List of State Attractions

1. National Land
2. State Land
3. Private Attractions
4. Shopping Centers

I. National Land

National Historical Parks & Sites

• Lincoln Home National Historic Site
  This site preserves the Springfield home where Abraham Lincoln lived with his family for 17 years before becoming the 16th U.S. President. The four-block neighborhood surrounding the house has been restored to its 1860s appearance, offering a unique glimpse into Lincoln's life as a husband, father, and politician.
  • Location: 426 S. 7th St, Springfield, IL 62701
  • Nearest Major City: Springfield
  • Website: nps.gov/liho
  • Phone: (217) 492-4241
  • Visitor Interests: Guided tours of the Lincoln Home, exploring the historic neighborhood, visitor center exhibits, learning about the Lincoln family's life in Springfield.
• Pullman National Historical Park
  Located in Chicago, this park commemorates the first planned industrial community in the United States and the famous 1894 Pullman Strike. The site tells the story of industrial innovation, urban planning, and the American labor and civil rights movements.
  • Location: 610 E 111th St, Chicago, IL 60628
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: nps.gov/pull
  • Phone: (773) 928-7257
  • Visitor Interests: Visiting the National Park Service Visitor Center in the Administration Clock Tower Building, exploring the historic district and its unique architecture, learning about the Pullman Company and the lives of its workers, understanding the history of the labor movement.
• New Philadelphia National Historic Site
  This archaeological site near Barry was the first town in the United States platted and registered by an African American, "Free Frank" McWorter, in 1836. It stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its founder and was a beacon of freedom and equality in antebellum America.
  • Location: 29766 306th Ln, Barry, IL 62312
  • Nearest Major City: Springfield
  • Website: nps.gov/neph
  • Phone: (573) 880-3120
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the town site through an augmented reality tour, learning about the history of "Free Frank" McWorter and the integrated community he founded, walking the grounds and reflecting on its historical significance.

National Monuments

• Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument (Illinois Unit)
  This monument, with sites in both Mississippi and Illinois, honors the memory of Emmett Till and the courage of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. The Illinois unit is the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Till's open-casket funeral was held, a pivotal event that helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Location: Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, 4021 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60609
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: nps.gov/till
  • Phone: (662) 483-1231
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing the exterior of the historic church (public access is limited), visiting the nearby Pullman National Historical Park for visitor information and a passport stamp, reflecting on the powerful story of Emmett Till and its impact on American history.
• Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
  This monument commemorates the site of a violent race riot that took place in Springfield in 1908. The event was a catalyst for the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The site includes archaeological remains of homes destroyed during the riot.
  • Location: Visitor information available at the Springfield Visitors Center, 1 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701
  • Nearest Major City: Springfield
  • Website: nps.gov/spri
  • Phone: (800) 545-7300 (Springfield Visitors Center)
  • Visitor Interests: Taking a self-guided walking tour of the historic sites related to the riot, learning about this pivotal event in the history of civil rights, understanding the origins of the NAACP.

National Forest

• Shawnee National Forest
  Located in southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest is a vast expanse of woodland, rolling hills, and rugged bluffs nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. It offers a wide array of outdoor recreational opportunities and stunning natural beauty.
  • Location: 50 Highway 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946
  • Nearest Major City: Carbondale
  • Website: fs.usda.gov/shawnee
  • Phone: (618) 253-7114
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking (including the popular Garden of the Gods Observation Trail), camping, horseback riding, rock climbing at Jackson Falls, scenic drives, exploring the various wilderness areas.

