Millennium Park is an award-winning arts, music, architectural, and landscape design complex. The Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States; Jaume Plensa's interactive Crown Fountain; the contemporary Lurie Garden designed by the team of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd, Piet Oudolf, and Robert Israel; and Anish Kapoor's hugely popular Cloud Gate sculpture are among its highlights. Millennium Park is centrally located in downtown Chicago. It is bounded on the west by Michigan Avenue; on the east by Columbus Drive; on the north by Randolph Street, and on the south by Monroe Street.

Millennium Park is a stunning 25-acre meeting space in the heart of Chicago that serves as the city's town square. Throughout the year, the beautiful grounds host hundreds of free cultural events such as concerts, exhibits, and family activities. In the summer, families may cool down by splashing about in Crown Fountain, and in the winter, they can skate on the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. The park also has several amazing works of art and architecture, such as Cloud Gate, a giant stainless steel sculpture that has become Chicago's defining feature.

Google rating: 4.8/5

Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States

Phone: +1 312-742-1168

Website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html

The Chicago Botanic Garden began as a beautiful location to visit 50 years ago and has evolved into one of the world's major living museums and conservation scientific institutes. More than one million people visit the garden's 28 gardens and four natural areas each year, which are uniquely positioned on 385 acres on and around nine islands with six miles of lake frontage. There is also a well-known bonsai collection at the garden.

The Chicago Botanic Garden has over 50,000 members, making it one of the largest botanic gardens in the United States. Year-round, people of all ages, interests, and abilities engage in events, take lessons, and walk the grounds. Scientists and graduate students undertake a wide range of plant studies in the Garden's Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center's nine laboratories. The Garden is one of only 17 public gardens in the United States to be certified by the American Association of Museums. Its Lenhardt Library has 150,000 volumes, including one of the greatest collections of rare botanical books in the country.

Non-members must pay for parking, but admission to the garden is free. On-site amenities include a café and a gift shop. The garden is open all year and has an active events schedule with activities such as culinary courses, live music, and flower exhibitions. This is a lovely romantic destination to visit if you're seeking exciting things to do in Illinois for adults.

Google rating: 4.5/5

Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, United States

Phone: +1 847-835-5440

Website: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/

The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum, housing one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. An encyclopedic museum, the Art Institute collects, preserves, and displays works in every medium from all cultures and historical periods, as well as hosts special exhibitions. With a collection of more than 260,000 artworks and artifacts, the museum has particularly strong holdings in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting, early twentieth-century European painting and sculpture, contemporary art, Japanese prints, and photography.

In 2009, the museum completed the largest expansion in its 130-year history, the internationally acclaimed Modern Wing designed by Renzo Piano. Incorporating the latest in green museum technology, the 264,000-square-foot Modern Wing is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, photography, architecture and design, and new museum education facilities. In addition to displaying its permanent collection, the Art Institute mounts approximately forty special exhibitions per year and features daily lectures, gallery tours, and special performances. Show less

There are also group tours and self-guided tours available. The museum's bustling events schedule features a wide range of concerts, talks, and social gatherings, the majority of which are free and available to the public. There is a gift shop on the property, as well as many dining options.

Google rating: 4.8/5

Phone: +1 312-443-3600

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Website: http://www.artic.edu/

The Field Museum, located on Chicago's famed Lake Michigan coast, dedicated its current facility to the public in 1921—but its journey began years before. Items on exhibit during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in the "White City" inspired their collection. The fair captivated visitors with 65,000 exhibits containing natural wonders and cultural treasures, many of which subsequently found permanent residence in Chicago at the newly established Field Columbian Museum. The name of Marshall Field, who gave $1 million to make the communal goal of a permanent museum a reality, is still remembered in their institution's name.

