Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Illinois, United States

March 4, 2022 Myesha Cogley

Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including The Art Institute of Chicago, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Paramount Theatre, Champaign Public Library, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., Grand View Drive, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Northwestern University, Starved Rock State Park.
Restaurants in Illinois

1. The Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603-6110 +1 312-443-3600 http://www.artic.edu
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 24,057 reviews

The Art Institute of Chicago

See why the Art Institute of Chicago is the only museum in the world to be top-ranked by TripAdvisor four years in a row! Experience the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris, and view contemporary masterpieces in the spectacular Modern Wing. Stand before classics like Nighthawks, and travel the globe through galleries devoted to the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas.

Reviewed By nemeshek - Mexico City, Mexico

This is the best Chicago Museum for me. All the classical paints such as Francesco de Mura, Peter Paul Rubens, El Greco, Luca Cambiaso, Tintoretto, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Edvard Munch, Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh are incredible. This is a must to visit in Chicago.

2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

212 N 6th St Northeast corner of 6th and Jefferson, Springfield, IL 62701-1004 +1 217-558-8844 [email protected] http://www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,422 reviews

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln's world and time. Journey from a rustic Indiana cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation's capitol; follow the fate of America's 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family - and a nation. (Please be advised, while the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is open 7 days a week, the Presidential Library is only open on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.)

Reviewed By D2620VEdanc - Avinger, United States

Took an 2 hour, self-guided afternoon tour of the Licoln Memorial in Springfield Illinois with our daughter's family and 3 grandchildren, ages 4 - 9. The memorial is filled with very interesting pieces of Abraham Lincoln's family life, Civil War and presidency. The interesting and artistic displays and videos bring life to the memorial that holds the attention of the 4 year old up to the grandparents. An afternoon well spent.

3. Anderson Japanese Gardens

318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107-1035 +1 815-229-9390 [email protected] http://www.andersongardens.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 823 reviews

Anderson Japanese Gardens

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.

4. Paramount Theatre

23 E Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506-4128 +1 630-896-7676 http://www.paramountaurora.com
Excellent
80%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 411 reviews

Paramount Theatre

Reviewed By Scullyster - Sulphur Springs, United States

The Paramount is a fabulous theater - beautiful decor, comfortable seats and top notch productions. We recently saw “The Secret of My Success.” The acting, dancing and singing, as well as the set, were all first-rate. We couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Come early and grab a bite to eat (tasty hot dogs, cookies, etc.) and drink. They have a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which you can take to your seat.

5. Champaign Public Library

200 W Green St, Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61820-5193 +1 217-403-2000 [email protected] http://www.champaign.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 130 reviews

Champaign Public Library

Step into our light-filled, open spaces and see our wonderful Peter Sis murals, colorful TeenSpace, quiet meeting rooms, Library Café and Friendshop Bookstore. The library at 200 W. Green St., is open Mondays - Thursdays 9-9; Fridays 9-6; Saturdays 9-6; and Sundays 12-6. Our Douglass Branch Library is located 504 E. Grove St., at the edge of Douglass Park. Stop in for a great selection of books, DVDs, and CDs, plus friendly service, free Internet access, and public meeting spaces. Open Mondays - Thursdays 10-8; Fridays 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4.

Reviewed By urbanguy - Richmond, United States

We went there, specifically, to check out the Friend's Bookstore. The Bookstore is in the basement, with shelves and shelves of well organized books for sale. Fiction is alphabetized by author. The non-fiction is broken down into tons of meaningful categories. Upstairs, there is an unbelievable number of DVDs to borrow. There is also a coffee shop, with both indoor and outdoor seating. A very impressive Library!

6. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

9380 W US Highway 20, Galena, IL 61036-9172 +1 815-777-1000 [email protected] http://www.BlaumBros.com
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,936 reviews

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

Blaum Bros. Is a family owned and operated craft distillery in Galena, IL. Blaum Bros. Uses local grain from Jo Daviess County and produces handcrafted spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin...And many others. Blaum Bros. offers daily tours and tastings and has a gift shop and a craft cocktail bar. Located in Galena on Highway 20 on the East side of town. Come try one of our specialty cocktails!

Reviewed By trippytripster101 - Stoughton, United States

Great drinks from friendly bartenders, the tour by Dennis was informative and entertaining, and wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend.

7. Grand View Drive

3210 Grand View Drive Accessible from Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, near Tower Park or from Route 29, near the Route 150 Interchange, Peoria, IL 686-3375 http://www.peoriaparks.org/grand-view-drive/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 278 reviews

Grand View Drive

Reviewed By Gsc52 - Peoria, United States

Multi use area you can just take the drive which takes 10 to 15 minutes and it’s beautiful or you can take your bicycle and bike the drive. You can walk the drive You can take your kids to the swing sets at the bottom of the drive you can have a picnic on the picnic tables over looking the river.I live near here I see kids taking wedding pictures families having a picnic and people walking their dogs just enjoying the beautiful view not much you can do for free but you can do it here and you are welcome

8. Lincoln Home National Historic Site

413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701-1905 +1 217-492-4241 http://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,751 reviews

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

The only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned is the centerpiece of this four-block historic neighborhood. Lincoln and his family lived in the two-story house from 1844 until 1861, when their address changed to the White House.

Reviewed By X7472TVtomk

This site, run by the National Park Service is well maintained and restored, with a visitor's center, a free guided tour of Lincoln's home, and several other restored homes. We spent two hours which included a 20 minute tour of the home. The book store in the visitor's center is very comprehensive.

9. Northwestern University

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208-0001 +1 847-491-3741 http://www.northwestern.edu/
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 382 reviews

Northwestern University

Reviewed By ChenEvelyn

A gorgeous and safe campus with amazing beaches and water views to boot! Have some of the best students and top professors in the world.

10. Starved Rock State Park

2668 E 875th Rd, Utica, IL 61373 +1 815-667-4726 http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/I&M/EAST/STARVE/PARK.HTM
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,562 reviews

Starved Rock State Park

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.

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