Things to Do in Illinois
While traveling to Illinois, you should consider a few things to do in this midwestern state. It borders Indiana to the east and the Mississippi River to the west. Often referred to as “the Prairie State,” Illinois is marked by rolling hills, forest, and farmland. The largest city in the state, Chicago, is located northeast along the shores of Lake Michigan. This city is famous for its skyscrapers.
Buffalo Rock State Park
If you are a lover of nature, you must not miss Buffalo Rock State Park. This 298-acre park is situated on a bluff carved by the Illinois River. The bluff’s trails offer a spectacular view of the river and surrounding forest. There is also a sculpture collection by Effigy Tumuli, a Chicago-born artist.
Located about 85 miles south of Chicago, Buffalo Rock State Park is close to downtown Ottawa. The park is close to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail and is a great destination for hiking, biking, and running. It also has wheelchair-accessible trails. The temperatures are comfortable in Buffalo Rock State Park and there are no bugs or other irritants. It is best to arrive in the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy a day at the park.
The area is home to three American Bison. There are also a number of other species of animals in the park. These include Indigo bunting, Tree swallow, Red-backed salamander, and Water strider. There are picnic tables and grills available, as well as drinking water and restroom facilities. The larger shelter has a stone fireplace. The smaller shelter is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Another feature of the park is the playground. Horseshoes are another popular pastime.
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm
For kids, a visit to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm is a fun family outing. A family-friendly farm market features pumpkins, pig races, and even a petting zoo! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced pumpkin grower, you’ll find a fun day out at this Illinois farm. A fun-filled day at the farm is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
Kids can enjoy dozens of activities at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, which is about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. From carnival rides to train rides, children can have a blast playing at the pumpkin patch. Parents can stop by the concession stand and eat delicious treats. There’s even a haunted barn for a few spooky thrills. This fall festival is a fun family outing, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
In addition to hayride rides, Bengtson’s Farm features 10 children’s rides. They include a mini cow coaster, a flying frog, and a 90-foot mega fun slide. The farm also features a haunted barn and the largest corn bins in Illinois. Food trucks also operate on the weekends. While it’s not Halloween season yet, the farm will have plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.
Visitors can also pick their own pumpkins at the farm. Pumpkin prices range from $1 to $10 depending on size. The farm features a corn maze, tractor train, and other games. The pumpkin patch is a popular family attraction, and a pumpkin-picking adventure will have your family hopping with joy. It’s also fun to take the kids on a hayride or tractor ride.
Go Ape Zipline
If you’ve always wanted to try zip lining, you’re in luck. Go Ape has just begun construction on a new treetop adventure course in Bemis Woods, a scenic forest in western Illinois. The company will maintain the course, pay the Forest Preserve District of Cook County a minimum of $20,000 a year to use the area, and will contribute a portion of ticket sales to the park. Additionally, the company will offer free tickets to underprivileged groups. Go Ape currently operates similar treetop adventures in 14 U.S. cities, and there’s even one in Grafton.
Go Ape Zipline in Illinois offers six different zip lines, including the Quickjump, Skybridge, and the Treetop Nets. The tour lasts about an hour and requires adult supervision. All participants wear gloves and goggles. You can also bring a camera to capture the experience. While the Go Ape zipline is a unique experience for any age, you’ll have a memorable time. A part of the park’s proceeds will go towards public parks, so don’t forget to bring your camera.
You won’t regret taking your family to the Go Ape Zipline in Illinois. There are numerous outdoor activities that your children will love. Among the most exciting activities is the Gorilla Golf, a game of mini-golf with eighteen challenging holes and a zipline. The zipline course is a fun, family-friendly activity that’s safe for young ones. And the children’s course is inexpensive at only $28.
Lincoln Park Zoo
If you are planning to visit Chicago, you should consider spending some time at the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is a 35-acre zoological park and is one of the oldest in North America. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free to enter, making it a great place to bring the family and see some amazing animals. The zoo is also one of the few accredited zoos in the United States.
