Known for its breadth of landscapes and myriad of activities, Illinois is epic in every sense of the word. From Chicago's famous deep-dish pizzas and high-rise buildings, to the wealth of historic landmarks in the picturesque city of Springfield, it offers all that and more.
The Midwest's most populous state is full of wonders - so buckle up, as we take you through 15 of the best attractions in Illinois.
⭐️Discover and have a quick browse around popular Attractions in Illinois.
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1. Attractions in Illinois: Willis Tower, Chicago
Willis Tower, Chicago
| 📍Location: 233 South Wacker Drive 🕑Opening hours: 9 am - 10 pm |
30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride
30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride
Itinerary:
- City Cruises Chicago Navy Pier
- Grant Park
- Navy Pier
- Buckingham Fountain
- The Magnificent Mile
Pricing:
| Tickets | Prices |
| Audlts (Age 13-99) | US$39.21 |
| Child (Age 3-12) | US$27.31 |
Private Chicago Architecture Tour
Private Chicago Architecture Tour
On our Chicago Architecture Tour, we’ll stop at and discuss:
- Sears “Willis” Tower
- The John Hancock Building
- Gothic gems
- Magnificent Mile notable locations
- Historic brownstones
- The Frank Lloyd Wright homes of Oak Park
Pricing:
| Tickets | Prices |
| SUV (3 to 5 passengers) | US$2,750 |
| Mini Bus (13 to 24 passengers) | US$1,580 |
| Sedan (1 to 2 passengers) | US$880 |
| Sprinter (6 to 12 passengers) | US$1,280 |
| Coach (25 to 55 passengers) | US$2,750 |
2. Attractions in Illinois: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
| 📍Location: 111 South Michigan Avenue 🕑Opening hours: Thu-Fri 1 pm - 8 pm, Sat-Mon 11 am - 6 pm, Tue-Wed Closed |
3. Attractions in Illinois: Millennium Park, Chicago
Millennium Park
| 📍Location: 201 East Randolph Street |
4. Attractions in Illinois: Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
(Source: Vasu Pendyala/Unsplash)
| 📍Location: 2668 East 875th Road 🕑Opening hours: 6:20 am - sunset |
5. Attractions in Illinois: Navy Pier, Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago
| 📍Location: 600 East Grand Avenue |
6. Attractions in Illinois: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield
(Source: Jacob Thorson/Unsplash)
| 📍Location: 112 North Sixth Street 🕑Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm |
7. Attractions in Illinois: Dana Thomas House, Springfield
Dana Thomas House, Springfield
(Source: Nathan Walker/Unsplash)
| 📍Location: 301 East Lawrence Avenue 🕑Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm |
8. Attractions in Illinois: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
| 📍Location: 2001 North Clark Street 🕑Opening hours: 10 am - 5 pm |
Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods
Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods
Itinerary:
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Magnificent Mile
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Lake Michigan
- North Avenue Beach
- Lakefront Trail
Pricing:
| Tickets | Prices |
| Adults (Age 12-99) | US$54.99 |
| Infant (Age 3 and under) | US$9.99 |
| Youth (Age 4-11) | US$34.99 |
9. Attractions in Illinois: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago
Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago
| 📍Location: Riverwalk 🕑Opening hours: Most of Riverwalk is open from 6 am to 11 pm |
45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile⛵️
Itinerary:
- Chicago River
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Michigan Avenue Bridge
- Wrigley Building
- Merchandise Mart
- Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
- Marina City
Pricing:
| Tickets | Prices |
| Adult (Age 13-100) | US$25 |
| Child (Age 4-12) | US$10 |
10. Attractions in Illinois: St. Regis Hotel, Chicago
(Source: Pedro Lastra /Unsplash)
| 📍Location: 363 East Wacker Drive 🕑Opening hours: 10 am - 5 pm |
11. Attractions in Illinois: Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
(Source: Dylan LaPierre /Unsplash)
| 📍Location: 1 Lake Front Drive 🕑Opening hours: 8 am - 8 pm |
12. Attractions in Illinois: Wrigley Field, Chicago
Wrigley Field, Chicago
(Source: Blake Guidry /Unsplash)
| 📍Location: 1060 West Addison Street 🕑Opening hours: Check official website |
13. Attractions in Illinois: Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Magnificent Mile, Chicago
| 📍Location: 625 North Michigan Avenue |
Recommended hotels near Magnificent Mile:
14. Attractions in Illinois: Brookfield Zoo, Chicago
Brookfield Zoo, Chicago
(Source: Nakolay Tchaouchev /Unsplash)
| 📍Location: 8400 West 31st Street 🕑Opening hours: 10 am - 5pm |
15. Attractions in Illinois: Cantigny Park, Wheaton
Cantigny Park, Wheaton
Source: Trip moments
| 📍Location: 1S151 Winfield Road 🕑Opening hours: 7 am - sunset |
To make your trip a little more exquisite, stay at our recommended hotels in Illinois:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the number 1 attraction in Illinois?
With 108 floors, and stunning views of the city, Willis Tower in Chicago is one of the most iconic attractions in Illinois. Equally breath-taking is the Chicago Riverwalk — teeming with boat rides and impressive landscapes.
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What is the number 1 attraction in Chicago?
Set on the coastline of Chicago, Navy Pier boasts 50 acres of entertainment. Explore lush gardens, trendy restaurants, upscale shopping centers, and some of the most exciting concert venues.
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Is there anything cool in Illinois?
Indulge in retail therapy at Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile, check-in to the city's luxurious St Regis Hotel, or hike through the cascading waterfalls of Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby.
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What can couples do in Illinois?
A boat ride on the Chicago River is a big yes, as is strolling around the Navy Pier. Set up a picnic in the charming Millennial Park, or soak in impressive views of the skyline from Willis Tower.