If you’re planning a trip to Illinois, you’ll find a variety of activities to try. The city of Chicago can fill a trip all on its own, but there are historic sites, natural areas, and landmarks all over the state. You may want to compile an Illinois bucket list to keep track of everything you want to see.
We’re sharing a number of Illinois bucket list ideas to get you started as you plan your trip.
Table of contents
- Bucket List Vacations: Illinois’ National Parks
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Pullman National Monument
- National Historic Trails
- Check Out Skydeck Chicago
- See a Show at the Chicago Theatre
- Learn Something New at the Museum of Science and Industry
- Tour Ernest Hemingway’s Childhood Home
- Catch a Game at Wrigley Field
- Ride the Grafton Zipline
- Hike Around Starved Rock State Park
- See the View From the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
- Walk Through the Superman Museum
- Try a Chicago-Style Pizza
- Step Back in Time at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
- Dive into Shedd Aquarium
- Stroll the Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Attend the “Taste of Chicago” Event
- Visit the Home of President Ulysses S. Grant
- Take Some Photos at the Popeye Character Trail
- Get Your Thrills on Chestnut Mountain Resort’s Alpine Slide
- Gaze in Awe at the Dana-Thomas House
- Discover Something New at the Cahokia Mounds
- Get a Sweet Treat at the MainStreet Dessert Walk
- Try Scuba Diving in the Mermet Springs
- Grab Some Grub at 17th Street BBQ
- Celebrate History During the Annual Rendezvous at Fort De Chartres
- View a Huge T-Rex Skeleton at the Field Museum of Natural History
- Watch the Sunset at the Garden of the Gods
- Stand Under the Bean in Millennium Park
- Experience the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Bucket List Vacations: Illinois’ National Parks
Some of the best things to see and do in the entire country are the amazing sites run by the National Park Service. All of these sites are well-maintained and educational.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
President Abraham Lincoln is one of America’s best-loved presidents. Learn more about his life and times by touring his home and listening to the knowledgeable guides at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Pullman National Monument
Pullman was a planned industrial community. It was famous for its design and architecture, but to those who lived there, it was much more than that. Visit the Pullman National Monument to learn about the diverse set of people who called this place home.
National Historic Trails
Illinois is home to three different historic trails: Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. All three have unique stories to tell.
Check Out Skydeck Chicago
Check out Chicago from above by riding up to the Skydeck observation deck in Willis Tower. This is the tallest observation deck in the country and you can see for miles.
See a Show at the Chicago Theatre
One of the things Chicago does best is live entertainment. Catch a show at the Chicago Theatre for a special night out.
Learn Something New at the Museum of Science and Industry
Learn something new as you explore the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The museum has hands-on exhibits to spark the scientific curiosity of kids and adults alike.
Tour Ernest Hemingway’s Childhood Home
Ernest Hemingway’s childhood home is in Oak Park, Illinois. The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum is a Queen Anne home, and was one of the first in the town to have electricity. The author spend his first six years in this home, and guests can now tour the rooms and learn more about him.
Catch a Game at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is more than a century old – the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. It has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. Catch a game if you’re traveling to the area in the spring, summer, or fall.
Ride the Grafton Zipline
The Grafton Zipline is one of the largest ziplines in Illinois and gives you views of the treetops and nearby river. The small town of Grafton is also known for its bald eagle population and is known as “The Winter Home of The Bald Eagle.”
Hike Around Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is less than 100 miles from Chicago and has 13 miles of trails and lots of waterfalls. You can fish, boat, watch for wildlife, and explore the park’s 18 canyons.
See the View From the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
Navy Pier features a variety of restaurants, shops, shows, museums, and rides. Perhaps the most popular attraction here is the large Ferris wheel, which offers sweeping views of the city.
Walk Through the Superman Museum
The Super Museum has “the world’s largest collection of Superman” and can be found in Metropolis, Illinois. Walk through and examine the 70,000+ Superman-related artifacts as you learn about the spectacled superhero. When you’re done looking, make sure to snap a photo with the giant Superman statue outside.
Try a Chicago-Style Pizza
While you’re in Chicago, eat like a local – with a Chicago-style pizza. If you’re not familiar, Chicago deep-dish pizza has a pillowy thick but crispy crust. You’ll get generous layers of cheese, toppings, and – at the top – tomato sauce…a style that’s considered “upside-down” everywhere else. And yes, it’s acceptable to eat this hearty pizza with a knife and fork!
