Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Things To Do

Places To Go in Illinois

Plan Your Trip

Accessibility in Illinois

Tours & Sightseeing in Illinois

Illinois is filled with a wide variety of great tour and sightseeing options. From architecture river cruises in Chicago to ghost tours in Galena, passionate locals are ready to share fascinating history and Illinois stories. No matter what you're interested in, there's a tour for you!

Cruise Through the City or Out on the Lake

Boat Tours in Chicago

    Spooky Sites in Western Illinois

    Ghost Tours in Great Rivers Country

    • Show more in category of Historic Sites

      Cheney Mansion & Complex

      As one of the first houses built in Jerseyville, the Cheney Mansion is a 12-room mansion featuring vintage clothing, military artifacts, toys, pictures and other items… Read more about Cheney Mansion & Complex

    • Show more in category of Historic Sites

      Amelia's Galena Ghost Tours, Inc.

      Hop onto a luxury shuttle bus with a theatrical flair exploring several locations in historically haunted Galena. Read more about Amelia's Galena Ghost Tours, Inc.

    • Show more in category of Historic Sites

      McPike Mansion

      When just about any native of the Alton area thinks of a haunted house, normally one name comes to mind - the infamous McPike Mansion. Read more about McPike Mansion

      World-class Art & Illinois History

      History, Art & Culture Tours

      • Show more in category of Museums

        Begins the Trail Reagan Statue

        A bronze statue of Ronald Reagan on a horse he rode nearly 60 years ago, sits at the head of the Heritage Crossing Riverfront Plaza located… Read more about Begins the Trail Reagan Statue

      • Show more in category of Theater

        Timber Lake Playhouse

        Timber Lake Playhouse is Illinois' oldest continuously-running professional summer stock theatre. They offer live theater productions May-Sept. Reservations required. Read more about Timber Lake Playhouse

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Effingham County Courthouse

        The Effingham Country Courthouse Museum features displays on the military, Effingham County railroads and Effingham County history. It is also listed on the National Register of… Read more about Effingham County Courthouse

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Jane Addams Burial Site

        Visit the burial site of one of America's influential humanitarians. Read more about Jane Addams Burial Site

      • Show more in category of History Museums

        Jefferson County Historical Village

        Experience the past as you walk through a pioneer village of authentic log cabins featuring a calaboose (circa 1820), the Mount Olive Church (circa 1873), a… Read more about Jefferson County Historical Village

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Franklin Creek Grist Mill & Interpretive Center

        The Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Interpretive Center is a reconstructed, timber frame, four-story 1847 grist mill located within the Franklin Creek State Natural Area. Read more about Franklin Creek Grist Mill & Interpretive Center

      • Show more in category of Galleries

        The Dole

        Bring out your inner artist at The Dole. The arts come alive at this stately Civil War-era mansion. Read more about The Dole

      • Show more in category of Public Art

        Living Lincoln Topiary Monument

        The Living Lincoln Topiary Monument is a 15 feet high and 8 feet wide bust of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. It’s mixed media construction of… Read more about Living Lincoln Topiary Monument

      • Show more in category of Historic Main Streets

        Hantverk Galleri

        Hantverk Galleri offers a remembrance of your visit...a wedding gift for your niece...a new ornament for the family tree. Our talented artists create memories that will… Read more about Hantverk Galleri

      • Show more in category of Museums

        Carl Sandburg State Historic Site

        Author-poet Carl Sandburg was born in the the three-room cottage at 331 E. Third Street in Galesburg on January 6, 1878. Read more about Carl Sandburg State Historic Site

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Fithian Home

        The true house Museum is housed in a home built by pioneer physician William Fithian, who in his time, served as prairie legislator, horseback doctor, Civil… Read more about Fithian Home

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        The Buckminster Dome Home

        the Buckminster Fuller Dome, commonly referred to as “The Bucky Dome” by locals. This geodesic dome is Buckminster Fuller’s most enduring legacy. Read more about The Buckminster Dome Home

      • Show more in category of Museums

        Lincoln Manahan Museum

        The house where Lincoln slept in 1856, has been totally restored and turned into a museum of lifestyles in the 1850s. Read more about Lincoln Manahan Museum

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        The Trail of Tears

        The Trail of Tears through southern Illinois stretches nearly sixty miles long. Original route segments exist as State Highway 146, lesser traveled county roads, and abandoned… Read more about The Trail of Tears

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Life on the Farm House Tours

        Explore the lifestyle of a successful farm family as you tour the farmhouse museum at Kline Creek Farm. Read more about Life on the Farm House Tours

      • Show more in category of Public Art

        Oregon Sculpture Trail

        Historical sculpture has been on public display in Oregon since the time of Lorado Taft and the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony in the early 1900’s. Read more about Oregon Sculpture Trail

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Elijah Iles House: Springfield's History Museum

        Learn about early Springfield at the home of one of the city's founding fathers, Elijah Iles. Read more about Elijah Iles House: Springfield's History Museum

