Listen, there’s nothing wrong with doing the uber-touristy things. People want to go to these attractions for a reason. But if you’ve already done all the tourist stuff, or just want to beat the crowds, choose these attractions rather than their more famous alternatives.

1. Rather than go to the Field Museum...
The Field Museum/Facebook
Chicago Cultural Center/Facebook
Head to the Chicago Cultural Center. It's free and there are loads of exhibits, events, and things to see.
2. Rather than go to Starved Rock State Park...
Starved Rock State Park/Flickr
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Drive down to Southern Illinois and take your hike at the Shawnee National Forest, specifically the Garden of the Gods.
3. Rather than go to the Chicago Botanic Garden...
Chicago Botanic Garden/Facebook
Anderson Japanese Gardens/Facebook
Head to Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in America.
4. Rather than head to Brookfield Zoo...
Jacob Vanderheyden/Flickr
Bill and Vicki T/Flickr
Visit Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, where your kiddos (and you) can feed giraffes!
5. Rather than taking in a game at Wrigley Field...
Sam Howzit/Flickr
Kane County Cougars/Facebook
Support the Kane County Cougars in their fantastic Geneva stadium.
6. Rather than spending the day at Six Flags Great America...
Patrick McGarvey/Flickr
Santa's Village Azoosment Park/Facebook
Head to East Dundee to a Santa-themed amusement park called Santa's Village Azoosment Park.
7. Rather than listen to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra...
Jordan Fischer/Flickr
Illinois Symphony Orchestra/Facebook
Take in a concert by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra in Bloomington.
8. Rather than go to Giordano's...
Andrew Malman/Flickr
Lachlan Hardy/Flickr
Head to Pequod's. This is the best representation of Chicago style deep dish pizza.

What are some of your favorite Illinois attractions that are off the beaten path? Let us know in the comments.

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