Their collection has expanded to almost 40 million objects and specimens since the Museum's inception in 1894. Their mission's scope has also grown. They will continue to research the objects in the collections, as well as document previously unknown species, conserve ecosystems in backyard and around the world, educate budding scientists, invite cross-cultural dialogue, and more—all in order to ensure that planet thrives for future generations. This is best things to do in Illinois you should know when go to this state.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 312-922-9410

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Website: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/

The Dana-Thomas House is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most unusual and extravagant houses from his early Prairie phase. Susan Lawrence Dana, a Springfield socialite, commissioned the construction of the residence. She was well-known for her hospitality, outstanding parties and performances, as well as her engagement in communal, social, and political circles. It was never extensively altered and has approximately 100 pieces of original Wright-designed wood furniture, as well as 250 specimens of art glass light fixtures and lamps. The barrel-vaulted dining room and gallery/ballroom are two of the most photographed rooms in American architectural history. A sixty-foot long pergola walkway connects the main living quarters to the gallery and library, under which are a bowling lane, billiard room, and walk-in vault.

At 12,000 square feet, the home is an architectural marvel made up of 35 rooms spread out over 16 varying levels. Photography is not allowed inside the house, but visitors can purchase souvenirs, reproductions, and books from the on-site gift shop. Hours vary depending on the season, but hour-long walking tours are offered year-round and are paid for by donation.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 217-782-6776

Address: 301 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62703, United States

Website: https://dana-thomas.org/

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a museum located on the Near North Side of Chicago, Illinois, near the Magnificent Mile at 40 East Erie Street. The museum is situated in the historic Samuel M. Nickerson House, which was built in 1883 for a rich Chicago banker. Although the estate has been rebuilt, the Driehaus Museum does not re-create the Nickerson period, but rather interprets and presents the dominant design, architectural, and decorative styles of Gilded Age America and the Art Nouveau era in permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Marble, onyx, carved exotic and domestic timbers, glazed tiles, and stained glass adorn the interiors. On exhibit is original Nickerson furniture as well as American and European decorative arts from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including art nouveau furnishings and a number of pieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Richard H. Driehaus, a Chicago businessman, philanthropist, and art collector, founded the museum. The artworks on display in the museum are selections from the private Driehaus Collection of Fine and Decorative Arts. The museum regularly hosts concerts, lectures, and family programs and offers daily guided tours in addition to several seasonal themed tours.

Google rating: 4.7/5
Phone: +1 312-482-8933
Address: 40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Website: http://www.driehausmuseum.org/

Stepping out onto The Ledge of Skydeck is a typical Chicago experience, not just for the breathtaking vistas, but also for the unique experience and educational possibilities. Of course, the chance to take a unique shot with a view of four states from the second-tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere is appealing as well!

The Ledge is Skydeck's star attraction: it's an observation deck with a glass floor that provides a genuinely unrivaled perspective of the city. The Ledge is also the tallest observation platform in the United States, standing at 1,353 feet. But Skydeck is more than just glass boxes: the 99th level of Willis Tower is available for special events like weddings, birthday parties, corporate meetings, and much more. They also sponsor activities throughout the year, such as their annual stair climb to the Skydeck and summer concerts.

The Chicago Skydeck, the highest observation deck in the western hemisphere, is located on the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. Stand on the enclosed glass ledge overlooking Chicago from an elevation of 1,353 feet, if you dare!

Google rating: 4.5/5

Phone: +1 312-875-9447

Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, United States

Website: https://theskydeck.com/

Built in 2004, the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum is home to displays and plaques honoring various people who contributed to the road and its restoration. The museum also features Route 66 memorabilia, interesting facts, and historic exhibits. Without a doubt, Route 66 generates a sense of nostalgia. Driving around what remains of the historic route and seeing old roadside attractions, motels, and small communities may remind you of simpler days.

The Route 66 Association of Illinois is doing all it can to preserve and protect what remains of the historic roadway in the Prairie State. To educate visitors on the history of the Mother Road, the Route 66 Association of Illinois established the Hall of Fame & Museum in the small city of Pontiac. Pontiac itself had experienced a growth in population during the advent of Route 66 in 1926.

