Illinois Travel & Tourist Attractions
Illinois has everything for visitors. Foremost is the city of Chicago with its fantastic museums and cultural scene. Must-sees include the Museum of Science and Industry and the Brookfield Zoo. Go to the historic town of Galena where you can take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Southeast Illinois is home to the city of Champaign, beautiful Lake Shelbyville and the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Reserve. In Southwest Illinois don't miss the city of Springfield and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum - The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum is the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Its astronomy programs have reached over 35 million people during the past 71 years. Seven state-of-the-art exhibition galleries located in the stunning new Sky Pavilion and the recently renovated landmark 1930s building present modern space exploration along with the history of astronomy.
Allstate Arena - The Arena hosts more than 150 events annually, attracting an average of 1.5 million audience members to witness some of the world's top musical performers, exciting sporting events and fun-for-everyone family entertainment.
Anderson Japanese Gardens - Authentic Japanese garden, with 8 1/2 acres of waterfalls, ponds, paths, koi, Sukiya-style buildings, moon bridge, stone pagoda, water basins.
Apollo Theater - The Apollo Theater in Chicago is a lush venue with a prestigious reputation, located in Chicago's fashionable Lincoln Park theatre district. It's repertoire includes fresh blend of comedies , musicals, and special events.
Arlington Park - Arlington Park features thorough-bred racing, festivals, concerts, expos and more.
Argonne National Laboratory - The Argonne Information Center offers an excellent introduction to Argonne. Located at the Illinois site's main gate, it is filled with interactive exhibits about Argonne's research programs and history.
The Art Institute of Chicago - The Art Institute of Chicago holds one of the world's great art collections. Enjoy one of the premier French Impressionist painting collections in the world. Art from the ancient Egyptians to modern masters like Matisse, Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe.
Athens - Athens, Illinois is a pleasant stop off between Springfield and New Salem State Park. This growing community is located approximately 12 miles north of our Capitol City just off route 29 and offers valuable historical memories from Abraham Lincoln's time.
Brookfield Zoo - Brookfield Zoo is located just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago and is considered one of Illinois' top attractions.
Burpee Museum of Natural History - The mission of Burpee Museum of Natural History is to promote the appreciation of the natural heritage of the Rock River Valley region. The Museum features prehistoric exhibits including life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex and Wooly Mammoth skeleton casts, Native American exhibits, fossils, minerals, animals and plants.
Carthage Jail - Visit the restored Carthage Jail, where Joseph Smith, the first President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his brother Hyrum were martyred. You can also tour the visitors' center and walk through the beautiful gardens, where a life-size statue of Joseph and Hyrum pays tribute to the brothers.
Celebration Belle River Cruises - Celebration Belle in Moline, Illinois, is a deluxe, 800-passenger, four-deck riverboat excursion vessel on the Upper Mississippi River. The scenic cruises on the Mississippi River take you through some of our area's most historically rich locations.
Center for American Archeology - Nationally and internationally renowned for its multidisciplinary approach to archeological research for over forty years, the Center for American Archeology has long been a leader in contemporary Midwest Archeology. The surrounding area is often termed 'The Nile of North America', as the Center is located in the heart of one of the world's most archeologically rich regions.
Challenge Park Xtreme - Challenge Park Xtreme is an extreme sports theme park where visitors can enjoy paintball, BMX, mountain biking, skateboarding and more.
Chicago Academy of Sciences and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - Founded in 1857, the Chicago Academy of Sciences established Chicago's first museum and only museum to specialize in the ecology and natural history of the Midwest from the Great Lakes to the prairies. Today, the Academy is a vital cultural and educational institution dedicated to promoting scientific literacy for all citizens.
The Chicago Athenaeum : Museum of Architecture and Design - The Chicago Athenaeum is an International Museum of Architecture and Design, appropriately based in the world's first city of modern architecture and design - Chicago. The Museum is dedicated to the Art of Design in all areas of the discipline: architecture, industrial, and product design, graphics, and urban planning.
Chicago Botanic Garden - The Chicago Botanic Garden features 23 spectacular gardens on 385 acres, the Garden is a place of ever-changing beauty.
Chicago Center for the Performing Arts - The fully-integrated entertainment facility is not only a renowned performing arts and conference center, but also provides support for the independent film, television and theatrical community in the Chicagoland area.
Chicago Children's Museum - Chicago Children's Museum offers three floors of unique, hands-on exhibits that are as big as a kid's imagination. Chicago Children's Museum also offers new exhibits and special performances.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater - In the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown and in a beautiful courtyard-style theater just like those he wrote for, Shakespeare’s work comes to life. Powerful! Emotional! Intense! And intimate—with the actors and audience just feet away from one another.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Rich in tradition. Innovative in vision. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a musical force in Chicago and around the world. 200 performances and events a year. 110 talented musicians. Three internationally-renowned conductors. An award-winning composer-in-residence.
