Summary

  • Illinois offers a wide range of attractions outside of Chicago, including historic sites, botanical gardens, living history museums, and water parks.
  • Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby is a must-visit with its hiking trails, waterfalls, canyons, and winter ice fishing opportunities.
  • Galena, a small town in northwestern Illinois, is a charming destination with surrounding nature and outdoor activities, along with spa resorts for relaxation.

It can be tough to name a city in Illinois that isn't Chicago. While the Windy City has bucket loads to be proud of, from its diverse foodie scene to its diehard sports fan and eclectic arts culture, it certainly doesn't deserve all the attention. The Chicago spotlight tends to sweep the rest of the gems scattered across the remainder of the state under the rug, but that's about to change.

Many people are looking for Illinois attractions outside of Chicago to visit on vacation, and there are more than one would think. Luckily, Illinois features plenty of fun things to see and do besides Chicago, which will be revealed in this article.

In Illinois, there are picturesque natural parks, unique museums, novelty roadside attractions that one can't help but chuckle at, and much more waiting to be explored. So, let's forget about Chicago for a minute and explore a little more of the great Midwestern state of Illinois.

UPDATE: 2023/11/22 22:02 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

17 Interesting Things To Do In Illinois (That Aren't In Chicago)

Chicago, indeed, is one of the biggest cities in Illinois, yet it is not the only entertaining attraction in the state. Therefore, this list was updated to include additional interesting things to do in Illinois, not Chicago. Have fun!

Related: 10 Things To Do In Peoria: Complete Guide To The Illinois River's Biggest City

17 Apple River Fort Historic Site, Elizabeth

​​​​​​​Apple River Fort Historic Site in Elizabeth
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Apple River Fort Historic Site in Elizabeth

Apple River Fort Historic Site is located within 20 minutes from Galena's historic center. This is a great place for history buffs or anybody interested in local Native American legends to learn about authentic structures from the 1832 Blackhawk War. Tourists can go on excursions to Apple River and will mostly return because it's such an interesting place to see in Illinois.

  • Address: 311E Myrtle Street, Elizabeth, IL 61028
  • Hours: May through October: From Wednesday to Sunday - 9 am to 5 pm; November through April: From Thursday to Saturday - 9 am to 4 pm
  • Price: Free of charge

16 Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield

Fountain in Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield
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Fountain in Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield

Visiting the stunning Washington Park Botanical Garden is a fantastic addition to Springfield’s bucket list and is one of the many interesting things to do in Illinois, not in Chicago. More than 1,800 different plant species may be found in these gardens. Tourists will explore the Roman Cultural Garden, the cactus garden, and the magnificent peony and rose collection. A wonderful way to break up back-to-back historical monuments in Springfield is to visit the Washington Park Botanical Garden, as most of the city's attractions are tied to history.

  • Address: 1740W Fayette Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm
  • Price: Free of charge

15 Blackberry Farm, Aurora

A carousel in Blackberry Farm, Aurora
Via: Shutterstock
A carousel in Blackberry Farm, Aurora

Visiting Blackberry Farm in Aurora is a fun thing to do outside of Chicago in Illinois. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun. For people curious about how others lived centuries ago, this is a great way to spend the day. Additionally, Blackberry Farm is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM.

Visiting Blackberry Farm in Aurora is a great way to learn and have fun at once. Many families rate this attraction highly, as it's open daily and offers various learning opportunities for guests.

  • Address: 100 Barnes Rd, Aurora, IL 60506
  • Hours: Mon: 9:30 am - 3 pm; Tue - Fri: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm; Sat: 9:30 am - 5 pm; Sun: 11 am - 5 pm
  • Price: General admission: $10; Seniors (65+): $9; Children under 1: Free

14 Raging Waves Water Park, Yorkville

A kid swimming
Via Shutterstock
A kid jumping into a pool in a waterpark

The next non-Chicago spot to check out while in Illinois is Raging Waves Water Park. This water park is in Yorkville and offers guests fun in the sun. Furthermore, this park is the largest of its kind in Illinois, adding to the excitement. Guests can spend the entire day here, especially during hot summer weather.

Tickets to Raging Waves cost $29.99 for "Pick Your Day" tickets and $54.99 for "Any Day" flexible date tickets. Compared to other theme and water parks in the US, Raging Waves is lower-price, making it perfect for families or large groups. The park also runs deals during holidays and throughout the year, so keeping an eye on their website is a good idea.

For people wanting to save money on tickets, purchasing "Pick Your Day" scheduled water park tickets are around $30 less than the non-scheduled options. The park's website also mentions that planning ahead is the best way to save money for this attraction.

