Its a reality at Good Templar Park in Geneva, Illinois. Illinois might be known as Lincolns Land, but the Scandinavians can claim a little piece of it as well. Begin with a virtual ride in the bed of a 2 and a half story mining truck before testing out their simulators and putting your engineering skills to the test with your very own designs. As befitting the Prairie State, there are also plenty of prairies with wide-open skies stretching as far as the eye can see. Anderson Japanese Gardens gabe popa / Flickr The third largest city in the state is Rockford, which is where you'll find the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isnt it? Jackson Falls has steep bluffs that lead to a picturesque waterfall; Cedar Lake has clear blue waters surrounded by a number of lush green nature trails. This is just a small sample of whats available at Bengtsons Pumpkin Farm, a family-friendly destination thats sure to inspire a love of country living in your little ones! We are both rural and urban, allowing guests to enjoy big city life and simple, country treasures . Though it offers a tasty hot dog served on a poppy seed bun and topped with piccalilli fries, its real selling point is its 1950s-style carhop service. Pride Festivals in Illinois. Instead, they know it for its most acclaimed tourist attraction: a literal cave carved out of a rock that sits on the river. 3. Popular beach sites offer swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, volleyball playing and more. You cant mention Illinois without mentioning Lollapalooza. Its a place where you can get lost in whole new worlds woven together by nothing but the imaginations of long-lost wordsmiths. For spending an afternoon, you can get your fill of nature. The Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the major points of interest in Illinois. If youre thinking about what to do on a rainy day in the Prairie State, consider a trip to the Chestnut Mountain Resort. For example, Hometown Square is a country-themed area where everything has a boots-and-spurs kind of charm. Address: 600 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL 62711, United States. Its so renowned that it was officially recognized by the Japanese government for its efforts in promoting international friendship. Chicago to Quincy. Theres no toll, so you can enjoy it at your leisure. It specializes in sweet and savory dishes that put the cacao bean front and center. The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best places to visit in Chicago, especially if you have kids in tow. Address: 110 S.W. It isnt just a Chicago thing; its an Illinois thing. Theyll even put your straw in your milkshake for you! Chicago is the state's most popular destination, drawing travelers from across America and around the world. Every inch of the walls is covered with faded Ford advertisements and Coca-Cola posters. Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Illinois. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 8 Things to Do In Southern Illinois - For Travelista Other things to do include petting penguins, exploring gardens, dining at the on-site restaurant and riding various trains and carousels. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Winnetka, Illinois is a small town tucked into the northeastern corner of the state. When the Illinois weather isnt cooperating, however, the Chestnut Mountain Resort isnt any less fun. However, its anything but inconsequential: With a median income of $207,000 per year, it has one of the wealthiest populations in America. From the top of the Willis Tower Skydeck, tourists can see up to 50 miles over four states and Lake Michigan. Committed to inspiring lifelong learning, the Peoria Museum offers interactive galleries, a dome planetarium, a giant screen theater, major exhibitions, and more. Order Magazines & Visitor Guides Dont miss your opportunity to visit one of the most revered art museums of all time. Though its seen numerous renovations over the years, locals have kept its spirit alive by carefully preserving its foundational elements while also hiring millwrights from the Netherlands who understand what its design is supposed to be like. Features of the park include tunnels, whirlpools, playgrounds, diving lanes, rapid water channels and more. Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. Address: 301 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002, United States. Inspired by liquid mercury, the curved surface reflects the Chicago skyline and the tourists who walk through its arch. Your Illinois State Fair Guide Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. While the "Prairie State" is famed for its National parks to the south and the great city of Chicago to the west, there are endless Central Illinois attractions for travelers of all ages and interests. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Read that sentence again if you need a minute for everything to sink in. 25 Best Day Trips in Illinois Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Locals call its slope the windmill hill.. