Think of Illinois, and Abraham Lincoln will come to your mind! The Midwest’s largest city is a combination of culture with high design and old-fashioned hospitality. People come here from the nook and corners of the world to enjoy the beauty and food scenes of Illinois. Whether you are looking for things to do in Southern Illinois today or top things to do in Northern Illinois, the state has everything to satisfy you.

From boating rides to boat games, people can be seen enjoying more to the long summer days here in Illinois! The wintry days and nights in Chicago are booked by the craft beer scenes. Known as the Prairie State, Illinois is such a beautiful state filled with endless seas of Prairies. Further, the land of Chicago is known best for its skyscraper buildings and sleek natural environment surrounding the place. Here we have listed some of the top things to do in Illinois today that you must add to your itinerary without fail to make your journey memorable:

• A drive along the Great River Road

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River traveling along the western boundaries of Illinois. Further, the 550-mile road is filled with breathtaking views and gorgeous locations. Take a weekend trip to the Great River Road with several charming towns on the way. Stop the car in the middle to indulge in the great essence of the Mississippi River. Nature allows you to soothe your soul and enliven it again. Take a bike ride to Madison County Transit or even a river cruise from East Dubuque.

• Sip your drink at the Violet Hour

The Violet Hour is an amazing lounge offering some luxurious retreats away from the chaotic world outside. Likewise, enjoy yourself with the custom-made cocktails made by the unique bartenders. It’s time to say “Hello” to seasonal drinks and cocktails along with an interesting food menu to keep you waking all night. The bartenders are sure to engross you with their unique and inventive ways of mixing and shaking the drinks. The cocktails in the house are of top quality made in different sizes depending on the drink. Come here for a drink or two along with the delicious snacks served on your table!

• Sip on some icy cold craft beer

When in Chicago, how can you miss out on the beer craft scenes? What’s the best place than Chicago to sip some beer!! There are over 72 breweries in the city, so don’t miss out even on your short trip to Chicago! Map Room is a cool craft beer bar allowing you to taste 200 different kinds of beers prepared in the world. Check out other craft beer breweries like Ales, Stouts and Lagers, etc. No wonder it is one of the unique free things to do in Chicago Illinois all around the year.

• Get thrilled at the Sears Tower Glass Platform

Looming over the entire city of Chicago, the Sears Tower Glass Platform is one hell of an impressive one! It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere standing at 1,450 m tall. Standing at the glass platform, you get some of the fantastic views of the city with 4 10 10 feet compartments. Besides, go to the edge on the 103^rd floor of the Skydeck and you will be thrilled beyond words! Now with the glass platform, you will feel like you are floating in the sky. It’s the perfect place to get the adrenaline rush you have been waiting for thereby becoming one of the top things to do in Central Illinois.

• Try out some desserts at Hazel Dell Bakery

Just as charming as the name, Hazel Dell Bakery offers some delicious desserts and cakes popularly loved by locals. Likewise, their scrumptious lunches take like homemade ones. Be sure of reaching the place early to reserve a seat before anyone else. The pies are their star dish every day, 11 inches in diameter and the longest ones you will ever find. The flavors keep on changing every day but coconut flavor remains the same. Stop here for a mouth-watering lunch experience and finish the lunch with a freshly baked pie.

• Why not try out a cheese pull pizza?

One of the top things to do in Chicago Illinois is their world-famous piping hot pizzas with heavy amounts of cheese on top! There are numerous places to try out pizzas in Chicago but Giordano’s is the perfect one when it comes to thin crust and deep-dish pizzas. The cooking time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The pizzas no doubt are awesome, but the cheese pull is to witness. The cheese given here is so stringy giving ultimate Instagram-worthy vibes. 

• Grab on some popcorn

The people of Chicago just simply love having popcorn. Because of that, there are so many gourmet popcorn shops all around Illinois to help you grab a packet of popcorn. These gourmet popcorns come in various flavors such as cheese, caramel, macadamia nuts, cashew caramel, butter… the list is endless! The caramel crisp and cheddar cheese combination is worth trying out! The sweet and savory taste will burst many different feelings in your mouth as soon as you take the first bite.

• Rent an electric boat

If Kayaking is not your thing, then there is a boat ride waiting for you! Rent the electric boats or you can do a self-drive all by yourself. The boats are such easy to drive, and trying a boat ride is a definite thing to do here. The incredible fleet is the Chicago Electric Boat company with zero emissions. Besides, the boats have 10 to 12 people capacity with rates ranging from $150 to $251 per hour. Driving with many people sets a good deal apart from making new friends thereby making it one of the cool things to do in Illinois this weekend.

• Check out the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo

A magical display of lights, these starts shimmering from November 20 commemorating the start of the Christmas and Holiday season. It turns out to be one of the largest lights display within the city limits. Also, soak in some holiday vibe while snuggled under the warmest coat! The event is free charging $5 as a commission for charity! Apart from the lights, do check out the ice sculptures and carolers typically at the Lincoln Park Zoo. If you are searching for some of the fun things to do in Illinois with kids then you must give a visit to this incredible zoo.

• Hop on to the first Architecture tour boat in Illinois

The best way to admire the architecture of the city of Illinois is to savor the architecture present all over. An architectural tour is a must whenever you plan a tour to the best places to visit in Chicago! The volunteer in the group narrates the history of 50+ downtown buildings. So, hop onto Chicago’s First Lady from the docking station for a full 90 minutes tour. There is a full-service cash bar inside the boat. You have the provision to bring individually packed food to the boats.

• Gobble a hot dog at Superdawg Drive-In

Designed in the 40s era work, Superdawg still delivers hot dogs in the cars. Apart from hot dogs, they are famous for making milkshakes and other fast foods. It specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs adding a little bit of piccalilli and pickled green tomatoes as the dressing. The dishes come packed in super cute boxes along with crisp French fries. You can order the meal from your car or you can go up to the counter window.

• Stroll along with the town with Divvy E-Bike

The black jet E-bikes have joined the Divvy fleet allowing the riders to go 18 miles per hour. It works with a small electric motor with the new E-bikes available all around the city. The pedal system adds additional support and power when you move your legs. This lets you get to your destination sooner. The Divvy E-bikes come with an attached lock. This means you can lock your bike on a signpost that might need extra fees.

What’s next waiting for you?

From best things to do in Peoria Illinois and top things to do in Bloomington Illinois to unique things to do in Rockford Illinois and cool things to do in Champaign Illinois, the above travel guide covers everything. Now you know what to do in Illinois plan your trip soon and give your heart the happiness it has been searching for!

About Author: R Bhabanasree