Popular Illinois attractions start in Chicago. Think Cloud Gate, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Riverwalk, Wrigley Field, and Buckingham Fountain. Nearby are the Baha’i House of Worship and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Farther out, you’ll find Starved Rock, the Lincoln Presidential Library, Lincoln’s Tomb and Home, Cahokia Mounds, Garden of the Gods, and Route 66 stops.
Illinois is more than just about Chicago. There are many famous landmarks in the state. Find amazing architecture, silent historic sites, natural wonders, and cultural centres.
Some are easy stops in the city. Others make great road trips. A few deserve a full weekend. Some you’ve seen on postcards. Others you’ve never heard of. From the history buff to the artist, nature lover to baseball fan, there’s something for everyone.
In this blog, you’ll read about 15 of the best landmarks in Illinois, what makes them great, how far they are from the city of Chicago, and when to visit.
Why Illinois Landmarks Are Worth the Trip
Illinois packs a lot into one state. In a single trip, you can stand beside a 110-ton steel sculpture. You can walk through Abraham Lincoln’s home. You can climb a mound built about 1,000 years ago.
That’s real range. Here’s what you get:
Architecture. The skyscraper originated in Chicago. It remains a magnet for architects from around the world.
Presidential history. The city of Springfield is the home of Lincoln’s life, work, and burial.
Ancient history. The scale of Cahokia Mounds reveals the size of an Indigenous city that once flourished here.
Nature. Starved Rock and Shawnee offer you canyons, bluffs, and sandstone cliffs.
We picked these places for three reasons. They’re famous. They have real history. And visitors keep coming back for them. Many are well-known landmarks with stories behind them. A few are interesting landmarks that most people skip.
Famous Chicago Landmarks
What are the famous landmarks in Chicago? Start here. These seven stops are also the best things to do in Chicago for first-time visitors. They’re popular landmarks for good reason. Most are within a few miles of the Chicag Soldier Fieldo Loop, allowing you to view multiple ones in one day. With the stops this close to Chicago, sightseeing becomes easy. You can walk up to some of these famous locations. Others require tickets – please check the official site of each.
Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park
The giant, reflective sculpture, known to everyone as The Bean, is Cloud Gate. It is located in Millennium Park off of Michigan Avenue. It was completed in 2006 by Artist Anish Kapoor. The metallic finish curves the skyline of Chicago and the clouds overhead. That’s why people line up for photos.
Here’s the surprising part. It’s composed of 168 stainless steel plates. They were then welded and polished so that there were no seams visible. The whole assembly is approximately 110 tons in weight.
It’s located within the Loop, which is within walking distance of most downtown hotels. Head early in the morning. Crowds are thin, and the light is soft. The sculpture is located outdoors and is accessible to the public.
Willis Tower and the Skydeck
The Willis Tower is 1450 feet tall above the Loop. It was inaugurated in 1973 as the Sears Tower, which many still use to this day. This building held the title of the world’s tallest for about 25 years.
The Skydeck Chicago sits on the 103rd floor. Take a step onto The Ledge, and you’re standing in a glass box above the street. The boxes stick out about four feet from the tower. Four states Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin are visible on a clear day.
The Skydeck is located on Wacker Drive, 15 minutes from Cloud Gate. Choose a bright, sunny morning or a sunset time. Fog can make it impossible to see. Purchase timed tickets on the official website.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is 3,300 feet long and extends out into Lake Michigan. It’s filled with rides, restaurants, boat cruises, and the 196-foot Centennial Wheel. Walk around it and then enjoy a sunset from the top of the Wheel.
In 1916, the pier was opened and became Municipal Pier. It was renamed in 1927 in honor of the veterans of World War 1 who served in the Navy. It even served as a university campus after World War II.
It’s located approximately two miles east of the Loop near the Magnificent Mile. It is best to visit in the summer evenings. Check the pier’s calendar for fireworks nights.
Art Institute of Chicago
Nighthawks, American Gothic, and Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte are part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection. The museum was founded in 1893 and has been located on Michigan Avenue since then.
Two bronze lions guard the front steps. They’ve been there since 1894. When a Chicago team wins big, the lions wear team gear.
It is located at the south end of the Loop next to Millennium Park. Go on a weekday morning when there’s less of a crowd. It is perfect for rainy days and for winter afternoons. Please see the museum’s website for the latest ticket information.