Step Back in Time at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
At Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site you can step back in time to see how people lived several hundred years ago. The site is 20 miles northwest of Springfield, and is a reconstruction of the 1830s village where President Lincoln lived for several years. Living history experiences are often available in the buildings.
Dive into Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the country. This place is home to the oldest aquarium fish in the world. It also offers guests the chance to see sharks being fed, pet a live penguin, and more.
Stroll the Anderson Japanese Gardens
The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford include 12 acres of streams, waterfalls, paths, and ponds with koi fish. There is an on-site restaurant, plus classes and other events at the gardens.
Attend the “Taste of Chicago” Event
Chicago has so many yummy foods to try, it can be overwhelming to choose. The Taste of Chicago food festival gives you the opportunity to try a wide variety of foods, so you can sample Chicago’s best.
Visit the Home of President Ulysses S. Grant
Visit the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site & National Historic Landmark in Galena to learn about the 18th president of the United States. Guides are dressed in period clothing and are knowledgeable about this time in history.
Take Some Photos at the Popeye Character Trail
A unique and silly spot to stop, the Popeye Character Trail is a short trail that features a collection of statues of classic Popeye characters. Wimpy, Olive, and Cole Oyl can all be found here, and each statue has a QR code that shares more information about the characters.
Get Your Thrills on Chestnut Mountain Resort’s Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide at Chestnut Mountain Resort twists and turns down the side of a mountain, offering a 2,050-foot sled ride down to the banks of the Mississippi River. You’ll get a ski lift ride to the top of the mountain to begin, and you can see across three states from the top of the slide.
Gaze in Awe at the Dana-Thomas House
Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed a huge number of houses, including the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, IL. Tour this house to see more than 450 glass art pieces and 100 oak furniture pieces, all designed by Wright himself.
Discover Something New at the Cahokia Mounds
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site was once home to a sophisticated society. The pre-Colombian residents had a fascinating culture and built the mounds that remain on the grounds to this day. Learn all about these ancient peoples by visiting the historic site.
Get a Sweet Treat at the MainStreet Dessert Walk
Libertyville’s MainStreet Dessert Walk will happen in August. Participants get a ticket and stroll downtown Libertyville, sampling various desserts from Main Street merchants.
Try Scuba Diving in the Mermet Springs
Mermet Springs in Illinois is one of the premier places to do some scuba diving. Here you can rent gear or bring your own and visit an underwater petting zoo, a sunken airplane, and more.
Grab Some Grub at 17th Street BBQ
17th Street BBQ usually has a line, so you know it’s good! The barbecue joint serves up ribs, brisket, pork shoulder, chicken, and other delicious barbecue. You can also get classic sides like collard greens, cole slaw, and mac & cheese.
Celebrate History During the Annual Rendezvous at Fort De Chartres
The Annual Rendezvous at Fort De Chartres features interpreters dressed in period costumes, shooting matches, and other re-enactments and performances. Craft and food booths are also available to complete the experience.
View a Huge T-Rex Skeleton at the Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum is home to an enormous and complete T-Rex skeleton. Along with dinosaurs, you’ll find exhibits on DNA, world cultures, gems and minerals, ocean life, Ancient Egypt, and more. There is also a play area where the youngest kids can explore and discover.
Watch the Sunset at the Garden of the Gods
Illinois’ Garden of the Gods is in the Shawnee National Forest. It’s one of the most photographed locations in Illinois, with sandstone rock formations and panoramic views. Begin with the 1/4-mile Observation Trail, which has interpretive signs to explain the area’s geological history, and has benches where you can rest.
Stand Under the Bean in Millennium Park
Millennium Park is in downtown Chicago, and is home to the iconic Cloud Gate. That’s the shiny bean-shaped sculpture you’ve likely seen in countless photos of the city. Take your own selfie, splash in the Crown Fountain, and walk amongst the flowers at Lurie Garden.
Experience the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has one of the world’s finest collections of materials related to President Lincoln and his legacy. Learn about Lincoln’s childhood and political career, and about his lasting legacy.
There’s plenty to do when visiting Illinois, and you may want an Illinois RV rental so you can travel the state. This gives you the freedom to wander from one attraction to the next in comfort, without having to pack up when you move each time.
