Top Things to do in Illinois
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Things to do in Illinois, United States: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Chicago Botanic Garden, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Boo Rochman Memorial Park, Brookfield Zoo, Morton Arboretum, Great River Trail, Starved Rock State Park, Millennium Park, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Lake Michigan.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. Chicago Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,199 reviews
Just a short trip from Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre complex of flora, footbridges and waterways.
Reviewed By RobinTraveler123 - Salt Lake City, United States
A world class experience any time of the year. Located north of Chicago about 15 miles, this botanic garden offers a multiple of expressions , water falls and lakes, a spectacular Japanese garden and hundreds of acres of trees from all over the world. Reality...worth 3 or 4 trips a year
2. Anderson Japanese Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 823 reviews
Anderson Japanese Gardens is proud of its longstanding reputation as one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Our passion, however, is how the Garden positively impacts individuals and the communities where they live. We are committed to presenting first-class programs, events, and opportunities that bring people together in this uplifting natural setting.
Reviewed By JulieC5202 - Rockford, United States
It is always a pleasure to walk through the gardens and gift shop, You always recognize something different. In addition you always meet some of the nicest people. It’s always been one of my favorite places to relax and renew, it must be the beauty of everything.
3. Boo Rochman Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By sherrys740 - Illinois, United States
So I’m going to be honest, I heard about this park through a Southern IL hiking group and wanted to check it out for myself, but used our two teenagers as the excuse. Lol. Absolutely LOVE this park! It’s cute for all ages, even without kids. It’s easy to find. There are lots of things to see (look in the trees too!). The story behind the park makes it extra special too.
4. Brookfield Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,176 reviews
216-acre Zoo With Over 400 Species Of Animals.
Reviewed By Shelliu - Hilton Head, United States
Not everything is open in the winter but on a 50 degree day like today, especially with free admission, it was the perfect day. Brookfield has a lot of indoor exhibits - for wolves, bears, penguins, snakes, amphibians, giraffes and monkeys (highlight of the whole zoo). It’s one of the best places to visit in Chicago if you have kids, no matter the time of year.
5. Morton Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 958 reviews
Only 25 miles west of Chicago, there's something for everyone in all four seasons at The Morton Arboretum. Whether you seek a quiet hike in the woods or an active family day out, The Morton Arboretum offers a wide variety of fun activities, events, tours, and classes for all ages and interests. Here you'll find an oasis of 16 miles of hiking trails and nine miles of paved roads, perfect for hiking, running, biking or just exploring. From a guided tour on an open-air tram to the award-winning Children's Garden and Maze Garden, to seasonal exhibits and lunch in The Ginkgo Restaurant overlooking Meadow Lake, the Arboretum is a unique place to explore, discover, escape, and connect with trees and nature.
Reviewed By ejohnchat - Chicago, United States
We love going here anytime of the year; the light show in the winter, the flowers in the spring, the cool forests in the summer and the colorful leaves in the fall.
6. Great River Trail
7. Starved Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,562 reviews
Known for its magnificent rock formations of St. Peter sandstone, this scenic park offers many hiking and horseback riding trails plus fishing and boating along the banks of the Illinois River.
Reviewed By tigrr49 - Chicago, United States
Took about 3 - 3.5 hours to hike from visitor's center down to LaSalle Canyon while hitting Starved Rock, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, Eagle Cliff Overlook, and Lover's Leap Overlook in that order. French Canyon is pretty (sunlight glistened off the water onto the canyon walls) and most accessible but it also crowded for that reason. The waterfall at Wildcat was a small trickle compared to the others but it's also very high which is cool. LaSalle Canyon was definitely worth the hike especially since you can walk behind the waterfall for some cool photos. I would not recommend for young children (mine are 8 and 10) to do the whole distance we did. My kids certainly enjoyed the hike, several photo ops, and lunch / snacks along the way. Lastly, visitor center is nice and clean with pretty decent food options if that's your fancy. Extra Tips: Make it a 2 day trip and hit Matthiesen State Park - Dells Area nearby on your other day. Also, I read St. Louis Canyon and Ottawa Canyon can be nice but we didn't have enough time to hit them.
8. Millennium Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,640 reviews
Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavillion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city's most popular sites.
Reviewed By 314LH - Chicago, United States
Cloud Gate (the bean to locals) is a 12-ft high stainless steel sculpture chosen in competition as the winning design (by Brit Anish Kapoor), inspired by liquid mercury. Begun in 2004, finished in 2006, it's become a Chicago icon that provides unique photo opportunities. Enjoy great views of downtown (and the skating rink in winter) from its platform, stroll the area to view regularly-changing public art exhibits, the Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, and fabulous Frank Gehry designed BP bridge.
9. Mississippi Palisades State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Rich in American Indian history, this 2,500-acre park offers a variety of outdoor activities including boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking and hiking.
Reviewed By HollisGert - Aurora, United States
If you enjoy hiking in a forest in the fall this is a great place to visit. Best marked trails with a great trail map. Park Ranger was very helpful in giving us information. Facilities available near camp sites. Although one visitor said short hikes...one trail connects to another. We hiked for close to three hours. You can also enjoy the overviews at the south park entrance by driving to easily accessible viewing points. Trails are more challenging at the south park entrance. We didn't attempt these. Illinois State Parks do not have entrance fees for hiking.
10. Lake Michigan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,848 reviews
Chicago sits on the shore of this Great Lake.
Reviewed By Bandit2118 - Columbus, United States
Staying at The Drake was perfect to walk to Lake Michigan; across one road and under the others and onto Lake Michigan recreation avenue so to speak. There was a lot of people the day we arrived to 95 degree weather with people swimming in Lake Michigan and some volleyball games. Lots of people walking, running and cycling. And the beach was so cool. There was people doing outside yoga at different spots. Simply an epic venue for most recreation activities and I will make it a point to go to Lake Michigan with every single trip to Chicago. I love being around a lot of people enjoying the beautiful lake in many different ways. So convenient and so fun and so scenic and diversity at its best. Everyone embracing and accepting each other with commonality of recreation in an epic setting with smiles and embracing nature within one of America’s great cities! Enjoy Lake Michigan while in Chicago.
