Choose from 49 Fun Things to Do in Illinois
ShowingFilter 41-49 of 49 listings.
Tribune Tower
Once home to the Chicago Tribune, this neo-Gothic landmark was built as a result of the International Design Competition in 1922. Before this 462-foot (141-meter) building was constructed, reporters from the paper brought back pieces of rock from important landmarks around the world like the Taj Mahal, the Hagia Sophia, the Great Wall of China, and more.
The Basics
Located near the river, a stop at the Tribune Tower is a part of most Chicago architecture and river tours. Alternatively, you can easily visit on your own. Conveniently situated off Michigan Avenue, it’s a short walk from the nearby Wrigley Building, Magnificent Mile, and other popular Chicago attractions. Walk around the outside perimeter to see the markings of materials that came from landmarks around the world.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tribune Tower is a must-see for architecture fans.
- You can see it as part of a Chicago architecture tour or stop by on your own.
- Visit during daylight to best see the architecture.
How to Get There
The Tribune Tower is in close proximity to other Chicago landmarks including the Wrigley Building, the Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile. Take the L to the Grand/State stop and walk a few blocks to the building, or take the 120 or 121 bus line to the Michigan & Illinois stop.
When to Get There
For the best view of the exterior architecture, visit during the day. You can visit the inside of the lobby anytime during regular business hours. Once a year, the building participates in Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House event, making for an even better visiting experience.
Other Chicago Architecture Landmarks
The Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of downtown Chicago’s buildings in the late 1800s, resulting in various styles of architecture as new buildings were constructed. Architecture enthusiasts who visit the Tribune Tower will love seeing the different styles amongst other popular landmarks like Chicago Theater, the Wrigley Building, and more.
Address: 435 North Michigan Avenue #6, Chicago, Illinois, USA 60611, USA
From $ 38
Museum of Science and Industry
This 14-acre (6-hectare) complex pays homage to both natural wonders and the ingenuity of man. The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, it features life-size working replicas, a 5-story domed movie theater, 2,000 exhibits, and more than 35,000 artifacts. The museum is designed to spark imagination and inspire creativity.
The Basics
Originally built as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition (later the World's Fair), the museum is home to several larger-than-life permanent exhibits and innovative, educational programming. Its very first exhibit, the Coal Mine, opened in 1933 and still takes visitors to this expansive, subterranean world today. Other permanent exhibits include a real German U-505 submarine from World War II, a whispering gallery investigating the reflection of sound, a model ship gallery, and a miniature castle.
Prebook admission so you can skip the lines upon arrival or visit as part of a Chicago city tour. Several tourist cards"”like the Chicago Explorer Pass and Chicago CityPASS"”also include admission to the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is easily accessible by foot, car, bus, or train, or bicycle.
- There's a food court, a cafe, and an ice cream parlor if you get the munchies.
- Several gift shops with science-themed souvenirs are on-site.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are available in the Entry Hall.
How to Get There
The museum entrance is at E. 57th Street and S. Cornell Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood, very close to downtown and Lake Michigan. CTA bus nos. 2 and 6, and the Metra Electric Line stop just blocks away. Bike the Lake Shore Drive path to reach the museum; racks are on each side of the main entrance.
When to Get There
The museum is typically open from 9:30am"“4pm, but extends its hours during spring break, summer, and winter holidays. It's a popular destination for children's groups and field trips, so expect to see a number of large groups during the school year. The complex is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Shopping at the Museum of Science and Industry
You may not think "shopping" when visiting a museum, but you'll think differently after seeing the variety of souvenir options available here. Some shops are exhibit-specific, such as the U-505 store and Launch Pad, in the submarine and space center exhibits, respectively. Find educational games, gifts, toys, and fun trinkets for all, or take souvenir photos at the photo studio.
Address: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago 60637, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Hyde Park
A prominent Chicago neighborhood and public space, Hyde Park is an area full of historic sites and museums. It is also the home of the University of Chicago, and has seen more attention recently as the former residence of President Barack Obama.
When the neighborhood was established in 1853, it was the first suburb of the rapidly growing city. It remains known for its architecture, culture, and open-air spaces. Of particular note is the Museum of Science and Industry (great for families,) and the historic Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere.
Two scenic parks include Promotory Point, with great views of the Chicago skyline, and Jackson Park, a natural space with a small Japanese Garden. Hyde Park has also become known as one of the best dining and shopping spots in the city, with independent bookstores, street fairs, and farmers markets.
Practical Info
The Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago is located south of the Loop, on the shores of Lake Michigan. From Wacker Drive, you can catch the no. 6 Jeffrey Express bus that takes you to Hyde Park in about thirty minutes. You can also opt for the Metra Electric Train's South Chicago Line, or alternatively, call for a taxi (around $15 each way.) Hyde Park is known for being one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
Address: Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA
From $ 750
United Center
The United Center is one of the largest sports arenas in the Chicago area,home to both the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks teams. Built in 1994, it sits at almost one million square feet of indoor space and seats more than 20,000 people. It is the largest arena in the United States by physical size, hosting more than 200 games each year.
The center is also the venue of choice for many of the Chicago area’s large concerts. The acoustics are well-known for their ability to create the “roar,” amplifying the sound of the crowd (or performer!) It has also served as the home of a wide range of events, including political, family, television, and collegiate athletic events. Those visiting can check out the statues of the
legendary Michael Jordan, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita that are located outside the arena.
Practical Info
Located on the west side of Chicago, the best way to get to the United Center is by car. The nearest exit is Madison Street. Parking is available starting from $24. You can also take the CTA Green, Pink, or Blue lines to Damon Avenue or Ashland/Lake. Though public tours are not available, you can visit the statues free of charge. Sports tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance.
