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Things to Do in Illinois

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

An African American woman and boy sit and smile toward the camera.

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley NM

Things to do at Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument

Sign along roadside reads

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Things to do along Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Two story home next to a tree with orange siding and many windows with green trim.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Things to do at Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Sculpture of horses pulling a carriage with people sitting on top. Buildings are in the background.

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Find things to do along the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

A gravel road though a prairie landscape goes by a sign labeled

New Philadelphia National Historic Site

New Philadelphia National Historic Site is a newly established national park

The front of a tall red brick building with a clock tower and many windows.

Pullman National Historical Park

Things to do at Pullman National Historical Park

Historic photo of state militia members standing in the remains of a burned building.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot NM

Things to do at Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Two men walk on a trail through green deciduous trees.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Things to do at Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

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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    Visit National Heritage Areas and Affiliated Sites

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

      Previous: Things to Do in Arkansas

      Next: Things to Do in Indiana

      Tags: 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, pullman national historical park, springfield 1908 race riot national monument, trail of tears national historic trail, illinois, midwest, things to do

      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, Pullman National Historical Park, Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument, Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail more »

      Last updated: August 16, 2024