Most reviewed Points of Interest & Landmarks in Illinois
4.5Millennium Park(25.0k reviews) - Very nice park Saturday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavillion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city's most popular sites.See more..
4.5Cloud Gate(18.2k reviews) - Visit to Chicago to take part in the Marathon. Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Nicknamed "The Bean" for its sleek kidney shape, this Anish Kapoor sculpture is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza in Millenium Park.See more..
4.5Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower(17.7k reviews)from $44.00 - Great view of Chicago Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
Don't miss out on visiting Skydeck Chicago, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Check out the various exhibits here before heading straight up to the 103rd floor via a 70-second elevator ride. Visit on a clear day for panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can even see into the states of Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana. For the adventurous, step out onto the Ledge, a glass box protruding 4.3 feet from the building. Skip the line at the elevator with a V.I.P pass. You can also choose the Chicago CityPASS for expedited entry, discounted admission and to combine your visit with other attractions in the city. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5The Magnificent Mile(15.8k reviews) - Definitely worth it Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Magnificent Mile is a prime hospitality, dining and retail destination in the heart of Chicago. This section of Michigan Avenue, running from the banks of the Chicago River to Oak Street, features more than 460 shops, from high-end boutiques like Gucci and Burberry to pocket-friendly department stores. Amid lots of shopping and fine dining options, don’t miss the avenue’s historic landmarks like the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Water Tower. You can also take a walking tour of the area to make sure you’ll cover all the must-sees or stay in a room with an impressive view of downtown Chicago. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Buckingham Fountain(3.410 reviews) - Try to Figure Out When the Tall Water Spike Shoots Up, and then Let Me Know, OK? Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
Chicago's landmark is considered one of America's finest fountains due to its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology.See more..
4.5Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials(1.979 reviews) - Beautiful…. and still sad Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
We took our kids on a field trip, and the day we ended up here it was lightly drizzling, and overcast…fitting. It was empty and quiet. You are able to tour the building yourself, including where the majority of the family is laid to rest. It felt almost personal and emotional all alone inside. Such an amazing memory made with my kids!See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio(1.334 reviews)from $27.00 - Learn about an American icon Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
In accordance with CDC recommendations, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust requests that both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons wear a face mask indoors at all Trust sites. (8/3/21) The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois served as Wright's private residence and workplace from 1889 to 1909--the first 20 years of his career. Today, Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of Wright-designed buildings. Wright used his first home to experiment with design concepts that contain the seeds of his architectural philosophy. In his adjacent studio, Wright and his associates developed a new American architecture - the Prairie style. Enjoy guided tours of the museum complex and neighboring historic district seven days a week. Trained interpreters offer insights into Wright's family life and architectural legacy. Tour details are available on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust websiteSee more..
5.0Chicago Skyline(736 reviews) - Simply spectacular Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
We saw the Chicago skyline from the Sky Walk toll bridge yesterday. The skyline is amongst the best in the world. The Willis Tower stands out and the buildings, from far, look like they have been assembled. I have been to Chicago twice before and do recollect having gone up the Willis Tower (then known as Sears Tower) to view the city from top. The city’s skyline is amongst the best in the world. Also try to see the skyline after it is dark -simply stunning. Munir D.See more..
4.0World's Largest Catsup Bottle(280 reviews) - Fun "jumbo" attraction along Route 66 Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
No, it's not filled with catsup--it's a beautifully restored water tower. Unfortunately it's on a busy road, so you can't pull over in front of it. We pulled into a parking lot down the hill and walked back up to it for a photo. Definitely unique!See more..
4.5World Largest Wind Chime(237 reviews) - The Sounds of Judeo-Christian Unity Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Wind Chime is located next to a restaurant (access via their patio), on a street corner lot across from both the World's Largest Rocking Chair & the World's Largest Teeter-Totter on the east end of the "Biggest Things" attractions along Main Street Casey. The chimes can be rung by visitors by pulling on large ropes at the bottom. The chimes bear four symbols - two each Star of David & ichthys - reflecting the religious values of the town. Beyond those symbols, it's just a cool thing to ring.See more..
