Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Illinois, United States

51. 5.0 Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve (29 reviews)
    - Lots to look at
    Farms
    
    
    We had a fun time walking around this lovely little farm! There were cows, chickens, sheep, goats to watch - buildings to explore - and a few little hiking paths to hang out on! There are also picnic tables all over and a nice sized kids area to play in! See more..
    
52. 5.0 Galena Spoon Co. (29 reviews)
    - Never thought spoons could be so interesting, but....
    Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops
    
    
    Located at the corner of Hill & Main in the heart of historic downtown Galena, Illinois, this quant owner- and artist-operated shop includes hand carved wood spoons (in-store carving demonstrations daily) handcrafted spatulas and assorted woodenware, handcrafted kitchen boards (charcutier, cheese, bread, serving, and cutting), hand turned wood bowls, home decor, and a fine selection of specialty foods. It's worth taking a few short steps off Main to enjoy this gem! See more..
    
53. 5.0 Cache River State Natural Area (28 reviews)
    - Northern most point for cypress and tupelo swamp
    Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    State-owned and managed nature reserve consisting of 11,768 acres of wetlands including bald cypress and tupelo gum swamps. See more..
    
54. 5.0 Kenwood Liquors (28 reviews)
    - Libations
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Bars & Clubs
    They have everything you need for any party planned or just everyday beveraged. They are very competitively priced. See more..
    
55. 5.0 Quentin Road Christmas Pageant (28 reviews)
    - What a wonderful Christmas experience
    Spent 1-2 hours Cultural Events
    
    
    This is a major production of the life of Jesus from a shepherd who saw it all. Find lasting joy this Christmas season as you are transported back in time to Bethlehem for the very first Christmas. This compelling story will surround you with the sights, sounds, and smells that this shepherd witnessed firsthand. Watch out for the camel! It’s time to take a step up from the typical Christmas traditions that we put ourselves through every year and experience the meaningful and exciting, real story of Christmas. Our show will take you through the entire life of Jesus from manger to resurrection. Come see why everyone describes this show as a life-changing experience! See you soon! See more..
    
56. 5.0 The American Toby Jug Museum (28 reviews)
    - WOW
    Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
    
    
    Never knew what a Toby was, let alone a hidden gem of a place. Great history and fun, takes about an hour or less, and will make you smile. Nice, knowledgeable staff makes it a great stop. See more..
    
57. 5.0 Little Red Schoolhouse (27 reviews)
    - Fall trails
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    
    
    On Willow Springs Road, by 107th, with free parking, 2 buildings to tour for free (one is the original red schoolhouse). The new facility has bathrooms, a table indie to sit at, great areas for kids for interactive play, and wonderfully done displays. There are owls and hawks in outdoor enclosures. Multiple trails of varying lengths well labelled, and fall displays. Well worth a trip this fall. See more..
    
58. 5.0 Fun Spot Skating Center (27 reviews)
    - New Years Eve
    Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
    
    
    Join us at Fun Spot Skating Center for a great evening of family fun and entertainment, where we offer: Roller skating, Arcade Games, Always Adult Supervision, Computer Controlled Lights and Sound, A REAL Maple Wood Skating Floor, Great Snack Bar Food and Drinks, The Vault Laser Maze Conquest, Cool Special Events, Full Service Pro Shop, Award Winning Birthday Parties *Roller Skating Rink of the Year in 2000 See more..
    
59. 5.0 Just Escape Room (27 reviews)
    - We Survived!
    Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    The door clicks. Sixty minutes are on the clock. Can your team work together, solve the clues, reveal the secrets and find a way out. See more..
    
60. 5.0 Eversgerd’s Civil War Fort (26 reviews)
    - Private property with gracious owner
    Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities
    
    
    This is an amazing place, built by one person who laid all the stone by hand. He is extremely knowledgeable and gracious. This is not a public facility, rather it is a private residence on private property. The owner donates his time to give tours to people who drop by unannounced as well as to schools and other groups. Please remember that this is his home and this is not a park or public facility. Bob donates his time and allows people to visit his property to see this amazing creation and the artifacts out of the goodness of his heart. When people drop by and want a tour usually he drops everything to show them around. Please be courteous and respectful. See more..
    
