Things to Do in Illinois
From lakefront beaches to sandstone canyons, world-class museums to small-town festivals. Illinois has more to offer than you might think.
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By Season
Spring (March - May)
Summer (June - August)
Fall (September - November)
Winter (December - February)
Must-Visit State Parks
Starved Rock State Park
Utica
18 canyons and waterfalls
Best for: Day hikers, photographers
Garden of the Gods
Shawnee National Forest
Dramatic rock formations
Best for: Nature lovers seeking solitude
Matthiessen State Park
Utica
Less crowded alternative to Starved Rock
Best for: Canyon hiking without crowds
Giant City State Park
Makanda
Massive sandstone blocks, great lodge restaurant
Best for: Climbers, families, foodies
By Region
Chicagoland
- →Millennium Park & The Bean
- →Architecture boat tours
- →Museum Campus
- →Navy Pier
- →Lincoln Park Zoo (free!)
- →Neighborhood food tours
Northern Illinois
- →Galena historic district
- →Starved Rock State Park
- →Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)
- →Fox River trails
- →Geneva/St. Charles downtowns
Central Illinois
- →Springfield Lincoln sites
- →Route 66 attractions
- →Allerton Park
- →U of I campus events
- →Bloomington Constitution Trail
Southern Illinois
- →Garden of the Gods
- →Giant City State Park
- →Shawnee Wine Trail
- →Cave-in-Rock
- →Cypress Creek wetlands
Free & Low-Cost Activities
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy Illinois. Here are our top budget-friendly picks.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago
Millennium Park
Chicago
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago
State parks
Statewide
Forest preserve trails
Chicagoland
Free museum days
Chicago
Public beaches
Lake Michigan
Library events
Statewide
Park district programs
Statewide
Farmers markets
Statewide
Weekend Getaways
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
Chicago
Starved Rock Hiking
Utica
Galena Weekend Getaway
Galena
Garden of the Gods
Harrisburg
Lincoln Sites Tour
Springfield
Great River Road Drive
Western Illinois
Annual Events
Taste of Chicago
World's largest food festival featuring Chicago's diverse cuisines
Lollapalooza
Iconic 4-day music festival in Grant Park
Illinois State Fair
Classic state fair with rides, concerts, and agriculture
Ravinia Festival
Outdoor concert venue hosting classical, pop, and jazz all summer
Christkindlmarket
Authentic German Christmas market with crafts and treats
Apple Picking Season
Visit orchards throughout Illinois for fresh apples and cider
Family Activities
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago
Museum Campus
Chicago
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield
Morton Arboretum
Lisle
Cosley Zoo
Wheaton
Kohl Children's Museum
Glenview
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