If you are searching for things to do in Illinois then this article will help you a lot. Plan a trip to Illinois. It is the fifth most popular and 25th largest state in the United States. Illinois is a state bordering Mississippi river in the west and Indiana in the east. This state is marked by forests, rolling hills, farmland, and wetlands. This state is a wonderland of diversity from the city Chicago to the rivers to the west and farmland in central Illinois. If you are an adventure-seeking, nature-loving, superhero-worshipping, sports-craving or an animal-loving person. Illinois offers a variety of activities that will satisfy your needs. Here is the list of top things to do in Illinois.
Top Things to do in Illinois:
Following are the top most tourist attraction of Illinois.
1) Navy Pier
Visiting Navy Pier is one of the most amazing things to do in Illinois. It is pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Navy pier’s highlights are the Ferris wheel and merry go round. The Ferris Wheel and Merry go round gives an amazing view of the Chicago skyline. Enjoy a speed boat tour and the Ferris wheel ride. It is the great tourist attraction with all kinds of things such as shopping, restaurants, museums, theater and movies. Enjoy this amazing place with your family and friends.
2) Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in the United States. This zoo is home to a variety of animals. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Illinois. The zoo’s exhibits include penguins, big cats, reptiles, polar bears, gorillas, monkeys and so many other species. It also includes children’s area, a free zoo with lions, an interactive farm exhibit, and events. Visiting this zoo with family and friends is one of the most fun things to do in Illinois.
3) Shedd Aquarium
Knowing about the sea world is one of the amazing things to do in Illinois. This aquarium is an indoor aquarium with 32,000 animals. The shed aquarium comprises Caribbean reef, waters of the world, stingray touch, amazon rising, wild reef and the Abbott oceanarium. It is famous for its various habitats and an amazing view of the lake Michigan. This aquarium has famous sharks and sea turtle. This is one of the great places to see all types of aquatic life. Visit the Shedd aquarium with your family and enjoy the sea life.
4) Willis Tower
The Willis tower is the tourist attraction in Illinois. The Willis tower is commonly known as Sears Tower which has 108 stories and a very high skyscraper in Illinois. This iconic skyscraper features spectacular views of Chicago from the uppermost story. The ledge observations boxes are amazing. The sky deck at the top is fabulous. Visiting the Willis tower is one of the most see sights in the Illinois.
5) Starved Rock State Park
Exploring starved rock state rock is one of the most interesting things to do in Illinois. It is a state park which is on the Illinois river. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls and canyons. Starved rock state park offers many activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. There are a number of walking trails which allow access to beautiful scenery. You can catch some flying eagles. The state park comprises horseback riding, picnicking, winter sports and camping. At the starved rock state park, you will see different types of plants. The view of this state park is marvelous.
6) Art Institute of Chicago
Art institute of Chicago is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. This is an art museum which is situated in Chicago’s grant park. This art museum comprises post-impressionist and impressionist art in its permanent collection. It holds old masters, American art, Asian art, Islamic art, American decorative arts, graphical design and many more arts. There are libraries which have great collections of arts. Its architecture is incredible. Children will learn about the variety of arts of different countries.
7) Northerly Island
Visiting Northerly Island is one of the most incredible things to do in Illinois. It is an artificial peninsula along Chicago’s lakefront. The Great Chicago fire festival is held on Northerly Island. This peninsula offers so many activities such as skyline view, fishing, hiking, live music acts, playing and a fieldhouse. This beautiful island is in the middle of the windy city. Enjoy the spectacular skyline views after sunset. This beautiful island allows visitors to take the advantage of nature’s beauty.
8) Grant Park Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is the most amazing things to do in Illinois. The Buckingham fountain is one of the best tourist attractions in Chicago. This fountain is a Chicago landmark and it is the largest fountain in the world. This fountain is made in a rococo wedding cake style. Evening color light shows and regular water shows make this place so beautiful. Enjoy shows with music and lights in the night.
9) Chicago Botanical Garden
Visiting Chicago Botanical Garden is one of the most incredible things to do in Illinois. It is a living plant museum which is situated on nine islands. This garden comprising 26 display gardens and four natural habitats such as lakes, shores, Skokie river corridor, Dixon prairie and McDonald Woods. This botanical garden displays millions of flowers and plants. This place is one of the favorite places of tourists. Those who are nature loving will love to visit this place.
10) Chicago Yacht Club
Enjoying day in Chicago Yacht Club is one of the incredible things to do in Illinois. It hosts several regattas and races throughout the boating season. This club organizes the Chicago yacht club race to Mackinac. This club hosts several water events and longest running freshwater sailing races throughout the boating season. Its offshore and inshore events attract the top sailors in the country. Visitors will definitely enjoy at this place due to its water events.