This is one gigantic rocking chair. One of our favorite big things in the town. We spent the evening driving/walking around Casey looking at all of the big things. The city of Casey has a website where you can see the location of all of the world records/big things they have. I'd recommend getting that first.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple(207 reviews) - Not to be missed FLW church. Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Unity Temple (1905-08) is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List, and represents a defining moment in Frank Lloyd Wright’s early career. Designed in Wright’s Oak Park Studio for his own Unitarian congregation, it is one of the first public buildings in America to feature exposed concrete and is Wright’s greatest public building of his Prairie era. The harmony of the building’s strikingly geometric architecture and decorative elements exemplifies Wright’s theory of organic design. Unity Temple announced a new era of innovation in modern architecture.See more..
4.0Gemini Giant(137 reviews) - Great Muffler Man Example! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Gemini Giant is a notable example of what are called Muffler Men. Over twenty feet in height, muffler men were once plentiful across the American landscape from the late 1950s to the early '60s as roadside icons for automotive muffler shops. Early on, some owners of these figures personalized them by customizing their clothing or even their facial features. In the case of the Gemini Giant, the oversized muffler held in the figure's hands was replaced by something else. Today, he holds a model rocket.See more..
5.0World's Largest Mailbox(136 reviews) - Glad My Mailbox isnt this BIG Points of Interest & Landmarks
Climbing the steps up to the 2nd floor to get into the mailbox gives you the perspective you need to appreciate just how big this is. There is a mail drop slot upstairs into a collection box if you want to mail a letter. Shouldn't be hard to spot the mailbox from the street.See more..
4.0Old Joliet Prison(124 reviews) - Worth the visit! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
Opened in 1858, just six years after the incorporation of the City of Joliet, the Illinois State Penitentiary, Joliet, now known simply as the “Old Joliet Prison,” has – for better or worse been – synonymous with the City of Joliet for nearly its entire history. The Prison is probably best known today for its most popular, albeit fictional inmate – “Joliet Jake” Blues from the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers.” Since then, the Prison has made a number of appearances in films in television, including as the character of “Fox River State Penitentiary” in the critically acclaimed Fox series “Prison Break,” and in smaller scenes in Derailed, Let’s Go to Prison, and recently, Empire.See more..
5.0Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk(115 reviews) - Great Experience Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Join the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust on May 22, 2021 for the annual Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk. Wright Plus celebrates architecture, design, Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative vision and the talents of his fellow architects. It is an enjoyable day featuring rare interior tours of private homes and public buildings designed by Wright and his contemporaries.See more..
After completing Route 66, I would rank Ambler's Texaco Gas Station as the best restored gas station museum. Restored because they've painted some things to make it look real nice, like the photo opps at the billboard to the side of the gas station. The pumps look clean and fresh. It's easy to picture time travelling in your mind due to how nice it looks. As you go along Route 66, you'll find all sorts of old gas stations or just the pumps, with varying conditions of decay or restoration. All of them are for display purposes only and are not functioning. There's a little store to help support the museum and there's even a Model T from 1914 that you can sit in for photos. (I marked travelled as solo because there's no family option w/o children. Some of us drive around our senior parents. That's family last time I checked.)See more..
After visiting the Superman Statue on the town square I walked a couple of blocks north to the Daily Planet/Lois Lane Statue. This statue is in a small park and is a fitting tribute to Noel Neill who played a reporter for the Daily Planet Newspaper in the old Superman TV Show. The is free street parking next to the statue which make it either a quick stop after visiting the Superman Statue. But if you park at the Superman Statue it is an easy short 2-3 block walk away. This is a nice quick stop in the small town Metropolis.See more..
4.5Hot Dog Muffler Man(97 reviews) - Route 66 Oddity Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
It's really just a giant statue on a sad former Main Street strip along Route 66 that was bypassed by the interstate. But it's part of the quirky charm of driving Route 66 that shouldn't be missed. Unfortunately, on the day we were there, none of the restaurants or businesses were open (could be Covid restrictions). There's also a pretty mural high on the wall to the left of the statue and a lovely Seth Thomas clock on the next corner (town square).See more..
