10 TOP Things to Do in Northern Illinois July 2025

Starved Rock State Park which includes forest scenes

Northern Illinois showing heritage architecture

Starved Rock State Park which includes interior views

Starved Rock State Park showing a gorge or canyon and forests

Northern Illinois Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Northern Illinois has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Northern Illinois, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Northern Illinois with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Northern Illinois, and make it a breeze to explore Northern Illinois and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Northern Illinois to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Northern Illinois, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Northern Illinois.

Northern Illinois attractions

Northern Illinois has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Northern Illinois to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Northern Illinois.

Looking for things to do in Northern Illinois can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Northern Illinois or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Northern Illinois attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Browse Northern Illinois activities by category

Tours & day trips

History & culture

Food, drink & nightlife

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Recommended things to do in Northern Illinois

Number of things to do	4
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Discover Aurora Illinois Hiking Getaway: £30
Top 5 things to do	Windmill Island 1-Day Tour from Chicago – Limited-Time Kids Discount Naperville: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience Private Chicago-style deep dish pizza or pasta making class Discover Aurora Illinois Hiking Getaway
Half-day tours	Naperville: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience Private Chicago-style deep dish pizza or pasta making class Discover Aurora Illinois Hiking Getaway
With kids	Windmill Island 1-Day Tour from Chicago – Limited-Time Kids Discount Private Chicago-style deep dish pizza or pasta making class

What to do in Northern Illinois

Popular places to visit

Starved Rock State Park

The lodge provides a luxurious base from which to explore trails leading to bluffs and canyons of this riverside park. Try ice climbing and eagle spotting in winter.

Matthiessen State Park

Look down the chute of Cascade Falls from a rickety bridge and admire the brilliant hues decorating the canyon’s sandstone walls in this eclectic park.

John Deere Pavilion

At this large exhibit space in Moline, see the green machines that have plowed, dug and cut their way across America for over 175 years.

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

Learn about the region’s history and its aquatic life in one location. The role of this important river becomes apparent through the many interactive exhibits.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Rockford’s iconic gardens may be in the heartland of America, but you’ll feel transported to Japan as you explore the winding paths, ponds and waterfalls.

BMO Harris Bank Center

Catch an event at BMO Harris Bank Center during your trip to Rockford.

Raging Waves Waterpark

Take the family on an outing to Raging Waves Waterpark during your trip to Yorkville. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Diamond Jo Casino

Why not try your luck with a visit to Diamond Jo Casino during your time in Dubuque? Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Northern Illinois University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Northern Illinois University during your travels in DeKalb. Experience the area's art scene and live music.

Explore areas of Northern Illinois

The Galena Territory

The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, but Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Galena Historic District

Travellers come to Galena Historic District for its stunning river views, and you can see top attractions like Old Market House and Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque

Take a trip through time as you stroll down the historic streets of this eastern Iowa city. Visit cafés, shops and galleries in revitalized heritage buildings.

Davenport which includes a river or creek and a city

Downtown Davenport

If you're spending some time in Downtown Davenport, Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Rockford which includes general coastal views and a city

Downtown Rockford

If you're spending some time in Downtown Rockford, BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Millwork District

While Historic Millwork District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Five Flags Center and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.