Article • Things to Do in the Midwest

Things to Do in Illinois

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, New Philadelphia National Historic Site,

A light orange two story home containing many windows with green shutters sits along the side of a street.
The Lincoln Home was the first and only home Abraham Lincoln owned and still stands today. Visit the home in Springfield, Illinois, at Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

NPS

This page highlights things to do in Illinois.

Walk in the footsteps of of Abraham Lincoln as you learn about the life of the 16th US president at Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Uncover the history of Pullman, a planned industrial community, at Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago. These are just a few of the many things to do in Illinois. Below, you'll find links to things to do, trip ideas, and information on National Heritage Areas and affiliated sites.

Things to Do at Illinois Parks

Illinois Trip Ideas

Looking for ideas to help you plan your next trip to a national park? These trip ideas provide recommended activities designed to help you figure out how to spend your time. For even more ideas, see search for things to do and trip ideas by park, activity, topic, duration, and more.
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  • Pullman National Historical Park

    Promenade In Pullman

    • Type: Kid Friendly, Active, Urban, Educational, Indoors, Outdoors, Group Friendly
    • Duration: Half Day
    • Topics: African American Heritage, Architecture and Building, Industry, Laborer and Worker, Labor Movement, Social Movements, Civil Rights, Transportation, Trains and Railroads, Commerce, Engineering, Immigration, Factories, Urban America, Women's History
    • Activities: Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking
    A group of students stand around a ranger talking in front of a mural depicting pullman themes.

    Do you have half a day to explore Pullman National Historical Park? One of the features that went into the design of the 1880s historic Pullman town was that everything you needed was within walking distance. You can explore everything the Park has to offer on foot.

    • Type: Kid Friendly, Urban, Educational, Indoors, Outdoors, Group Friendly
    • Duration: Half Day
    • Topics: African American Heritage, Industry, Laborer and Worker, Labor Movement, Social Movements, Civil Rights, Transportation, Trains and Railroads, Architecture and Building, Factories
    • Activities: Museum Exhibits, Self-Guided Tours - Walking
    A group of people stand on the steps of the Hotel Florence veranda next to American flag smiling.

    Explore Pullman through the several different lenses. Our partners have crafted a variety of different experiences for all visitors to enjoy.

Visit National Heritage Areas and Affiliated Sites

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  • Lincoln Home National Historic Site

    Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

    Family visiting Lincoln

    The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area tells the story of President Abraham Lincoln’s 30 years living, working, and traveling in central Illinois while he unknowingly prepared himself to lead the nation during a time of unprecedented challenges.

  • Bridge crossing historic canal

    The Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area heralded a new era of trade and travel for the nation during the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. It was the economic engine that poised Illinois to become the most populous inland American state by opening trade in the region and in America’s heartland.

  • Fr. Jacques Marquette, Louis Joliet, and a Native-American near a canoe

    One of the most important travel routes of the mid-continent, the portage was a significant factor in the development of the United States interior. During early European exploration, natural waterways were often the easiest route across the North American landscape. Here canoes and trade goods could easily be carried around barriers or across multiple rivers. Today, visitors to Portage Woods can enjoy walking, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Part of a series of articles titled Things to Do in the Midwest .

Last updated: August 16, 2024