National Wildlife Refuges

• Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
  This large refuge in southern Illinois is unique in its combination of wildlife conservation, agriculture, recreation, and industry. It provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly wintering waterfowl.
  • Location: 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959
  • Nearest Major City: Carbondale
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/crab-orchard
  • Phone: (618) 997-3344
  • Visitor Interests: Wildlife viewing, fishing and boating on the refuge's three lakes, hiking, hunting, camping, visiting the visitor center.
• Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex
  This complex consists of three refuges—Chautauqua, Emiquon, and Meredosia—that protect a mosaic of wetlands and floodplain habitats along the Illinois River. It is a vital stopover for migratory birds on the Mississippi Flyway.
  • Location: 19031 E County Road 2110N, Havana, IL 62644 (Complex Headquarters)
  • Nearest Major City: Peoria
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/illinois-river
  • Phone: (309) 535-2290
  • Visitor Interests: Birdwatching (especially during spring and fall migrations), hiking, fishing, photography, visiting the various viewing platforms and auto tour routes.
• Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
  Stretching for 261 miles along the Mississippi River, this refuge protects a significant portion of the river's floodplain. The Illinois portion offers numerous opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation.
  • Location: 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL 61285 (District Office)
  • Nearest Major City: Quad Cities
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river
  • Phone: (815) 273-2732
  • Visitor Interests: Boating and fishing on the Mississippi River, birdwatching, hiking, hunting, visiting the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center.

National Scenic Byways

• Great River Road
  This scenic byway follows the course of the Mississippi River through Illinois, offering travelers stunning views and access to charming river towns, historic sites, and natural areas.
  • Location: Along the western border of Illinois
  • Nearest Major Cities: Quad Cities, Alton, Galena
  • Website: illinoisgreatriverroad.com
  • Phone: N/A
  • Visitor Interests: Scenic driving, visiting historic towns like Galena and Alton, exploring state parks like Pere Marquette and Mississippi Palisades, visiting Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
• Historic Route 66
  The legendary "Mother Road" cuts across Illinois, offering a journey back in time with its classic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and historic gas stations.
  • Location: From Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis
  • Nearest Major Cities: Chicago, Springfield
  • Website: illinoisroute66.org
  • Phone: (217) 525-9308
  • Visitor Interests: Roadside attractions (Gemini Giant, Paul Bunyan statue), visiting Route 66 museums in Pontiac and Litchfield, dining at historic establishments, driving over historic bridges.

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II. State Land

Top Ten Most Visited State Parks

• Starved Rock State Park
  Famous for its seasonal waterfalls, stunning sandstone canyons, and abundant wildlife, Starved Rock is one of Illinois' most popular state parks. It offers a variety of trails that wind through its beautiful and unique landscape along the Illinois River.
  • Location: 2678 E 873rd Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348
  • Nearest Major City: Ottawa
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html
  • Phone: (815) 667-4726
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking to see waterfalls and canyons, trolley tours, river cruises, picnicking, camping, staying at the historic Starved Rock Lodge.
• Matthiessen State Park
  Just a short drive from Starved Rock, Matthiessen offers a similar landscape of canyons and waterfalls but often with fewer crowds. The park is divided into two areas, the Dells and the Vermilion River area, each with its own unique charm.
  • Location: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348
  • Nearest Major City: Ottawa
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.matthiessen.html
  • Phone: (815) 667-4868
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking through canyons and over bridges, viewing waterfalls, picnicking, horseback riding on designated trails.
• Pere Marquette State Park
  Located near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, this park is known for its spectacular views, especially during the fall foliage season. It's a great destination for scenic drives, hiking, and eagle watching in the winter.
  • Location: 13112 Visitor Center Ln, Grafton, IL 62037
  • Nearest Major City: Alton
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.peremarquette.html
  • Phone: (618) 786-3323
  • Visitor Interests: Scenic drives with river views, hiking, horseback riding, camping, staying at the historic Pere Marquette Lodge, bald eagle viewing in winter.
• Giant City State Park
  Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, this park is named for the massive sandstone structures that resemble the streets of a giant's city. It offers a variety of trails that wind through these unique formations and lush forests.
  • Location: 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958
  • Nearest Major City: Carbondale
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.html
  • Phone: (618) 457-4836
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking the Giant City Nature Trail, rock climbing and rappelling, horseback riding, fishing, camping, dining at the Giant City Lodge.
• Illinois Beach State Park
  Stretching for over six miles along the shore of Lake Michigan, this is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in its natural state in Illinois. It offers a unique landscape of dunes, marshes, and oak forests.
  • Location: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099
  • Nearest Major City: Waukegan
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.illinoisbeach.html
  • Phone: (847) 662-4811
  • Visitor Interests: Swimming and sunbathing on the beach, hiking and biking, birdwatching, camping, staying at the Illinois Beach Resort.
• Kankakee River State Park
  Straddling the Kankakee River, this park offers a scenic setting for a variety of outdoor activities. It features limestone canyons, waterfalls, and a rich history.
  • Location: 5314 W, IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
  • Nearest Major City: Kankakee
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.kankakeeriver.html
  • Phone: (815) 933-1383
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking and biking along the river, fishing and boating, horseback riding, camping, picnicking.
• Rock Cut State Park
  This large park near Rockford is a popular destination for its two lakes, which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also has an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and equestrian use.
  • Location: 7223 West Lane Road, Loves Park, IL 61111
  • Nearest Major City: Rockford
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.rockcut.html
  • Phone: (815) 885-3311
  • Visitor Interests: Boating and fishing on Pierce Lake and Olson Lake, swimming at Olson Beach, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping.
• Chain O'Lakes State Park
  Located in the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes, this park is a boater's paradise. It offers access to the Fox River and the other lakes in the chain, as well as a variety of land-based activities.
  • Location: 8916 Wilmot Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
  • Nearest Major City: Antioch
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.chainolakes.html
  • Phone: (847) 587-5512
  • Visitor Interests: Boating, fishing, water skiing, camping, hiking, hunting, picnicking.
• Moraine Hills State Park
  Characterized by its glacial moraines, lakes, and marshes, this park is a haven for wildlife and a great place for outdoor recreation. It offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
  • Location: 1510 South River Road, McHenry, IL 60051
  • Nearest Major City: McHenry
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.morainehills.html
  • Phone: (815) 385-1624
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking and biking on paved and gravel trails, fishing and boating on Lake Defiance, birdwatching, visiting the nature center.
• Mississippi Palisades State Park
  With its towering bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, this park offers some of the most scenic views in the state. It's a popular destination for hiking, camping, and enjoying the beauty of the river valley.
  • Location: 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074
  • Nearest Major City: Savanna
  • Website: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.mississippipalisades.html
  • Phone: (815) 273-2731
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking to scenic overlooks, camping, picnicking, fishing and boating on the Mississippi River, rock climbing in designated areas.