Chicago Theatre - Nicknamed the ""Wonder Theatre of the World,"" the 3,605-seat Chicago Theatre remains entrenched in the hearts of the people of Greater Chicago and the Midwest, a vital part of both the history of State Street and the future of the North Loop Theatre District. The theatre hosts a variety of big-name shows year-round.
Corn Stock Theatre - Corn Stock Theatre features musicals, comedies, dramas and 5 shows throughout the summer.
Discovery Center Museum - The amazing Discovery Center Museum is full of over 180 exciting hands-on exhibits spread over a two-floor area. The museum also features a planetarium, working TV studio, robotics lab, outdoor science park
Donley's Wild West Town - The excitement and charm of the Old West come alive at Donley's Wild West Town in Union, Illinois. Here you can experience life in the style of the Wild West where gunslingers have showdowns, and a narrow gauge train whistles past the Blacksmith's Shop, Print Shop, Jail, Saloon and Sweet Phyllis Gold Mine.
DuPage Children's Museum - The mission of the DuPage Children's Museum is to stimulate curiosity, creativity, thinking and problem solving among young children. Children's familiar experiences are expanded through self-directed, interactive exhibits and programs focusing on the integration of the arts and sciences. It is a safe and inviting environment where both children and adults learn and play together.
DuSable Museum of African-American History - The DuSable Museum of African-American History is the only major independent institution in Chicago established to preserve and interpret the historical experiences and achievements of African Americans.
Ernest Hemingway Museum & Birthplace - The Ernest Hemingway Museum & Birthplace focuses on the life and work of Ernest Hemingway with emphasis on his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature.
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory - This acclaimed center for high-energy physics research possesses the highest energy particle accelerator in the world. The laboratory grounds offer an ample supply of open country for various recreational activities.
Field Museum - The Field Museum is one of the world’s great museums of science, environment and culture. Inside its halls you’ll find Sue, the world’s largest T. rex, 23 Egyptian mummies, and more than 35 other world-renowned exhibitions. The Museum is also a hub of scholarly learning, with more than 70 scientists conducting research throughout the world.
Fox River Trolley Museum - Fall Caboose Days - A visit to the Fox River Trolley Museum is a nostalgic trip back to an era when the electric trolley car was a vital part of American life. Experience the sights and sounds of this unique part of American history aboard a genuine old-time trolley car which takes you on a three mile trip along the banks of the scenic Fox River.
Funway Entertainment Center - The Fox Valley's largest indoor and outdoor family entertainment center. This 5 1/2 acre park offers many options and fun for guests of all ages. Attractions include rollerskating rink, video arcade, bumper cars, gokarts, bumper boats, batting cages, minigolf and more.
Fun World - Naperville - Phase II of Odyssey Fun World features a 36 hole Adventure golf course, Go-Kart Track, a Bumper Boat Lagoon, and a Kidz Adventure Park with several exciting rides and attractions primarily for children 10 and under. Indoor activities include four-level children's interactive play land and over 200 ""state-of-the-art"" video games, LaserTrek, VR2002 Roller Coaster, Super Kiddie Rides and more.
Glen Oak Zoo - Glen Oak Zoo is home to over 100 species of exotic animals from around the world.
The Hancock Observatory - Enjoy Skywalk 94 floors and over 1,000 feet above the ground, which offers breathtaking views of the city, Lake Michigan and surrounding states. See Windows on Chicago a great virtual-visit of Chicago's greatest attractions. Learn the history of Chicago at The History Wall.
Heartland Theatre - Come for the experience of intimate theatre where thought-provoking ""edgy"" drama is performed every time with consistent quality.
Henson Robinson Zoo - More than 300 animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America find refuge at the zoo. Visitors can view the naturalistic exhibits that house more than 90 species of native and exotic animals.
Illinois Amish Country - Illinois' largest Old Order Amish settlement, horse and buggy culture. Visitors can visit over 150 Amish country shops, see oak wood working, and take tours.
Illinois Ballet - Founded in 1999, Illinois Ballet exists to elevate the art of dance, expand public awareness of dance, provide increased professional opportunities for Illinois dancers, and enrich and strengthen a professional ballet company that resides in Peoria, IL and tours locally and nationally.
Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center - This museum and heritage center offers tours, a restored barn, grandfather house, and an agricultural museum among prairie grass and native trees. Includes a historical and genealogical library, as well as, Mennonite museum and archives that are very handicapped accessible. 675 State Route 116, Metamora.
Illinois Railway Museum - The Illinois Railway Museum features the largest railway museum collection in the U.S. Over the past 45 years, the Illinois Railway Museum has acquired over 350 pieces of equipment.