The Lincoln Park Zoo, a zoological garden, is an amazing place to spend time with family. Located in Lincoln Park, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals. Visitors can also enjoy interactive activities such as seal training shows, a maze, and nightly events like Night at the Zoo. There is no admission fee to enter the zoo, but donations are welcome.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, also located outside the Lincoln Park Zoo, is another wonderful place to visit. Besides zoo animals, visitors can also explore the enchanting Green City Market. This outdoor market features a variety of farm goods and gives visitors an opportunity to interact with the farmers. The former boring lake has been transformed into an attractive prairie garden, while a trail runs alongside the zoo.
The Lincoln Park Zoo has dedicated itself to primate research. In 2005, the Lester E. Fisher Great Ape House was closed. The zoo is now home to the newly-constructed Lincoln Park Gorilla Center, which focuses on the common chimpanzee and western lowland gorilla. It boasts 29,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space and features dozens of trees, real and simulated bamboo, skylights, and waterfalls. The chimpanzees also live in a termite mound, where they fish for termites.
Woodfield Mall
If you have children and are looking for fun, you’ll love Woodfield Mall. The largest mall in the country is a great place to spend some time with your family. Kids can enjoy building their own stuffed animals with Build-A-Bear. Choose from the Birthday Treat Bears or Join the Bonus Club. Woodfield Mall is a great place to purchase local products, and there are activities for all ages.
Kids will love the Woodfield Mall’s indoor playground, featuring a large jungle maze, a climbable slide, and a springy water pillow. The mall also features a number of chain restaurants, as well as local favorites. Parents can also choose from a variety of casual dining options, including a health food café. While shopping, you can spend the night at the mall, or explore the mall’s restaurants and cafes.
While visiting Woodfield Mall, make sure to bring your wallet. It’s the largest mall in Illinois and the second-largest mall in the United States. With over two hundred stores and 7 restaurants, Woodfield Mall has something for everyone. While you’re there, take a break from your shopping to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafés. It will make for a great afternoon or evening.
Six Flags Great America
If you love amusement parks, then you’ll want to make plans to visit Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia. This park, which is part of Six Flags, includes a water park called Hurricane Harbor. It’s a great place to enjoy rides and games and meet friends. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll love the rollercoasters and family rides.
The park recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and it did so with some major changes. The park replaced an off-season sign along Interstate 94 with a smaller LED screen. After a week of removing the old sign, the park installed a new sign in its place. The new sign uses the same post as the old one. The new sign was installed on October 20. Six Flags has since had some maintenance issues with the ride.
Visitors to Six Flags Great America should pack clothing appropriate for outdoor activities. During warmer months, t-shirts and shorts are best. Bring a sweater or jacket for the cold weather. Wear shoes that are not too tight. Shirts with zip pockets and pants are recommended. Visitors should wear a jacket or sweater with a collar. While the park is surprisingly dry, it can get warm at night. Make sure your RV has a heating and cooling system, because this will keep you warm and dry.
Best Sightseeing in Illinois
The state of Illinois is a midwestern state bordered by the Mississippi River in the west and Indiana in the east. Known as the “Prairie State,” it is noted for its farmland, rolling hills, wetlands, and forests. The largest city in the state, Chicago, lies northeast on the shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors will love Chicago’s skyscrapers, museums, and zoos.
Discovery Center Museum
A fun family day out in the state of Illinois must include the Discovery Center Museum! This fun science museum has hands-on exhibits, workshops, experiments, and crafts to keep the entire family enthralled! You can even take part in experiments while you learn about the world around us. The fun doesn’t end there, either – there’s even a zoo! The Discovery Center Museum is the best sightseeing in Illinois!
The museum has been a staple in the Stateline area since 1981. The Discovery Center shares the same complex with Burpee National History Museum and admission to either museum saves you a dollar. With over 300 exhibits, the Discovery Center is sure to have something for everyone. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits that have incorporated Japanese culture, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Curious George. The museum is also STEAM-related, which means you can learn about a variety of science topics as well as art.