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Jacksonville Area Museum

        The Jacksonville Area Museum features the history of the Jacksonville Area with exhibits and original artifacts. Read more about Jacksonville Area Museum

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Fulton De Immigrant Windmill

        Fulton's authentic Dutch Windmill, "De Immigrant", sits on the flood control dike, right in the heart of the city and in across the street from the… Read more about Fulton De Immigrant Windmill

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Marion Carnegie Library

        One of the few remaining Carnegie buildings is seated at the center of Williamson County. Originally built in 1916 and renovated in 1997, the library has… Read more about Marion Carnegie Library

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Mary's Covered Bridge

        Come and enjoy the rich history of Mary's Covered Bridge! Read more about Mary's Covered Bridge

      • Show more in category of Historic Sites

        Vermilion County Museum

        The Vermilion County Museum was built as a replica of the 1833 county courthouse where President Abraham Lincoln practiced law from 1841-1859. Read more about Vermilion County Museum

      • Show more in category of Galleries

        Paramount Theatre

        World-class entertainment—including dance, music, Broadway-caliber theatre, and children’s programming. Read more about Paramount Theatre

      • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

        Art In The Garden

        Mandala Gardens •  Sep 21 @ 9AM

        “Art in the Garden” is an art festival experience made for the Southern Illinois community to connect, create & celebrate the arts. Read more about Art In The Garden

      • Show more in category of Galleries

        West Street Sculpture Park

        Outdoor gallery of large steel sculptures by award-winning local artist John Martinson including an on-site metal studio. Read more about West Street Sculpture Park

        Explore Illinois on Two Wheels

        Biking & Segway Tours

          Give Your Feet a Rest

          Double Decker & Trolley Tours

            Taste What Makes Illinois so Special

            Food Tours

            • Show more in category of State Parks & National Forest

              Wrightway Transportation

              Embark on excursions to wineries, breweries, unique shops, weddings, ball games and more. Read more about Wrightway Transportation

            • Show more in category of Tour Operators

              Chicago Underground Donut Tour

              The Underground Donut Tour is Chicago's only food tour exclusively celebrating all things Donut! Join us on a donut adventure as we check out 4 of… Read more about Chicago Underground Donut Tour

            • Show more in category of Wineries & Vineyards

              Sleepy Creek Vineyards

              Experience wine at the source at Vermilion County's only vineyard, winery and tasting room. Read more about Sleepy Creek Vineyards

            • Show more in category of Farms & Orchards

              Photo Scavenger Hunt on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

              On your scavenger hunt, take photos at each of our wineries and share your "experiences" Read more about Photo Scavenger Hunt on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

            • Show more in category of Breweries

              Scorched Earth Brewing

              Family-owned since 2014, Scorched Earth Brewing Co. prides itself on sourcing local ingredients and using old-world brewing techniques to brew award-winning beer. Their spacious taproom is… Read more about Scorched Earth Brewing

            • Show more in category of Bars & Taverns

              Hardware Sustainable Gastropub & Brewery

              Hardware—a sustainable gastropub & brewery serving delicious food and over 350 whiskeys Read more about Hardware Sustainable Gastropub & Brewery

            • Show more in category of Breweries

              Kennay Farms Distilling

              Kennay Farms Distilling is operated by a 5th generation farming family who diversified and are now specializing in growing their own grains to create handcrafted spirits… Read more about Kennay Farms Distilling

            • Show more in category of Bars & Taverns

              Hopvine Brewing Company

              Craft brews, fine wines, specialty drinks and seasonal menu. Read more about Hopvine Brewing Company

            • Show more in category of Bakeries

              Galena Foodie Adventures

              Galena Foodie Adventures invites you to experience an intimate, guided food tour of the third most visited city in Illinois! Read more about Galena Foodie Adventures

            • Show more in category of Breweries

              Ogle County Brewery

              The Ogle County Brewery is your go-to spot when you are looking for a welcoming brew pub that offers a unique setting, great food and excellent… Read more about Ogle County Brewery

            • Show more in category of Breweries

              Hairy Cow Brewing Company

              Hairy Cow Brewing Company is located on the banks of the Rock River and is a brewpub offering 12 different world class beers and serving gourmet… Read more about Hairy Cow Brewing Company

            • Show more in category of State Parks & National Forest

              Shawnee Shuttle

              A professional wine trail tour service offering private mini-van tours of southern Illinois for small groups of two to six adults. Read more about Shawnee Shuttle

            • Show more in category of Wineries & Vineyards

              Fox Valley Winery

              Fox Valley Winery specializes in creating small lots of handcrafted, award-winning wines. Many varieties are made from estate grown, single-vineyard Illinois grapes. We offer wine tastings… Read more about Fox Valley Winery

              Explore the Illinois Outdoors

              Outdoor Adventure Tours

                Share your Moments

                #EnjoyIllinois

                Subscribe to Our Newsletter

                Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.