  • Address: 4000 N Bridge St, Yorkville, IL 60560
  • Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (daily)
  • Price: From $35 per ticket

13 Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby

Starved Rock State Park, a great spot to view the best fall foliage, Illinois
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Starved Rock State Park, a great spot to view the best fall foliage, Illinois

Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon might receive the brunt of the attention when it comes to USA’s national parks, but there are a few hidden gems scattered across Illinois as well. One park that stands above the rest is the 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing waterfalls, picturesque canyons, and winter ice fishing opportunities, Starved Rock has been voted the number one thing to do in Illinois. Starved Rock is located right next to the town of Utica, which is only about an hour and a half drive from the land of deep-dish.

  • Address: 2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348
  • Hours: Wed - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm; Sat & Sun: 12 pm - 4 pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

12 Galena

Various shops in downtown Galena, Illinois
Ben Harding via Shutterstock
Various shops in downtown Galena, Illinois

Of all the words that come to mind when thinking of Illinois, ‘quaint’ and ‘charming’ aren’t usually among the front-runners. However, the 19th-century tiny 3,500-person town of Galena at the northwestern tip of the state is doing its best to change that. Not only is Galena a welcomed slice of Midwestern mountain-town character, but with its abundance of surrounding forestry and nature, it’s also a gateway to several local outdoor and adventure activities. After hiking through the nearby mountains, visitors can take an easy stroll down the charming Main Street before putting their feet up at one of its many spa resorts.

  • Population: 3,500
  • Distance to Chicago: 2:45 minutes

Related: Skip Chicago And Check Out These Other Towns And Cities In Illinois (They're Worth It)

11 Bahá'í Temple, Wilmette

bahá'í temple wilmette
Image via Shutterstock
bahá'í temple Wilmette during the day

Over in the city of Wilmette, which is easily accessible for anyone basing themselves out of Chicago (only about 20 miles north of the Windy City), visitors will discover the largest Bahá’í temple in the world. Its size isn’t the only impressive feature about it - the design and architecture are stunning, and it holds the title of the world’s oldest surviving Bahá’í temple as well, having been constructed back in 1953. Thanks to its majestic dome, white-clad exterior, and nine stunning gardens, the unique location has received plenty of design awards, and it’s not too hard to see why.

  • Address: 100 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091
  • Hours: 6 am - 8 pm (daily)

10 Garden of the Gods (Shawnee National Forest)

Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest, one of the most beautiful spots to visit in the Midwest
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Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest, one of the most beautiful spots to visit in the Midwest

Situated in the southern part of the state, the Shawnee National Forest is a welcomed change from the manic go-go-go lifestyles of the Windy City. Spanning almost 300,000 acres, Shawnee offers beautiful woodlands, picturesque hills, and sparkling lakes. Don’t forget the camera because among the list of potential posing wildlife includes the nation’s icon: bald eagles. With a name like Garden of the Gods, the expectations for this place are going to be set pretty high - but it certainly delivers. With waterfalls, sandstone formations, and a solid amount of walking tracks, it’s a literal breath of fresh air.

  • Address: 50 Highway 145 S, Harrisburg, IL 62946
  • Hours: 6 am - 10 pm (daily)

9 Riverfront Museum Park, Rockford

Rockford, IL
shutterstock: Henryk Sadura
A section of downtown Rockford, Illinois in the morning

For the next Illinois POI, stop in the vibrant city of Rockford, the 5th largest city in the state. About an hour and a half drive northwest of Chicago, Rockford has a bustling art and cultural scene, which can be fully appreciated at the Riverfront Museum Park, a parkway area that houses the Rockford Art Museum, Discovery Center Museum, Symphony Orchestra office, Rockford Dance Company and the Burpee Museum of Natural History, all with a scenic view of the river. It's an art lover's dream.

  • Address: 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
  • Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am - 5 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm

Related: Here's What Else Is There To Do In Illinois (Other Than Occasionally Overrated Chicago)

8 Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford

Blooming flowers at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford
shutterstock: Sean Osborne
Blooming flowers at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford

One of the highlights of Rockford, this majestic garden is an underrated gem of Illinois. Here, visitors will come across the sprawling elegance that is the Anderson Japanese Gardens. The setting is as relaxing as it is serene, with plenty of Japanese culture on display, and the options for calligraphy lessons and traditional Japanese tea ceremonies make it all the more worthwhile.

  • Address: 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
  • Hours: Mon - Fri: 8 am - 2 pm; Sat & Sun: 8 am - 3 pm
  • Price: Guided group tours: Adult: $14, Senior: $12 (per person)

7 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield

Exterior of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield
Via: Shutterstock
Exterior of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield

For travelers venturing through America’s Midwest and suddenly have the urge to learn everything there is to learn about the 16th President of the United States, then the town of Springfield has got them covered. Not only Lincoln’s hometown, but Springfield is also the site of the fascinating Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

History buffs will go nuts for the signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as the original copy of the Gettysburg Address. Aside from the countless intriguing artifacts, it’s also an immersive experience museum, combining history with innovation and interaction. The Oak Ridge Cemetery is another one of the unique places in Illinois to visit, which is where the President's tomb remains.

