The Best Experiences in Illinois: Top 10 Must-Do Activities (Currently Open)

Illinois serves up big-city sparkle and small-town charm, glacier-carved canyons and sweeping river bluffs, world-class museums and once-in-a-lifetime food. Whether you’re plotting a dreamy weekend in Chicago, a road trip along the Mississippi, or a history-soaked getaway downstate, this guide highlights the very best things to do in Illinois right now—all currently operating and ready to welcome you.

In the sections below, you’ll find ten essential experiences that blend history, local culture, signature sights, and one-of-a-kind adventures. Expect insider tips, family-friendly notes, and easy planning advice so you can turn ideas into an unforgettable itinerary.

Chicago Icons, River Views & Architectural Awe: The Official Architecture River Cruise

Few activities define a Chicago visit like a narrated architecture cruise gliding past 100-plus years of skylines. The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady runs seasonally with multiple departures and trained docents who unpack the city’s design feats in vivid detail. Expect a polished, story-rich tour with unobstructed views and photo ops from every seat. cruise.architecture.org+1

Why it’s a must-do

• You’ll see marquee landmarks up close while learning the “why” behind Chicago’s growth—from the Great Fire to the bold modern era.

• Docent-led narration gives this cruise an educational edge that seasoned travelers rave about.

Trip tips

• Golden hour departures gift the glassy river with warm light for photos.

• Bring a light layer—breezes can be cool on the open deck even in summer.

Masterpieces & Quiet Moments: The Art Institute of Chicago

Home to Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, and a staggering collection that spans five millennia, the Art Institute of Chicago is a global heavyweight—and it’s open with extended hours on Thursdays. Pro move: carve out time for the Modern Wing and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Art Institute of Chicago+1

Why it’s a must-do

• It’s one of the world’s foremost art museums, pairing iconic works with cutting-edge shows.

• The campus sits steps from Millennium Park, so you can pair art time with a stroll to Cloud Gate.

Trip tips

• Book timed tickets during peak seasons and consider a weekday visit for a calmer pace.

• Free daily tours are often available—great for first-timers who want a curated overview. Art Institute of Chicago

Sky-High Thrill: Willis Tower Skydeck & The Ledge

Shoot up 103 floors for panoramic views that stretch across four states on clear days—then step onto The Ledge, a glass box that hovers over the city for the ultimate “floating” selfie. Current operating hours make it an easy add to any downtown day. Skydeck+1

Why it’s a must-do

• It’s a bucket-list photo moment with an interactive exhibit that celebrates Chicago’s history.

• Convenient Loop location pairs perfectly with the Art Institute, the Riverwalk, and dinner plans.

Trip tips

• Sunset slots are magic. Book ahead to time your visit with the glow.

• Not a fan of heights? The museum-style exhibits before the elevators are engaging and accessible.

Canyon Country in the Midwest: Hike Starved Rock State Park

Surprise: Illinois has slot-style canyons, seasonal waterfalls, bald-eagle lookouts, and bluff-top vistas just 90 minutes from Chicago at Starved Rock State Park. Trails open at 7:00 a.m. daily (to sunset), and the visitor center is typically open during the day, with limited holiday closures in winter. Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Why it’s a must-do

• Short loops to dramatic overlooks make this a family-friendly hike with big payoff.

• Spring snowmelt and post-rain days transform canyon walls into curtain-like falls.

Trip tips

• Start early for open parking and quieter trails.

• Download the official park map at home—cell service can fade in canyon terrain. Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Epic Sandstone & Big-Sky Vistas: Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest

Southern Illinois delivers a shock of scenery at Garden of the Gods—think wind-carved hoodoos, weathered ridgelines, and the famed Observation Trail (a short, flagstone-paved loop with outsized views). Day-use areas and the trail keep regular hours, and leash rules help protect delicate habitats. US Forest Service+1

Why it’s a must-do

• It’s the state’s wild showstopper: sunrise and sunset paint the sandstone in fiery hues.

• The loop is accessible for most hikers and rewards every step with ridgeline panoramas.

Trip tips

• Wear firm-grip footwear; the stone can be slick after rain.

• Pack out what you pack in—this ridgeline is fragile, and stewardship keeps it spectacular. US Forest Service

Where History Comes Alive: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum (Springfield)

Illinois is the Land of Lincoln, and Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum brings the 16th president’s story to life with immersive theaters, artifacts, and rotating features—plus thoughtful accessibility programming. The museum is currently open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket at 4 p.m.). presidentlincoln.illinois.gov+2presidentlincoln.illinois.gov+2

Why it’s a must-do

• Smart exhibits make complex history vivid for kids and deeply engaging for adults.

• It’s a signature family-friendly experience with strong educational value.

Trip tips

• Combine your visit with stops at the Old State Capitol and Lincoln Home National Historic Site for a full day of Lincoln lore.

