What to do in Illinois

Activities, attractions and tours

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Silhouettes of people against a cityscape at night.
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A waterfront building with a sign reading "Water Street."

Activities

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

AU$39
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

AU$58
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Art Institute of Chicago
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

AU$59
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

AU$36
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

AU$82
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Chicago Panoramic Night Tour

Big Bus Chicago Sunset Tour

AU$52
per adult
Big Bus Chicago Sunset Tour
Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River

Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River or Lake Michigan

AU$55
per adult
Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River or Lake Michigan
Chicago Fireboat Fireworks Cruise

Chicago Fireboat Fireworks Cruise

AU$82
per adult
Chicago Fireboat Fireworks Cruise
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

Home of the legendary Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is known and loved by baseball fans from all over the world, many of whom flock here to see a match or simply soak up the history and the atmosphere. One of the oldest and most storied ballparks across America, Wrigley Field has a proud heritage dating back all the way to 1914.
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2. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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3. Navy Pier

Well over eight million visitors flock to Navy Pier every year, whiling away the Chicago days in the parks, shops and restaurants gathered on this expansive corner of Lake Michigan. The pier is open throughout the year, but it peaks in the summer when you can visit the open-air souvenir stalls and watch the weekly firework shows.
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4. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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5. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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6. Millennium Park

Set in 10 hectares of parkland in the central Loop area, Millennium Park is a popular destination for local Chicago folk and visitors, ideally situated close to other major attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Magnificent Mile. With so much space to wander and soak up the atmosphere, it is a perfect spot for a bit of biking or jogging. It’s also used as a site for many big concerts that come to the city.
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A cityscape with modern skyscrapers and the Cloud Gate sculpture.

7. Six Flags Great America

Locals and visitors come to Six Flags Great America to escape the heat during Milwaukee’s summer months. The theme park has almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) of roller coaster track alongside a host of other family attractions and entertainment set over a sprawling area close to the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.
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8. Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.
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What to do in Illinois

Stay near popular Illinois attractions

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Photo by © City of Chicago
Open Photo by © City of Chicago

Wrigley Field

9.0/10 (11,704 reviews)
Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.
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Our guide on where to stay in Illinois

Find the best Illinois areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

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Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

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The Loop

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

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River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

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Lincoln Park

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Illinois

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Chicago

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Rockford

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St. Louis

A serene garden with a pond, neatly trimmed bushes, and a stone bridge.

Arlington Heights

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Buffalo Grove

A calm lake with boats docked on the left, surrounded by dense forest.

Pontoon Beach

A frozen river with ducks, snow-covered trees, and a clear sky.

Burr Ridge

A park with picnic tables, a gazebo, playground equipment, and a large tree.

Vernon Hills