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III. Private Attractions

Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquariums

• Shedd Aquarium
  One of the world's largest indoor aquariums, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is home to thousands of aquatic animals from around the globe. Its stunning architecture and diverse exhibits make it a must-see attraction on the city's Museum Campus.
  • Location: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: sheddaquarium.org
  • Phone: (312) 939-2438
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, beluga whales, and sharks; the Caribbean Reef exhibit; aquatic shows; stingray touch exhibit.
• Lincoln Park Zoo
  One of the oldest zoos in North America, Lincoln Park Zoo is a world-class institution that is free and open to the public every day of the year. It is home to a wide variety of animals in beautifully designed habitats.
  • Location: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: lpzoo.org
  • Phone: (312) 742-2000
  • Visitor Interests: Seeing a diverse collection of animals from around the world, the Regenstein Center for African Apes, the Nature Boardwalk, seasonal events like ZooLights.
• Chicago Botanic Garden
  A stunning living museum with 27 gardens and four natural areas, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a beautiful and peaceful oasis. It is a premier destination for plant lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.
  • Location: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: chicagobotanic.org
  • Phone: (847) 835-5440
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the various themed gardens (Japanese Garden, English Walled Garden, etc.), model railroad garden, seasonal flower shows, tram tours.
• Brookfield Zoo
  Located just outside of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo is a large and renowned zoo with a commitment to animal care and conservation. It features a variety of innovative exhibits that allow for up-close encounters with animals.
  • Location: 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: brookfieldzoo.org
  • Phone: (708) 688-8000
  • Visitor Interests: The Tropic World exhibit (indoor rainforest), dolphin show, Hamill Family Play Zoo, Great Bear Wilderness exhibit.
• Morton Arboretum
  A world-renowned outdoor museum dedicated to trees, the Morton Arboretum features a vast collection of trees and plants from around the globe. It's a beautiful place to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Location: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
  • Nearest Major City: Naperville
  • Website: mortonarb.org
  • Phone: (630) 968-0074
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking and biking on miles of trails, the Children's Garden, tram tours, seasonal exhibits and events, driving through the arboretum's scenic roads.