  • Address: 212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701
  • Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (daily)

6 The Soul Asylum, Alton

White grain silo painted with American flag in Alton, Illinois
Via: Shutterstock
White grain silo painted with American flag in Alton, Illinois

Sitting smack bang in the middle of the Mississippi River, just north of St Louis, Missouri, is the little town of Alton, which sports a population of just under 30,000. For anyone who’s venturing through the area, there’s a rather odd collection of bizarre and ouch-worthy items waiting to be checked out at the place formerly known as the Historic Museum of Torture Devices, which has now officially changed its name to The Soul Asylum. There are plenty of stabby, murderous, and punishing torture devices from all corners of the globe on display on its shelves to satisfy fans of dark tourism. Thankfully, the entry fee isn’t too painful.

  • Address: 301 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002
  • Hours: Fri: 12 pm - 6 pm; Sat: 11 am - 6 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 4 pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
  • Price: $8

5 The Ghost Town of Cairo

An abandoned building in the ghost town of Cairo, Illinois
Via: Shutterstock
An abandoned building in the ghost town of Cairo, Illinois

Nestled deep in the southern part of the state, on the intersection of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, Cairo, Illinois, is the antithesis of the fast-paced life of a metropolis like Chicago. Back in the day, when the Mississippi River was used as a common ship route, Cairo acted as a port town and was booming as a result. These days, however, it’s nothing more than an eerie ghost town. It’s a rather surreal experience to see a fully functional locale completely abandoned, and it is a worthwhile stop if driving through the region.

  • Population: 1,659
  • Distance to Chicago: 5:35 minutes

Related: Visiting Kiel Ranch: Nevada's Lesser-Known Tragic Ghost Town

4 Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop, Evanston

Aerial view of Evanston, Illinois
Via: Shutterstock
Aerial view of Evanston, Illinois

Not too far from the Bahá'í Temple, travelers can step into a quaint little storefront that boasts much more than meets the eye. Located in the Evanstown area, Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop has been around for over 40 years, providing a quirky mix of materials of geological materials such as gemstones, fossils, and crystals, with friendly information via books or Dave himself on offer to explain it all. What tends to take visitors by (pleasant) surprise is the dinosaur-themed museum hidden down in the basement. It offers informative fun for all ages and is touted as a worthy stop for anyone looking to get out of the chaos of Chicago and venture into other areas.

  • Address: 711 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202
  • Hours: Mon, Tue & Fri: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Thu: 10:30 am - 7 pm; Sat: 10 am - 5 pm (closed on Wed & Sun)

3 World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle, Collinsville

World's Largest catsup bottle and water tower in Collinsville, Illinois
Pixabay
World's Largest catsup bottle and water tower in Collinsville, Illinois

This is, perhaps, the most interesting tourist attraction in Illinois, not Chicago. Sure, seeing the Cubs play at Wrigley Field might be a hoot, and exploring the Shawnee National Forest offers up some stunning photo ops, but do they compare to a 170ft-tall bottle of Ketchup?

It’s not just some tacky roadside attraction either - the locals are incredibly proud of their oversized condiment, and even through an annual World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Festival. Plus, it’s earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Does one need to sell it more? C’mon, it’s a giant Ketchup bottle! Check it out just south of the town of Collinsville.

  • Address: 800 S Morrison Ave, Collinsville, IL 62234
  • Hours: Mon - Fri: 9 am - 5 pm; Sun: 10 am - 3 pm (closed on Sat)

2 Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville

Monk's Mound at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
Via: Shutterstock
Monk's Mound at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville

Venture into the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a prehistoric Native American city from the Mississippian culture. This ancient site, once the most populous city in North America, is dotted with 80 mounds built by hand from earth, the largest of which is the Monks Mound. Visitors can climb to the top of Monks Mound for a panoramic view of the St. Louis skyline or tour the Interpretive Center to learn about the city's history through interactive exhibits.

  • Address: 30 Ramey St, Collinsville, IL 62234, United States
  • Hours: Thu - Sun: 9 am - 5 pm (closed from Mon & Wed)
  • Cost: Free

1 Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby

Sunrise at Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby
Via: Shutterstock
Sunrise at Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby

Matthiessen State Park is known for its fascinating rock formations and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike the five miles of trails that wind through the park, passing by canyons, streams, and a lake. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. For those interested in geology, the park offers a unique opportunity to see exposed bedrock and fossil remains.

  • Address: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States
  • Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (daily)
  • Cost: Free entry