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Illinois

Welcome to Illinois

Since the 1800s, the state of Illinois has been an important U.S. social, cultural, and political center, a critical national transportation hub, and a source of great agricultural and industrial production. Chicago, the largest city in the state, is the third most populous U.S. city. Springfield, the state capital, is where young President Abraham Lincoln practiced law and was elected to the legislature. The city is home to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Other state highlights include the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, Underground Railroad history, the initial stretch of classic Route 66, and the architecture, food, and many attractions of Chicago.

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Things To Do In Illinois
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
Chicago, USA
4.8 (10,212)

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to...

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (10,212)
$45
$44
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Special Offer
Special Offer
Chicago, USA
4.9 (15,996)

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Experience the stunning beauty of Chicago on a captivating cruise along the historic Chicago River. This architectural tour takes you down the main branch of...

60 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
60 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
60 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (15,996)
$39
$38
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
Chicago, USA
4.8 (3,199)

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich...

45 minutes • Free Cancellation
45 minutes • Free Cancellation
45 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (3,199)
$28
$27
Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
Special Offer
Special Offer
Chicago, USA
4.1 (2,079)

Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Discover Chicago at your own pace with Big Bus. Travel aboard an open-top, double-decker bus and enjoy panoramic views of the city's most famous landmarks,...

2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.1 (2,079)
$49
$48
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Special Offer
Special Offer
Chicago, USA
4.9 (6,393)

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only...

1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
4.9 (6,393)
$57
$56
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
Chicago, USA
4.6 (3,363)

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities....

90 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
90 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
90 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.6 (3,363)
$49
$48
Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
Chicago, USA
4.8 (2,301)

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years...

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (2,301)
$45
$44
Chicago CityPASS — Save 40%
Special Offer
Special Offer
Chicago, USA
4.6 (465)

Chicago CityPASS — Save 40%

Experience 5 top attractions and save up to 50% with Chicago CityPASS® tickets. One simple purchase removes the stress of planning, so you can relax...

9 days
9 days
9 days
4.6 (465)
$144
$143
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Special Offer
Special Offer
Chicago, USA
4.6 (871)

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

Embark on an unforgettable journey along Lake Michigan and marvel at Chicago's iconic lakefront sights and attractions. Cruise along Lake Michigan and enjoy stunning views...

30 to 45 minutes • Free Cancellation
30 to 45 minutes • Free Cancellation
30 to 45 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.6 (871)
$32.50
$31.50
Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
Chicago, USA
4.7 (1,497)

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

The Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise departs near the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge on Wendella's world class tour boats. The Cruise will navigate from the Chicago...

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (1,497)
$45
$44
Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
Chicago, USA
4.5 (1,448)

Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission

Gaze upon the city sights from the pinnacle of Chicago, the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower -- the...

30 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
30 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
30 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.5 (1,448)
$44
$43
Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
Special Offer
Special Offer
Chicago, USA
4.8 (608)

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake sightseeing tour delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned buildings and stunning skyline....

