What to do in Illinois

Activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

£35
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

£20
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

£30
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

£23
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Flyover in Chicago
Chicago C3® : Save on admission to your choice of 3 top attractactions

Chicago C3® by CityPASS®

£80
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago C3® by CityPASS®
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

£18
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Chicago Skyline Tiki Chic Party Cruise on Lake Michigan

Chicago Skyline Tiki Chic Party Cruise on Lake Michigan

£31
per adult
Chicago Skyline Tiki Chic Party Cruise on Lake Michigan
cruise ship sailing past navy pier in chicago

City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise

£116
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise
Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River

Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River or Lake Michigan

£28
per adult
Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River or Lake Michigan
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

Fans of baseball know Wrigley Field as the long-time home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this is one of the oldest and best-known ballparks in the US. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball history have been played out here, including Babe Ruth’s now famous “called shot” in 1932 during the World Series. He allegedly pointed to the bleachers, predicting that he’d hit a home run, and then did. Legendary Cubs player Ernie Banks nicknamed the stadium "The Friendly Confines" because fans were wild about their team and ballpark. Catch a game and mingle with the passionate locals if you’re in town March through September.
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2. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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3. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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4. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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5. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
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A large metallic sphere sculpture in a public square surrounded by tall buildings.

6. Six Flags Great America

Locals and visitors come to Six Flags Great America to escape the heat during Milwaukee’s summer months. The theme park has almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) of roller coaster track alongside a host of other family attractions and entertainment set over a sprawling area close to the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.
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7. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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What to do in Illinois

Stay near popular Illinois attractions

An aerial view of a baseball stadium surrounded by urban buildings.
Photo by © City of Chicago
Open Photo by © City of Chicago

Wrigley Field

9.0/10 (11,704 reviews)
Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.
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Where to stay in Illinois

Find the best Illinois areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Illinois
Learn more about Illinois
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Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

A busy urban street at dusk with tall buildings, a historic tower, and pedestrians.
Photo by © City of Chicago
Open Photo by © City of Chicago

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

A river with yellow boats, a bridge, and tall buildings.

The Loop

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

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River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

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Lincoln Park

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.

 

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