Casey Country Club is home to Worlds Largest Golf Tee. It's a short drive from I70 and a must see for any golfer! Beautiful course and friendly people! I nice little 30 minute stop that takes you back to roadside attractions from years gone by..Enjoy!!See more..
4.0Leaning Tower of Niles(88 reviews) - We went early in the morning to the Leaning Tower Saturday: 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
Several areas to park up close if you pay attention. Areas to set and enjoy lunch if you would like. It gives you a little history as well. The structure is awesome and easy to walk around. We went early in the morning and spent time taking photos, etc without any interruptions. You can get photos without other buildings in them, too. We enjoyed it but would have liked to go up around it and see the sights but, that's okay.See more..
4.5The Grove(85 reviews) - Beautiful place Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
Was at the Grove in Nov 2019. Even though the weather was a bit uncopperative, the event at the Grove could not have been better. Very nice quiet area. You felt like you were in a rural area, not where the Grove is located. Wonderful staff,easy parking, great venue for events, nature apprecviation etc.See more..
Saw the cross at a distance and decided to check it out. Very happy that we did. Beautiful view and reading the history of the cross. Stopped by the gift shop - very sweet ladies working there. Met with some friends later in the day and found out that when he was in college he played at the Easter sunrise service - sounded beautiful. See more..
4.5World's Largest Pitchfork(66 reviews) - Edge of Town but Worth the Detour Points of Interest & Landmarks
You don't wanna exclude the World's Largest Pitchfork while you're touring & marveling at all the other "Big Things" in Casey, IL. It is on a farm not far northeast of downtown adjacent to the parking lot of the Richards Farm Restaurant, so you can gawk & eat in the same detour. At 60 feet long & 1,940 pounds, it is an impressive farm implement that Paul Bunyan would covet - if he ever switched careers.See more..
4.5Standard Oil Gas Station(64 reviews) - very cool gas station on Route 66 Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
it is a very cool gas station on Route 66. this is my second time visit here. I still enjoy it very wellSee more..
For anyone interested in Lincoln history or United States history, a 15 minute stop at the park in Freeport is a necessity. Besides the statues, there are a number of plaques which describe the momentous day in 1858 when the Illinois Senate debate took place. Beyond that, you can also sense how history changed because of this debate. Nicely done and easy parking on street or at adjacent library.See more..
4.5Market Square(61 reviews) - Local treasure! Points of Interest & Landmarks
The first planned shopping center in the US, Market Square is an absolute gem featuring great boutique shops, family dining, a legendary sports bar and fabulous architecture. If you need to kill a few hours, take the train to the East Lake Forest stop and walk the shops. It’s all outdoor so dress appropriately.See more..
Do the tour! The tour of the Carillon’s is about 30 minutes and you learn about how they’re played and how they came to be and how they’re made. Then if you can stay or come back for the concert when they play, it’s worth it. The concert is about another 30 minutes and sounds just wonderful. There are places to sit and relax and geese to feed too. The tour costs a nominal amount but listening to the Carillons is free.See more..
4.5Washington Square Park(55 reviews) - Very Historic Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Didn’t know it tell we got there, but the first Lincoln-Douglas debate was held in the town square of Ottawa. Very well presented and worth the stop. See more..
I have been going to Marytown for more than 5 years. A little piece of Rome right here in Northern Illinois! impressive Catholic art and architecture, beautiful Liturgy, friendly people. 24/7/365 Eucharistic Adoration. Outstanding Catholic gift shop open weekdays. Beautiful grounds and garden. (Note to "Dan C.": Do you go to a church for fun and snacks and to be entertained? Don't think so! Sorry you were "bored". Go to Great America next time, hey?)See more..
4.5Chicago Gaelic Park(49 reviews) - Great place for food and fun! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks Gaelic Park is a venue for all sorts of activities! Plays, weddings, dancing, trivia games - you name it and you'll find it at Gaelic Park! The center of it all is the Carraig Pub with a wonderful menu, great bar and lots of live entertainment. The perfect place to meet with friends!See more..