Chicago Riverwalk and Architecture River Cruise
The Chicago Riverwalk is approximately 1.25 miles long along the Chicago River. It is flanked by cafes, public art, and a view of the skyline.
The best vantage point for the buildings is from the water. The Chicago Architecture Center has well-known river cruise and walking guided tours.
The route passes Marina City, whose twin towers look like corn cobs. It also passes the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. Tribune Tower’s walls hold stones from the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.
The cruise starts near the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Its official name is the DuSable Bridge.
One more fact: the river runs backward. Engineers reversed its flow in 1900. It now flows away from the lake. Every March, crews dye it green for St. Patrick’s Day.
Cruises run from late spring to early fall. Check the schedule before you go.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field has been a home for baseball since 1914. It is the home of the Cubs. The outfield walls are covered with ivy, which was planted in 1937. The hand-turned scoreboard still stands.
The park had no lights until 1988. It was one of the last big league parks to add them.
You’ll find it in Lakeview, about five miles north of the Loop. Take the Red Line to Addison. Games run April through September. On some non-game days, stadium tours are available. Check the team’s site.
Chicago is a city of sports. The Bears play in Soldier Field. The United Center is home to the Bulls and Blackhawks. The Chicago Sky and DePaul basketball games are played at Wintrust Arena. And Guaranteed Rate Field, now called Rate Field, is where the White Sox play.
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is in Grant Park. It was opened in 1927. It was a gift from Kate Buckingham, in memory of her brother Clarence. The pink marble basins and jets propel water up to 150 feet. The design was inspired by a fountain at Versailles.
Take a very close look at the sea horses. The four pairs represent the four states that border Lake Michigan.
The fountain is turned on in the summer. Lights and music are added to the shows in the evenings. Please look at the season dates first. Then, follow the Lakefront Trail south to Museum Campus.
Famous Landmarks Near Chicago
These two are great landmarks for a half-day trip. Both are within 40 minutes of the Loop.
Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette
The Baha’i House of Worship resembles a white lace dome at the lakeshore. The only Baha’i temple in North America. Work started in 1920. It was dedicated in 1953.
Count the details. It has nine sides, nine doors, and nine gardens. In the Baha’i religion, 9 is a symbolic number. Quartz and cement make up the dome in patterned laces.
Wilmette’s location is 14 miles north of downtown Chicago. The drive to this place is approximately 35 – 40 minutes long. Visit in late spring/summer when gardens are in bloom. Fall colour can be used as well. Please check the visitor hours before visiting.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
This house was constructed in 1889 by Frank Lloyd Wright. He was only 22. He lived and worked here for about 20 years. This is where he shaped his Prairie style.
Oak Park has one of the largest collections of Wright-designed buildings in the world. The kids’ playroom, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, is a favourite room on the tour.
More Wright can be seen at the Robie House in Hyde Park. It is a World Heritage Site.
About 10 miles west of downtown is Oak Park. Allow 25 to 35 minutes. Spring and fall are best. Please consult the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust for tour information and ticket prices.
Famous Landmarks Across Illinois
The Illinois major landmarks below sit farther from the city. Plan a day trip, or turn them into a weekend.
Starved Rock State Park
This Park is located on the Illinois River near Utica. It features 18 canyons, high sandstone bluffs, and waterfalls that appear in the spring. It has over 13 miles of trails that wind through it.
The name comes from a legend. It says Illiniwek warriors were trapped on the rock and starved. There remains much controversy over what is factual.
It’s about 95 miles southwest of Chicago, about a 90-minute drive. Mountain waterfalls are best enjoyed in the spring. Fall brings color. During the winter months, there are frozen falls and bald eagles. It gets very busy on the weekend, so make sure to arrive early!
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Springfield is Lincoln’s hometown. The story of his life is brought to life in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, featuring life-size scenes and detailed exhibits. It opened in the early 2000s.
Don’t skip the show called Ghosts of the Library. It uses holograms to bring the library’s past to life.
It is approximately 200 miles from Chicago, and about three hours by car. It’s pleasant in the Spring and Fall. Allow half a day. Check the official site for tickets.