Inside the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, you will have the opportunity to see thousands of artifacts and pieces of memorabilia from the historic route's heyday. A visit to this museum is like a trip back in time that will evoke a sense of nostalgia. You'll learn about what traveling along this route was like back in the day. You'll also learn the importance of Route 66 to the nation and gain an understanding of why it's so important to preserve its history today. The Route 66 Museum is one of several small museums within the same complex. You may also want to visit the War Museum, the Life in the 1940s Exhibit, and the Life on the Titanic Museum, among others, while you're here.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 815-844-4566

Address: 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764, United States

Website: http://www.il66assoc.org/

This classic theater in the Loop, formerly known as the Balaban and Katz Theatre, is Chicago's top performance venue and show space for anything from music to comedy and more. The theater, which was built in 1921, has been a citywide favorite for almost 100 years and continues to excite spectators to this day. The Chicago Theatre, which is now owned by Madison Square Garden, has hosted some of the industry's top personalities, including Nick Offerman, Mariah Carey, Joe Biden, and others.

This Chicago landmark is well known for its distinctive sign, which has appeared in numerous photographs, works of art, and films over the years. The edifice, originally completed in 1921, seats 3,600 people and occupies almost half a city block. The Chicago Theatre is particularly well known for its amazing French Baroque architecture, which includes a vast foyer fashioned after Versailles' Royal Chapel. This was the first outstanding cinema theater in the United States, and it has served as a model ever since.

In a nutshell—shows, concerts, history, and architecture. The Chicago Theatre regularly hosts comedians, orchestras, bands, stageplays, musicals, and more. Even if you’re not seeing a show at the Chicago Theatre, it’s worth hosting an event or taking a tour of the building just to be within its walls.

Google rating: 4.7/5
Phone: +1 312-462-6300
Address: 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Website: https://www.msg.com/the-chicago-theatre

Learn about the world at the Museum of Science and Industry is considered to be one of the best things to do in Illinois. With more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Housed in the iconic 1893 Palace of Fine Arts structure, the museum is filled with wonders at every turn. You can browse 35,000 artifacts; view the majestic landscapes of Antarctica at Chicago’s only five-story, domed theater; climb through the hatch of a WWII submarine; and literally stand in the eye of a storm—at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, the possibilities are endless.

The Museum of Science and Industry opened in 1933 and now has over 2,000 exhibits as well as an Omnimax cinema. A full-size reproduction of a coal mine, an "idea factory" geared at youngsters, and the Apollo 8 spacecraft, which launched the first humans into orbit around the moon, are among the permanent displays. Some exhibitions have an extra entry price, which can be paid online, via phone, or in person at the ticket desk. Except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the museum is open every day of the year.

Travel down a coal mine, see a real submarine, learn about storms, delight in a fairy castle, and discover more about your body at some of the many exhibits for adults and children at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 773-684-1414

Address: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60637, United States

Website: https://msichicago.org/

Historic houses offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about the lives of people who came before by seeing how and where they lived. Unfortunately, several historic home museums are facing financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, including the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum in Oak Park, Illinois. The birthplace of Ernest Hemingway is a three-story, Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion erected in 1890 by the famed writer's maternal grandparents, and is located within walking distance of other Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residences.

Hemingway was not only born here (on July 21, 1899, in a bedroom on the second floor), but he also spent the first six years of his life here. As remarkable as this historic house museum may sound, it may cease to operate as soon as this December—unless its GoFundMe fundraiser can reach its $75,000 goal. Take a tour of the birthplace and home of Ernest Hemingway. At this museum, you can see some of his earliest writings, learn more about his formative years, and get a glimpse into the life of the child who would grow into one of America's most beloved authors.

