Many of us plan for vacations to do all this fun stuff and forget that we have plenty of fun stuff to do right in our own backyard. If you live in Illinois, there are things you absolutely SHOULD do. We are counting down the twenty things that should be on your bucket list.
- Shawnee National Forest
Michael/Flickr At just under 300,000 acres, Shawnee National Forest has some of the most exquisite rock formations in our state, offers vantage points for two rivers, and gives you plenty of deciduous trees to fawn all over.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
Jamie McCaffrey/Flickr Voted the #1 attraction in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago has 300,000 works of art, including some of the most famous artwork in the world. You cannot possibly see it all in a day.
- Wrigley Field
Kirsten/Flickr Perhaps the most iconic ballpark, enjoy the entire Wrigley Field experience complete with hitting the bars in Wrigleyville. Spring for the good seats.
- Starved Rock
gabe popa/Flickr Starved Rock has 18 canyons, gorgeous waterfalls, and 2600 acres of forest.
- Millenium Park
jmcmichael/Flickr Even if you live in Chicago, be a tourist for a day. Millenium Park is not just “the bean.” There is ice skating when the weather gets colder (great date night idea!), gardens, and different events throughout the year.
- Cahokia Mounds
Steve Moses/Flickr At Cahokia Mounds, you will find the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. Be prepared to be blown away by these structures.
- Cave-in-Rock State Park
David Wilson/Flickr Right off the Ohio River, enjoy this unique state park, the crown jewel of which is this cave with a 55-foot opening.
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
History Faculty/Flickr Illinois loves Lincoln, and you should definitely get down to Springfield to savor this important part of our state’s history. Reenactments and cool exhibits make this museum not at all “boring.”
- Metropolis
James Jordan/Flickr Home of Superman, Metropolis is tons of fun for both kids and adults. Don your cape and strike a pose in front of this iconic statue.
- Anderson Japanese Gardens
april/Flickr One of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America, you will be stunned by Anderson Japanese Gardens–located in Rockford.
- Lincoln Park Zoo
Ron Cogswell/Flickr Since 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo has been bringing joy to people–and, get this, it’s absolutely free.
- Springfield
Dan/Flickr Visit the capitol–it’s in a fabulous historic Greek revival style building. Try and go to see the House or Senate in session.
- Illinois State Fair
Rob Thurman/Flickr You just have to go to the fair at least once–see the livestock, eat a corn dog, and go on the scary looking rides. Hey, you only live once.
- Go Back To School
Roger W/Flickr There’s nothing quite like catching an Illini football game. Make the drive to Champaign, definitely tailgate, and head to the game. You will love the collegiate atmosphere.
- Galena
Richie Diesterheft/Flickr There’s just something about Galena’s charm that has people visiting. Rolling hills, scenic roads, and a quaintness about it makes it a favorite.
- Grand View Drive and Park
Tripp/Flickr This trip only lasts 2.5 miles, but you will see some of the most stunning views of the Illinois River Valley. Grab a picnic and head out with the family.
- Mississippi Palisades State Park
CinCool/Flickr Simply check out these stunning views. Wow. These tall limestone bluffs and lush trees will take your breath away.
- Amish Country
Amy/Flickr Arthur, Illinois is really the heart of Amish country. See horses roaming about, buggies, and explore the many country stores.
- Alinea
Alinea/Facebook Is Alinea the best restaurant in Illinois? Absolutely. You might need to save up first, though.
- Chicago Botanic Garden
Sandeep Pawar/Flickr This garden takes up almost 400 acres and has 26 distinct gardens.
What’s on YOUR bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
Michael/Flickr
At just under 300,000 acres, Shawnee National Forest has some of the most exquisite rock formations in our state, offers vantage points for two rivers, and gives you plenty of deciduous trees to fawn all over.
Jamie McCaffrey/Flickr
Voted the #1 attraction in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago has 300,000 works of art, including some of the most famous artwork in the world. You cannot possibly see it all in a day.
Kirsten/Flickr
Perhaps the most iconic ballpark, enjoy the entire Wrigley Field experience complete with hitting the bars in Wrigleyville. Spring for the good seats.
gabe popa/Flickr
Starved Rock has 18 canyons, gorgeous waterfalls, and 2600 acres of forest.
jmcmichael/Flickr
Even if you live in Chicago, be a tourist for a day. Millenium Park is not just “the bean.” There is ice skating when the weather gets colder (great date night idea!), gardens, and different events throughout the year.
Steve Moses/Flickr
At Cahokia Mounds, you will find the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. Be prepared to be blown away by these structures.
David Wilson/Flickr
Right off the Ohio River, enjoy this unique state park, the crown jewel of which is this cave with a 55-foot opening.
History Faculty/Flickr
Illinois loves Lincoln, and you should definitely get down to Springfield to savor this important part of our state’s history. Reenactments and cool exhibits make this museum not at all “boring.”
James Jordan/Flickr
Home of Superman, Metropolis is tons of fun for both kids and adults. Don your cape and strike a pose in front of this iconic statue.
april/Flickr
One of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America, you will be stunned by Anderson Japanese Gardens–located in Rockford.
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
Since 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo has been bringing joy to people–and, get this, it’s absolutely free.
Dan/Flickr
Visit the capitol–it’s in a fabulous historic Greek revival style building. Try and go to see the House or Senate in session.
Rob Thurman/Flickr
You just have to go to the fair at least once–see the livestock, eat a corn dog, and go on the scary looking rides. Hey, you only live once.
Roger W/Flickr
There’s nothing quite like catching an Illini football game. Make the drive to Champaign, definitely tailgate, and head to the game. You will love the collegiate atmosphere.
Richie Diesterheft/Flickr
There’s just something about Galena’s charm that has people visiting. Rolling hills, scenic roads, and a quaintness about it makes it a favorite.
Tripp/Flickr
This trip only lasts 2.5 miles, but you will see some of the most stunning views of the Illinois River Valley. Grab a picnic and head out with the family.
CinCool/Flickr
Simply check out these stunning views. Wow. These tall limestone bluffs and lush trees will take your breath away.
Amy/Flickr
Arthur, Illinois is really the heart of Amish country. See horses roaming about, buggies, and explore the many country stores.
Alinea/Facebook
Is Alinea the best restaurant in Illinois? Absolutely. You might need to save up first, though.
Sandeep Pawar/Flickr
This garden takes up almost 400 acres and has 26 distinct gardens.
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