Top Things to do in Illinois
Top Hotels in Illinois
Countries
5 Piers & Boardwalks in Illinois That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Chicago Lakefront, Navy Pier, Burnham Harbor, Sunrise Park, Fulton Marina.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. Chicago Lakefront
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
My wife and I have been to Central Park in New York City. Nice. But it doesn't have Lake Michigan. For us, there is no better place to take a leisurely and scenic stroll than Chicago's lakefront, which includes the city's beaches and four major parks--Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park and Jackson Park. Chicago's Lakefront Trail is an 18.5-mile long paved path for walking, jogging, cycling and skateboarding, not to mention the scenic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline. During the summer months, 70,000 people use the trail. This isn't summer, it is mid-December, cold but surprisingly dry. No ice on Lake Michigan, just a chilly and brisk wind from the northeast. Until it gets too cold or snowy, we enjoy taking daily walks through Lincoln Park and weekend treks along the lakefront trail from North Avenue Beach to Montrose Beach and North Avenue Beach to Oak Street Beach. The view of Chicago's skyline from North Avenue Beach is spectacular, a picture postcard. We have never done it but you can walk or bike all the way to the Museum of Science and Industry at South 55th Street in Hyde Park. Instead, to the south, we have ventured to the Museum Campus, making visits to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. To the north, observe Waveland Clock Tower. It's interesting to view the boats in Belmont Harbor and Monroe Harbor. The trail also connects with Navy Pier, Illinois' most popular tourist attraction, but it currently is closed due to the pandemic.
2. Navy Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14,880 reviews
Navy Pier is the place where all of Chicagoland and tourists from around the world have come together since 1995 to enjoy the beauty and the thrills of a day on Lake Michigan. From rides to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, shopping to dining cruises and tour boats Navy Pier has it all - in a location unlike any other!There's so much to do in our 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions.Take a ride on our 15-story Ferris wheel. Catch a movie at the IMAX® Theatre. Visit three floors of hands-on fun at the Chicago Children's Museum inside the Family Pavilion. Experience any one of the cruise boat rides departing from Navy Pier's South Dock. Or just kick back and enjoy your favorite form of entertainment at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, Dock Street Stage, Landshark Beer Garden or Family Pavilion Stage. Come experience all that Navy Pier has to offer year-round!
Reviewed By canadianlotus - Manitoba, Canada
Navy Pier is a must when visiting Chicago! It offers a ton of lovely shops, places to eat, a beautiful tropical house to explore with fun water features, merrigo round, ferris wheel, and a lovely Pier that showcases beautiful foliage, sights and sounds of the harbour. Here you can rent bikes to explore, catch a trolly bus or a HOP ON-HOP OFF excursion bus. A fountain outiside the main entrance offers a place for the kids to have some fun and cool down during the hot days. During the summer, they have fireworks at 9:30 pm with is a spectacular display. Afterward, you can enjoy some Chicago must have famous Giordano's deep dish pizza but make sure you make reservations. Lots to do and see!