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Otherwise, bring your own picnic and recline under the shade of the trees for a beautiful, peaceful experience in nature. You can see our fullprivacy policy here. If youre wondering what to see in Illinois, why not see it all? Calumet Fisheries isnt your usual seafood shack. The Superdawg Drive-In represents a bygone era in Chicago, but thats exactly what makes it so special. The end result is fatty salmon, stout sturgeon, jumbo shrimp and even the occasional round of smokehouse eel. A walk down the Magnificent Mile, a portion of Michigan Avenue, is one of the must-dos for visitors to Chicago. Outdoor Adventures in Illinois. A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about? Walk around the campus of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a top college in Urbana. Part of the reason for its allure is its proximity to Lake Michigan. Here Are The Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Illinois If youre thinking this is a butterfly-related museum, think again. A 300-mile stretch of American roadway, steeped in legend and packed full with e Drive some of Illinois oldest and greatest roads for classic Midwestern culture Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. The seafood is brined overnight and smoked for hours over wood logs. The real rabbits will be happy to come out of their hutches and see you. After all, the money you save when you plan a trip with us is best spent along the way. Here are 50 things around Illinois that simply can't be missed! John Deere Pavilion 4.5 /5 (130 reviews) It offers all of the roller coasters and cotton candy that you could want, but its also undeniable as one of Illinoiss attractions. Illinois Regions & Cities | Places to go in Illinois | Enjoy Illinois The Soul Asylum, 301 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002, USA. In fact, at the Chestnut Mountain Resort, the rain might add to the ambiance of your roaring fireplace and frost-covered windows. Its skyline is printed on countless postcards, and its activities range from dining and shopping to touring glass gardens and hopping on amusement park rides. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kids can burn off their energy in two-story mazes or explore their creative sides in art studios and career booths. To get a thrill, hop on the old-fashioned train train or hurl yourself down the towering six-lane slide. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Indiana - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor As a bonus, its one of the last free admission zoos in America, so you wont have to pay anything to enjoy it. Route 66 starts its long journey to the West Coast in Chicago. For example, the Historic Museum of Torture Devices is opened two days per week for those who want to gawk at grisly and gruesome tools from previous centuries. Just consider it icing on the cake that you can experience it in Illinois rather than Nevada. Are there cheap things to do in Central Illinois? The vendors are hawking everything from artisan cheeses to freshly-baked bread and just-pickled veggies. Illinois Bucket List: 50 Things You Can't Miss in the Prairie State Popular things to do Day Cruises Historical Tours Hiking Trails City Tours Cultural Tours Biking Trails Architecture Tours Ghost Tours Bodies of Water Art Tours Half-day Tours Nature & Wildlife Areas Self-guided Tours Bus Tours Historic Sites Segway Tours Night Tours Forests Photography Tours Museum Tickets & Passes Mountain Bike Tours Address: 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602. All things considered, if youre looking for nifty places to visit in Illinois, consider Wolffs Flea Market. Besides being a State Historic Site, Cahokia is also a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a stop at Illinois State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Springfield. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Your To-Do List for Exploring the Great Outdoors, Fresh Family Fun on Chicago's North Shore, Springtime in Illinois: 9 Exciting Festivals and Events, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Central Illinois is ILLINI COUNTRY ~ The area's BEST HOMEPAGE!! One of the top attractions in Chicago, and one of the country's oldest Major League Baseball parks, this historic spot has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1914. Located in Bridgeview, Illinois, SeatGeek Stadium is a mid-sized venue thats hosted a number of events over the years. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. The roadside attractions along Route 66 were designed to attract travelers to local towns and businesses. When you're ready for a break from sightseeing, this is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy some tranquility. The lake itself is a shimmering jewel surrounded by lush grasses and sandy shores. The owners have leaned into this reputation in recent years and created a number of tours and events based off local legends. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. The Grant Home in Galena was presented to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865 upon his return from the Civil War. Lets talk about the best and most memorable things to do in Illinois. 16 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois by a Local (2023) You cant visit Chicago without trying a Chicago-style hot dog. Many of them take advantage of the planetariums dome shape to project 3D images that really bring celestial objects to life. Its a point of pride in terms of Illinois attractions, and itll provide amazing insight into one of the countrys most popular leaders. When you book your journey with Travelocity, youre never far from Central Illinois attractions. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music. Address: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, United States. Address: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617, United States. Its a big draw for the city of Lisle, and if youre a natural history fan, itll be one of the best vacation destinations for you as well. The giant silver bean is embedded in the public consciousness. Access exclusive deals, only with the Travelocity app. SEE THE HISTORIC BRIDGE 4. Dive into the unique history of the State of Illinois Springfield Museum where youll learn about its land, people, art, and culture. Please fill out the form below. Chicago to Alton. You can dine and drink in style as you take in the thrills below. Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Central Illinois? Everyone knows about Wrigley Field in Chicago, but what if youre more into soccer than baseball? Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. If youre a fan of honest Abe, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is more than worth the price of admission. As a Midwesterner would know, Caterpillar is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, and their bright yellow machinery can be spotted across the globe. If youre a fan of history, culture or man-made infrastructure, the Fabyan Windmill is a top tourist destination in Illinois. All things considered, Buffalo Rock State Park is one of the best places to visit in Illinois. Other entertainment options include concerts, carols, sleigh rides, wood carving demonstrations and reindeer petting zoos. Utterly unpretentious, the company is staffed by a laid-back crew that will welcome you to tour the facility like a friend rather than a customer. If Soderstrom Castle seems like a fun thing to do in Central Illinois, make sure to check out even more castles found throughout the state on our post. Samuel A. Love/Flickr. Keep the crew happy with our family friendly experiences. Address: 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125, United States. Your To-Do List for Exploring the Great Outdoors. Who needs Bordeaux when you have a place like Galena Cellars Vineyard? Address: 1 University Ave, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, United States. The park is listed on the Register of National Historic Landmarks, while the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Bengtsons Pumpkin Farm is one of the best places to go in Illinois with kids. If you arent familiar with the Bah religion, its based on the teachings of a Persian prophet, and you can learn a lot about its beliefs and origins by visiting its temple. At the Mysterious Mineral Springs Hotel, you can enjoy thrills and chills from multiple attractions and activities all conveniently located in the same spot. Beyond the delicious food, Motorheads has a truly unique atmosphere, designed with car and racing enthusiasts in mind as well as an appreciation for the historic area and the generations that have dined at Motorheads. You dont have to be religious to appreciate the glory and rarity of the Bah House of Worship. If youre looking for cool things to see in the Prairie State, you wont want to miss the famous of Illinoiss attractions, and it doesnt get more famous than Route 66. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music. Its time to embrace your inner monkey and go hurtling through the treetops at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music. When youre done with the planetarium, feel free to venture into the town of Bourbonnais with its red brick buildings and white picket fences. around Illinois. More than a quarter of a million people descend on the lakefront every year to eat, drink, dance and generally have the time of their lives. Are you ready to get started with your vacation plans? Every space in the parking lot is filled with automobiles from another era. This is an ideal place to linger with a coffee and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Did we mention that its completely free? THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Illinois - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Shawnee National Forest isnt the only such destination, but its one of the best. If youre feeling the holiday spirit, Belleville Christkindlmarkt is one of the best places to visit in Illinois in the winter. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. With a menu that includes everything from ziplining to axe throwing, the Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park will definitely satisfy your hunger for adventure. State Parks in Illinois, check out this post. Meet its people. 1. Another nice thing about the pier is that its open all year long, so whether youre headed to Chicago this weekend or three seasons from now, you can count on it being a rock-steady presence in the city. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its shops. Fun for the whole family, the Discovery Center Museum is a top 10 destination when youre traveling with kids in Illinois. Its the only one of its kind in North America and one of only a handful in the entire world. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Mark your calendar for this summers celebrations of love and equality! The garden's designer, Hoichi Kurisu, was a famous landscape designer in his native Japan and has designed other notable gardens around the United States, including the wonderful Portland Japanese Gardens. Explore everything from Abe's house and law offices to his must-see presidential museum. DISCOVER THE WILDLIFE RESERVE 3. Now that youve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin pastor you can embrace this new place youve come to. You can enjoy a show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre during your stay in Tinley Park. Lake Katherine is less known than Lake Michigan, but if you ask any Illinois native, its still among the best and most beautiful places to see. Stop by an old-fashioned tea house or hike until you reach a waterfall. Roadside attractions are one of the best things about Route 66, especially when theyre as quirky as Henrys Rabbit Ranch. You can camp for days; you can picnic for an afternoon. Springtime in Illinois: 9 Exciting Festivals and Events. Explore the campus of Illinois State University, during your trip to Normal. Youll not be wanting for things to do in Central Illinois. