Welcome to the heartland of America, the great state of Illinois! If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure filled with history, culture, and natural beauty, you’ve come to the right place. From the iconic skyline of Chicago to charming small towns and scenic wonders, Illinois has something for everyone.
As someone who has explored the nooks and crannies of this state, I’m excited to share a bucket list of 100 things to do in Illinois before you die. These are not just touristy activities but personal recommendations from someone who’s fallen in love with the Land of Lincoln.
So, let’s embark on this journey together and discover the best of Illinois, one experience at a time. If you’re a native Illinoian or a curious traveler, there’s always something new to explore in this remarkable state.
100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die
- Visit Millennium Park in Chicago
- Explore the Art Institute of Chicago
- Take a selfie at “The Bean” in Millennium Park
- Watch a game at Wrigley Field
- Visit the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
- Take an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River
- Stroll down Navy Pier in Chicago
- Explore the Shedd Aquarium
- Visit the Field Museum
- Take in the views from Willis Tower’s Skydeck
- Attend a live blues performance in Chicago
- Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio
- Experience the Taste of Chicago food festival
- Visit Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield
- Explore Starved Rock State Park
- Attend the Chicago Air and Water Show
- Go to a Cubs-White Sox game
- Tour the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield
- Take a selfie with the Route 66 Begin sign
- Explore the historic Route 66
- Hike at Garden of the Gods
- Visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home in Galena
- Take a winery tour in the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
- Stroll through Cantigny Park and Gardens
- Attend the Chicago Jazz Festival
- Explore the Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Take a ride on the Chicago Water Taxi
- Experience the Morton Arboretum
- Visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
- Attend a Cubs game at Wrigley Field
- Explore the Lincoln Park Zoo
- Tour the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
- Attend the Taste of Randolph Street festival
- Take in the views from the John Hancock Center
- Visit the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home
- Explore the Frankfort Historic District
- Attend the Grant Park Music Festival
- Visit the Rockford Art Museum
- Explore the Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights
- Take a ride on the Elgin Fox River Trolley
- Attend the Chicago Blues Festival
- Explore the Quad City Botanical Center
- Take a river cruise on the Fox River in Elgin
- Visit the Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- Attend the Renegade Craft Fair
- Explore the LaSalle County Historical Society
- Visit the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site
- Explore the John Deere Pavilion
- Take a ride on the Illinois Railway Museum
- Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Explore the Peoria Riverfront Museum
- Attend the DuQuoin State Fair
- Take a selfie at the “Spindle” sculpture
- Visit the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
- Explore the Japanese Garden at Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Attend the Springfield International Folk Dancer’s Festival
- Visit the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
- Explore the Dixon Historic Center
- Attend the National Stearman Fly-In
- Visit the Peoria Zoo
- Take a ride on the Fox River Trolley Museum
- Explore the DeKalb County Barn Tour
- Attend the Amish Country Cheese Festival
- Visit the Ray Bradbury Experience Museum
- Explore the Bald Knob Cross of Peace
- Attend the Quad City Air Show
- Visit the Litchfield Skyview Drive-In
- Explore the Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site
- Attend the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
- Visit the Blackhawk Statue
- Explore the Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Take a selfie at the Giant Superman Statue
- Visit the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum
- Attend the Peoria Film Fest
- Explore the Super Museum in Metropolis
- Attend the Old Settlers Days Festival
- Visit the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle
- Take a river cruise on the Chicago River
- Attend the Genoa-Kingston Corn Fest
- Explore the Morrison-Rockwood State Park
- Visit the Garden of the Gods Wilderness
- Attend the Chicago Auto Show
- Explore the Mount Pulaski Courthouse
- Visit the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site
- Explore the Bishop Hill State Historic Site
- Visit the Cahokia Courthouse
- Attend the Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival
- Explore the Morton Pumpkin Festival
- Visit the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
- Take a ride on the Spirit of Peoria riverboat
- Attend the Bacon Throwdown in Joliet
- Explore the St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center
- Visit the Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum
- Attend the Lebowski Fest
- Explore the Windy City Playhouse
- Visit the Mosaic Museum in Highland Park
- Attend the Chicago Pride Parade
- Explore the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum
- Visit the Two-Story Outhouse
- Attend the Dekalb Kite Festival
Conclusion
In conclusion, Illinois is a state with an incredibly diverse range of experiences waiting to be explored. From the iconic cityscapes of Chicago to the tranquil beauty of its parks and nature reserves, Illinois offers something for everyone.
Illinois proudly showcases its rich heritage, cultural significance, and natural wonders. It’s a state where the past meets the present, and where urban excitement blends with serene landscapes. The 100 activities and places I’ve explored in this list are just a starting point for your own adventure in the Land of Lincoln.
Remember that life is an adventure, and exploring Illinois is a journey worth embarking on. The Land of Lincoln is a treasure trove of experiences, and each one brings you a step closer to discovering the heart and soul of this remarkable state.
Pack your bags, make your plans, and check off these 100 incredible things to do in Illinois from your bucket list. Your adventure awaits!
