Top 50 Best Things to Do in Illinois
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Illinois

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • The Art Institute of Chicagotop_1
    4.7/5
    󰺂8.1
    1046475
    Chicago.Grant Park>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Victorian-style museum entrance
    City views from sculpture garden
    󱨠Saved by 252 users󱨠260 positive reviews
  • 360 CHICAGOtop_2
    4.8/5
    󰺂7.9
    784856
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    View city from 1350 ft glass
    󱓊Willis Tower & Chicago River views
    󱨠Saved by 123 users󱨠98% positive reviews
  • 875 North Michigan Avenuetop_3
    4.5/5
    󰺂7.9
    785147
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Illinois
    Highlights:
    󱓊94th-floor Chicago panoramic view
    󱨜344m skyscraper, once world's second
    󱨠132 positive reviews
  • Field Museum
    4
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.3
    759209
    Chicago.Near South Side>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Compound Eye Insect Underground Adventure
    󱓊Chicago Museum Campus highlights
    󱨠Saved by 141 users󱨠244 positive reviews
  • Grant Park
    5
    4.3/5
    󰺂7.3
    Chicago.Grant Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Illinois
    Highlights:
    󱓊City park with world-class landmarks
    󱓊Lakefront park with cultural venues
    󱨠40% positive reviews
  • Navy Pier
    6
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.6
    Chicago.Near North Side>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Illinois
    Highlights:
    󰀆200-acre park & shopping area
    󱓊Night cruise: Ferris wheel views
    󱨠Saved by 175 users󱨠102 positive reviews
  • Rte 66
    7
    4.7/5
    󰺂6.5
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSouthern California Vintage Car River Festival Begins
    Highlights:
    󰋄Mountain & plain breathtaking view
    󱓊Spans 2,500 miles across USA
    󱨠Saved by 137 users󱨠39% positive reviews
  • Willis Tower
    8
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.4
    1105857
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Illinois
    Highlights:
    󱓊Elevator shows famous buildings' heights
    360° view of Chicago skyline
    󱨠Saved by 170 users󱨠249 positive reviews
  • Millennium Park
    9
    4.6/5
    󰺂6.2
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoOfficial Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park in Chicago | Nov 21, 2025-Jan 8, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Outdoor music & crown experience
    󱓊Lake Michigan & city skyline views
    󱨠Saved by 204 users󱨠270 positive reviews
  • Skydeck Chicago
    10
    4.8/5
    󰺂6.1
    1105857
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Chicago's iconic nicknamed landmarks
    󱓊Windy City charm on display
    󱨠45% positive reviews

Best things to do in Illinois (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Illinois? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Illinois offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Illinois

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Illinois experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

The Art Institute of Chicago

• Chicago.Grant Park | >100 km from downtown

• : Victorian-style museum entrance,City views from sculpture garden

360 CHICAGO

• Chicago.Downtown Chicago | >100 km from downtown

• : View city from 1350 ft glass,Willis Tower & Chicago River views

875 North Michigan Avenue

• Chicago.Downtown Chicago | >100 km from downtown

• : 94th-floor Chicago panoramic view,344m skyscraper, once world's second

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Illinois

If you want to explore attractions just outside Illinois, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Illinois, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Illinois special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Illinois

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Illinois

Ready to explore the best of Illinois? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Illinois?
These are all Best Things to Do in Illinois:The Art Institute of Chicago, 360 CHICAGO, 875 North Michigan Avenue, Field Museum, Grant Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Illinois?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Illinois include:The Art Institute of Chicago:4.7, 360 CHICAGO:4.8, 875 North Michigan Avenue:4.5, Field Museum:4.7, Grant Park:4.3
At what locations in Illinois can Best Things to Do in Illinois be found?
The Best Things to Do in Illinois are mainly located in:The Art Institute of Chicago:Chicago, 360 CHICAGO:Chicago, 875 North Michigan Avenue:Chicago, Field Museum:Chicago, Grant Park:Chicago
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