Major Museums

• Art Institute of Chicago
  One of the oldest and largest art museums in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago houses a vast collection that spans centuries and the globe. It is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.
  • Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: artic.edu
  • Phone: (312) 443-3600
  • Visitor Interests: Iconic paintings like Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," the Modern Wing, the Thorne Miniature Rooms, special exhibitions.
• Museum of Science and Industry
  The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago offers a wealth of hands-on exhibits that make learning about science and technology fun and engaging.
  • Location: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: msichicago.org
  • Phone: (773) 684-1414
  • Visitor Interests: The U-505 Submarine exhibit, the Coal Mine, the Giant Dome Theater, Science Storms exhibit, the Pioneer Zephyr train.
• Field Museum
  One of the great natural history museums of the world, the Field Museum in Chicago takes visitors on a journey through time and across cultures. It is famous for its vast collection of artifacts and specimens.
  • Location: 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: fieldmuseum.org
  • Phone: (312) 922-9410
  • Visitor Interests: Sue, the world's most complete T. rex skeleton; the Evolving Planet exhibit; Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit; special exhibitions.
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  Located in Springfield, this state-of-the-art museum brings the story of Abraham Lincoln to life through immersive exhibits, theatrical presentations, and priceless artifacts.
  • Location: 212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701
  • Nearest Major City: Springfield
  • Website: presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
  • Phone: (217) 558-8844
  • Visitor Interests: High-tech exhibits and holographic shows, recreated scenes from Lincoln's life, the "Treasures Gallery" with original artifacts, the presidential library.

Amusement & Water Parks

• Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor Chicago
  A massive theme park and water park complex located in Gurnee, offering a wide array of roller coasters, thrill rides, family attractions, and water slides. It is a premier destination for summer fun.
  • Location: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: sixflags.com/greatamerica
  • Phone: (847) 249-1776
  • Visitor Interests: A large collection of roller coasters, thrill rides, live entertainment, Hurricane Harbor water park with slides and a wave pool, seasonal events like Fright Fest.

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IV. Major Shopping Centers

• The Magnificent Mile
  An iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue in Chicago, the Magnificent Mile is one of the world's great avenues, offering a mix of luxury boutiques, major department stores, fine dining, and impressive architecture.
  • Location: Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: themagnificentmile.com
  • Phone: N/A
  • Visitor Interests: High-end shopping at stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus; visiting iconic landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower; dining at renowned restaurants.
• Woodfield Mall
  One of the largest shopping malls in the United States, Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg is a premier shopping destination with hundreds of stores, including major department stores and a wide variety of specialty retailers.
  • Location: 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: simon.com/mall/woodfield-mall
  • Phone: (847) 330-1537
  • Visitor Interests: A vast selection of stores for every budget and taste, numerous dining options, family-friendly entertainment like the Peppa Pig World of Play.
• Gurnee Mills
  A large outlet and value shopping mall in Gurnee, offering a mix of outlet stores from major brands, full-price retailers, and entertainment venues.
  • Location: 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: simon.com/mall/gurnee-mills
  • Phone: (847) 263-7500
  • Visitor Interests: Outlet shopping for brand-name goods, a large food court, entertainment options like a movie theater and an ice rink.
• Oakbrook Center
  An upscale outdoor shopping center in Oak Brook, featuring a beautiful park-like setting with gardens, fountains, and a wide selection of high-end retailers and restaurants.
  • Location: 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: oakbrookcenter.com
  • Phone: (630) 573-0700
  • Visitor Interests: Luxury shopping, a wide variety of dining options with outdoor seating, a pleasant and scenic shopping environment.
• Chicago Premium Outlets
  A large outdoor outlet mall in Aurora, offering significant savings on a wide variety of designer and brand-name merchandise.
  • Location: 1650 Premium Outlet Blvd, Aurora, IL 60502
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/chicago
  • Phone: (630) 585-2200
  • Visitor Interests: Bargain hunting for high-end brands, a large selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories, a food court.

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