• Check the museum’s calendar for special programs and temporary exhibits that add extra depth. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

America’s Ancient City: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Just across the Mississippi from St. Louis lies Cahokia, a UNESCO-level wonder—once the largest city north of Mexico (c. 1050–1350). While the on-site museum exhibits are undergoing renovations, the grounds (including Monks Mound) are open daily from dawn to dusk, with maps available at the parking area. cahokiamounds.org+1

Why it’s a must-do

• Standing atop Monks Mound connects you to a complex urban culture that flourished centuries before European contact.

• It’s a humbling, horizon-wide view and a powerful counterpoint to modern skyline thrills.

Trip tips

• Wear sun protection and bring water—shade is limited.

• Portable restrooms are currently the only facilities near Monks Mound while the center is upgraded. cahokiamounds.org

Prairie Style Pilgrimage: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio (Oak Park)

Architecture lovers, put Oak Park on your map. Tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio run daily, offering an intimate look at the spaces where Wright experimented with ideas that shaped American residential design. You can add the nearby Robie House on the University of Chicago campus to deepen your Wright day. flwright.org+1

Why it’s a must-do

• You’ll stand inside the workshop that launched the Prairie School movement.

• Guides share nuanced stories that connect Wright’s personal life to his evolving style.

Trip tips

• Book tickets in advance—popular time slots sell out.

• Stroll Oak Park afterward: the neighborhood is dotted with early Wright commissions.

America’s Pastime, Chicago Style: Wrigley Field Tours & Game Day

Nothing beats the ivy-lined charm of Wrigley Field. In-season, you can tour the Friendly Confines—clubhouse, press box, dugout—and catch a game under the lights. Recent headlines around Wrigley’s major events and evolving fan experiences underscore why this remains a living landmark. Bleed Cubbie Blue+4Enjoy Illinois+4MLB.com+4

Why it’s a must-do

• It’s baseball history you can touch—plus Wrigleyville’s bars, bites, and buzz complete the scene.

• Tours run most of the year (game days and non-game days), with behind-the-scenes stops you won’t see with a ticket alone. MLB.com+1

Trip tips

• Pair a daytime tour with an evening game for the perfect one-two combo.

• Shoulder-season tours (spring/fall) are less crowded and photograph beautifully.

River Bluffs & Storybook Streets: Illinois Great River Road and Galena’s Historic Main Street

For a scenic detour, chase the Mississippi along Illinois’s stretch of the Great River Road, a national byway lined with river towns, interpretive sites, and bluffs that flame with color in the fall. Pair it with a night or two in Galena, whose 19th-century Main Street glows with gaslight charm and more than 125 locally owned boutiques, galleries, tasting rooms, and cafés. Visit Galena+4Great River Road Illinois+4Great River Road Illinois+4

Why it’s a must-do

• The Great River Road offers classic Midwest scenery with new Byway Discovery investments that make orientation easier for travelers. The Telegraph

• Galena is a ready-made weekend: historic inns, wine tasting, easy hikes, and a strollable main drag anchored by preserved facades. Visit Galena+1

Trip tips

• Fall foliage and spring wildflowers are peak seasons for the river route.

• Book lodging early for Galena weekends—rooms fill fast during events. Visit Galena

Mindful Beauty & Quiet Craft: Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)

In Rockford, the Anderson Japanese Gardens open daily in season and shift to fall hours in October. Meandering paths, koi-filled ponds, and tea-house architecture encourage you to slow down and breathe a little deeper—ideal for couples, families, and anyone craving reset time. Anderson Japanese Gardens+1

Why it’s a must-do

• It’s frequently rated among North America’s top Japanese gardens, with masterful horticulture and serene vistas at every turn. Anderson Japanese Gardens

• Seasonal events—from moon-viewing to tea gatherings—add cultural texture to your visit. Anderson Japanese Gardens

Trip tips

• Arrive at opening for quiet paths and soft morning light.

• The gardens are largely outdoors—check the forecast and dress for the day. Anderson Japanese Gardens

Bonus Heritage Moment: Stand at the “Begin Route 66” Sign (Downtown Chicago)

If you love road-trip lore, make a quick stop at the “Begin Route 66” sign near East Adams Street and South Michigan Avenue—the ceremonial starting line of America’s Mother Road. Snap a photo, then reward yourself with a slice or a stroll across the street to the Art Institute for a perfect Chicago two-fer. Choose Chicago+2Route 66 Travel Info+2

Why it’s a must-do

• It’s a small moment with big symbolism—ideal for history buffs and content creators alike.

• Pairs perfectly with Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the nearby cultural corridor.

Trip tips

• Early morning means fewer cars and cleaner photos.

• If you’re continuing by car, plan a Route 66 day through suburban neon and classic diners, then downstate through Springfield and beyond. The Telegraph

How to Build Your Perfect Illinois Itinerary

Anchor your trip with 2–3 hero experiences, then layer on neighborhood eats and nearby attractions for texture. Here’s a simple, skimmable framework:

• First-time Chicago weekend

  • Day 1: Architecture River Cruise → Riverwalk stroll → Skydeck sunset. cruise.architecture.org+1

  • Day 2: Art Institute morning → Millennium Park → West Loop dinner.

