26 Exciting Things to Do in Illinois in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

Illinois is a true Midwest treasure, offering countless experiences that the entire family will love across every season. As a treat, I compiled a list of 26 amazing things I can’t wait to do in Illinois during the rest of 2026, from epic hikes to awe-inspiring natural wonders, small towns, restaurants, unique places to stay, and so much more. Here are some of the most amazing things we still have time to do in the Land of Lincoln in 2026.

1. See the Big City from the Chicago Lakefront Trail 

To say the Chicago Lakefront Trail is beautiful is to do it an enormous disservice. With utterly incredible views of Lake Michigan and just over 18 amazing miles to enjoy, this hike can make for an adventure of your choosing. Do the whole thing, do only part – no matter what, the jaw-dropping views of the lake are sure to soothe your soul. It’s open year-round and quite popular, but if you visit during the day on a weekday, you might have it all to yourself.  

2. Dine at Soulé, a Favorite Celebrity Hangout

A lyric from a Biggie Smalls song inspired this awesome eatery, bringing some truly unique flavors and experiences to Illinois. The menu here is amazingly Creole-inspired, with incredible soul dishes and an assortment of to-die-for entrees. Rumor has it that Soule is a celebrity magnet, with famous folks spotted here and there throughout the year.

Since this is a popular spot that attracts many celebrities, the only way to guarantee a seat is to make a reservation for its dine-in service. You can make the reservations via the Soulé website. Remember that for dine-in seating, the time limit is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Either way, you’ll love Soulé one as much as I do. The food and the vibe are so full of soul. Go figure! 

3. Stay in a Stunning Duplex for a Truly Luxurious Getaway

If you love unique Airbnb listings, this gorgeous duplex in Chicago is all for you. It sleeps up to eight guests in three bedrooms, and when I say this place is gorgeous, I mean it’s gorgeous. With stunning modern decor and close proximity to almost everything, this condo is easily one of my favorite places to stay in the Windy City. I’m not sure what I love more: the views, the atmosphere, or both! Book your stay at the Updated Designer Duplex in Fulton Market. Did I mention that it includes parking?

4. Embrace Winter and See the Season Differently 

Let’s be real here for a moment: winter in Illinois can be positively frigid. Of course, we’ve all found ways to adore it truly. From superb cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, winter hikes, tubing hills, ice skating rinks, holiday markets, Christmas towns, and so much more, to all the magic in the world, Illinois is a winter lover’s dream come true – and a winter hater’s redemption.

5. Let Chicago Sweep You Off Your Feet  

The Windy City is amazing, and I think you’ll agree. There’s no shortage of experiences, from one-of-a-kind restaurants and eateries to fantastic parks, friendly faces, and plenty to do, see, and enjoy. It’s my favorite city in this state, thanks to the never-ending list of things to do and attractions to occupy myself with.

Chicago offers something for everyone, depending on your interests and level of ability, whether you are a foodie, a culture and arts lover, an explorer, or a romantic. For instance, if you are a culture and arts lover, you can explore world-class museums like the Museum of Science and Industry or explore blues, jazz, and indie music venues. However, if you are an explorer, you can marvel at skyscrapers and visit neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, each with its unique vibe. For me, it’s a city full of memories; every time I visit, I only add more to the collection.

6. Sleep in Style at Chicago’s Sophy Hyde Park Hotel

While in Chicago, I will need somewhere to stay, right? Right. So, I chose to stay in style at the elegant Sophy Hyde Park Hotel and enjoy the gorgeous city views. When I’m here, I’m living in the lap of luxury. It’s close to just about everything, and I think you’ll love it as much as I do. Again, I can’t even choose a favorite thing about it – the views, the amenities, the experience – I can’t get enough of the Sophy Hyde Park Hotel. It's one of the best places to stay in Chicago.

The location of this hotel in Chicago allows you to access several cultural hotspots, particularly in Hyde Park, conveniently. For example, walking may take you about 16 minutes to reach the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI).

7. Take an Awesome Day Trip Worth the Drive 

Did you know Illinois is a smorgasbord of amazing day trip ideas? It’s true. The list of things we can turn into day trips is seemingly endless, from a day trip to a small town to a day trip to any of our amazing state parks, or anything else you can think of. I plan on doing a few photography, hiking, and camping trips this year – what about you? Let's plan a day trip in Illinois this year or 12.

The popular day trips you can enjoy while in Illinois offer diverse experiences. You can hike the stunning canyons at Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks. In addition, you can explore rock formations at Giant City State Park or historical attractions such as Abraham Lincoln sites. And if you love scenic drives, the Great River Road is the place you need to be.

8. See More Illinois Parks with This All-Access Pass

Every year, I grab an America the Beautiful pass from our friends at REI. The pass pays for itself after just a few park visits, so if you’re like me and greatly enjoy the outdoors, and, in Illinois, history, you’ll want to grab one and enjoy! Which Illinois park will you visit first?

