You may wish to think about Illinois as your destination if you’re organizing a vacation to the Midwest. This state is renowned for its rich history, various cultures, and stunning natural surroundings. There are many activities in Illinois that will suit your interests, whether you’re a history buff, a gourmet, or an outdoor lover. We’ll walk you through some of the state’s top sights and activities in this post. See Things to Do in Illinois.
Finding Illinois’s Best Tourist Attractions
It might be difficult to know where to begin with all of Illinois’ fantastic attractions since there are so many. Some of Illinois’s top tourist destinations are listed below:
The Windy City is Chicago.
The biggest city in Illinois, Chicago, offers something for every person. It has famous museums, recognizable buildings, and a thriving dining and entertainment scene. Top Chicago tourist destinations include:
- The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the biggest and oldest museums in the country and is home to a remarkable collection of works of art.
- The landmark Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, provides breathtaking city vistas from its observation deck.
- Several restaurants and shops can be found at Navy Pier, an entertainment complex that also houses an IMAX theater and a Ferris wheel.
The Lincoln-themed city of Springfield
You may learn more about Illinois’ lengthy history in Springfield, the state’s capital. Some of Springfield’s main attractions are listed below:
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum provides a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of America’s 16th president.
- You may enjoy a guided tour of the recreated home at Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where Abraham Lincoln resided from 1844 until 1861 with his family.
- The Illinois State Capitol is open for tours, during which you may discover Illinois’ political past.
Galena: A Cute City
Northwest Illinois’s historic town of Galena is renowned for its small-town charm and natural beauty. Galena’s major attractions include the following:
- You may take a tour of the former home of the 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site.
- The Galena River Trail is a beautiful hiking and bike route that follows the river.
- Main Street: Older structures that are currently used as businesses, eateries, and galleries along this street.
Starved Rock State Park: The Beauty of Nature
In Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is a must-see location if you like the great outdoors. It has canyons, waterfalls, and hiking paths and is situated along the Illinois River. The following are a few of the top things to do at Starved Rock State Park:
- Hiking: The park has 13 miles of trails with varied degrees of difficulty and beautiful scenery.
- excursions to Waterfalls: The park provides guided excursions that take you to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the area.
- Fishing is excellent along the Illinois River since there are many of catfish, bass, and walleye there.
Galena: A Cute City
Northwest Illinois’s historic town of Galena is renowned for its small-town charm and natural beauty. Galena’s major attractions include the following:
- You may take a tour of the former home of the 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site.
- The Galena River Trail is a beautiful hiking and bike route that follows the river.
- Main Street: Older structures that are currently used as businesses, eateries, and galleries along this street.
Illinois is renowned for its varied cuisine, which includes everything from down-home Southern cooking to Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Some of the top dishes to try in Illinois are listed below:
New York-style pizza
When visiting the Windy City, deep-dish pizza made in the style of Chicago is a must-try. Pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork and is distinguished by its thick crust and a generous amount of toppings. Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Gino’s East are some of the top locations to enjoy Chicago-style pizza.
Italian-style beef subs
Sandwiches with Italian beef are another well-known dish in Chicago. They are produced using beef that has been finely sliced, served on a long roll, and dipped in tasty jus. Al’s Beef, Portillo’s, and Mr. Beef are a few of the top restaurants to taste Italian beef sandwiches.
Fried Hot Dogs in Oil
The typical hot dog is not a Chicago-style hot dog. Yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, tomato slices, and a pickle spear are some of the toppings that are placed on top of the sandwiches. For added crispiness, some eateries even deep-fry their hot dogs. Chicago-style hot dogs can be found at some of the top restaurants including Portillo’s, Gene & Jude’s, and Superdawg.
Southern Food
Illinois has a considerable Southern influence, and some of the greatest Southern cuisine outside of the South can be found there. Heaven on Seven, Big Jones, and Sweet Maple Cafe are a few of the top restaurants to sample Southern food.
Taking Part in Illinois’ Best Festivals and Events
Every year, Illinois holds several festivals and events that honor anything from culture to music to cuisine. The top Illinois festivals and events are listed below:
Blues Festival in Chicago
The Chicago Blues Festival is a yearly celebration of the long heritage of blues music in Chicago that takes place at Grant Park. Local and national blues musicians play during the event, which also has food and drink stands.
Chicago’s Taste
Some of the city’s top restaurants participate in Taste of Chicago, a five-day food festival held in Grant Park. In addition to eating food from various cuisines, you can enjoy live entertainment and culinary demonstrations.
Chicago State Fair
Each year, the Illinois State Fair is hosted in Springfield and includes carnival rides, livestock competitions, live music, and food stands. The fair is a fantastic family-friendly event that honors Illinois’ agricultural history.
Pride Parade in Chicago
The Boystown area hosts the annual Chicago Pride Parade, which honors the LGBTQ+ community. Along with lively floats, performances, music, and food and drink vendors, the parade is filled with color.
Conclusion
The state of Illinois has something for everyone, from nature and cuisine to history and culture. There are many activities to do in Illinois, whether you’re a seasoned tourist or a first-time visitor. We hope this post has inspired you to visit the Land of Lincoln again soon.
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