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars. Discover Downstate Illinois covers more ground than any other Convention and Visitor's Bureau in the State of Illinois. Today, however, the cave is just a cool tourist attraction. You dont have to travel to Bordeaux to find high-quality wine. Why not check out some of the things to do in Chicago? If you werent able to make it to Chicagos Navy Pier, Bourbonnais has a Ferris wheel as well, so you can cross ride into the clouds off your list of things to do in Illinois. Address: 6300 W Touhy Ave, Niles, IL 60714, United States. From auto races to carnival rides to live music and performances, the Illinois State Fair is back again this year and promises to deliver fair fun once again for the whole family. Visitors to the town can gawk at the elaborate and expensive mansions that line the pretty, tree-shaded streets, including the Georgian mansion was that used for the first two Home Alone movies. Ultimately, if you want to see the sky, its worth a trip to the Strickler Planetarium. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past. The Galena Cellars Vineyard is renowned among Illinois attractions for both its delectable vintages and its jaw-dropping scenery in the rolling hills of Galena. 10 Fun Things to Do in Northern Illinois from $6 | Expedia The shopping along here is some of the best in Chicago, with everything from everyday stores to high-end boutiques. Try ice climbing and eagle spotting in winter. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Not only can you enjoy everything from twinkling lights to steaming mugs of hot cocoa, but since its a market, you can also grab souvenirs to take home and remember the experience all year long. Today, the restaurant, dcor, and long counter remain largely unchanged, a relic of the past, and it has also stayed in the family, as Eds grandson continues the family tradition. Address: 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois. You dont have to be familiar with Japanese culture to appreciate the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Theres much more where that came from, however. Home Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States. 10 Fun Things to Do in Western Illinois July 2023 | Expedia Welcome to Discover Downstate Illinois | Discover Downstate Illinois Located in Champaign, Illinois, Krannert Art Museum is 48,000 square feet of fine art that serves the University of Illinois. Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. View Travel Illinois. Planning to visit Springfield soon? Illinois also plays host to a number of special events throughout the year, including the world-famous Lollapalooza. Address: 1500 Crissey Ave, Batavia, IL 60510, United States. The museum offers other things to marvel at, too, including elaborate lapidary art and antique farm machinery. Its one of the grandest places to visit in Illinois, and it can renew your faith in a beautiful world if nothing else. Visitors can spend time fishing in the river and biking or jogging on the numerous trails. Thankfully, the Superdawg Drive-In offers a fun and unique vacation experience thatll leave your belly and your camera roll fit to bursting. With its crowded bookshelves crowded by even more odds and ends, its one of the more unique things to see in Illinois, but its individuality is just another part of its charm. When you venture out of the rugged wilderness and towards the more developed areas, youll find bathrooms, playgrounds, athletic fields and art sculptures dedicated to preserving the legacy of the original Native American inhabitants. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Whether youd like to learn more about the state and its history or youre looking for interesting things to do in Central Illinois in the winter, theres a huge variety of museums in the region. 13. Its also a popular spot for hosting wedding receptions and other classy events that could use a touch of glamor. 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois (by a Local) Exhibits at the museum range from ancient textiles to modern art and photography. Across the street, you'll find the Sumac Shop, where tourists can purchase interesting gifts of all kinds, including model-building kits, books, and bow ties. Attractions Food & Drink Map Leaderboards Stories Lists Unusual Attractions in Illinois Chicago, Illinois Oz Park This whimsical Oz-themed park had a wonderful impact on the surrounding. The Heart of Central Illinois is Illinicountry.com. There are also many food items ranging from spiced butters and jams to colorful gingerbread houses with all of the trimmings. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Take aim at these camera-ready sights along Illinois seven scenic byways. Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States. As such, its one of the big points of interest of the Midwest, and its collected more than 30,000 tomes throughout the years from people seeking to preserve the pretty words of writers gone by. The assortment is all the more impressive for the fact that its a one-man show. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Plan Your Visit Saturday, August 19, 8:00 PM - Maren Morris with TBD. Other attractions include high-quality parks, museums, restaurants and historical societies. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vacations, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Vacations, Lincoln Home National Historic Site Vacations, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses Vacations, Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores Vacations, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Vacations, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking.
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