  • Day 3: Wrigley Field tour & game (in season) → time in Lincoln Park. MLB.com

• Nature & history escape

  • Day 1: Drive to Starved Rock → afternoon canyon loop → lodge dinner. Illinois Department of Natural Resources

  • Day 2: Shawnee National Forest’s Garden of the Gods sunrise → picnic. US Forest Service

  • Day 3: Springfield’s Lincoln Museum and Old State Capitol. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

• Great River Road + Galena

  • Day 1: Scenic overlooks and river towns.

  • Day 2: Galena Main Street, tastings, historic sites. Enjoy Illinois

  • Day 3: Anderson Japanese Gardens on the way back. Anderson Japanese Gardens

Practical Planning & Pro Tips (Save These)

• Reservations & tickets
  Many top spots (cruises, museum exhibits, Wrigley tours) use timed entry or sell out on weekends. Booking ahead ensures smooth days. cruise.architecture.org+2Art Institute of Chicago+2

• Seasonality matters
  River cruises, ballgames, and some gardens run on spring-to-fall schedules, while Shawnee and Starved Rock are four-season but look wildly different throughout the year. Winter brings quiet trails and eagle-watching; shoulder seasons bring mild temps and fewer crowds. Illinois Department of Natural Resources+1

• Weekday wins
  Hit the Art Institute and Skydeck on weekdays for easier pacing and better photos. Thursdays often have extended museum hours. Art Institute of Chicago

• Driving notes

  • Great River Road wayfinding is improving, with a new byway discovery center underway in Jersey County—watch for updates as 2026 approaches. The Telegraph

  • Route 66 signage is well-placed downtown; plot your spot in advance to avoid circling one-way streets. Choose Chicago

• Accessibility & inclusivity
  The Lincoln Museum continues expanding inclusive programming; check current exhibit details if traveling with different abilities in your group. Jacksonville Journal-Courier

• What’s new & notable
  Wrigley Field continues to evolve gameday experiences (and has marquee events on the horizon), so keep an eye on the calendar if you love big-moment energy. Reuters+2People.com+2

Frequently Asked “Is It Open?” Questions (Answered)

• Art Institute of Chicago — Open with extended Thursday hours. Art Institute of Chicago+1

• Skydeck Chicago — Open daily with seasonal hour shifts. Skydeck

• Starved Rock State Park — Trails open 7 a.m. to sunset; visitor center open daily (shortened hours/closures on some federal holidays in winter). Illinois Department of Natural Resources

• Garden of the Gods (Shawnee NF) — Observation Trail and picnic areas open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. US Forest Service

• Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum — Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last ticket at 4 p.m.). presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

• Cahokia Mounds — Grounds open dawn to dusk while museum exhibits undergo renovation. cahokiamounds.org

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio — Tours daily; book ahead. flwright.org

• Wrigley Field Tours — Offered seasonally on game and non-game days; check the schedule. MLB.com

• Anderson Japanese Gardens — Open daily in season with fall hour adjustments. Anderson Japanese Gardens

• “Begin Route 66” Sign — A public street-corner icon near Adams & Michigan in the Loop; accessible year-round. Choose Chicago

The Shortlist: Top 10 Must-Do Experiences in Illinois (All Currently Operating)

1. Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise — The definitive way to read the skyline. cruise.architecture.org

2. Art Institute of Chicago — Timeless masterpieces, smart curation. Art Institute of Chicago

3. Willis Tower Skydeck & The Ledge — A world-class view with a glass-floor thrill. Skydeck

4. Starved Rock State Park — Canyon hikes and seasonal waterfalls close to Chicago. Illinois Department of Natural Resources

5. Garden of the Gods (Shawnee National Forest) — Sandstone panoramas made for sunrise. US Forest Service

6. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum — History that moves you. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

7. Cahokia Mounds — Walk an ancient city’s earthworks at dawn. cahokiamounds.org

8. Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio — Step into the birthplace of Prairie design. flwright.org

9. Wrigley Field Tour/Game Day — Ivy, history, and neighborhood energy. Enjoy Illinois

10. Great River Road + Galena’s Main Street — River bluffs, charming shops, and weekend ease. Great River Road Illinois+1

Final Thoughts: Your Illinois, Your Way

From sky-deck thrills to canyon hikes, from ancient mounds to modern masterpieces, Illinois is a state of scene changes—each one surprising, inspiring, and absolutely doable right now. Build your trip around a couple of Chicago icons, then add a downstate chapter for balance: a day of Lincoln in Springfield, sandstone horizons in the Shawnee, or a slow weekend on the Great River Road with a stop in Galena.

Summary & Call to Action:
Pick three experiences that speak to you—maybe the architecture cruise, the Art Institute, and a Starved Rock hike. Secure your timed tickets, book a dinner you’re excited about, and leave space for serendipity (that tucked-away café in Galena, an extra river overlook at sunset, or an add-on Wrigley tour). Illinois is open, inviting, and ready to wow you—now it’s your turn to explore it, your way.