Rockford’s Botanical Gardens feature over 12 acres of beautiful gardens and a babbling brook. There are also gazebos in traditional 16th-century style. The museum is also a working museum, and you can watch staff members work on specimens. Another must-see in Rockford is the Discovery Center Museum. The museum is an educational, fun place to spend the day. If you are in the area, you might want to make a day of it by touring the city.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is another great place to spend a day in Illinois. Visitors can see thousands of animals, including zoo lions and penguins. There are also rides and restaurants on the grounds, which are free to use. And there is a lot of outdoor fun to be had at the Lincoln Park Zoo. If you’re looking for free attractions, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm
If you’re looking for fun in the fall, Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm is a great place to go. This fall farm market features a pumpkin-themed zoo and pig races. You can also check out the pumpkin-growing season farm market. If you have the time, visit the zoo, as well as the farm. The pumpkin-growing season is just beginning, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in the fun.
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm is located in Homer Glen, about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. In addition to dozens of pumpkin-growing activities, there are hayrides, pony rides, a haunted barn, and more. The farm also offers delicious fall treats and free family photos. There’s something for every member of the family, and everyone can come home happy and full.
The pumpkin patch also features a train ride and a carousel. Admission to the pumpkin patch is $22 for adults and $24 on Saturdays and Sundays. There are additional fees for activities like Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins, zip lines, pony rides, and paintball. There’s a $10 parking fee that covers admission for everyone in the car. In addition to pumpkins, you can also enjoy rides, hayrides, and apple picking. Depending on your age, it can be a great way to spend a day with your family.
The farm also offers a petting zoo, a nine-hole miniature golf course, pumpkins, hayrides, and a sports zone. There’s also a store where you can purchase ornamental corn, winter squash, and pumpkins. The farm is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The cost of admission is $18 to $22 for adults and $15 to $20 for children. Pumpkins are 59 cents per pound.
Galena Cellars Vineyard
If you are looking for the best sightseeing in Illinois, look no further than the Lawlor-White Family’s vineyard. This winery and restaurant has over 50 different wines and has many unique experiences to offer its visitors. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings of their wines and even enjoy live music while they enjoy their visit. In addition to wine tasting, this Illinois attraction offers live music and other activities to make your visit even more enjoyable.
After the wine tasting, relax at the spacious wraparound deck of the Galena Cellars Winery. You can also visit the Massbach Ridge Winery and enjoy a tour of the winery. The tasting room is open daily, but hours of operation may vary. While you are in Galena, you might want to try other wines, including the Cabin Fever wine. This winery is located on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
The Galena Cellars Vineyard is just six miles from downtown Galena. While there, visitors can enjoy the winery’s tasting room and a shaded patio. Nearby, you can also visit Fegedaboutit Winery, a boutique winery in Hanover. It has won several medals at Illinois state wine competitions and offers welcoming hospitality. After tasting the wine, you can enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner at the vineyard restaurant or enjoy a drink in the rustic lodge.
The Galena Cellars Vineyard is an award-winning winery located on 60 acres of rolling farmland. It produces 40 different kinds of wine and features three tasting rooms. The vineyard is also a family legacy, which makes it the perfect place for a wedding or rehearsal dinner. Regardless of your wine preference, you are guaranteed to enjoy an unforgettable time at Galena Cellars Vineyard.
Starved Rock State Park
If you’re in the mood for some rugged outdoor adventure, check out Starved Rock State Park, a wilderness area on the Illinois River. This park’s steep sandstone canyons were carved by glacial meltwater. Some of the canyons are adorned with waterfalls. From the Lover’s Leap Overlook, you can see the Starved Rock Dam, among other sights. You’ll likely spot migratory and white-tailed deer.
The park features two historic mansions. The Hegeler Carus Mansion, built in 1876, is named for its owner, a zinc company partner. Its architect was William W. Boyington, who also designed the Illinois State Capitol and the Chicago Water Tower. The William Reddick Mansion, built in 1858, is one of the largest homes to survive the civil war.
During the winter, Starved Rock becomes a winter playground. The park’s ice falls are open for ice climbing, and the LaSalle and Wildcat ice falls are 20 feet high. You’ll have to be a good climber to attempt this activity. And if you’re an extreme sports enthusiast, you can always try out ice-climbing at Starved Rock State Park.