9. Take a Beautiful Wildflower Hike in Bloom Season

Each spring and summer, Illinois seems to burst into life. Wildflowers explode out of melting snow; trees, grass, and bushes begin blooming once more, coming to be with incredibly brilliant color. There are many incredible things to do in the spring and summer, from incredible flower blooms to warmer days and countless festivals. Personally, I love getting lost in botanical gardens and local parks. Of course, hiking is another favorite activity, one that I love year-round. Spring and summer in Illinois are for the great outdoors.

Remember that wildflowers tend to bloom at different times of the year. During the warm weather, expect to witness the blooming of Prairie flowers such as coneflowers, milkweeds, and lupines. June or July is perfect for experiencing that. However, in April, you should observe the thriving of the forest floor ephemerals.

10. Step Inside the Titanic and Relive Its History

Immerse yourself in history and learn everything there is to know about the Titanic, from its inception to its untimely demise. Wander through incredible recreations of the ship’s interior, listening to music from the era she sailed in and learning more than you ever thought possible about the incident. Finally, you’ll walk along the ocean floor, examining artifacts and sealing the deal. This is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced, and if you’re a history buff, I suspect you’ll love it too. Be sure to check out the FeverUp for the 2026 event date and tickets.

11. Hike the Scenic Little Grand Canyon Trail in Shawnee Forest

Did you know there’s a “little Grand Canyon” in Illinois, and you can explore it on foot? It’s true – hidden within the Shawnee National Forest is a nothing-short-of-breathtaking escape from the real world, and it’s one of my favorite places to hike. Enter the Little Grand Canyon Trail, a wondrous three-mile romp through the woods where hikers meet face-to-face with some of our state’s most amazing landscapes. It’s rated moderately complex, and there are a few slippery, steep areas, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes you’re okay with getting wet and muddy. Despite its challenges, you'll love this scenic hike in Illinois.

12. Hit the Road for an Unforgettable Trip

Since we’re discussing things I love doing, let’s throw another much-beloved hobby in the mix: Illinois is a fantastic state for a good old-fashioned road trip, and I cannot wait to do many more! Road trips in Illinois are awesome: if you can dream it up, you can probably turn it into one. Embark upon an adventure to visit the most haunted cemeteries in the state, or maybe head to a few awesome state parks with that handy America the Beautiful pass I mentioned earlier. Other ideas include road-tripping to see various hidden gems, natural wonders, or iconic restaurants. The ideas are endless.  

13. Make Memories at Grand Bear Resort, Starved Rock

One of my favorite resorts in Illinois is the Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock State Park. With truly unique amenities, including a warm indoor water park, luxuriously cozy rooms, two bars and lounges, and even a lazy river, this resort is perfect for a family getaway over a weekend (or more). The kids love all the fun activities, and parents love the grown-up-centric activities too. Some rooms even have a hot tub! 

The park has year-round appeal thanks to its indoor waterpark, Grizzly Jack's. The indoor facility offers a nice place for summer fun and even for warmth during the winter.   

14. Put Your Detective Skills to the Test

One of my favorite things to do is get involved in a good ol’ mystery, and as luck would have it, there just so happens to be a handful of fun mysteries all over the state. Is the oldest hotel in Illinois haunted? I don’t know; maybe we could go find out. Maybe you’d prefer to look into why on earth the town of Olney is home to so many albino squirrels. A Chicago true crime and mystery tour might also fascinate you – no matter your interests, you can easily find a whole list of mysteries in Illinois that will intrigue you. Another option is to take a tour, like the Chicago Murder Mystery Tour. You can choose whether you need a guided tour, such as a Chicago gangster tour led by a real guide, or a self-led tour, like a mystery road trip.

15. Celebrate Summer With Splashy Fun

When spring gives way to summer, outdoor opportunities continue to increase. Summer in Illinois brings all sorts of delights, from seasonal restaurants to truly remarkable festivals and events, and everything in between. Lake Michigan sees its highest number of visitors this time of year, and for good reason: its crisp, cool water is incredibly inviting when heat and humidity are on the rise. Another one of my favorite summertime adventures is visiting various museums, all of which are worthy of a day trip. Water parks, beaches, aquariums, and waterfalls, oh my. Get out and enjoy the warmest time of the year – it only lasts for so long!  

16. Take a Scenic Drive and Eat at Old Log Cabin 

Fun fact: Route 66 goes right through Illinois, and it’s an enjoyable slice of history in which, in some cases, some folks can manage to do a little time traveling. What I mean by this is that along the old Mother Road, numerous restaurants and motels have been around for ages, like the Old Log Cabin. It’s rustic and charming, with no-frills decor and a menu of old-school American comfort food. No matter where I am, driving out to Old Log Cabin and seeing what they’re up to is always worth it. It rarely, if ever, changes, and there’s plenty of comfort in that.  

17. Step Back in Time at Jefferson County Historical Village

We seem to be doing a lot of time traveling on this adventure into the later part of the year, but that’s okay – I'm a history buff, and it’s right up my alley. This year, I plan to visit the Jefferson County Historical Village in Mt. Vernon. Here, history comes to life, with multiple old buildings and even the old cemetery still intact. Some buildings have been restored, such as the old medical building, and visitors can try their hands at old-school things like weaving, blacksmithing, wood carving, basket making, and more – all of which were important to the folks who once called this area home. Admission is free, but visit between May and October as it closes in the winter.  

