What to do in Illinois

Fans of baseball know Wrigley Field as the long-time home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this is one of the oldest and best-known ballparks in the US. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball history have been played out here, including Babe Ruth’s now famous “called shot” in 1932 during the World Series. He allegedly pointed to the bleachers, predicting that he’d hit a home run, and then did. Legendary Cubs player Ernie Banks nicknamed the stadium "The Friendly Confines" because fans were wild about their team and ballpark. Catch a game and mingle with the passionate locals if you’re in town March through September.

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.

Locals and visitors come to Six Flags Great America to escape the heat during Milwaukee’s summer months. The theme park has almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) of roller coaster track alongside a host of other family attractions and entertainment set over a sprawling area close to the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.