Things to Do in Illinois

Published Aug 14, 2026 · Things to Do ·

Illinois — the Prairie State — is packed with attractions for every kind of traveler. Here are the top places to put on your list.

Top attractions & activities

How do I plan a trip to Illinois?

Start with the Illinois state guide for key facts (capital Springfield, population 12,812,508 (2020 census)), then explore city guides for Chicago and other major cities in the state.

City guides: Springfield, Chicago, Naperville, Peoria.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Illinois?

The most-visited places in Illinois include Millennium Park (Chicago), Lincoln Home (Springfield) and Starved Rock State Park. The full list is above, and the Illinois state guide has more detail.

What is the capital of Illinois?

The capital of Illinois is Springfield; the largest city is Chicago.

How do I plan a trip to Illinois?

Start with the Illinois state guide for key facts, then check the official state tourism office and National Park Service sites for current hours, fees and seasonal closures.

Sources

National Park Service, state tourism offices and official attraction websites. Details verified at time of publication — always check official sites for hours, fees and seasonal closures.

More Illinois guides

Moving to Illinois

Relocation

Key facts and what to know before relocating to the Prairie State.

All 50 States

Nationwide

Browse state guides for every state in the U.S.

Nearby states

Wisconsin Guide

Midwest

Capital Madison, population 5,893,718 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Badger State.

Iowa Guide

Midwest

Capital Des Moines, population 3,190,369 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Hawkeye State.

Missouri Guide

Midwest

Capital Jefferson City, population 6,154,913 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Show-Me State.

Kentucky Guide

South

Capital Frankfort, population 4,505,836 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Bluegrass State.

Indiana Guide

Midwest

Capital Indianapolis, population 6,785,528 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Hoosier State.

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