it’s also just a really cool experience!
3. Eat at Alinea.
Alinea is widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in the world, so if you’re into good food, this is definitely something you’ll want to check out. It’s located in Chicago.
4 .
Visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site . This site was once home to a large Native American city called Cahokia . Today, it’s an archaeological site where you can learn about the people who once lived there .
It’s located near Collinsville , Illinois .
5 Go on a wine tour . There are many vineyards and wineries located throughout Illinois , so going on a wine tour is definitely something worth doing while you’re in the state .
6 Attend a performance at The Second City . The Second City is a famous comedy club based in Chicago . If you’re into comedy , this is definitely something you should check out !
7 Take a scenic drive down Route 66 . Route 66 runs through Illinois , and it’s definitely worth taking some time to explore . 8 Visit Starved Rock State Park Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois’ most popular state parks, and for good reason – it’s absolutely beautiful ! If you love nature , this is definitely somewhere you’ll want to visit 9 See an MLB game at Wrigley Field Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs, one of baseball ‘s most iconic teams . If you’re into baseball or just want to experience some classic Americana , watching a game here is definitely something worth doing 10 Visit Millennium Park Millennium Park is one of Chicago ‘s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason – it has tons of stuff to see and do!
Things to Do in Illinois With Kids
Illinois is a great state for families with kids. There are so many things to do and see, from the big city of Chicago to the more rural parts of the state. Here are just a few ideas of things to do in Illinois with kids:
-Take a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This museum is one of the largest in the country and has something for everyone. Kids will love exploring all the interactive exhibits.
-Visit Lincoln’s home in Springfield. This is a must-see for any history buff or fan of Abraham Lincoln. The home is well preserved and there are plenty of activities for kids to do nearby.
-Explore Starved Rock State Park. This park is located in central Illinois and has beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors with the family.
-Check out Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. This site was once home to a large Native American city and it’s now an archaeological treasure trove. Kids will love learning about this slice of history.
Things to Do in Illinois Today
Looking for something to do in Illinois today? Here are some ideas:
Visit a state park: With over 100 state parks to choose from, there’s bound to be one near you.
Take a hike, go fishing, or just enjoy the scenery.
Visit a museum: Illinois is home to some world-renowned museums, including the Field Museum of Natural History and the Art Institute of Chicago. There’s sure to be something that interests you.
Take a scenic drive: From the Great River Road along the Mississippi River to the winding roads of Amish country, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore in Illinois. So get in your car and hit the open road!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for things to do in Illinois, this blog post has some great ideas. From visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to taking a scenic drive along the Great River Road, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, be sure to add Illinois to your list of places to visit.