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (608)
$46
$45
Illinois adventures by style
Tours & Sightseeing
Tours & Sightseeing
Luxury Tours
Luxury Tours
Luxury & Special Occasions
Luxury & Special Occasions
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Day Cruises
Day Cruises
City Tours
City Tours
Cultural & Theme Tours
Cultural & Theme Tours
Architecture Tours
Architecture Tours
Night Tours
Night Tours
Bus & Minivan Tours
Bus & Minivan Tours
Historical & Heritage Tours
Historical & Heritage Tours
Audio Guided Tours
Audio Guided Tours
Attraction Tickets
Attraction Tickets
Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
Hop-on Hop-off Tours
Hop-on Hop-off Tours
Walking & Biking Tours
Walking & Biking Tours
Walking Tours
Walking Tours
Holiday & Seasonal Tours
Holiday & Seasonal Tours
Night Cruises
Night Cruises
Museum Tickets & Passes
Museum Tickets & Passes
Sightseeing Passes
Sightseeing Passes
Ghost & Vampire Tours
Ghost & Vampire Tours
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Sunset Cruises
Sunset Cruises
Food, Wine & Nightlife
Food, Wine & Nightlife
Cultural Tours
Cultural Tours
Half-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Sailing Trips
Sailing Trips
Water Sports
Water Sports
Jet Boats & Speed Boats
Jet Boats & Speed Boats
Literary, Art & Music Tours
Literary, Art & Music Tours
Street Food Tours
Street Food Tours
Escape Games
Escape Games
Fun and Games
Fun and Games
Private Sightseeing Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Private & Custom Tours
Private & Custom Tours
Self-guided Tours & Rentals
Self-guided Tours & Rentals
Adrenaline & Extreme
Adrenaline & Extreme
Segway Tours
Segway Tours
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor Activities
Theme Parks
Theme Parks
Theme Park Tickets & Tours
Theme Park Tickets & Tours
Christmas
Christmas
National Holidays
National Holidays
Lunch Cruises
Lunch Cruises
Photography Tours
Photography Tours
Bar, Club & Pub Tours
Bar, Club & Pub Tours
Bike & Mountain Bike Tours
Bike & Mountain Bike Tours
Day Trips & Excursions
Day Trips & Excursions
Weddings & Honeymoons
Weddings & Honeymoons
Full-day Tours
Full-day Tours
Classes & Workshops
Classes & Workshops
Beer & Brewery Tours
Beer & Brewery Tours
Theater, Shows & Musicals
Theater, Shows & Musicals
Family-friendly Shows
Family-friendly Shows
Shows, Concerts & Sports
Shows, Concerts & Sports
LGBTIQA+ Friendly Tours
Art Classes
Art Classes
Craft Classes
Craft Classes
Brunch Cruises
Brunch Cruises
Dining Experiences
Dining Experiences
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
Comedy
Comedy
Ports of Call Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Port Transfers
Port Transfers
Sustainable Tours
Sustainable Tours
Boat Rentals
Boat Rentals
Painting Classes
Painting Classes
Water Equipment
Water Equipment
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
Helicopter Tours
Helicopter Tours
Movie & TV Tours
Movie & TV Tours
Rail Tours
Rail Tours
Fishing
Fishing
Cooking Classes
Cooking Classes
Nightlife
Nightlife
Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
New Years
New Years
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly Tours & Activities
Once in a Lifetime Experiences
Once in a Lifetime Experiences
Romantic Tours
Romantic Tours
Multi-day & Extended Tours
Multi-day & Extended Tours
Multi-day Tours
Multi-day Tours
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Eco Tours
Eco Tours
Fishing Charters & Tours
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Nature & Wildlife
Nature & Wildlife
Running Tours
Running Tours
Ziplines
Ziplines
Adults-only Shows
Cabaret
Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
Zoo Tickets & Passes
Zoo Tickets & Passes
Classic Car Tours
Classic Car Tours
Layover Tours
Layover Tours
Pedicab Tours
Pedicab Tours
Skip-the-Line Tours
Skip-the-Line Tours
Transfers & Ground Transport
Transfers & Ground Transport
Airport & Ground Transfers
Airport & Ground Transfers
Bus Services
Bus Services
Private Drivers
Private Drivers
Private Transfers
Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking & Canoeing
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Honeymoon Packages
Honeymoon Packages
Recent Illinois adventurer reviews
Sit on top level
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
Karen_W, Jul 2026
Sit on top level
The narrator was very knowledgeable. Very pleasant ride and educational. Such a beautiful scenery. The sound speakers were not good on the lower level and seating on lower level made it hard to follow along with narrator because you may be sitting on opposite side of view. Moved to upper level and endured the sun/heat for a better experience.
Check Availability
Would recommend
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
minimize940314, Jul 2026
Would recommend
If you are a history enthusiast, especially urban/crime history, this tour is highly interesting and informative. The guide was very kind and answered all questions while giving commentaries along the way. We got off of the bus several times to check in some spots closely and took photos. One of the best night excursions.
Check Availability
Great story telling. No...
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Larry_L, Jul 2026
