Top Things to do in Illinois
Top Hotels in Illinois
Top 10 Things to do in Illinois, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including The Art Institute of Chicago, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., Grand View Drive, Lake Michigan, Shawnee National Forest, Wolff's Flea Market, Caterpillar Visitors Center, Woodfield Mall, Six Flags Great America.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24,057 reviews
See why the Art Institute of Chicago is the only museum in the world to be top-ranked by TripAdvisor four years in a row! Experience the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris, and view contemporary masterpieces in the spectacular Modern Wing. Stand before classics like Nighthawks, and travel the globe through galleries devoted to the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas.
Reviewed By nemeshek - Mexico City, Mexico
This is the best Chicago Museum for me. All the classical paints such as Francesco de Mura, Peter Paul Rubens, El Greco, Luca Cambiaso, Tintoretto, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Edvard Munch, Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh are incredible. This is a must to visit in Chicago.
2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,422 reviews
In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln's world and time. Journey from a rustic Indiana cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation's capitol; follow the fate of America's 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family - and a nation. (Please be advised, while the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is open 7 days a week, the Presidential Library is only open on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.)
Reviewed By D2620VEdanc - Avinger, United States
Took an 2 hour, self-guided afternoon tour of the Licoln Memorial in Springfield Illinois with our daughter's family and 3 grandchildren, ages 4 - 9. The memorial is filled with very interesting pieces of Abraham Lincoln's family life, Civil War and presidency. The interesting and artistic displays and videos bring life to the memorial that holds the attention of the 4 year old up to the grandparents. An afternoon well spent.
3. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,936 reviews
Blaum Bros. Is a family owned and operated craft distillery in Galena, IL. Blaum Bros. Uses local grain from Jo Daviess County and produces handcrafted spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin...And many others. Blaum Bros. offers daily tours and tastings and has a gift shop and a craft cocktail bar. Located in Galena on Highway 20 on the East side of town. Come try one of our specialty cocktails!
Reviewed By trippytripster101 - Stoughton, United States
Great drinks from friendly bartenders, the tour by Dennis was informative and entertaining, and wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend.
4. Grand View Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By Gsc52 - Peoria, United States
Multi use area you can just take the drive which takes 10 to 15 minutes and it’s beautiful or you can take your bicycle and bike the drive. You can walk the drive You can take your kids to the swing sets at the bottom of the drive you can have a picnic on the picnic tables over looking the river.I live near here I see kids taking wedding pictures families having a picnic and people walking their dogs just enjoying the beautiful view not much you can do for free but you can do it here and you are welcome
5. Lake Michigan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,848 reviews
Chicago sits on the shore of this Great Lake.
Reviewed By Bandit2118 - Columbus, United States
Staying at The Drake was perfect to walk to Lake Michigan; across one road and under the others and onto Lake Michigan recreation avenue so to speak. There was a lot of people the day we arrived to 95 degree weather with people swimming in Lake Michigan and some volleyball games. Lots of people walking, running and cycling. And the beach was so cool. There was people doing outside yoga at different spots. Simply an epic venue for most recreation activities and I will make it a point to go to Lake Michigan with every single trip to Chicago. I love being around a lot of people enjoying the beautiful lake in many different ways. So convenient and so fun and so scenic and diversity at its best. Everyone embracing and accepting each other with commonality of recreation in an epic setting with smiles and embracing nature within one of America’s great cities! Enjoy Lake Michigan while in Chicago.
6. Shawnee National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By RamblingBadger - Peoria, United States
We had a great trip to the Shawnee National Forest We stayed in Marion. It was only about a 25 minute drive from many attractions but it has a lot of hotel and eating options. Very easy place to stay. The first day we visited Metropolis to see Fort Massac. Loved the huge statue of Superman in Metropolis, lots of photo opts. The Fort was good, you can walk through it in less than 30 minutes with a great view of the Ohio river. The park it is in a great for picnicing. We visited the Kincaid Mounds. The road to get to them was partially dirt and went through very rural IL. Mounds were huge and you could view them from an observation area. It was a pretty long drive for a 10 minute viewing. We drove on the Ohio Scenic Byway which took us through several small towns, not a lot of views of the River. The Chocolate Factory was a great place to stop for ice cream. We also stopped at Cave in the Rock which was in a nice park to walk through to check out the cave. It was nice to see. As others have said make sure you fill up with gas before going in the National Forest- I don't know if we saw a gas station and the points of interest are spread out. Also good to bring a picnic lunch. Not many food places to stop at but plenty of great places for picnicing. Driving through the Forest was very good. We hiked at Garden of the Gods which had great views. We liked the hiking at Rim Rock even better. Great picnic area at Rim Rock and cool hike into a sheltered glen. Take the left path and then go down the stairs. Read the educational markers and enjoy the hike of less than two miles on a good trail into the hollow by a beautiful stream. We went to Giant City and the Stone Fort trail, both of these trails were interesting but not as impressive as the views at G of G or the quiet of Rim Rock. We stopped at Makanda which was really only a handful of shops. While you are in the area stop by one of the many wineries. We stopped at Feather Hills, people were nice, setting was comfortable, and wine was good. What a great way to end a day. Great Forest, we would love to go back again in the fall to see the colors.