61. 5.0 Prairie States Winery (26 reviews)
    - Enjoyed my time here
    Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    It was a chill ambiance and delicious wines for a wine tasting. They had gluten free options for those that need it. They were very considerate and helpful. I would go back again. They have a patio and live music when it’s nice out. They have a friendly staff. See more..
    
62. 5.0 Mistwood Golf Club (26 reviews)
    - Best option for Chicago Area golf.
    Monday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Golf Courses
    
    
    This one of the best golf facilities in the Chicagoland area. The rangers do a great job to insure the pace of play is appropriate. The course and practice area are always in great shape. I always look forward to playing there. See more..
    
63. 5.0 Vault Escape Rooms (26 reviews)
    - Awesome Puzzle Solving Fun!
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    Vault Escape is an immersive, puzzle-escape room business. Choose from one of our available themes and spend an exhilarating 60 minutes finding clues, solving puzzles and bonding with your team mates.Can you find the trophy in time for the big game? Can you break the witch's curse and escape her cottage? Can you save Christmas? Good for corporate team building, or an adventure with your family and friends. Our Riverside location has 4 themed rooms. See more..
    
64. 5.0 Selmi's Greenhouse and Farm Market (25 reviews)
    - OLD FASHIONED FUN
    Farms
    
    
    We are a working greenhouse and farm, 4 generations and 86 years of growing. For the Seasons of Your Life, Selmi's has homegrown flower and vegetable plants in the spring, fresh vegetables in the summer and a wonderful, fun Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival in the Fall. Be sure to check the website for hours open, as they change with the seasons. See more..
    
65. 5.0 Original Goat Yoga Galena (25 reviews)
    - Amazing unique experience
    Spent 1-2 hours Farms
    
    
    Goat Yoga is about making people happy, disconnecting them from stress and focusing on positive vibes. Part Yoga, Part Animal Assisted Therapy! See more..
    
66. 5.0 Highway 20 Brewing Company (24 reviews)
    - Unique Brewery, Great Atmosphere and A Must Stop!!
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries
    
    
    Small, family-friendly craft brewery located on Historic Hwy 20, in an 1875 Presbyterian Church. 8 rotating taps & a variety of styles all brewed onsite. Seasonal outdoor patio. Flights, growlers, crowlers, wine, soda, juice & merch available. Occasional Live Music. Dog & kid friendly. Carry in food welcome & encouraged. Small snacks available. Call for seasonal hours. See more..
    
67. 5.0 Altgeld Hall Tower (24 reviews)
    - Before you leave UIUC, visit the Bell Tower
    Architectural Buildings
    
    
    One of the funnest experiences of my college career has been a visit to the Altgeld Bell Tower. Go with friends and you will not regret it. The views are breath-taking. They even allowed us to ring the bells! See more..
    
68. 5.0 Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn & More (24 reviews)
    - Yum!!
    Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Excellent kettlecorn and Chicago style mix. Many other flavors, freshly made. Highly recommend their larger location on Rt 38! See more..
    
69. 5.0 Elmhurst Public Library (24 reviews)
    - Awesome place
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries
    This library has everything you want. And if they don’t, just order it from the library system. I especially like their books and old movies on DVD. See more..
    
70. 5.0 Elgin Symphony Orchestra (24 reviews)
    - An amazing treasure for a city with a little over 100,000 citizens
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Symphonies
    Under the baton of Andrew Grams, the symphony has exceeded all expectations. To have an organization this professional is a jewel of experience for the whole of the Fox Valley. Bravi to all its musicians. See more..
    
71. 5.0 Grapes & Hops (23 reviews)
    - Just looking
    Monday: Wine Bars
    
    
    We were curious do we stopped in on a rainy Tuesday and the staff was so nice to chat with. Would love to go back again when there is more going on. See more..
    
72. 5.0 Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (23 reviews)
    - Golf simulator league play
    Spent 2-3 hours Forests
    
    
    A friend and I play in the Lake of the Woods golf simulator league. It is fun and well organized. Would recommend it. See more..
    
73. 5.0 Funk Prairie Home Museum (23 reviews)
    - An Oasis on the Plains
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    I first visited the Prairie Home and Gem Museum so that my jewelry designer wife could experience the excitement that others had told her this place held for lovers of gemstones. We have been to the home five times, and every time, it is an incredible visit. The picture above is an incredible wonder of sliced gemstones glued onto a wall and back-lit. It is your greeting as you enter the gem museum. The home part of the tour is one awe-inspiring lesson to be learned after another, as you move from room to room. The curator there, Mr. Bill Case (I hope he is still there) was incredible. He told me he had given this tour thousands of times, yet each new tour receives an enthusiastic display like it is his very first. BTW, the first time my wife finished this tour, she was in tears from the joy and amazement. This is the best gem and mineral museum in the nation, possibly the world. People from the Smithsonian Institute envy it. See more..
    