Illinois State Museum - Visitors to the main museum site in Springfield are treated to world renowned natural history exhibits and a wonderful view of the arts within and beyond Illinois' borders. Educational programs, films, and lectures enhance the changing exhibitions and the vast array of collections.
Illinois State University Planetarium - A celestial theater-in-the-round displays 2354 stars. Special effects projectors demonstrate the wonders of the known universe.
Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum - The mission of the Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum is to preserve the life and times of the man who created the storybook characters, and to promote the inspiration, values, and spirit of imagination that has made them an American institution for so many years.
Joseph Smith Historic Center - Tour the family properties of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The sites include the homestead, mansion house, red brick store and grave sites of Joseph, Emma, and Hyrum Smith.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden - Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden offers over 150 acres of magnificent trees and plants! Explore this ""living museum"" every season: majestic colors of fall, hundreds of blooming crabapples in spring, butterfly gardens in summer, and snow-covered evergreens in winter.
Knights Action Park - Knights Action Park features Water Slides, Bumper Boats, Go Karts, Mini Golf, Pirate Ships, Giant Sea Creatures, Batting Cages, Laser Tag, a 7-Acre Lake with Peddle Boats, and a 50 tee-slot Driving Range.
Kohl Children's Museum - Children ages 1-8 can touch and explore exhibits in addition to participating in planned daily activities. The exhibits encourage the building of strong social skills by creating situations which require children to help each other and work as a team.
Ladd Arboretum - Evanston Park District's 23-acre arboretum includes a prairie park, bird sanctuary, ecology center, nature programs and summer camp.
Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences - The Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences features art & science exhibitions, Children's Discovery Center, Planetarium, Illinois Folk Art Gallery, Illinois River Decoy, and Illinois Jacquard Coverlet exhibit, Museum Store and more.
Lincoln Log Cabin - Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, eight miles south of Charleston, preserves the last home of Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln. The 86-acre site includes the reconstructed Lincoln cabin and a surrounding living history farm.
Lincoln Park Zoo - A premier Chicago attraction, Lincoln Park Zoo each year welcomes more than three million visitors, providing them with remarkable learning experiences as well as fun and enjoyment. Famous for its historical structures, the zoo has succeeded at combining state-of-the-art animal and visitor facilities with beautiful architectural reflections of past times and sensibilities.
Lyric Opera of Chicago - The world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago, performs in one of North America's most beautiful opera houses, the Civic Opera House.
Magic Waters Waterpark - Magic Waters Waterpark is the Midwest's largest public water park. The park features a water coaster, wave pool, body slides, tube slides, SplashMagic River, Little Lagoon, Caribbean SplashMagic Island, sand volleyball and more.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre - Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, the new exciting Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is designed to bring a full spectrum of artistic performances to a beautiful, new and intimate setting. The Centre offers a wide variety of top quality entertainment; drama, musicals, dance, children's theater and symphonic performances.
Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum - The purpose of the Museum is to stimulate and preserve the knowledge and appreciation of the Mexican culture as it manifests itself in and outside of Mexico. The Museum defines the Mexican culture as a culture sin fronteras (without borders) including the traditional and contemporary artistic expressions of Mexico and of Mexican communities within the U.S.
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian - The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is the only museum in the Chicago-area that focuses exclusively on the history, culture and arts of North American native peoples. The Museum's collections range from the Paleo-Indian period through the present days.
Monticello Railway Museum - The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit materials and artifacts relating to railroading, with emphasis on Central Illinois, and to operate a demonstration railroad for the education and enjoyment of the public.
Morton Arboretum - Beautiful gardens and landscapes are found throughout the Arboretum's 1,700 acres. More than 41,000 plants, representing 3,300 different types of plants from around the world, provide research scientists, horticulturists, arborists, teachers, students, and homeowners with a wealth of information.
Museum of Broadcast Communications - The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) at the Chicago Cultural Center is one of only two broadcast museums in America. The museum features wonderful television and radio memorabilia that bring the audiovisual world to life.
Museum of Contemporary Art - The Museum of Contemporary Art features some of the finest contemporary sculptures, painting, photography, video, music, dance and performance.
Museum of Geology - Founded in 1975, the Museum of Geology is an arm of Western Illinois University's Department of Geology. Originally conceived as a learning resource center for students enrolled in the natural sciences, it also serves the general public and is dedicated to cultural enrichment and public understanding of Earth Sciences.
Museum of Science and Industry - Climb aboard the Pioneer Zephyr, the world's first streamlined train. Go inside The U-505 a German World War II submarine. See the largest collection of Jordan artifacts ever assembled. All this and much more at The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Navy Pier - As Chicago's lakefront playground, Navy Pier offers visitors a unique mix of family-oriented attractions. From the quiet, serene setting of the Family Pavilion's Crystal Gardens to the breathtaking views atop the 150-foot Ferris wheel, Navy Pier offers attractions for everyone.
Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum - The Largest Aerospace Museum in Illinois. The museum has over 40 aircraft and missiles on display, including replicas of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Chanute Field's first aircraft, the Curtiss Jenny biplane. The world's only remaining Boeing XB-47 Stratojet prototype is also on exhibit.
Odyssey Fun World - Odyssey Fun World features outdoor and indoor activities including two 18 hole Adventure Golf courses, a KIDZ Adventure Park, bumper boats, Hydro Racer Speed boats, baseball and softball batting stations, two wild go kart tracks, a four-level children's interactive play land and over 250 ""state-of-the-art"" video games, LaserTrek, VR2002 Roller Coaster, Super Kiddie Rides and lots more.
Orpheum Children's Science Museum - The museum provides children of all ages the chance to explore and learn science at their own pace in an informal setting. Exhibits are designed to be fun, but also to teach about science.
Peoria Art Guild - As the oldest community arts center in the state of Illinois, Peoria Art Guild exhibits works by local, regional, national, and international artists.
The Peoria Ballet - The Peoria Ballet Company offers a season of spectacular dance performances and the Peoria Ballet Academy provides excellent dance education in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap.
Prairie Aviation Museum - Prairie Aviation Museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, a mini-theatre, and static outdoor displays of historical aircraft and vehicles. The Museum's DC-3 Flagship is located in an adjacent hangar and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Public Museum - Offering exhibits and educational programs in natural history and anthropology for families, school groups, scouts, clubs, organizations, home schoolers, and anyone who wants to have fun while learning!
Raging Rivers Water Park - Raging Rivers Water Park features an 18,000 square foot wave pool, two body flumes, runaway raft ride, swirlpool, lazy river, white water rapids, and a special area for children.
Rink Side Sports and Family Entertainment Center - Located in Gurnee Mills Mall near Six Flags Great America! An NHL regulation size ice skating rink, 180 video, interactive, and redemption games, Lazer Tag Arena, and restaurant that serves the best homemade pizza around! Whether simply visiting us on your own, or coming as a group or Birthday Party, it will be a memorable day!
Rockome Gardens - Rockome Gardens is a one of a kind park and attraction. For a day of fun and relaxation for the whole family Rockome Gardens has been a favorite spot for over 40 years. Visitors can enjoy 15 different craft & speciality shops, train ride, buggy ride, petting farm, outdoor model railroad, Amish family style restaurant & snack shop.
Santa's Village - The Three Worlds of Santa's Village has been a favorite family tradition for over 40 years. With thrill and kiddie rides, live shows, and attractions, there's something for everyone.
Scitech Hands On Museum - The Scitech Hands On Museum offers over 200 hands-on exhibits demonstrating the principles of electricity, weather, astronomy and nuclear energy.
Shedd Aquarium - Shedd Aquarium is the World's Aquarium. Opened in 1929, it is one of the oldest public aquariums in the world. The facility houses nearly 8,000 aquatic animals representing some 650 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and mammals from waters around the world.
Six Flags Great America - Six Flags Great America has not one, not two, but 11 world class coasters! With over 40 amazing rides, plus spectacular shows and attractions, it is no wonder why Six Flags Great America is the Midwest's premier theme park.
Super Museum - The Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois features a collection of superman memorabilia, including the original costume worn by George Reeves, the first superman in the '50s. Also included are movie props, rare toys, comic books and a video presentation.
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum - The stunning twenty-room Swiss cottage that Robert H. Tinker built on a limestone bluff in 1865 features elaborate parquet floors, detailed woodwork, spiral staircase and murals, along with the furniture and artifacts.
Touch of Nature Environmental Center - Touch of Nature Environmental Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a comprehensive center offering opportunities for education, academic support and services to enhance the lives of individuals and groups in traditional and non-traditional learning environments.
University Museum - Southern Illinois University Museum features art, history and scientific exhibits in the museum's galleries.
Virginia Theatre - The Virginia Theatre is dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment conductive to education in the performing arts; fostering creativity in the production and presentation of the music, theatre, dance and film; and establishing the Virginia Theatre as a civic-use meeting space and center for performing arts and entertainment for Champaign-Urbana and its visitors.
Volo Auto Museum - The 30-acre theme park is known worldwide for its multi-million dollar collection of nearly 300 antique and famous cars, which it displays year round in five climate-controlled showrooms. The museum is the proud home of one of the largest collections of legendary vehicles from America's favorite films and television shows.
Washington Park Botanical Gardens - AS one of the regions major horticultural attractions, Washington Park Botanical Gardens is located on 20 acres of historical Washington Park in Springfield.
Wheels O'Time Museum - There is something in our collection that will appeal to every interest, age or gender. Exhibits include automobiles, fire engines, railroad, clocks, vintage clothing and dolls.
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