Sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan and nicknamed "the Prairie State," Illinois is recognized by farmland, forests, rolling hills, skyscrapers, and wetlands.
Popular Cities in Illinois
Springfield
The capital city of Illinois is most famous for being the residence of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. It boasts many historic sites related to him and other attractions.
Rockford
Situated on the banks of the Rock River in northern Illinois, Rockford is known for its art and natural history museums, Japanese gardens, and state parks.
Chicago
Being one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is famous for many attractions like skyscrapers, museums, and parks.
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Chicago is the largest cities in the United States.
Aurora
The second-largest city in Illinois is known as “City of Lights”. It holds many attractions including parks, water parks, museums, zoos, farms, and forests.
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Aurora Borealis
Naperville
Naperville is a perfect family-friendly destination that has a beach, world-class parks, River walk, and Children’s museum.
Joliet
Joliet is the third-largest city in Illinois that has many historic, entertainment, and natural attractions that drive many tourists from all over the world.
Joliet
Best Tourist Destinations in Illinois
Millennium Park
Part of larger Grant Park. Major attractions include Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Cloud Gate
At the center of Millennium Park, see a 110-ton polished steel sculpture with the curved surface that reflects the Chicago skyline and the tourists who walk through its arch.
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Millennium Park
Magnificent Mile
The best shopping center in Chicago that houses everyday stores, high-end boutiques along with museums, restaurants, and many more entertainment options.
Navy Pier
Loaded with various entertainment options such as Ferris wheel, Children’s Museum, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Crystal Gardens, the Navy Pier has become a must-visit tourist destination.
Willis Tower
Want to experience the thrill of looking down from a height of 1450-feet skyscraper? Visit this 110-story building that is tallest in the world that is located in Chicago, Illinois.
Skydeck Chicago
Enjoy the breathtaking view from Skydeck that stands at a height of 1353 feet above the ground on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. The glass-walled observation deck or glass enclosure gives an outstanding view of four states and Lake Michigan.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is globally famous for its large collections of ancient sculptures, paintings, African art, contemporary art, textiles, and medieval and Renaissance arms & armor.
Starved Rock State Park
Situated on the Illinois River, this state park is a paradise for nature lovers as the park boasts beautiful canyons and waterfalls.
The scenic hiking trails and recreational activities like fishing, boating, camping, horseback riding, and many more make this place the most visited destination.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
This 10-acre Japanese Garden in Rockford is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the charming views of cascading waterfalls, ponds, streams, rock formations, a tea house, and winding lanes.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Visit this conservatory loaded with colorful tropical plants in four huge greenhouses that include palms, ferns, and orchids.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Visit this oldest zoo in the country that is stretched along the shore of Lake Michigan. It is home to a wide variety of animals that include lemurs, two-toed sloths, African lions, polar bears, and a red panda.
Cahokia Mounds
Loaded with the greatest concentration of 120 mounds, the Cahokia Mounds features the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. The audiovisual presentations, artifacts, graphics, and dioramas, including a life-size village recreation reveal the history of the site.
Brookfield Zoo
Animal-lovers would love to visit this Chicago based zoo is home to 450 species of wildlife that includes lions, tigers, dolphins, and many more.
Buckingham Fountain
Situated at the center of Grant Park in Chicago, this beautiful fountain forms the largest fountain in the world.
City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
This historic landmark of Chicago listed in the National Register of Historic Places features the work of local photographers and artists.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
A must visit place for historians who want to learn more about U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Located in the capital city Springfield, the library houses many manuscripts and materials and also reveals the history of the state Illinois.
The Morton Arboretum
If different types of trees and plants interest you then visit this globally popular tree museum and tree research center that is home to 2,22,000 plant specimens. It also includes children’s play area and scenic hiking trails.
Shawnee National Forest
Spread between Mississippi and Ohio rivers, the national forest is loaded with woodlands, hills, and lakes.
The ancient sandstone cliffs and formations in the Garden of the Gods wilderness area make Shawnee National Forest a favorite destination for tourists.
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Chicago Cultural Center,
Illinois is a great tourist destination that is a nice combination of history, nature, and wildlife.