74. 5.0 Press House Winery (22 reviews)
    - Excellent
    Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    Located on the western border of Illinois and situated on the wide bend of the Mississippi River, Press House Winery is a small, family-owned and operated vineyard and winery. Koechle Vineyards has been in operation since the early 1900's and has continually produced grapes. Come visit our tasting room and sample our wines for yourself. We assure you that you won't be disappointed. See more..
    
75. 5.0 Dillon Home Museum (22 reviews)
    - Worth the stop!
    Monday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
    
    
    The home was built in 1858 for Brigadier General Edward Kirk. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Dillon’s bought the home in 1882. Washington Dillon had the Northwest Barb Wire Co., which was wildly successful. His son, P.W. Dillon, eventually took over the mill and it became Northwestern Steel and Wire Company. P.W. was born in the house, and he died in the house in 1980 at the age of 96. The cities of Sterling and Rock Falls were built up around the mill because of the job opportunities. The 1929 Baldwin Locomotive that sits in the rear grounds was the last working steam engine in the United States to be used in an industrial application. Mrs. Dillon traveled extensively and the home is filled with treasures from around the country, and the world. It is untouched from the day Mr. Dillon passed in 1980, and very impressive. The furnishings date from the late 1800’s to the mid-1900’s, and are all original. Haunted Train Walk in Oct. Christmas Walk in Dec. See more..
    
76. 5.0 Market at the Square (22 reviews)
    - Great place to visit!
    Monday: Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    Fun. Casual. Great produce. Lots of vendors selling veggies, art, food trucks,music etc.very popular! See more..
    
77. 5.0 Panic Escape Room (22 reviews)
    - New location
    Monday: 3:45 PM - 10:30 PM Escape Games
    
    
    New location! Professional staff. Since the place just opened there wasn’t too much signage but surprisingly it was booked out! We could see why as the game room was kind of scary and excellently done! The great reviews this place has you just have to see for yourself. Grab 5-6 friends and definitely make a night out of it! See more..
    
78. 5.0 Elijah Iles House (22 reviews)
    - The oldest residence in Springfield!
    Architectural Buildings
    
    
    My family and I arrived just in time to see "Mr. Lincoln" walking a small group of visitors from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to the Elijah Iles House. We caught up to their walking tour on the way to the House. "Mr. Lincoln" was a delight as he talked to us about the town and our destination: The Elijah Iles House. Once inside, we proceeded to the lower level for a talk about historical events during his Presidency-- in character! The staff even provided refreshments (cookies and lemonade) while we sat and listened. "Mr.Lincoln" graciously posed for pictures with me and my family. What a delightful experience! See more..
    
79. 5.0 Rusty Wallace Racing Experience (22 reviews)
    - Rusty Wallace Racing Experience Gateway Motorsports Park
    Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
    
    
    The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, IL is fantastic and far exceeded my expectations. They let you drive to your ability and encourage everyone to get out on the track and get the most out of their lap time. The instructors do a great job prepping drivers for the expierence and the spotters do a great job helping you stay on the racing line while out there on the track. Get out there and race! See more..
    
80. 5.0 Willow Ridge Winery (22 reviews)
    - Great place to visit
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    This is a great winery to check out. First of all trip adviser has it located incorrectly. It is on 1800n in westervelt, which is a very small township northwest of Shelbyville Illinois. The address is label Shelbyville still. Which makes this place great! Its out in the middle of nowhere with its on vinyard which you can wonder through down to the small pond. Now as for the wine, there is something for everyone, from sweet to dry, red and white. Its all made right there onsite. The winemaster Louie and Tina are great and they take pride in what they do. They also host murder mystery dinners, and have live music on weekends. I'm telling you they try hard to please the customer, and you 'll feel like you found something special that no one else knows about. They do have their own web site which tells you dates of entertainment and has their wines listed. I'm ready to go back just making this review, lol! See more..
    
