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If you are looking for things to do in Illinois, then you will love this list!

Illinois is a beautiful state in the Midwest that is full of unique towns and cities.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, big cities, or historic sites, there is an Illinois attraction for you to enjoy.

Illinois is known as the “Land of Lincoln” because President Abraham Lincoln spent most of his life there.

But Illinois has also been home to several other American presidents. It’s one of the things that makes Illinois so unique.

You’ll find tons of historic sites there, including ones regarding many presidents.

It was also the home of famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright for many years.

So you’ll also find plenty of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture to admire.

Illinois is truly a state that has a little bit of everything.

So, lets take a look a look at 20 things to do in Illinois that should go on your bucket list.

A sign on the side of the road welcoming you to Illinois. The road is surrounded by corn fields. The sign says 'Welcome to Illinois - The Land of Lincoln' in a teal blue and the second i in Illinois is the shape of the state.

20 Things To Do In Illinois: The Ultimate Bucket List

Visiting Chicago Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Illinois

The first stop on everyone’s trip to Illinois is usually Chicago and for good reason.

There are so many fun things to do and see that you can easily spend two days exploring Chicago.

Some of the most popular Illinois attractions are The Willis Tower and John Hancock Center.

They are both large skyscrapers and in The Willis Tower, there is a Skydeck, which is an observation deck.

It’s also the tallest observation deck in the United States.

Chicago also has historic sites, amazing restaurants, and even the starting point to the famous Route 66.

If you are visiting, make sure you make Chicago one of the things you do in Illinois.

There are so many tours in Chicago to take advantage of!

The Chicago skyline as the sun is starting to set. In the view you can see a large lake with docks on it surrounded by a green lawn and trees with mostly green leaves, but some are yellow and red. Behind the trees is the Chicago skyline and the buildings are all lit up. The sky is blue with pink clouds. Chicago is one of the best things to do in Illinois.

Millennium Park

Another popular Illinois attraction in Chicago is Millennium Park.

It is kind of like a town square, but massive to fit the size of Chicago.

Millennium Park has gardens and open-air exhibitions, and there is almost always something going on in the park.

There is a large outdoor amphitheater in the park where they have concerts in the warmer months.

Scattered throughout the park there are also architectural features, street performers, and more.

If you are looking for the famous ‘bean’ sculpture, it’s in Millennium Park.

Make sure you stop by Millennium Park when you are in Chicago. It is one of the best things to do in Illinois.

This is all the more impressive if you are visiting Chicago in the fall.

The famous silver bean sculpture in Millennium Park in Chicago. It is twilight and the sky is a dark blue. Behind the sculpture is the city skyline with the buildings all lit up. You can see the sky and buildings reflected in the sculptures surface.

The Leaning Tower Of Niles

If you are looking for a unique attraction in Illinois, check out the Leaning Tower of Niles.

The Leaning Tower of Niles is a half-size replica of Italy’s famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

It was originally built as a part of the recreational park for the employees of Ilg Hot Air Electric Ventilating Company in 1934.

Ever since then, it’s been an iconic part of the town of Niles.

The Leaning Tower of Niles has lead to the town having a Sister City pact with Pisa in Italy.

It is one of the most unique things to do in Illinois.

There are so many resorts in Illinois to relax in this area!

A leaning tower that looks exactly like the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. This one is in a park and there is a courtyard around it. Outside of the courtyard is a grassy area with evergreen trees and near the tower are trees with no leaves. It is one of the best things to do in Illinois.

Schaumburg For The Woodfield Mall

Schaumburg is a suburb of Chicago, so it’s close to the city, but has its own identity.

What Schaumburg is most known for is its massive Woodfield Mall.

The mall has hundreds of shops and restaurants and you can easily find yourself spending hours there.

Schaumburg is also home to the Legoland Discovery Center, a well-known Illinois attraction.

It is an amusement park for kids that has rides and a 4D cinema.

If you want to spend some time outdoors, Schaumburg also has some great outdoor Illinois attractions.

At the Ned Brown Preserve, you’ll find paved trails and the Busse Lake, which is a bunch of connected smaller pools.

Schaumburg is one of the best places to visit in Illinois.

A gazebo next to a large pond with water fountains on it in a park. The gazebo is made of brick and has a green roof. There is a green railing around the pond and you can see flower beds with pink and yellow flowers and tall grasses. There are trees around the park with green, yellow, and red leaves.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum

In Springfield, Illinois’ capital city, you will find the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

President Lincoln was born in Kentucky but spent most of his life in Illinois.