Lincoln’s Tomb and Lincoln Home
Lincoln’s Tomb is in Oak Ridge Cemetery. A tall granite obelisk rises above it. Inside, a bronze bust of Lincoln stands near the entrance. Visitors rub its nose for luck, so it shines. The tomb is one of the most famous monuments in Illinois. As a monument, it’s simple and powerful.
Here’s a surprise. In 1876, thieves tried to steal Lincoln’s body. They failed. His remains were later sealed under concrete for protection.
A short drive away is Lincoln Home National Historic Site. It’s the only house Lincoln ever owned. He remained there until he departed for Washington in 1861. It is surrounded by blocks that are part of a historic district preserved by the National Park Service.
Visit in Spring and Fall. Visit the National Park Service website for availability of tour tickets.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Cahokia Mounds is located close to Collinsville, across the river from St. Louis. A city of thousands was located here some 1000 years ago. It was as big as numerous European towns of the day.
The height of Monks Mound is approximately 100 ft. It is the biggest prehistoric earthen monument North of Mexico. It was added by UNESCO to the World Heritage List in 1982. Cahokia rarely makes lists of the most famous world monuments. It should.
Look for Woodhenge too. It’s a circle of posts that tracks the sun’s path.
It takes approximately 4.5 hours by car to get to Collinsville, which is approximately 290 miles from Chicago. Spring and fall are the best seasons to work. Check the official site for sunrise events at Woodhenge.
Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois
This isn’t the Colorado one. Illinois is home to its own Garden of the Gods. It’s located in the southern part of the state in Shawnee National Forest. The sandstone cliffs here were formed approximately 320 million years ago.
Wind and water carved them into odd shapes. Camel Rock, Devil’s Smokestack, and Anvil Rock are the best known. These are some of the coolest landmarks in Illinois.
The trails are short, and the views are big. Go in fall for color. Spring brings wildflowers. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photos.
About 340-350 miles south of Chicago, about 5.5-6 hours. The majority of visitors do an overnight stay.
Route 66 Landmarks in Illinois
Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago. Look for the “Begin” sign on Adams Street, near Michigan Avenue. From there, the road runs about 300 miles across Illinois.
A few stops stand out. In Wilmington, the Gemini Giant, a 30-foot figure holding a rocket, greets drivers. Pontiac has a Route 66 museum and large murals. Springfield is a convenient ‘stopover’ destination.
Route 66 opened in 1926. In 1985, it was officially retired.
Wilmington is only a short ride from Chicago – approximately 60 miles. It’s 100 miles to Pontiac. Late spring to fall – when museums and eateries are open later. Always inspect each stop before traveling.
Distance From Chicago to Each Landmark
All distances and drive times are approximate and start from downtown Chicago.
| Landmark | City | Approximate Distance | Approximate Drive Time |
| Cloud Gate | Chicago | In the Loop | Walkable downtown |
| Willis Tower and Skydeck | Chicago | In the Loop | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Navy Pier | Chicago | 2 miles | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago | The Loop | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Chicago Riverwalk | Chicago | In the Loop | Walkable downtown |
| Wrigley Field | Chicago | 5 miles | 15 to 25 minutes |
| Buckingham Fountain | Chicago | 1 mile | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Baha’i House of Worship | Wilmette | 14 miles | 35 to 40 minutes |
| Frank Lloyd Wright Home | Oak Park | 10 miles | 25 to 35 minutes |
| Starved Rock State Park | Utica | 95 miles | About 1.5 hours |
| Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum | Springfield | 200 miles | About 3 hours |
| Lincoln’s Tomb and Home | Springfield | 200 miles | About 3 hours |
| Cahokia Mounds | Collinsville | 290 miles | About 4.5 hours |
| Garden of the Gods | Shawnee National Forest | 340 to 350 miles | 5.5 to 6 hours |
| Route 66 stops | Wilmington to Pontiac | 60 to 100 miles | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Which Illinois Landmarks Should You Visit?
You don’t need to see all 15. Pick by interest.
| If You Like… | Visit |
| Architecture | Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Chicago Cultural Center |
| History | Lincoln Home, Cahokia Mounds |
| Nature | Starved Rock, Garden of the Gods |
| Chicago attractions | Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Willis Tower |
| Sports | Wrigley Field |
| Road trips | Route 66, Springfield |
| Art and culture | Art Institute, Baha’i House of Worship |
Architecture fans should add a few more stops. The lobby of the Rookery Building was redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Monadnock Building was one of the highest load-bearing masonry buildings ever constructed.