81. 5.0 Beer on the Wall (22 reviews)
    - Just great
    Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Great beer and wine selection. Always changing menu. Flights give you a chance to try multiple beers at the same time. Here you can also purchase beer that you can't find anywhere else. Great place for after dinner drinks. Comfortable seating and just a relaxing place. See more..
    
82. 5.0 Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum (22 reviews)
    - Great Museum!
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    Wonder memorabilia and history that I never knew about. Well worth the time. They only charged $3 a person. See more..
    
83. 5.0 Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show (22 reviews)
    - Awesome Fun Show
    Theatre & Performances
    
    
    Just saw this this weekend and loved it. The show is free, they just ask for donations. It is on the Rock River. there were about 70 skiers, they do a little of everything from towers to jumps. The skiers are of all ages from five to ????, and they were all good. Grandchildren also enjoyed it. See more..
    
84. 5.0 Hoogland Center for the Arts (21 reviews)
    - Watching a friend in the theater
    Theaters
    
    
    Love the cozy feel of the space and the fact that all the seats are good seats. Wonderful show that night. Tick Tick Boom. See more..
    
85. 5.0 The Open Bottle (21 reviews)
    - Fantastic place for beer!
    Monday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Craft beer shop & tap room with 12 rotating draft beer, bottles and cans to go, craft cocktails, and more! See more..
    
86. 5.0 True North: The Warehouse (21 reviews)
    - Delightful and Quirky!
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Antique Shops
    
    
    This was such an enjoyable place to visit! The store itself is decorated in unique ways (a hidden slide for one thing), and the booths were well designed. It was fun to look for treasures and just look at all the decorative items. The cashier was very friendly and helpful. It was a great way to spend a cold, rainy Saturday. See more..
    
87. 5.0 Moraine Valley Community College - Fine and Performing Arts Center (20 reviews)
    - Fine Arts
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
    
    
    The Fine and Performing Arts Center offers an array of music, dance, theater, and art for all ages. Home to the Dorothy Menker Theater, the John and Angeline Oremus Theater, and the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery, the center opened its doors in 1994. The center prides itself as a showcase for performances, a catalyst for budding artists to practice their art, a center for academic preparation for two-year degrees and transfer programs, and a resource for all who love the arts and want to learn more. The mission of the Fine and Performing Arts center, through its public presentations of dance, music, theater and the visual arts, is to enrich the members of the college community by providing opportunities for people of all ages to experience and grow through the arts. See more..
    
88. 5.0 Mississippi Mud Pottery (20 reviews)
    - Local artists and good prices
    Monday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    We specialize in handmade functional stoneware pottery that is dishwasher, microwave, oven and food safe. Stop in and watch us create and browse our showroom filled with our finished ware. See more..
    
89. 5.0 Montage Wine Bar and Tasting Room (20 reviews)
    - Beautiful Service
    Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs
    
    
    A friend of ours brought my wife and I to this establishment. Obviously, to impress us and, they did! We sat beneath an awning at the front of the place that was shaded enough to escape the afternoon sun. The server took our order and sampled our drinks. Short of twenty minutes, the food came. First, was a cutting board of various creations like candied bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, hot pepper jelly and dark chocolate toffee, to only name a few. A 12 inch-long flatbread sealed the meal; Mediterranean style. We all conversed and enjoyed the wine and food. It was a perfect time. See more..
    
90. 5.0 Cal Sag BikeTrail (20 reviews)
    - Unfinished but wow!
    Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails
    
    
    I hiked the whole trail a few years back. So, so, so, glad they tied all these paths in. There was a little construction going on around Trinity College when I went a few years ago, but I would assume that has been taken care of. Awesome hike if you are close by looking for a good 16 mile jaunt. See more..
    
91. 5.0 Oak Park Segway Experience Center (20 reviews)
    - One of the best tours ever!
    Segway Tours
    
    
    We stopped in at the Oak Park Visitor's Center on Sunday and were joking around about doing a Segway tour but saw that they were closed on Monday. The nice person at the Vistor's center said to just call and see if they would be available. She actually called the tour operators for us. They agreed to do a personal tour on Monday. We met with Luke and went through the orientation and test ride where we felt we totally ready to hit the streets. Luke was very knowlegable about all of the homes in the area, which was nice because he didn't totally focus on Frank Lloyd Wright. We needed to check in with Southwest close to the end of our tour so Luke took us back to the Visitor's Center and they let me check in and print my boarding passes. We then went off to tour more homes. At the end of the day we paid for a 1.5 hour tour that turned into close to 2.5 hours. Luke was an excellent guide and we enjoyed our tour with him immensely. See more..
    