The Presidential Library and Museum documents the 16th President of the United States’ life as well as the history of the Civil War.

It is one of the most visited Presidential Libraries because it is not just a place for scholarship, it also features readings, performances, and more.

If you are looking for historic sites in Illinois, this a wonderful place to visit in Illinois.

The exterior of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It is a white building with a large rounded area that just out from the side that is floor to ceiling windows. The building looks like a modern take on Greek Revival architecture. There is a brick sidewalk in front of it with light posts and people walking.

Peoria Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Illinois

Peoria is a charming city on the river in Illinois.

You’ll find plenty of things to do, but it also feels like a charming small town.

Spend some time exploring the Peoria Riverfront Museum and its stunning architectural design.

Inside the museum there is a collection of fine art, a sculpture garden, and a planetarium.

Peoria also has a few parks like Glen Oak Park.

At Glen Oak Park there is a beautiful botanical garden and it is near Peoria Lake.

Peoria is easily one of the best places to visit in Illinois.

This is an excellent place to check out camping in Illinois as well.

A large bridge going over the river in Peoria Illinois. It is twilight so the sky is dark and orange, yellow, and blue. The bridge is lit up with white and red lights and in the distance you can see city lights on the shore of the river.

Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site

Ulysses S. Grant is another United States President who called the great state of Illinois home.

In Galena, you can find the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site.

There are so many historical things to do in Galena!

Grant was a Civil War General and later became the 18th President.

His home in Illinois was built by renowned architect William Dennison in 1859 and 1860.

Prior to the Civil War, Grant did have enslaved people living and working on the property.

The museum takes time to focus on their lives as well with exhibits depicting their lives and living situations.

You’ll also see how the home looked when the Grants were living in it, both before and after Ulysses S. Grant became president.

If you are interested in the history of the Presidents, the Grant Home Historic Site is a must-see.

There are so many national parks in the Midwest to explore.

The exterior of the Ulysess S. Grant Home National Historic Site. It is a brick house with two stories, lots of windows with black shutters, and a small covered porch by the front door. In front of the house there is an American flag on a pole. Around the house is a grassy area and behind it you can see another building and trees with no leaves.

Lake Katherine Nature Center And Botanic Gardens

The Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is situated on over 85 acres of beautiful Illinois land.

It is in the South West suburbs of Chicago and is a popular getaway spot for those in the city.

You can enjoy hiking, biking, or bring a picnic and just enjoy the view.

In the Nature Center, you can learn about native wildlife and there are often classes and programs taking place.

Around the Nature Center is a beautiful botanical garden with native grasses, wildflowers, and more.

It is a great place in Illinois to visit when you want a break from the city.

A cascading multi stepped manmade waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by rocks and grasses, shrubs, and trees. There is moss growing on the rocks and there are rocks in the water with moss on them too.

Dana Thomas House

The Dana Thomas House is a famous home designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

It was originally her family’s home that was built in 1868, but wealthy socialite Susan Lawrence Dana asked Wright to redesign it to her tastes and needs.

In 1903 Wright began remodeling the home.

The home has 35 rooms and was one of the largest Wright had built at the time.

It is also one of the best-preserved examples of Wright’s early Prairie style.

Now, it is a National Historic Landmark and it is open to the public for tours.

The exterior of the Dana Thomas House. It is a sandy brick building with green stone along the top story and green rain gutters. There is a grassy lawn in front of the home and a tree on the side of it. You can see a brick building on the other side of the house.
Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Anderson Japanese Garden In Rockford

Rockford is a great city to explore and you’ll always find plenty of things to do there.

But if you have to pick just one thing, I suggest checking out the Anderson Japanese Garden.

The Anderson Japanese Garden is across from the Rock River and near the Anderson Art Museum.

At the garden, you’ll find a beautifully sculpted landscape with trails winding through it.

It also has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Illinois.

The garden is absolutely worth a visit and one of the best things to do in Rockford Illinois.

A manmade waterfall in the Anderson Japanese garden. It has two areas where water is falling over a rocky cliff. There are rocks in the basin and a small river that runs off the waterfall. There are grasses, moss, and trees growing around the waterfall. It is one of the best things to do in Illinois.

Watch A Show At Writers Theater

If you are in Chicago, you’ll absolutely want to try and catch a show at the Writers Theater.

The Writers Theater is a world-renowned theater in Chicago.