4.5Joseph Smith Historic Site(47 reviews) - Overpriced Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This section of the Historic part of Nauvoo is owned by another church. There is a charge of $5/adult (not sure child price) for the tour. Our tour guide was informative and gave a good tour. There were 2 homes we saw, I just felt like $5 was high for what we got to see, especially compared to the other area of Historic Nauvoo where every tour was free and included demonstrations from a blacksmith and such. You do also see the grave sites for some of the Smith Family Members and that section is free. There is a gift shop with a lot of books a few other knick knacks, this is also where you buy your tickets for the tours.See more..
5.0Giant Bird Cage(47 reviews) - Thoughtfully Made Birdcage Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
This was more than a bird cage. The swing inside was a nice touch and I love the bible scripture verse inscribed on top of the cage to give a thought to ponder. "Look at the birds of the air; They Do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than them?See more..
4.5University of Illinois Main Quad(46 reviews) - Visited to experience the knowledge richness of UIUC Champaign - I salute QUAD Points of Interest & Landmarks
I got opportunity to visit this place in September & December 2019. I do not have words to describe the richness and the importance of this university.This was such an extraordinary feeling to watch this place during the day and after sunset in lights. So much of talent in the air all around. The QUAD stands tall so fabulous !! I salute this center of knowledge and accomplishment !! Honored to stand in the center lawn and watch the QUAD all around.See more..
It was time to take a break from driving, so when I saw the sign for a National Historic Site in Vandalia, we got off the interstate and drove into town. Actually this was one of the few Lincoln sites we had never visited. Although it was too late on this Saturday afternoon for a tour, we still parked the car and walked around the grounds of this awesome historic building, peeked in the windows, checked out all the statues and historic markers on the grounds. Awesome to know about the Madonna of the Plains honoring all the mothers who braved the trip westward in covered wagons. And the historic National Road that ran westward from Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia.See more..
4.5Red Covered Bridge(40 reviews) - One of 5 covered bridges left in Illinois Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
On the way back from Dixon stopped by at this historic bridge. It was built in 1863 during the Civil War and is perfectly restored. It is still open to traffic albeit one lane and there is a park just past the bridge with picnic tables. I wish that more were around though only 5 are remaining in the state. Out of those five it is the only one still open to vehicles. A must see for anyone visiting in the area!!See more..
4.5Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument(40 reviews) - Testament to Free Speech Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
By visiting the monument you will be inspired at the heroism displayed by Elijah P. Lovejoy in the pursuit of free speech. When reading the story of Elijah and his untimely end, it will give you a sense of the turmoil embracing that period of time. The adjacent cemetery is a great place to walk through also. There are graves there dating back to the Spanish War and a couple from the sinking of the "Lusitania".See more..
4.5University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign(38 reviews) - If You Want A Job - Graduate from the U of I Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites
The U of I has over 150 undergraduate majors. 95% of the graduates have a job in their major field within 6 months of graduation. Companies want U of I graduates.See more..
4.0Bishop Hill Illinois(35 reviews) - Swedish settlement from 1846 Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
Incredibly interesting Swedish settlement from 1846. Seeking religious freedom a group of Swedes followed their leader to America and through incredibly harsh times build a settlement in Bishop Hill. There are numerous sites to see including their old and primitive but lovely church, museums, art center (where they have broom makers, potters and weavers creating their wares in person). A wonderful and enlightening experience and great way to spend a day.See more..
4.0Smiley Water Tower(35 reviews) - Trip to Springfield ill. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
Traveled to Springfield, Il and passed by this. Such a great way to bring happiness to people. The sight of this makes you feel that you are very welcome in this town. Kudos to the people who had this great idea. We could use more of this happiness in the world.See more..
The Big Knitting Needles have been relocated (and maybe the store did too?) to straddle the interior entrance to The Yard Studio on East Main Street in Casey, IL. Still an impressive artifact among its many giant cousins around town, but more difficult to get a good snapshot in the new location. Still, it makes for an impressive welcome sign to the shop space.See more..
