From theme parks and outdoors activities and zoos, to museums and the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, here are the Top 10 Illinois attractions:
- The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606
312-922-9410
This Natural History museum, located on Lake Shore Drive, is one of the three fixtures on Museum Campus. Exhibits include the Ancient Americas, newly opened; a large collection of dinosaurs in the Evolving Planet exhibit and a comprehensive set of human cultural anthropology exhibits, including artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Pacific North West and Tibet.
- Museum of Science and Industry
57th St. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-3323
This hands-on museum great vacation idea for kids that makes learning about science and technology fun! Popular attractions include the new Body Worlds 2 and Robots Like us exhibits, exciting Omnimax Theater and Flight 727 that recreates a cross-country flight in just seven minutes.
- Brookfield Zoo
31st St. First Ave.
Brookfield, IL 60513
708-485-0263
Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo, near Chicago IL, has been a popular Brookfield vacation attraction that has earned international recognition for its unique design and exhibits. Highlights include the dolphin or sea lion training session, new dolphin shows at Seven Seas, and ape encounters at Tropic World.
- Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-595-PIER
800-595-PIER
Make sure you check out the Navy Pier with its acres of shops, attractions, rides and entertainment for everyone. This famous pier is located on Lake Michigan and is home to various vacation ideas and attractions including the Chicago Children's Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, many shops and restaurants, and an IMAX theatre. For even more fun, visit the 15-story Ferris wheel, an old-fashioned carousel, tour boats and the Skyline Stage.
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
951 Chicago Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-848-1976
The home of Frank Lloyd Wright, restored to appear as it did in 1909, is the perfect vacation attraction for architecture buffs. The private residence was the home, studio and architectural laboratory for the first 20 years of Wright's phenomenal career. Oak Park is just ten miles west of the Chicago Loop.
- Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60613
773-404-CUBS
Chicago is a big sports town, and it is home to two major league baseball teams! On Chicago's North Side, visit Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs game! Wrigley Park was the first park built on Chicago's North Side, in 1914 and became home to the Cubs in 1920. Make sure your vacation ideas include stopping by this famous ballpark to enjoy the excitement of a major league baseball game!
- Historic Route 66 Scenic Byways
700 E. Adams St.
Springfield, IL 62701
866-378-7866
Smack-dab in the middle of Illinois lies its capital city, Springfield. Situated adjacent to Route 66, Springfield takes pride in this historic highway and its legacy remains as strong as ever. Today, you can cruise nearly 400 miles of Route 66 in Illinois including some of its original concrete segments.
- Sears Skydeck
233 S. Wacker Dr. (entrance on Jackson Blvd.)
Chicago, IL 60606
312-875-9696
Chicago is home to the Sears Tower, the tallest building in North America and the third tallest in the world. This giant building looms 1,450 feet and 110 stories above the Windy City. The observation deck on the 99th floor offers you breathtaking 360 degree views, up to 50 miles on a clear day. The Sears Tower is a must-visit vacation idea when visiting Chicago.
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
112 N. 6th St.
Springfield, IL 62701
217-558-8882
Dedicated to the life of America's 16th president, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield houses the world's largest collection of material related to the life of Lincoln. You are certain to be educated and inspired by the facility and its exhibits that communicate the amazing life and times of Abraham Lincoln. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is closed on Sundays.
- Michigan Avenue Shopping
N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-642-3570
If you are a shopping enthusiast, North Michigan Avenue, one of the ritziest retail stretches in the world, is a must visit vacation attraction. Known as the Magnificent Mile, the area has four shopping centers, world-renowned boutiques and locally acclaimed designers. So grab your wallet, and enter shopper's paradise!