It is often considered America’s ‘Number 1 Theater Company’, so you know it will be a good show.

Their schedule changes with a new play being performed every couple of months.

So you can see a show every time you visit Chicago and always see a different show.

It is one of the best things to do in Illinois if you love the arts and the theater.

The exterior of a modern angular building. One section of the gray concrete building is two stories of floor to ceiling windows with wood trim around them. Another larger section is gray concrete with a few windows. In front of the building is a garden with trees and shrubs that have no leaves.
Pamela Brick / Shutterstock.com

Galena For Small Town Illinois Charm

If you are looking for a small-town atmosphere, head to Galena.

Galena is a small town in Northwest Illinois that is most known for its 19th-century architecture and the Ulysses S. Grant Home Historic Site.

Besides that, there are other things to do in Galena.

In the area, there are several mounds.

The Horseshoe Mound offers you beautiful views of three states; Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

At Casper Bluff, you can see a few other mounds that are believed to be ancient ceremonial sites.

There are so many interesting things to do in Galena!

A bench in a park with a large green area looking at the skyline of the town of Galena Illinois. The bench is on the side of a sidewalk and there are two trees next to it. The trees have yellow, red, and orange leaves and there are dead leaves on the ground.

Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio

One of the best day trips from Chicago is in Oak Park.

That is where the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio can be found.

Oak Park is a neighborhood outside of Chicago that is home to several Wright-designed homes.

There are 25 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings and homes in Oak Park, and one of those is his own house and studio.

You can tour the house and studio as they would have looked when Wright was living and working there.

The home, as well as several others in Oak Park, is owned by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.

All the homes that are run by the Trust are available to tour, and they also have packages where you can tour all of them.

If you love architecture the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio is a must-see Illinois attraction.

The front exterior of the Frank Lloyd Wright house and studio. It is a multi layered brick building with dark wood shingles on the sides of a few of the peaks. There is a small garden in front of it with tall green grass and plants in planters with green and dark purple vines and purple flowers.
littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com

Starved Rock State Park Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Illinois

The Starved Rock State Park is nestled along the Illinois River and is a beautiful plot of Illinois wilderness.

The most iconic section of the park is the deep sandstone canyons.

They were carved by a melting glacier over millions of years and attract visitors from all over the world.

Starved Rock State Park is also home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Midwest, the LaSalle Falls.

The water that flows over the falls is melted glacial water that is continuing to carve into the landscape.

If you want to see very full falls, the best time to visit is in the Spring as the snow is melting or after heavy rainfall.

It is easily one of the best places to visit in Illinois if you are looking to admire some unique landscapes.

A waterfall at Starved Rock State Park, one of the best things to do in Illinois. It is a small bridal veil fall that runs into a small river and pond area. The fall is surrounded by rock formations covered in moss and trees with green leaves.

Visit The Capital Of Illinois, Springfield

It’s easy to assume that Chicago is the capital of Illinois.

But Springfield is actually the capital of Illinois and it is full of fun things to do in Illinois.

There are lots of things to do in Springfield especially if you love historic sites and activities.

You can find the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Dana Thomas House. And the Illinois State Capitol building can all be found in Springfield.

President Lincoln called the city home, so you’ll find lots of Abraham Lincoln activities.

It is also where the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and his burial site are located.

Springfield is also along the famous Route 66, so it’s just full of cool historic attractions in Illinois.

An aerial view of the city of Springfield on a cloudy day. There is sun shinning through some of the clouds. You can see the Capitol Building and more buildings and homes in the distance. There are trees scattered throughout the city.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

While you’ll of course want to explore all the things to do in Springfield, you’ll also want to see the Lincoln Home National Historic Site while you are in Illinois’ capital city.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861 before he became the 16th President of the United States.

The entire Historic Site encompasses the four blocks around the home as well, so there is a lot to see.

Inside the home, you’ll find an accurate representation of what the home would have looked like when the Lincoln family was living there.

There are also artifacts and items that originally belonged to the Lincolns.

In the Visitor Center, you’ll learn more about Lincoln and his life in Springfield and find other ways to learn about Lincoln in Illinois.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is one of the coolest things to do in Illinois for history lovers.

The exterior of the Abraham Lincoln House National Historic Site. It is a two story home with a creamy orange exterior, green shutters on all the windows, and a clay colored roof. There is a brick and wooden fence around it that is a clay color. There are trees in front of the house.

