Put this on your bucket list: Things to do while in Illinois
Illinois is the perfect destination for those who equally love the city and the outdoors. It boasts of the highest skyscrapers and the most gorgeous rock formations. It might even surprise you that Illinois has a pretty impressive scuba diving spot.
From jumping theatre to theatre, hiking, sightseeing, and scuba diving, here are the things you absolutely have to do while in Illinois.
See a show in one of Chicago’s 250 Theatres.
Chicago’s theater scene is a must-visit destination for both theatre lovers and those who want to dip their toes in it.
Chicago’s theatre district, the Loop, is where you will find theatres that feature world-class productions and theatre institutions with so much history. The CIBC Theatreand the Nederlander Theatre, for instance, have been both around since the beginning of the 20th century.
Be sure to also check out Chicago’s independent theatres. These theatres have given birth to a lot of artists we know today and would, surely, give birth to more artists and works. With more than 250 theatres to choose from, we are pretty sure you would find your niche here.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It holds an amazing collection of over 260,000 artworks and artifacts. It has an exuberance of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings as well as modern and contemporary arts.
Iconic works of Pablo Picasso, George Seurat, and Grant Wood — to name a few, can be found here. Even if you do not consider yourself particularly art savvy, we guarantee you’d find yourself feasting from all the colors and textures.
Hike to the waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park
Since Starved Rock State Park is one of the nearest destinations in Chicago, it can get crowded pretty fast. Be sure to get there early. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself beforehand on which trails you want to get into.
Fourteen out of the 18 canyons at Starved Rock have waterfalls but we would recommend getting to the most scenic ones. Our favorites are St. Louis, Wildcat, Tonty, and Ottawa canyons.
Now, in case you do get tired from a day of hiking, there are actually onsite lodging and cabins you can rent for the night in the area.
See the Cahokia Mounds
Hailed as America’s Forgotten City, this beautiful park remains under the radar of many tourists visiting Illinois. It is probably America’s first city yet it remains largely unknown. It is, in fact, one of the eight cultural World Heritage sites in the United States.
Historians explain that the building of the mounds would have required years and labor of thousands. It is as astonishing as that of the Egyptian pyramids. The highest mound is actually larger than the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Perhaps, even more astonishing with the fact that very few people know this magnificent historical site exists.
It is about time that it is given the attention and tourists it deserves. Visit Cahokia Mounds soon.
Go scuba diving at Mermet Springs
The midwest is not exactly the destination you first think of when scuba diving, but check out Mermet Springs. This abandoned quarry lake was turned into a recreational scuba diving city. With its crystal cliff water, 100 foot deep underwater cliffs, sunken wrecks, and fishes, Mermet Springs is a true staple destination for scuba diving.
They offer specialty courses for both beginning and experienced scuba divers. It is, for sure, one destination in Illinois that just took us by surprise. You would be, too.
Watch the sunset in the Garden of the Gods
Not to be confused with the Garden of the Gods of Colorado, the Garden of the Gods of Illinois deserves the title just as much. The gorgeous sandstone formation sitting seemingly on top of a wilderness will make you feel like you are looking down from heaven to Earth. The scene is a hundred times more majestic by sundown.
We love it in spring and fall and while there are plenty of trails to choose from, the River to River trail is our favorite. It will take you to different works: from streams, hardwood forests, hanging rocks, and a kaleidoscope of colors.
Looking for more places to visit while in Illinois? Check out our list of top-rated places to visit near Chicago, Illinois.