Google rating: 4.3/5

Address: 600 N Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States

Phone: none

Website: https://www.hemingwaybirthplace.com/

Do you ever wonder how a butterfly gets its colors? Or how do turtles hibernate? Do you wonder how birds know where to migrate each year? For 165 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served a unique role in the city of Chicago, connecting children of all ages to nature and science through immersive exhibits, fun family events, important conservation research, and in-depth education programs, inspiring the wonder in all of them. When it comes to best things in Illinois, visit the butterfly house at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of them you should try.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of Chicago’s most family-friendly science museums for children and adults. Browse their calendar of upcoming events for educational, interactive events and programs for families, adults, and groups. Although the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum features plenty of informative and fun activities and exhibits, one of the most popular is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, where more than 1,000 butterflies from around the world flit through lush green foliage. Click on the website for more information on hours, pricing, and directions.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 773-755-5100

Address: 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Website: http://www.naturemuseum.org/

Sleep in a treehouse at Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins is considered to be one of the best things to do in Illinois. There’s no better place to do that than an isolated cabin in the woods, where you are free to lie around or take a hike to get some exercise and improve your spirits. Take a walk up to the barn yard and visit the horses; hang out around the campfire with your family; or throw a line in their private pond for some great catch-and-release fishing.

All the cabins at Timber Ridge are spaced out, so there are no concerns about being too close to other cabins. Or, if you want even more privacy, rent a house on acreage and really get away. Their Walnut Hill home sits on 35 private acres, Prairie House sits on 60 private acres, and the Pine Ridge home sits on 4 private acres and has a hot tub!

Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Timber Ridge offers something for everyone, from families and honeymooners to outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some Southern hospitality while staying in a real log cabin or one-of-a-kind tree house. Each of the units, including the tree house, is equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning. Indulge your inner child by sleeping in a fully-furnished, fantastically-designed treehouse at Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins. There are numerous hiking and outdoor activities nearby, or you can just enjoy a relaxing vacation away from everything—including the ground!

Google rating: 4.9/5

Phone: +1 618-264-9091

Address: 546 N Iron Furnace Rd, Elizabethtown, IL 62931, United States

Website: https://www.timberridgeoutpost.com/

Dine in style at The Signature Room at The 95th, which offers a stunning view of the Chicago skyline. Located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center, you will get an unparalleled view of the Windy City as you relax with a glass of wine. For a family-owned dining experience with local, fresh ingredients, renowned cocktails, and unmatched views, try The Signature Room at 95th. Elevate your evening with a high-rise dining experience at The Signature Room. This iconic Chicago restaurant presents panoramic skyline and shoreline views with world-class cuisine sourced from fresh, local ingredients.

Ranked among the best restaurants in Chicago, The Signature Room offers flavors to savor and sights to behold. Experience Chicago’s most breathtaking views with a refreshing cocktail in your hand. Perched on the 96th floor of historic 875 North Michigan Avenue—formerly the John Hancock Center—The Signature Lounge is the ideal place to enjoy premium drinks and appetizers in a casual setting with the best sunset in the Windy City.

Google rating: 4.4/5
Phone: +1 312-787-9596
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Website: http://www.signatureroom.com/

Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists are drawn to the Chicago Cultural Center by its beauty and fantastic free public activities, making it one of Chicago's most frequented attractions. The breathtaking landmark structure has two exquisite stained-glass domes, as well as free music, dance, and theater performances, films, seminars, art exhibitions, and family activities.

The structure, completed in 1897 as Chicago's first central public library, was built to dazzle and demonstrate that the city had matured into a sophisticated metropolis. To create an architectural showpiece, the country's greatest architects and artisans employed the most opulent materials, including rare imported marbles, polished brass, beautiful hardwoods, and mosaics of Favrile glass, mother-of-pearl, and colored stone. The world's biggest stained glass Tiffany dome, 38 feet in diameter and containing around 30,000 pieces of glass, was restored to its full brilliance in 2008. The building's north side has a 40-foot-diameter dome with 50,000 pieces of glass in an ornate Renaissance pattern created by Healy & Millet.

In 1991, the building was established as the Chicago Cultural Center by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the nation's first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue. Every year, the Chicago Cultural Center presents hundreds of free international, national, regional and local artists, musicians and performers, providing a showcase where the public can enjoy and learn about the arts. Come for the beauty, stay for the events.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 312-744-5000

Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States

Website: http://www.chicagoculturalcenter.org/