Top Things to do in Illinois
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Illinois, United States
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, P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., Grand View Drive, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Starved Rock State Park, Lake Michigan.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24,057 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,422 reviews
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
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.
4. Paramount Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 411 reviews
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. P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 657 reviews
"One of America's Best Magic Shows!" Enjoy the mysteries of an ancient art as presented by Galena's master magician, P.T. Murphy. The setting is Murphy's private theatre located in the heart of historic downtown Galena, IL. Murphy is known for his personable style, mischievous sense of humor and sophisticated sleight of hand that the Chicago Reader called "An evening that shows magic to its best advantage, up close and personal." Advanced purchase is suggested. Run Time: 65 minutes. No intermission. Theatre rentals are available for your tour group, or private parties. Schedule is subject to change. Please call for current schedule of performances. *Masks are required.*
Reviewed By toastedcaramel - Galena, United States
My cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much! It was my husbands birthday and he made a point to make it a special show. I forgot how great magic is, especially when it is paired with a great magician! The show left me with so many questions on how he did his tricks! It was also great to have conversation with such an open minded individual. Thank you for the memories, hope to visit again! We really appreciated your time that you gave us! -Cougar & Toasted Caramel
6. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,936 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 278 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,751 reviews
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. 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.
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.
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