A statue of Ceres is on top of the Chicago Board of Trade Building. Artist studios are still in the Fine Arts Building. The Old St. Patrick’s Church is the oldest public building in the city. The Chicago Water Tower has withstood the Great Fire of 1871. Many of these buildings are within a few blocks of each other.
Museums enrich the experience. Sue is one of the most complete skeletons of T. rex ever discovered and housed in the Field Museum. Shedd Aquarium accommodates children.
One of the best views of the city from the lake is from the Adler Planetarium. The property left behind from the 1893 World’s Fair is used by the Museum of Science and Industry.
The Chicago History Museum gives an overview of the Great Fire and Chicago’s development. Modern art is just off the Magnificent Mile, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center shares the history and art of African Americans. And the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen celebrates Mexican art and culture.
Best Time to Visit Illinois Landmarks
Spring and Summer
Warm months suit most landmarks. Buckingham Fountain runs. Navy Pier buzzes. Wrigley Field fills up. Starved Rock waterfalls are best enjoyed in the spring. Summer is busy, so get an early start.
Fall
Fall is my favorite. Starved Rock and Garden of the Gods assume a golden and red hue. The air is cool to walk in, and Chicago is quieter. Also a great time to take Route 66.
Winter
Winter is quieter. On clear days, the views on the Skydeck are clear. The Art Institute and museums are ideal places to spend time indoors. The Magnificent Mile is lit up with holiday decorations. Starved Rock has frozen waterfalls and bald eagles.
How to Group Landmarks Into Day Trips
Downtown Chicago Core
Start in the Loop. Cloud Gate, the Art Institute, and the Chicago Cultural Center sit within a few blocks. The Cultural Center has a huge Tiffany glass dome. Walk north on Michigan Avenue. You’ll cross the bridge and pass the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. This walk makes sightseeing easy in downtown.
Enjoy a performance at the Chicago Theatre in the Theatre District. Then have dinner in River North. Or stroll the Gold Coast for its historic homes.
North Shore and Oak Park
Head north on Lake Shore Drive. Enjoy a stop at Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo on the way. Go to the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette.
Then drive west to Oak Park for the Wright Home and Studio. It’s a full day, but it’s light on driving.
Starved Rock Day Trip
Leave early. Hike the canyons in the morning. Lunch near Utica. Finish with an overlook before you head back. It’s about 90 minutes each way.
Springfield Day Trip
Springfield is doable in one long day. Do the library and museum, then Lincoln Home, then the tomb. But three hours each way is tiring. An overnight stay makes it far more relaxed.
Southern Illinois Getaway
Plan two nights. On the way south, stop at Cahokia Mounds. Then head towards the Garden of the Gods. Spend the next morning on the trails. It’s a long drive, but the scenery changes frequently.
Sample One-Day and Weekend Itineraries
One Day in Chicago
- Morning: Cloud Gate and the Art Institute.
- Midday: lunch, then the Riverwalk and an architecture river cruise.
- Afternoon: Willis Tower and the Skydeck.
- Evening: dinner and a walk by Buckingham Fountain.
Two-Day Illinois Landmark Weekend
- Day one: follow the one-day plan above.
- Day two: Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park in the morning. Then the Baha’i House of Worship in the afternoon.
Three-Day History and Nature Trip
- Day one: Starved Rock, then drive to Springfield.
- Day two: the Lincoln Library, Lincoln Home, and Lincoln’s Tomb.
- Day three: Route 66 stops in Pontiac and Wilmington on the way back to Chicago.
How to Get Around Illinois Landmarks
Landmarks Easy to Reach Without a Car
Most downtown landmarks are walkable. Cloud Gate, Willis Tower, the Art Institute, the Riverwalk, and Buckingham Fountain are all close. Navy Pier is a short bus or trolley ride away.
The Red Line gets you to Wrigley Field. The Green Line reaches Oak Park. The Purple Line runs toward Wilmette, with a short walk to the temple. Amtrak also runs to Springfield.
Landmarks That Need a Car
Starved Rock, Cahokia Mounds, Garden of the Gods, and most Route 66 stops need a car. They are not easily accessible by public transportation. Plan your trip and fuel stops in advance.