92. 5.0 Merrick Rose Garden (20 reviews)
    - Roses amazing this fall
    Spent < 1 hour Parks • Gardens
    
    
    The roses are always impressive here. But this fall is over the top with profusion of blooms. A great place to sit, amble, or chat. It is small but mighty and so extremely well maintained. See more..
    
93. 5.0 Primal Oceans Salt Cave (20 reviews)
    - Amazing place! So relaxing!
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spas
    
    
    Went here with 7 of my girlfriends. We were able to have the salt cave all to ourselves. I did the chair with the crushed and heated amethyst, and it was fabulous. Twinkling lights in the ceiling, like stars, soft, relaxing music, and a sherpa blanket. It was so relaxing and wonderful. See more..
    
94. 5.0 Stumpy's Spirits Distillery (20 reviews)
    - GREAT local distillery with a worthwhile tour
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries
    
    
    I've been to my share of distillery/winery/brewhouse tours. The Stumpy's tour was a pleasure from the moment my group of eight walked in. The staff was genuine and friendly, the tasting/retail space was well organized and spotless. They have a great story to tell and they tell it enthusiastically. The young women that handled the tasting and facility tour did a truly exceptional job and were readily able to handle all off-script questions. Had a chance to meet Adam, the owner, and it's clear he cares about his business, it intimately involved and has a growth vision. This is not Woodford or Buffalo Trace or, certainly Jack. However, it's just as well run and the family/local/independent feel is apparent. This is local and easily accessible for me. It's worth a detour out of your way if it's not for you. I haven't even gotten to the bourbon, gin and vodka - all of which were well executed and delicious. See more..
    
95. 4.5 Schaumburg Boomers Stadium (100 reviews)
    - Fun for families
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums
    
    
    Going to a Boomers game is fun for all ages. They have food, drinks, and merchandise available. Each seat has a cup holder in front of it. They also have seats in the lawn area which is perfect for kids who can’t sit through a whole baseball game and want to run around. Throughout the game they have different activities and contests to keep the whole family entertained. There’s a decent selection of food and drink. We went to get a slice of pizza in the 6th inning and they were out, so if there is a food you really want I recommend getting it as soon as you can so they don’t sell out. I would also recommend sitting along 3rd base because the sun could be in your eyes depending on what time of day you go at the first base line. You can buy tickets online and they always have fun theme nights, sometimes with giveaways for the first however many people or fireworks. See more..
    
96. 4.5 Grosse Point Lighthouse (100 reviews)
    - Beautiful Lighthouse with Lovely Beach
    Historic Sites • Lighthouses
    
    
    The lighthouse is closed for the winter October through May, but you can still walk the grounds and down to the beach. The sight was spectacular with icicles hand from the trees and breakwater. Very picturesque. When teh lighthouse is open (Jun-Sep) the admission is only $ 6.00 (they do not accept Credit cards for admission). See more..
    
97. 4.5 Illinois Waterway Visitor Center (100 reviews)
    - A Fantastic Learning Experience
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers
    
    
    Guests visiting the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center are required to wear masks while indoors as long as LaSalle County, Illinois remains in the high COVID-19 Community Levels category. Outside viewing areas remain open with no mask requirement. A relaxing place to watch towboats and barges lock through. From the visitor center outdoor observation area, guests can watch bald eagles and mergansers in the winter and pelicans, great blue heron, cormorants and many other birds in the spring, summer, and fall. This site is the only visitor center devoted to telling the stories of the Illinois Waterway and its importance to transportation. Group on-site programs, outreach programs and boat safety classes available. Free boat inspections also available. See more..
    
98. 4.5 Ambler's Texaco Gas Station, Dwight (99 reviews)
    - Best old gas station on Route 66
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    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..
    
99. 4.5 The Catlow Theater (99 reviews)
    - Catlow is a Barrington gem
    Theaters
    
    
    Recently saw Manchester By The Sea at The Catlow. Great historic theater with modern sound system and digital video. Best popcorn around!! See more..
    
100. 4.5 Noel Neill statue (98 reviews)
     - QUICK PHOTO STOP
     Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
     
     
     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..
     

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.