Shawnee National Forest For Outdoor Adventure

The Shawnee National Forest is nestled between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

Throughout the park, you’ll find various beautiful landscapes like lakes, massive hills and valleys, and woodlands.

One of the coolest attractions in Illinois can also be found in the Shawnee National Forest.

The Garden of the Gods is an area of the park where you’ll find unique rock formations.

You’ll need to hike to get the best views, but it is one of the best places in the Midwest to experience Fall foliage.

There is also an area of the park where you’ll find bluffs and an incredible waterfall.

You will love the Shawnee National Forest if you are looking for some outdoor Illinois attractions.

The Garden of the Gods area of the Shawnee National Park. There are large rock formations surrounded by trees. The trees have yellow, green, orange, and red leaves. You can see hills covered in trees in the distance.

Bloomington

Bloomington is another town in Illinois where you’ll find Abraham Lincoln’s history.

In the Downtown district is the McLean County Museum of History.

There you’ll find information about Lincoln’s time spent in the area.

They also have a recreated log cabin that would’ve been similar to the one Lincoln lived in.

You can also tour the David Davis Mansion which is a Victorian mansion that belong to Senator David Davis who was a mentor of Lincoln.

Another aspect of the area’s history can be found at the Prairie Aviation Museum where you’ll find a collection of military aircraft.

The Downtown district is also a very charming area with unique shops, restaurants, and more. As you can see, there are many amazing things to do in Bloomington Illinois.

Bloomington is a town full of history, charm, and unique attractions in Illinois.

The exterior of the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington Illinois. It is a Victorian style mansion that is cream with pale grey accents. It has wreaths in the windows and garland on the porches like it is decorated for Christmas. Around the mansion there is a green lawn and some trees.

Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach

Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois.

Not only is the beach a beautiful sandy lake shore, it also has some amazing views of the Chicago skyline.

In the warmer months, you can enjoy watersports, a café, beach rentals, and activities on the shore.

The beach also has a beautiful mural that aims to remind visitors to take care of the beach and be mindful of leaving the area as they found it.

You can walk along the beach all year, but in the colder months, you may find it covered in snow and ice.

But no matter what time of year you visit, this is one of the outstanding things to do in Chicago, and you’ll be able to admire the unique angle of the Chicago skyline.

An aerial view of the Oak Street Beach in Chicago. You can see the beach on Lake Michigan and then right behind it is the city skyline of Chicago. The beach and the city extend into the horizon for miles and the water on the lake is very blue.

Visiting The Ghost Town Of Cairo Is One Of The Cool Things To Do In Illinois

The ghost town of Cairo is one of the best-hidden gems in the Midwest.

The town was at one time a booming port thanks to the steamboat industry.

However, it didn’t last long.

Cairo faced a lot of racial unrest and shortsightedness when it came to economic matters that kept the city from growing.

When it was booming over 15,000 people called Cairo home. In 2010, less than 1,500 people called the now desolate town their home.

That number continues to dwindle as shops and homes become boarded up.

Most of the city is now nothing but boarded-up and crumbling buildings and houses, which makes it a fun place in Illinois to visit for those who love exploring abandoned places.

When visiting Cairo, please keep in mind that there are people who still live there, despite what it might look like.

Also, be careful not to trespass. You can see the crumbling buildings from the road, but avoid going in them as that can be considered trespassing, which is illegal.

Cairo is a city in Illinois that serves as a reminder of how quickly a town can deteriorate after all of its occupants leave.

An abandoned building in Cairo Illinois. It is a three story building with windows all along the front. Most of the windows are boarded up but some are broken. The boards are painted green and light yellow. The building is crumbling and is located on the side of street. Next to it you can see another building falling apart.
Dawid S Swierczek / Shutterstock.com

Packing List When Enjoying Things To Do In Illinois

If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing to visit

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when exploring the best Illinois resorts. 

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking Insta-worthy selfies while discovering island getaways in the US.

I never much believed in using packing cubes when traveling. That is until I tried them. Now I am hooked. These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

The replaceable carbon filters ensure fresh drinking water whenever you want it.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. while visiting Missouri’s National Parks. No matter the time of day or evening.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors.

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There are so many fun things to do in Illinois that it’s hard to pick just one.

Some of the best attractions in Illinois are centered around its unique history – both Presidential and architectural.

You’ll also find plenty of cute towns, vibrant cities, and state and national parks.

If you’ve been to any of these Illinois attractions, or there was one on this list that interested you, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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