• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Millennium Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of JMB - Fotolia.com

2. Leaning Tower of Niles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

3. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library/Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of jakkapan - Fotolia.com

4. Chicago Botanic Garden

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of elesi - Fotolia.com

5. U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site

6. Discovery Center Museum

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of Yulia - Fotolia.com

7. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of backstage142 - Fotolia.com

8. Art Institute of Chicago

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of eunikas - Fotolia.com

9. Museum of Science and Industry

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

10. Buffalo Rock State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Margaret - Fotolia.com

11. Writers Theatre

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© danr13/stock.adobe.com

12. 360 Chicago

© Courtesy of UbjsP - Fotolia.com

13. The Field Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of Ana - Fotolia.com

14. Dana-Thomas House Foundation

© Dana-Thomas House Foundation

15. Driehaus Museum, Illinois

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Driehaus Museum

16. Chicago Cultural Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of David Levin - Fotolia.com

17. Lincoln Park Zoo, Illinois

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of camo_n - Fotolia.com

18. Escape Artistry, Chicago

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of olgaosa - Fotolia.com

19. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

© Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

20. Navy Pier

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of doncon402 - Fotolia.com

21. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Nicholas Conservatory

22. Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

23. Pullman National Monument

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors

24. The Magnificent Mile

© Courtesy of Oleksandr Dibrova - Fotolia.com

25. Rendleman Orchards

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Pakhnyushchyy/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Known as the ”Prairie State,” Illinois brings to mind Abraham Lincoln, the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and drive-in movie theaters along Route 66. History buffs and museum goers will enjoy the various historical sites, world-class museums and other attractions scattered throughout the state.

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