The park offers plenty of other activities for people of all ages. You can take a day to explore the state parks or spend the entire day enjoying the beautiful natural sights. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy splendid waterfalls. In winter, you can go for a hike or a sledding tour. A visit to this state park is sure to leave you breathless.
While you’re in the area, you can also try out some local wine and bites. The Starved Rock area is home to two craft breweries, one in Ottawa and one in Starved Rock. The Vermilion River Weiss is a great choice for any beer enthusiast and there’s a wide variety to try at the two breweries.
Good Templar Park
If you are looking for a beautiful park that will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, you should visit Good Templar Park. This beautiful private park features athletic fields, a dance pavilion, a bandstand, and even campgrounds. It is situated on 60 acres in Geneva, IL. A trip to Good Templar Park will definitely bring you closer to the area’s rich history.
The Viking ship, which was built in the late 1800s, is another reason to visit this public park. The ship’s replica of Gokstad is the largest one in the world. This attraction is perfect for anyone interested in Viking culture. You’ll be able to get a good look at Viking life and history. And, there’s also a full-sized replica of a 9th-century Viking ship that you can tour.
Hidden Gems and Places to Visit in Illinois
If you’re planning a trip to Illinois, there are many places to visit. Buffalo Rock State Park, Navy Pier, Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, and Millennium Park are just a few of them. But the state’s other attractions are just as noteworthy. Read on to discover some hidden gems in Illinois! And don’t miss the Poetry Foundation Library. It was established in 1912 and is one of only a few poetry libraries in the world.
Buffalo Rock State Park
The Buffalo Rock State Park & Effigy Tumuli, located in LaSalle County, Illinois, is a 298-acre park. You’ll find it south of the Illinois and Michigan Canal trail, across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park. You may be familiar with the rock formations at Starved Rock State Park, but this one is even more beautiful! Its natural beauty is unmatched by any Illinois state park.
The park has been home to a religious sect that used it for camp meetings, and later, it served as a tuberculosis sanatorium. In 1912, the Crane Company of Chicago purchased the land and maintained it as a sanatorium and summer vacation home for thousands of workers. In 1928, the Crane Company turned over the land to the state to create Buffalo Rock State Park.
For an up-close view of the sculptures, visit Buffalo Rock State Park, a 298-acre site that sits on a sandstone bluff carved by the young Illinois River. You can walk along the trails to enjoy beautiful views of the Illinois River and surrounding forest. While you’re walking along the trails, you can also admire the Effigy Tumuli sculpture collection by Michael Heizer.
Another place to visit in Illinois is the Haunted Galena Tour Company. It is one of the oldest haunted small towns in the country. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to Lilacia Park, a place filled with horticulture and history. There’s no shortage of activities for families at this park, whether it’s a day trip, a vacation home, or a family getaway.
Starved Rock State Park in central Illinois is home to two beautiful waterfalls, Wildcat Canyon and Lasalle Canyon. These two falls are approximately two miles apart. The Falls are located just north of the park’s Visitors Center and are accessible year-round. You can also hike on the trails or take a picnic at one of the two picnic areas. You can also hike along the Illinois River or take a hike in the park.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a public park in Chicago. It is a prominent civic center near Lake Michigan. This large park is part of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. It was created to celebrate the third millennium. The park covers 24.5 acres of the former Grant Park. Visitors are welcome to explore the park’s sculptures and various events, which are held throughout the year. There is also a restaurant, bar, and theater within the park.
Besides being home to the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park is also home to the historic Lurie Garden. Visitors can take in the beautiful sights of this park and enjoy the lakeside. The park is also home to a modern sculpture installation in the form of the Crown Fountain. There are many events and festivals held here throughout the year. You can read more about the park in the Chicago Tribune.
Millennium Park features some of the city’s most popular attractions. Its most popular attraction is the Cloud Gate, also known as ‘The Bean’. This giant sculpture is one of the largest outdoor sculptures in the world. It reflects the city skyline from above. Millennium Park also features the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an art gallery, and entertainment venue. The 120-foot-high masterpiece can accommodate more than ten thousand people. A popular spot for concerts and art events, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is also home to the Park Broil restaurant.