Address: 901 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
From $ 650
House of Blues
Chicago is known as the home of the blues, so it is fitting that one of the most popular venues for live music in the city is the House of Blues. However, this local outpost of the national chain isn't just a venue for blue musicians (and in fact, if the best blues acts are what you want to see, there are better venues in the city), but rather a showcase for international musical acts of every genre. Opened in 1996, the concert house, which was modeled after an opera house in Prague, has hosted some of the world's most renowned musicians, including the Who, Pearl Jam and Al Green.
On nights when there are no ticketed acts, the Back Porch Stage offers shows with a $10 cover, which is waived if you dine in the restaurant before the show. The restaurant also serves lunch Monday through Saturday, and every Sunday, the House of Blues hosts its World Famous Gospel Brunch at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The brunch is a great opportunity to be inspired by a rousing gospel music performance while enjoying a hearty buffet complete with seafood, waffle, omelet and carving stations.
Practical Info
The House of Blues is located at 329 N. Dearborn St in the Marina City Complex. Just north of the Chicago River and a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile, it is easy walking distance from many downtown Chicago hotels. By public transportation, you can take the Red Line to Grand or the Brown Line to Merchandise Mart, as well as the #22, #36 or any of the Michigan Avenue buses (get off at the Tribune Tower just north of the river).
Visit www.houseofblues.com/chicago for a schedule of upcoming performances or to purchase advance tickets for the World Famous Gospel Brunch.
Photo courtesy of IllaZilla via Wikimedia Commons
Address: 329 North Dearborn Street, Chicago 60654, USA
Hours: See website: www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/
From $ 79
Robie House
The Frederick C. Robie House was built in Prairie Style by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1910, today it is known as one of the finest examples of American architecture, perhaps the first architectural style that is uniquely American. The exterior is characterized by its art-glass windows, sharp edges, and horizontal Roman brick work. A contemporary space with an open floor plan that is still being restored, it is considered a precursor to modernist architecture.
In 1957, the house was placed under threat of demolition. Frank Lloyd Wright himself lobbied to save it at the age of 90. It was one of the last houses designed in his Oak Park studio. The American Institute of Architects named the Frederick C. Robie House one of the ten most significant structures of the 20th century.
Practical Info
The Robie House is located at 5757 S. Woodlawn Avenue on the campus of the University of Chicago. It is open from 10:30 am to 3 pm. Public tours of the interior are available Thursday to Monday.
Address: 5757 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
The Picasso
With Pablo Picasso’s unique, inventive style in all its glory, the aptly named Picasso statue in Chicago was his gift to the city. At 50 feet tall, it stands tall in the plaza in which it was placed. Before its arrival to the city, most of the public art and sculpture was traditional and historic. Picasso’s contemporary structure
and Cubist design redefined Chicago’s outdoor art and to this day is one of its most beloved pieces of culture. It has become a landmark and meeting spot as well, cementing its significance to the city.
Welded in steel, the massive sculpture features a face and delicate details. Its subject is abstract and up to interpretation (and often, debate by Chicagoans,) complicated by the fact that perception of the piece differs depending on your distance to it. Designed by Picasso in a small model, it was built in the United States at the nearby US Steel Company and made its debut in 1967. It does not
have a title, which is how it came to be known as simply “The Picasso.”
Practical Info
The Picasso statue is located in the Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center on Washington Street in downtown Chicago’s Loop. It is open to public 24 hours a day, free of charge.
Address: 50 W Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, USA
From $ 28
Soldier Field
On any given Sunday afternoon from September to December, thousands of Chicagoans and sports fans converge around Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears of the NFL (National Football League). The parking lots surrounding the stadium buzz with excitement for hours prior to each game and even in the coldest temperatures, diehard Chicago sports fans pack Soldier Field to cheer on the home team.
Opened in 1924, the stadium was built as a memorial to fallen American soldiers. Over the years, it welcomed crowds of over 100,000 people for events like the 1927 heavyweight match between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney and a visit by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1944. The stadium was also the site of the very first Special Olympic Games, held in 1968, and in 1994, the it hosted the first World Cup Games to be played in the United States. In 1971, it became the official home of the Chicago Bears and has since hosted concerts by legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, the Grateful Dead and Paul McCartney. However, the venue they play in has changed since its early days; Soldier Field was renovated – despite much protest from locals – in the early 2000’s and in 2004 it was removed from the National Register of Historic Places.
If you can’t make it to one of the 200 events that take place at Soldier Field each year, try joining a tour while you’re in town. Lasting about one hour, tours include the field, south courtyard, doughboy statue, grand concourse, United Club, colonnades, Skyline Suite and the visitors’ locker room.
Practical Info
Soldier Field is located at 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, just south of the Field Museum, near downtown Chicago. It is easily accessible by public transportation, just a short walk from the Roosevelt/Wabash “el” stop for the Red, Green and Orange Lines. Day and overnight parking is available.
Photo courtesy of DanMS via Wikimedia Commons
Address: 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago 60605, USA
From $ 42
Wrigleyville
This popular Chicago neighborhood may be best known as the home of the Cubs, but locals recognize the fun-filled destination about more than just baseball. Even travelers who don't have tickets to one of the big home games will find tons of ways to pass the time during a stop in Wrigleyville, whether it's on a pizza walking tour or a leisurely afternoon on a bike.
In addition to sports bars and popular pre-game restaurants, the neighborhood is home to several interesting shops to pop your head into. With easy access via public transportation, visitors will find getting in and out of Wrigleyville a breeze.
Practical Info
The neighborhood is bordered on the east by Halsted Street, Roscoe Street to the south, Byron Street to the north and to the west by Ashland Avenue. It is accessible using the red and blue lines, as well as the 8, 22, 152 buses.
Address: Chicago, Illinois, USA
From $ 30