From ancient Native American mounds to the most contemporary, high-tech buildings, there are tons of amazing Illinois landmarks to visit. Below, we dive into some of the best landmarks in Illinois to put on the map for your next trip. Choose from this list and you really can’t go wrong.
Top Landmarks in Illinois
Illinois Landmarks
Willis Tower
One of the most recognizable landmarks in any U.S. state, Willis Tower is a stately building that stands 1,729 feet over the landscape of Chicago below at its tip. With 108 stories along with a rooftop, this stunning skyscraper has been an iconic part of the Windy City’s skyline since it was first erected in 1973. Originally known as the Sears Tower, this building spent a good tenure as the tallest building in the world.
For visitors, one of its most exciting attractions is the Skydeck, which allows the brave to stare straight down through a glass floor.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The city of Chicago abounds with incredible urban adventures to be had, from museums and art galleries to restaurants and more. It’s also only a short drive to some incredible local natural spaces, such as Indiana Sand Dunes National Park.
Camping can be found at Chicago McCormick Place Marshaling Yard.
Millenium Park
Consider it Chicago’s version of Central Park, if you will — though this 24.5-acre greenspace doesn’t require any sort of comparison. Millenium Park is itself a landmark while also being home to yet another important U.S. landmark. The name of this second landmark? Cloud Gate, that iconic metallic sculpture locally known lovingly as “The Bean”.
Originally opened in 2004, Millenium Park was four years behind schedule, which is why its name doesn’t line up with its actual opening date. However, this park has been a cultural icon and must-see landmark since its opening, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Millenium Park is located right in the heart of downtown Chicago, where it’s surrounded by other important attractions such as the Art Institute. Meanwhile, some great state parks are just a quick drive away.
More Chicago area RV camping can be found at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Navy Pier
Located within easy walking distance of Millenium Park, Navy Pier is both a landmark and a well-appointed tourist destination that has tons to see and do. The pier has a long and storied history, having first been constructed and opened more than 100 years ago for military purposes.
Today, though, the pier is teeming with green spaces, gardens, restaurants, and even carnival attractions. Its beautiful Ferris wheel is a well-known sight, especially at night when it’s lit up in colorful, shining lights. Have a bite to eat or a sip to drink on one of its rooftops and enjoy the sunset: the perfect end to a perfect day of people-watching and family fun.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Another Illinois landmark that calls the city of Chicago home, the Navy Pier is both surrounded by and full of fun things to do. We highly recommend the Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium.
Even more camping is available at Camp Sullivan.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Traveling away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago, those who head west toward the big river will be rewarded when they arrive at Mississippi Palisades State Park. This 2,500-acre park is absolutely beautiful and is full of exciting outdoor recreational opportunities. It is a particularly good spot to witness the change of leaves come autumn.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located amongst a clutch of small towns right along the Illinois/Iowa border, Mississippi Palisades State Park is surrounded by other wildernesses such as Morrison Rockwood State Park or Iowa’s Bellevue State Park.
The state park offers a well-developed RV campground with electrical hookups at over 100 sites, so you can stay right in the middle of the beauty.
Starved Rock State Park
Another one-of-a-kind wilderness Illinois residents are lucky to have in their own backyard, Starved Rock State Park offers a set of views that will make you feel like you’ve traveled much further afield. Characterized by carved sandstone canyons and serenely cascading waterfalls, this 2,300-acre wilderness is well worth the drive, no matter where you’re starting from.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Surrounded by small but friendly midwestern towns like Hitt and Oglesby, there’s plenty to explore in the area. That said, if you’re in need of some brighter lights and bigger buildings, Chicago is only an hour and a half away.
There’s RV camping right on-site at the state park, with spaces generous enough for big rigs that require hookups.
Wildlife Prairie Park
Think of it like a zoo — except there are no cages to be spoken of. Located just outside of Peoria, Wildlife Prairie Park is an expanse of 1,800 acres that more than 150 animals representing some 60 species call home.
All animals here are currently or once were native to this part of the midwestern United States. Visitors can stroll, hike, and even mountain bike through the areas to get more familiar with these creatures.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just minutes from Peoria, Wildlife Prairie Park is also conveniently located near Jubilee College State Park and all the worthy adventures the city of Bloomington has to offer, including the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History.
Make yourself at home at RV camping Carl Spindler Campground & Marina.
Dana Thomas House
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed between 1902-1904 for Susan Lawrence Dana, the Dana Thomas House is a stunning example of organic architecture. Located in the town of Springfield, this landmark is open to the public with tours available. It contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright objects.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Springfield is awash with fun to-dos, such as the Henson Robinson Zoo and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Plus, you won’t want to miss area state parks such as Sangchris Lake State Park and Edward R Madigan State Park.
You can set up camp at Illinois State Fair Campgrounds.
Rend Lake
Fully 13 miles long and three miles wide, Rend Lake is a stunning, shimmering body of water. With more than 18,900 acres of water surface, Rend Lake is the perfect spot for those eager to fish, boat, paddleboard, swim, and more during the summer months. It is also a great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked into the vast greenway west of St. Louis, Rend Lake is close to some other excellent outdoor spaces such as Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park. Mt. Vernon is not far away and offers attractions like Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.
As far as camping goes, we recommend North Sandusky Campground.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site houses something truly unique and special: the remains of a pre-Columbian Native American city. The city is characterized most recognizably today by the earthen mounds these ancient inhabitants erected. Cahokia was no small town in its day; it was bigger than London was in 1250 CE.
Along with simply walking the grounds, visitors can also check the on-site museum which displays artifacts and offers educational information about these, the original residents of Illinois.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just outside of St. Louis and close to the mighty Mississippi and its confluence with the Missouri, there’s a reason this spot has been an attractive place to live for eons. Today, there are plenty of things to see and do in the area, including the incredible City Museum and St. Louis Zoo.
You can camp at nearby 370 Lakeside Park.
Garden of the Gods
Believe it or not, this east-side version of the Garden of the Gods is just as stunning as its more famous name cousin. It features an incredible collection of rock formations sprawled across 3,300-acres of gorgeous wilderness.
Tucked away in the Shawnee National Forest, the Illinois Garden of the Gods natural area is home to a wide variety of hiking opportunities. Whether you prefer short and easy observation trails or longer and more challenging ventures, there’s something for you.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the southern tip of Illinois, Garden of the Gods isn’t close to any large communities, but there are plenty of small towns nearby for food and gas.
RV camping can be found in nearby Herod at 34 Ranch Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to Illinois
An Illinois RV trip is an excellent way to tour all of these Illinois landmarks, and we’ve got all the details you need to make your vacation perfect.
Make sure to visit the many amazing state parks in Illinois, as well as Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, which isn’t technically in the state but is quite close by. You’ll also want to check out Illinois cities for some urban adventure, and plan stays at the best 10 campgrounds in the state.
