Illinois is a state of surprises. Although most people are familiar with Chicago, deep-dish pizza, and Abraham Lincoln, there is so much more to discover. From small towns to natural attractions, you will discover a lot of unique experiences Illinois that make your journey unique. Whether you enjoy adventure, history, cuisine, or nature, this Illinois travel guide will assist you in discovering something unforgettable.
Below are some exclusive things to do in Illinois that belong on your bucket list. These are not your everyday tourist stops — they’re one-of-a-kind Illinois gems you’ll want to tell your friends about.
This is not your typical hiking area. At the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, you can hike across open spaces that once blanketed the majority of the Midwest. But the real highlight here is the bison. That's right — a herd of free-roaming bison now traverses this prairie again, much like they did centuries ago.
Walking through here, you'll be deeply connected to the earth. It's serene, open, and abundant with native flora and fauna. It's really one of the most unique Illinois experiences, particularly for nature enthusiasts.
Why you shouldn't miss it: You get to witness wild bison in their natural environment.
Down in southern Illinois, there's a huge cave chiseled into a limestone bluff. This is Cave-In-Rock State Park, and it's as awesome as it sounds. In the past, it was used as a hideout by pirates and outlaws. Now, you can walk through it and try to imagine what it was like back then.
The views of the Ohio River are stunning. Plus, it’s a fun place to take photos and relax by the water. This is one of those unforgettable Illinois places you’ll want to revisit.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: A real cave with a wild history — and no entry fee.
In Danville, the little museum is a gem. It celebrates the life and work of Dick Van Dyke — who was born in this Illinois town. The museum features vintage photos, props, and even hands-on exhibits.
But the personal touch makes it truly exceptional. It's operated by locals, and they have stories for days. It's part of the greater Vermilion County Museum, so you'll get a taste of local history as well. This is an entertaining pit stop on your Illinois travel guide that's uniquely one-of-a-kind.
Why you shouldn't miss it: A unique opportunity to experience an entertaining aspect of Illinois pop culture.
Traveling along the Great River Road in Illinois provides you with memories that last a lifetime. This scenic byway runs along the Mississippi River, providing river towns, historic landmarks, and stunning overlooks.
You can pull over in towns such as Alton, Grafton, and Galena. These are quaint stores, local grub, and friendly locals. Seeing the sunset on the river from a bluff or winery deck is one of the most unforgettable Illinois experiences.
Why you shouldn't miss it: The ride is serene, and the scenery is postcard-perfect.
If you desire nature that will leave you breathless, head south to the Shawnee National Forest. The most renowned location here is the Garden of the Gods, a group of giant sandstone rock formations.
There's a convenient trail named Observation Trail, and it takes you to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the state. You even get to see birds flying under you. It's really one of the finest bucket list Illinois areas, ideal for hikers as well as picture-takers.
Why you shouldn't miss it: An experience like that of a national park, but without the rush.
Yes, Illinois does have its own UFO tale. In January 2000, there were sightings of a huge, quiet triangular shape in the sky by people in Highland and surrounding towns. The town now commemorates this with festivals and memorabilia.
Though you won't get a full-fledged alien museum here, you will get to meet folks who love to tell the tale. Visit, ask questions, and bask in the intrigue. It's one of those off-the-beaten-path activities you won't read about in most travel guides.
Why you can't miss it: Quirky, entertaining, and a good tale for your travel journal.
Train enthusiasts, this one is for you. The Illinois Railway Museum in Union is the biggest railway museum in the nation. You can ride historic trains — electric trolleys and diesel locomotives — literally.
There are walk-through train cars, traveling exhibits on how it was to travel back in the early 1900s, and special events all year round. This isn't only for children — adults enjoy it as well. It's one of the most distinctive experiences in Illinois for families.
Why you can't miss it: Where else can you take a ride on a 100-year-old train?
In Chicago, you can have a drink the old-fashioned way — literally. There are secret speakeasy bars and restaurants modeled after the 1920s, complete with live jazz, vintage furnishings, and secret doors.
Some popular ones include The Violet Hour, The Drifter, and Room 13. You might need a password, a reservation, or a secret door. It's a great way to feel like you're living history while out having a night on the town.
Why you won't want to miss it: Its nightlife, but not as you know it. Old-school and enigmatic.
Galena is a historic town, and its most historic resident was Ulysses S. Grant. You can take a tour of the house where he resided prior to being the 18th president of the United States. The home is kept nicely preserved with original furniture.
Guides reveal how Grant lived, his place in history, and what Galena was like during the 1800s. It's serene, informative, and chock-full of charm. It's one of the most exclusive activities to do for history lovers.
Why you shouldn't miss it: A stroll-through lesson in history in a charming town.
This is so silly, yet it's true. In Collinsville, the World's Largest Catsup Bottle stretches 170 feet into the sky. It just happens to be a water tower, and was constructed in 1949 to serve the Brooks catsup plant.
It's a fun, eccentric photo stop that puts a grin on people's faces. They even have a Catsup Bottle Festival during the summer. It shows that unique Illinois good times can come in all types of shapes and sizes.
Why you shouldn't miss it: It's tacky, enjoyable, and extremely Instagrammable.
There are plenty of unique experiences Illinois has to offer for tourists seeking more than malls and museums. From nature spots and secret art to history and local legends, these places give you a glimpse of another aspect of the state.
This Illinois guidebook merely scratches the surface. So go visit, use the back roads, chat with locals, and be ready for the unexpected. The best memories of travel frequently come from those places you never planned to visit — the unforgettable Illinois surprises waiting for you.
This content was created by AI