Great story telling. No...
Great story telling. No flash cameras or filming with a camera stick allowed. Also, the narrator is the star. Therefore, this isn't a tour for loud convos and side bars.
Check Availability
Mobster tour
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
Y6047LLdane, Jul 2026
Mobster tour
Driver and Jay (tour guide) were great It was hot and bus air conditioning didn’t work well- would have been nicer if it did
Check Availability
Great tour and wonderful guide
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Marcy_M, Jul 2026
Great tour and wonderful guide
The tour was absolutely terrific. Mark, our guide, was very knowledgeable and had a great approach. You could tell he was proud of his city and had great expertise in the architecture. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in Chicago history and buildings.
Check Availability
Super Sunset Cruise
Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
Biljana_C, Jul 2026
Super Sunset Cruise
Our guide, Scottie D was very knowledgeable about related architecture and history and spiced things up with some humor and subtle opinions. The sunset was a classic blaze orange and we also got to see fireworks and a drone light show.
Check Availability
Fun family experience
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
Z6974YZjacquelineb, Jul 2026
Fun family experience
Great tour guide was knowledgeable about many buildings and historical facts about Chicago. Great for visitors who want to know more about the area.
Check Availability
We Loved It!
Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
William_M, Jul 2026
We Loved It!
Wonderful experience! Gabby was a great tour guide who provided a lot of history and fun facts about Chicago. She is incredibly knowledgeable. The views were amazing, and the captain provided fantastic opportunities for photos, too! I would highly recommend this sunset cruise to anyone visiting downtown Chicago.
Check Availability
Great experience. Tour...
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Danita_S, Jul 2026
Great experience. Tour...
Great experience. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Only thing, the sky was smokey from the Canada wild fires.
Check Availability
Highly recommend so much history and beautiful architecture
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Jet64987157006, Jul 2026
Highly recommend so much history and beautiful architecture
Emily was fabulous!! So much info and a great personality
Check Availability
The stories and language...
Chicago City Minibus Tour
Muriel_P, Jul 2026
The stories and language...
The stories and language were quite macarbre and colorful, although the guide, Avery, had a sense of humor.
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Hillary is a Chicago ROCKSTAR!
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
336ering, Jul 2026
Hillary is a Chicago ROCKSTAR!
We literally just exited our 90 minute architectural tour & LOVED it! Hillary, our guide, created the most enjoyable experience infused with humor & incredible knowledge! Thanks to her (& Captain Joe for navigating the waters of the Chicago River) for the phenomenal tour!!!
Check Availability
Hillary is great!
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
rhinor111, Jul 2026
Hillary is great!
Hillary was our guide, she was very educational, entertaining, and funny. I could tell she was a pro!
Check Availability
An informative, fun filled adventure!
Chicago City Minibus Tour
Charles_B, Jul 2026
An informative, fun filled adventure!
Whether you are in Chicago for one day, or for a week or more, this is the trip to take. Our tour guide, who says his name is Trevor, although that could be an alias, lead a fun filled adventure. We saw many historical sites, including the Rookery, the “Bean“, Buckingham Fountain, Soldiers Field, among others, and Trevor had many informative stories about the Windy City, both the good side and the dark side! Incredibly interesting. Trevor also pointed us in the right direction, in regards to other sites and transportation methods we were able to use around the city. It was a very fun time.
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My dad and I did this...
Chicago Architecture and True Crime History Tour
Natalia_E, Jul 2026
My dad and I did this...
My dad and I did this tour this morning and it was the best idea! Joseph was a great guide and we got to see so much of the city even the locals don’t know. Would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for an activity with family or visitors, or even just looking to see a new side of Chicago.
Check Availability
Worth every penny!
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
57skylerl, Jul 2026
Worth every penny!
This was a fantastic experience! Our tour guide Todd was very knowledgeable and fun! I highly recommend!
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You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of most of our adventures.
Illinois Attractions
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Illinois Trip Ideas

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10 Tours & Activities

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