18. Take a Stroll and Browse Rockton’s Shops 

Rockton is one of my favorite small towns in Illinois, and for many reasons: it’s delightfully historic, it’s full of stuff to do, and it’s scenic – a triple-whammy. With stunning architecture everywhere you turn, and a population of about 7,000 residents, Rockton is the epitome of an idyllic place to raise a family. Meandering Main Street, you’ll love the shops and eateries; I can get lost in some of these antique stores for ages. Rockton is so peaceful, and I can’t wait to spend a few days exploring.

19. Book a Unique A-Frame Escape Today   

Hidden in the woods in Hayworth, Illinois, is a stunning A-frame cabin that makes for the perfect place to stay for couples or solo travelers. It’s elegant and modern, with an elevated nook upstairs for the kids and cozy, gorgeous decor in the rest of the place for those who love a beautiful respite from real life. Bloomington is just ten minutes south of here. Hiking trails and the wondrous Clinton Lake are within 30 minutes. Whether you plan to unplug or go out and about, I think this awe-inspiring vacation rental in Illinois is perfect.  

20. Soak Up the Beauty of Autumn in Illinois   

If you thought spring and summer were delightful, wait until you experience autumn in Illinois. The foliage is incredible, with crimsons, golds, and oranges creeping in from the edges until all that’s left are brilliantly colorful trees until the leaves fall off for winter. I think autumn is when Illinois is at its most Midwest, offering corn mazes and pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and, of course, incredible hiking trails surrounded by spectacular foliage. How many of these awesome things to do in the fall in Illinois have you done? Do you have a favorite place for spotting fall colors?  

21. Enjoy Food and Fun at the Windsor Harvest Picnic

Windsor, Illinois, is home to the Windsor Harvest Picnic, the longest-running festival in Illinois that’s been going strong for over a century. It takes place in August each year, and it’s filled with fun for the whole family. There’s live music and entertainment, incredible food (looking at you, barbecue pork chop sandwiches), a 5k run, and so much more. There are many reasons why this particular festival in Illinois has been going on for so long: it’s a few days of fun that the entire family will find themselves looking forward to year after year.  

22. Experience the Magic of Autumn in Illinois 

Ahh, finally, autumn in Illinois has arrived, and it’s time to embrace my favorite time of year. We jumped into summer with both feet, after all, so let’s bear-hug autumn with both arms. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll find an assortment of autumnal activities, including festivals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and more. Tour haunted houses (for the brave only) and explore creepy, historic cemeteries. Eat all the apple cider donuts you possibly can, and indulge in plenty of pumpkin pie.  

23. A Thrilling Haunted Experience Awaits

Whether one believes in ghosts or not, it’s no secret that some allegedly haunted places in Illinois certainly exist. From creepy abandoned places to old schools, cemeteries, tunnels, bridges, and more, you never know what freaky thing lies just under the surface, waiting to be scratched and revealed. You never know; you might just become a believer – if you dare.  

24. Witness a Stunning Natural Wonder in Illinois 

Let’s be real here: one cannot possibly ever get bored with exploring and admiring the countless natural wonders in Illinois. We’re home to stunning gorges and canyons that rival the ones you’ll find in the desert southwest, caves open for spelunking, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and lots more. If you resolved to explore one wonder in Illinois per week every week, you might not even get through the list in this lifetime. That being said, our natural wonders are truly splendid, making Illinois a unique place.  

25. Take a Hike on the Watershed Preserve South Trail

Coming up last on this list, but certainly not least in any way, is the Watershed Nature Preserve Trail, one of my all-time favorite hiking trails in Illinois. It’s short, sweet, and easy, coming in at just over one mile in length and with very few inclines or steep sections. This trail is popular among birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, and there’s no shortage of wonder along the way that’s sure to amaze. The trail is mainly paved, or it features boardwalks – even folks with mobility equipment or strollers should be able to access it easily. When I say this is one of the most beautiful places in Illinois, I mean it – and if you’re a big hiker like I am, I can’t recommend AllTrails Plus enough. 

This trail comes with paved paths, boardwalks, gentle grades, and designated accessible parking. Hence, it is easily accessible. However, when it rains, there may be some muddy spots.

26. Cruise the Mississippi River Towns Along the Great River Road

Cruising the Mississippi River will lead you to charming small towns such as Galena, Alton, and Grafton. I can assure you that the scenic Great River road offers many stops where you can enjoy delicious foods, and you will experience historical architecture and bluff-top views where you can take great photos. But here is the thing: for a better experience, consider visiting during the fall.

So, there it is: 26 awesome things I can’t wait to do in Illinois in 2026. I’m not even sure which ones I want to do first because there are so many fantastic options. One thing is sure: whether winter, spring, summer, or autumn, Illinois is a tremendous place to visit, live, and thrive. You can organize your adventure in the Prairie State by using our itinerary planner. Come experience the majesty of the Midwest with me in 2026 – one incredible idea at a time. We still have time to see it all this year. But wait, did I leave anything out? Please share your views via this nomination page!