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.
Southwind Park
Springfield, IL
Southwind Park is a National Model Park. Their unique 80 acre state-of-the-art park serves as a national model by providing a new dimension of inclusion for all people, “without boundaries.” Take a stroll on our 2.5 miles of urban trails. Play a game of bocce ball or shuffleboard on their sports courts near the Hope Family Picnic Pavilion. Enjoy the music and light show at the Selvaggio Historic Arches. Walk, stroll or roll up the ramping system to the fully accessible Treeless Treehouse.
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.
Knight’s Action Park
Springfield, IL
Magic Waters
Cherry Valley, IL
Magic Waters Waterpark’s most popular attractions include the Double Dare Drop, the Splash Blaster, and the Tsunami Bay. The park also has a variety of dining options to choose from, such as Island Grill and Culver’s Frozen Custard.
Washington Park
Springfield, IL
Washington Park on the west side of Springfield is a 150-acre site added to the park district in 1901. This is one of the historic parks, developed as termini of the urban trolley line in use at the time. Washington Park contains a variety of facilities, many of them unique to the park system and some unique to the region. It is one of the most heavily used parks in the district. The park has rolling terrain, large trees and wooded areas, some deep ravines and two man-made lagoons.
Adler Planetarium
Chicago, IL
Adler Planetarium was founded in 1930 and is well-known for being America’s First Planetarium. The museum has three full-size theaters, extensive space science exhibitions, and an antique astronomical instrument collection.
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.
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.
Henson Robinson Zoo
Springfield, IL
Henson Robinson Zoo is home to animals native to Australia, Africa, Asia and North and South America. The zoo also features more than 90 species of native and exotic animals which are all housed among naturalistic exhibits.
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.