4.0Murray Baker Bridge(34 reviews) - The Bridge Between Two Counties Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
Besides its obvious economic and social importance in connecting Peoria and East Peoria, this impressive bridge adds a lot to the beautiful scenic looks of the riverfront areas in both cities. The bridge is going to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, and it is still looking so good! Driving across the bridge, high above the powerful and unstoppable Illinois River we seldom think about the historical prominence of the bridge. In the age of utter consumption, it just seems to be so routine, so convenient, so indispensable. But I found that Murray Baker Bridge also takes some really good pictures. From any angle, really.See more..
4.5Kaskaskia Dragon(34 reviews) - Fun - worth a quick stop Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Great roadside attraction. Get your tokens at the liquor store or hardware store to see the dragon breathe fire. See more..
4.5Carl Sandburg State Historic Site(33 reviews) - Be sure you add this to your itinerary! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
So glad we took the time to visit! This was not part of our itinerary, but I’m so glad we stopped. Entered the visitor center and greeted by a very friendly and informative docent. We started with a professional video that gave an overview of Carl Sandburg’s life (don’t skip the video). The visitor center also has a small gift shop and a room full of interesting artifacts. The docent then walked with us to the home. The stories about the local area and Carl Sandburg were very interesting.See more..
5.0Route 66 Shield Mural(33 reviews) - Southern Illinois is one of the best parts of Rte 66 and Pontiac has the most information and sites except Springfield. Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
One would think that Chicago would be the Holy Grail of Route 66 in Illinois, but not so. Chicago marks the beginning and the end, but Pontiac is the soul of the road and one of the best museums on the entire journey across the Western United States. If you only had one or two places to stop in Illinois, Pontiac would be number one on your list. The guide books describe in detail the museum, the school bus, and the murals. Pontiac has done an exceptional job of collecting memorabilia and documenting the Mother Road. Plan on a couple hours at least especially if this is just a quick stop up or down Interstate 55 which is just a few minutes away.See more..
4.5Two-Cell Jail(32 reviews) - Quirky Stop Along Route 66 Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
This two-cell jail is one of the attractions along the old Route 66 path. It’s located in the downtown area of Gardner, which isn’t too hard to find if you follow the Route 66 signs. We initially had some trouble, however, since some GPS addresses will take you to an alternate location near the edge of town. The building for the jail is very small, since it only has the two cells and a small area in front of them for the guards that would have watched over any inmates. The jail is well-maintained if not overly clean. The front door was open at the time of our visit, and there was a prerecorded message that provided information about the location and its history. Worth checking out if you’re passing through the area. There were also a couple other nearby attractions as well.See more..
4.5Home Alone House(31 reviews) - Great Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
Sitting in Chicago’s affluent Winnetka suburb is a Georgian-style red-brick house, more famously known as the ‘Home Alone House’. Built in the 1920s, the house served as the main set of the iconic 1990 holiday movie. It draws many eager fans, hoping to snap a picture or reenact their favorite scenes in front of the house. It's located in a residential neighborhood though, so it's best not to linger for too long. Visit the Home Alone House plus filming sites for other iconic movies like 'The Breakfast Club' and 'The Break-Up' on a movie sites tour of the Chicago suburbs. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Illinois Terminal(30 reviews) - Clean terminal, professional staff Points of Interest & Landmarks
I have always had a great experience at Illinois terminal over my 100 or so visits. The terminal is clean, the staff is friendly, and there is plenty of space. My experience with one employee in particular prompted me to write this review. His name is Craig Williams and he went above and beyond to help me retrieve an overnight bag that I had lost on my Amtrak ride. He pulled a lot of strings to get my bag from Amtrak and he had it waiting for me when I arrived at the terminal! His help meant a lot to me, so thank you Illinois terminal and thank you Craig!See more..
3.5Iron Furnace(25 reviews) - Hot Historical site Points of Interest & Landmarks
This is a wonderful history stop not far off the road. This location is the first blast furnace in Illinois and the information kiosks are helpful. See more..