7. Wolff's Flea Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Opening day Sunday April 18, 2021. Please visit website as this listing may not reflect most current information. NOTE: Hours may vary due weather. CALL FIRST & check facebook updates. Family owned, outdoors at the Allstate Arena Rosemont since 1991. Chicagoland's family friendly market. 700 unique vendors selling a bit of something for all interests! Fresh produce, antiques, vintage clothing, collectibles, toys, records, reclaimed, records, new merchandise, art, furniture, plants, new clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, automotive, unique, resale, upcycled, crafts, gifts, home decor, overstock, store returns, more. Food stands, breakfast, lunch. Think pizza, tacos, churros, hotdogs, fruit smoothies, ice cream, bakery, roasted corn, coffee, cold drinks... Destination for Chicago visitors, decorators, eBayers, treasure hunters, collectors & bargain shoppers. Have your garage sale with us! Visible off I90, close to O'Hare Airport and hotels.
Reviewed By BeeJay809 - Rockford, United States
Something to try and I’m sure you will find something to take home. A lot of stuff to see, antiques to junk to modern. Experience
8. Caterpillar Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainable progress possible around the world. From the humble beginnings of the first tractor to the company's present-day leadership in building infrastructure and powering the planet — it's all right here on Peoria's beautiful riverfront. We invite you to experience Caterpillar like never before and plan your visit today.
Reviewed By DallasTricia
We have two family members who work for CAT. Visited for the second time and found it even more interesting than before. There’s a fun LEGO/robotics room for kids and all of the machines on display were decked out in holiday lights and bows. Very festive. We had four children in our group from 2-8 years old. Every staff member was very welcoming. Loved the gift shop, too. They’ve thought of everything when it comes to branded gift items. Good quality and reasonable prices.
9. Woodfield Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 636 reviews
Surround yourself with fashion, food, and fun with the most distinctive collection of shopping, dining and entertainment. Woodfield has the finest collection of department stores and specialty shops in the Great Lakes region including Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, jcpenney, Sears and nearly 300 stores and restaurants.
Reviewed By MeBlonde - Chicago, United States
Woodfield has always been a mall to visit once or twice a year as it is pretty far from my home. Besides the mall, there are a lot of good stores in the area as well as great restaurants so you can wander after the mall. As to going to the mall during this time, I felt all the cleaning precautions are being met, everyone in masks and plenty of stuff to buy. JC Penny, Macy's and Nordstrom are the main anchors and Lord and Taylor still there with going out of business sale signs everywhere. Most stores seem to go out of their way to keep customers safe by limiting the number of people in the stores. Sorry to see the Garret's closed but many other sweet bakery shops available as well as several coffee shops. This is a very big mall so if you are looking for a specific store would suggest you check on line to find out where the store is so you don't waste time looking for it. A couple of stores closed, but not many. Would shop again, if I was in the area.
10. Six Flags Great America
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,617 reviews
This amusement park, located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, has over 100 rides and attractions.
Reviewed By aliciamG1366GK
You wont want to miss the Holiday at the Park at Great America! We had a fabulous time at the Holidays at the Park event both this year and last year! It is truly a magical time! The shows, Wonderland at the Grand is superb!!! Looney Tunes Christmas is great fun for kids of all ages! The food options are terrific, get the Dining Pass! It is worth getting a Season Pass for sure, just visiting once will pay for the cost of the Pass!! Walking around seeing all the lights was beautiful and great fun! The Holiday shopping was fun too! Make sure you visit this terrific attraction at Great America!
