Guys, it’s almost summer. Each summer, we make promises that we won’t let this summer get away from us. And much like those New Year’s resolutions, they fall by the wayside. Well, let’s make this summer different and actually embrace it. Add these 15 activities to your Illinois summer bucket list.
1. Take yourself (and someone else) out to the ball game.
Whether you go to the big leagues or the minor leagues, it's great to enjoy a beer, popcorn, and great times with friends.
2. Go to the Illinois State Fair.
See the animals, eat food on a stick, and try to stomach the craziest rides.
3. Decide for yourself who makes the best Chicago style hot dog.
There are plenty of hot dog shops to explore. Go!
4. See something that blows your mind.
You might start with this cypress bog (Heron Pond), which is home to bald cypress trees that are 20 feet in circumference at the trunk and over 1,000 years old.
5. Find a natural spot to swim.
Sure, pools are fun. But people love to hang out at the spillway at Lake Kinkaid. Depending on rainwater, the pools are very deep and a lot of fun to frolic in.
6. Check out a premier Illinois sunset.
Great sunsets can be found across Illinois, but we think that the best might be at Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest.
7. See animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Illinois has a number of exceptional zoos to explore. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and offers awesome animal exhibits.
8. Take Fido on a cruise.
Yes, there are cruise services that actually let you bring your dog, like this one that goes down the Chicago River.
9. Explore Illinois architecture.
Many world-famous architects have created masterpieces across Chicago. Pictured here: the Farnsworth House (Plano).
10. Head out to Ravinia.
Ravinia is all about wine, fancy picnic baskets, and great music. Get into it.
12. Run through the fountains at Millenium Park.
Whether you have kids or not, let your inner kid out and enjoy the water on a hot summer day.
12. Dine on a rooftop.
Plenty of people will be dining on the patio, but take it up a notch and dine on the roof. Especially if you dine in Chicago, you can get some fantastic (free) views of the city.
13. Go to a farmers market.
Enjoy all of the fruits, veggies, and herbs that no one produces like the state of Illinois.
14. Stroll around Anderson Japanese Gardens.
In Rockford, you can find one of the best authentic Japanese-style gardens in North America.
15. Enjoy Illinois' natural beauty.
Whether you're exploring Illinois' waterfalls, canyons, or forests, there is plenty to enjoy.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.