Best Places to Visit in Illinois
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Illinois with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Illinois sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Illinois that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Illinois whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford, IL
Anderson Japanese Gardens is known to have exquisite design, winding paths, gentle streams, and plunging waterfalls. In addition, the garden has also been consistently named the highest quality Japanese garden in North America by Sukiya Living Magazine.
Edwards Place
Springfield, IL
Edwards Place, built in 1833 and remodeled in 1857, is an historic house museum that tells the story of social and domestic life in Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield, Illinois. Newly restored (2015) to its antebellum glory, this Italianate mansion was one a center for social activity in Springfield. Prominent citizens and politicians such as Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, David Davis, and numerous governors, judges, lawyers, and politicians were entertained at lavish dinner parties and the grounds played host to many summer picnics and political rallies.
Navy Pier
Chicago, IL
Originally completed in 1916 as part of Daniel Burnham’s plan for Chicago, Navy Pier is an iconic city landmark inspiring discovery and wonder. Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million visitors have come to enjoy the Pier’s 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. As Navy Pier enters its second century, the venue is evolving into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.
Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site
Springfield, IL
The Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site stands just south of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. The Home was built in the early to mid-1840’s by Henry Dresser, the man who sold Abraham Lincoln his home just a few blocks to the east.
Legoland Discovery Center
Shaumburg, IL
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is known as an indoor family entertainment destination with over two million LEGO bricks. The place also features attractions such as Model Builder Workshop, Jungle Expedition, and The New Kingdom Quest Laser Ride.
Illinois State Museum
Springfield, IL
The Illinois State Museum inspires discovery and caring about Illinois’ cultural and natural resources and heritage. The Museum’s extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois.
The Field Museum
Chicago, IL
Cahokia Mounds
Collinsville, IL
The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico are preserved at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Within the 2,200-acre tract, located a few miles west of Collinsville, Illinois, lie the archaeological remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement that is today known as Cahokia.
Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum
Springfield, IL
They will tell authentic stories about African-American life in Central Illinois, past and present, celebrating and sharing our history and culture and planning for our future.
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
East St Louis, IL
On June 18th, 2005, the park was officially dedicated as the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, in honor of the man whose passion, dedication and generosity made the project possible.