If you are visiting Chicago, don’t miss out on the Lurie Garden, a 2.5-acre botanical garden located in the heart of the city. Designed by Robert Israel, Piet Oudolf, and Kathryn Gustafson, this garden is the featured nature component of the world’s largest green roof. This garden features a series of trees, shrubs, and other shade-loving plant material. A great spot for a family outing, the garden also offers a playground and a shady picnic grove.
Another award-winning park in Chicago is Millennium Park. Millennium Park is a stunning outdoor venue, which serves as a backdrop for free concerts and events. Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago and borders the city’s Loop district. The park is easy to access with public transportation. A number of city buses and the elevated train stop nearby. It’s also close to the city’s cultural institutions, including the Art Institute.
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm
The fall season is the perfect time to experience this farm market, featuring pumpkins and a petting zoo. Guests can also enjoy a pig race and pumpkin-related zoo events. The farm’s zoo and pumpkin-themed events will have families laughing all day long. There are dozens of animals to pet and plenty of pumpkin-themed activities.
One of the main attractions at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm is the Gemstone Mining Sluice, which lets visitors simulate the experience of gold panning. Visitors can pour water through specially designed sifting boxes to reveal gems. This attraction is located near Bengtsonville. There are several attractions for families, including the Barnyard Dance Cow Coaster, a hayride, and pumpkin picking. A free photo booth lets guests take their pictures while they explore the pumpkin patch.
Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, such as hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo. There is also a corn maze and a playground. The pumpkin prices vary, but they range from about 59 cents per pound to $15 for a large pumpkin. The family-friendly farm offers pumpkins for sale in different sizes.
Another attraction is the Pumpkinfest. It takes place during fall when the harvest season is at its peak. At the Pumpkinfest, families can enjoy tractor-driven hayrides through the pumpkin patch. Kids can also participate in pumpkin cannon demonstrations. While there, families can enjoy activities that include a tractor-driven hayride, a spooky woodshed, and a petting zoo. Visitors can also take a scenic walk through the farm’s 60 acres.
The Pumpkin Patch is one of the many places to visit in Illinois. Open Monday through Friday, it offers fresh pumpkins, a corn maze, a train, and a donkey named Spudnik. Visitors can also take a hayride for free on weekends. If you’re a pumpkin lover, Bengtson’s is definitely worth a visit!
Navy Pier
A Chicago landmark, the Navy Pier is a fun, family-friendly destination that spans 50 acres and 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan. It is also home to numerous attractions and events, such as an IMAX theater and a computerized fountain in Gateway Park. Nearly 9 million people visit Navy Pier every year. Visitors enjoy the amusement rides, live entertainment, and shopping at a wide variety of waterfront shops and restaurants.
The Navy pier opened its doors again in 1995 after undergoing an extensive renovation. Since then, it has welcomed more than 186 million visitors. Located on the north side of Chicago, it comprises over 50 acres of outdoor attractions. These include a Pepsi Wave Swinger ride, the Light Tower Ride, teacup rides, and remote control boats. During special events, the pier also hosts a number of shows and other events. The pier also features a free trolley that runs during certain hours and stops at specific locations.
The pier also features a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to a broad range of tastes and budgets. The food court features traditional Chicago fare, including deep-dish pizza, as well as Mexican, Asian, and Latin cuisines. The pier also features a nationwide rooftop bar, known as Offshore Rooftop & Bar. If you’re looking for a romantic night out with your special someone, the Riva Crabhouse is a great option.
When visiting the Navy Pier, make sure you have time to see the fireworks show, which takes place twice a week. Visitors can enjoy the summer fireworks twice a week and can enjoy the sights of the city at night. During the holiday season, the Navy Pier hosts a festive fireworks show at night. While the fireworks are impressive, visitors can also spend the night enjoying the music and entertainment. The Navy Pier is one of the places to visit in Illinois and is well worth the trip.
If you’re looking for entertainment, you can take your family to Navy Pier. The Chicago Children’s Museum offers fun activities for children of all ages, while the Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents a show on a massive screen. There’s even an indoor botanical garden. There’s even an IMAX theater. During the colder months, the pier has plenty to keep the family happy.
