10 TOP Things to Do in Illinois (2025 Activity Guide)

Chicago which includes a skyscraper, street scenes and a city

Starved Rock State Park which includes a waterfall

Naperville showing night scenes and a river or creek

Most popular experiences in Illinois

Tours & day trips

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Architecture River Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Eastside Chicago The Heist Exploration Game and Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks

Free cancellation available

Attractions

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360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Free cancellation available

What to do in Illinois

Popular places to visit

Wrigley Field

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.

Magnificent Mile - River North which includes a city, night scenes and signage

Michigan Avenue

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Navy Pier

A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.

McCormick Place

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

Millennium Park

One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.

Soldier Field

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Grant Park

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Six Flags Great America

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Areas of Illinois

Downtown Chicago

The heart of the Midwest’s glittering metropolis has many offerings, from shopping and dining to parks, museums and exciting contemporary public art.

Magnificent Mile

A dazzling array of boutiques, luxury shops, famous department stores and pleasant cafés, where shopaholics can lose themselves for hours.

The Loop

4/5(1 area review)

Bordered roughly by the surrounding elevated train circuit, this Chicago neighborhood has restaurants, galleries, parks and a giant silver bean.

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.

Lincoln Park

Both a neighborhood and a park, this northern Chicago area has gorgeous scenery, residential streets lined with stately homes and extensive shopping and dining.

Theatre District

While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).