Top Things to do in Illinois
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The 10 Best Historic Walking Areas in Illinois, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion, Glacial Park, Pullman Historic District, Riverwalk, Root Beer Revelry, Chicago Riverwalk, Jefferson County Historical Village, Lincoln - Douglas Square, Sylvan Island, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By tmh564 - Decatur, United States
Governor Richard J Oglesby home is a wonderful look at Central Illinois history pre and post Civil War .........Oglesby's public career spanned the US Army to being a 3-time Governor of Illinois ...........dozens of original family pieces are on display in this huge home located within a couple of blocks of several other historic Decatur homes ......; Mueller, Staley, Millikin and Frank Lloyd Wright to name a few !
2. Glacial Park
3. Pullman Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By lauralei99
In October, a dozen or so resident of homes in the historic Pullman district open their homes for house tours. People who love old homes will enjoy this immensely. The homes are kept as close as possible to the original architecture, and many are furnished with period-pieces.. At the Visitor Center, you purchase tickets (also available on-line at a discount), then receive a brochure which includes addresses and a map, and sometimes, histories of the participating homes. Pullman residents are stationed at the entrances, and also without the houses, to provide information about the specific structure.The porches, front yards and walkways are kept up and decorated beautifully, in both Fall and Halloween motifs. There was food available near the Center, with limited outdoor seating. It is possible to drive the tour route, but parking could be dicey, so I advise that you prepare to walk. One of the homes is used as a private art gallery, and two of the properties and Air bnbs. Also on tour, is another museum of sorts, in which a private collector has lovingly rescued and kept thousands of Pullman Car memorabilia. Both rail and history buffs should make sure to stop in. Picture-taking is banned within the private homes.
4. Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 791 reviews
Reviewed By janeoctric - Naperville, United States
Absolutely love the riverwalk- There is an upper brick, lower concrete walk or jog you can take, I do most days along the river- Things to see, plants, flowers, fish, ducks, kayakers, diverse families, water fountains, covered bridges, occasional snakes, frogs, a solo heron. Great place for subrises or sunsets- No bikes allowed- It is lit so you can even walk at dusk- Lots of people of all ages, babies in strollers, on it- Early am more quiet and serene- There is a brand new playground west of the quarry. Clean bathrooms, accessibility to lots of restaurants. Paddleboats, kayaks for rent May to September plus a riverwalk cafe in season near rotary hill. You can walk up to the top of the Carilllon and see the entire area from above during certain weekend hours as well.
5. Root Beer Revelry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
We are a Root beer store with 50 + bottles of root beer from around the country to mix and match. We also have a large selection of ginger ale and ginger beers , cream sodas and unique flavors . We also have six Regional root beers on tap, with go cups and root beer floats.
Reviewed By FatTaft
We thoroughly enjoyed talking with the proprietors and staff at Root Beer Revelry. Friendly and knowledgeable, we enjoyed some Root Beer history with our flight of Root Beers, and received some excellent recommendations to accomodate our taste buds!
6. Chicago Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,935 reviews
Reviewed By GlobeTrotting556774
Enjoy the magic of the city, stunning architecture, while enjoying food, drink, and a stroll along the Chicago River, while pleasure boats float by.
7. Jefferson County Historical Village
8. Lincoln - Douglas Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By elixirpost - Cerritos, United States
Check this out if you happen to drive by especially if you are going to St.Louis from Pere Marquette park.
9. Sylvan Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By paulsY5534PS
To find some seclusion in the city of Moline, follow the signs to this park tucked behind one of the Deere plants (seeding, if I remember right) at the end of First along the border with Rock Island. It is worth it just to see the Deere srt installation steps from the parking lot. The paved lot is not huge but more than roomy enough. On a fall weekend there were maybe a half dozen cars and probably five out six owners and passengers of those were using the shore path and not venturing out to Sylvan Island. After I crossed the pedestrian bridge, I only saw two other people the whole time I was on the trails. There is a fishing pier, views of the man-made island channel and the mighty Mississippi, factory ruins, an old quarry, and woods to explore and escape for an afternoon. There are long and short primary loops plus less maintained connectors so you can take as much or as little time as you like. Strollers are fine on most of the trails but I do not recommend wheelchairs not designed for outdoor use. There are no facilities on Sylvan Island so plan your time accordingly.
10. Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
The Forest Preserve District of Will County's Joliet Iron Works Historic Site provides a parking area, shelter, latrine, water fountain, and access to the 10.81-mile, paved/limestone I&M Canal Trail/Centennial Trail. The site protects foundations of blast furnaces and other structures from a dismantled iron manufacturing facility that operated from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. A 0.59-mile trail offers self-guided interpretive tours of the site's historical significance. Open 8 a.m.-sunset.
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site features an approximately 1.5 mile long paved loop trail that provides a self-guided interpretive walking tour of the ruins of the old Joliet Iron Works. Today none of the original buildings still stand, but remaining are many of the foundations of the blast furnaces and other structures from the dismantled mills, looking almost like ancient ruins. The trail that takes visitors around the grounds is outfitted with excellent informational signs that help communicate the important history of this one-time giant. The signs give a very good history of the Iron Works and the people who worked there. It would be really nice if the park could install a small 3-D model of a blast furnace. Nevertheless, this is an impressively maintained historical place. Hard to imagine that Joliet Iron Works employed approximately 4,000 workers in the early 1900s. The site also now serves as a trailhead for the Centennial Trail/I&M Canal Trail. The whole visit is free of charge. Do not miss a chance to visit this place.