Parking and Traffic Challenges
Downtown parking is expensive and hard to find. Expressway traffic can slow any trip, especially at rush hour. Game days at Wrigley Field add to the crowds. Leave extra time, and avoid driving into the city between 4 and 6 p.m.
Visiting Illinois Landmarks With Private Transportation
Transit works downtown. It doesn’t help much with Cahokia or Garden of the Gods. For longer trips, many visitors choose luxury transportation services over driving themselves. Here’s how that plays out.
Chauffeured Rides for Long-Distance Landmark Trips
Starved Rock is 90 minutes away. Springfield takes three hours. Garden of the Gods takes almost six. That’s a lot of drisprinterving. A private car service like Black Car Services Chicago lets you skip the wheel, the GPS, and the parking hunt.
You sit back and watch the countryside. Couples often pick a black car service for trips like this. It’s quiet, comfortable, and on schedule. Some travelers go bigger for a special day. Stretch limousines work well for anniversaries and milestone birthdays.
Hourly Chauffeur Service for Multi-Stop Sightseeing
The stops in downtown are all within a short distance. It is actually parking that is the issue. Hourly service provides a solution. The driver lets you off at the door and waits near you.
Private tours are available around your own schedule. Perhaps first Cloud Gate, then the Skydeck, then dinner in River North. Fixed Chicago city tours are provided on predetermined routes and hours.
A hired driver will follow your road plan instead. This makes traveling to and from downtown an option for most people with children in tow, older family members, or a tight schedule.
Group Travel by Sprinter or Party Bus
Larger groups require more space. Many families rent ashuttle sprinter van for a day at Starved Rock. Friends can arrange a party bus hire for an evening in the city to celebrate their birthday. A charter bus is ideal for school trips and gatherings for larger groups.
A motorcoach works well for corporate outings. A tour bus has big windows for the views. That makes group sightseeing easier to lead. Group transportation also means one drop-off instead of ten cars. Between nearby stops, a shuttle service keeps everyone together.
Airport Pickup for Visitors Arriving in Chicago
Many visitors land first and sightsee second. O’Hare International Airport sits about 17 miles northwest of the Loop. Midway is closer, about 10 miles southwest. Traffic can turn either trip into an hour or more.
Pre-booked airport transportation removes the guesswork. A driver tracks your flight and waits at arrivals. Landing at O’Hare? An O’Hare airport limo service can take you straight to your hotel or first landmark.
Flying into Chicago Midway International Airport? A black car service to Midway Airport works the same way. Good airport transfer services also help when you leave, since early flights and rush hour don’t mix.
Final Thoughts
Illinois has more to offer than most people expect. Chicago gives you the big names: Cloud Gate, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Wrigley Field. The suburbs add Wright and the Baha’i temple. The rest of the state brings Lincoln, Cahokia, Starved Rock, Garden of the Gods, and Route 66. Pick two or three and start there. Explore at your own pace.
If you’d rather skip the driving, Black Car Services Chicago can help plan the ride. Tell the team which landmarks you want and how many people are coming. They’ll suggest the right vehicle and route.
FAQs
What are the top 10 famous landmarks?
Worldwide, the list usually includes the Eiffel Tower, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Colosseum, Statue of Liberty, Pyramids of Giza, Machu Picchu, Big Ben, Sydney Opera House, and Christ the Redeemer. In Illinois, the top famous landmarks are Cloud Gate, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, and the Lincoln sites.
What is Chicago’s most famous landmark?
Most people name Cloud Gate first. Willis Tower comes a close second. Navy Pier and Wrigley Field round out the top four.
What famous landmark completely lives up to the hype?
Many visitors say the Skydeck lives up to the hype on a clear day. Starved Rock does too after spring rain. Cloud Gate looks smaller than people expect, but the reflections win most visitors over.
What are the top 3 most famous buildings?
In Chicago, the three most famous buildings are usually Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the Wrigley Building. Tribune Tower and Marina City follow close behind.
What famous landmarks have you ever visited?
Use this list as a checklist. Many travelers have seen Cloud Gate and Navy Pier. Fewer have visited Cahokia Mounds or Garden of the Gods. Those two are worth adding.
How to find guided tours for famous landmarks near me?
In Chicago, start with Chicago Architecture Center river cruises and walking tours. Many sites run their own tours too. For a custom route, you can book private tours with a chauffeur. Search the landmark’s name plus “tours” to see current dates.
