Top Illinois Self-guided Tours

Escape the bustle of the city during this one or two-hour kayak rental along Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. Experience the serene waters of the iconic lake as you paddle at your own pace in a single or tandem kayak, enjoying views of Chicago’s famous skyline. Take breaks along nearby urban beachfronts, with the option to extend your rental time. Stand-up paddleboards are also available for rental.

The Mississippi backwaters in this area is an untouched natural habitat. No other canoe/kayak rental company will put you into the heart of this wonderland. Take a day tour or overnight camping trip on the river. The sound of nature will calm you. Stop and listen. Visit an island with a sandy beach. Thousands of lily pads bloom huge yellow flowers in late summer. Large flocks of water fowl stop by in spring and fall. Turtles are common sights. Tall trees grow on numerous islands. Max capacity of canoe (people): 695 lbs. Max capacity of canoe (total weight including equipment): 775 lbs. Max wt. of individual person in canoe: 250 lbs. Max number of people in canoe: 5 persons Max capacity of both Pelican kayaks: 225 lbs Mac capacity of both Quest kayaks: 275 lbs We have one canoe and four kayaks so we can accommodate up to 9 people (within weight limits).

Kayak under towering saint peters sandstone bluffs, see Bald Eagles, great american white pelicans, lotus flowers and more

Enjoy a unique creative outlet—and learn the ins and outs of graffiti and street art—during this hands-on urban art workshop. Learn different styles and techniques from your instructors (including guest artists), try out stenciling and spray-painting, and create your own work of art on canvas to bring home at the end of class.

This self-guided walking tour is perfect for last-minute travelers who love chocolate! Travelers will use the eATLAS app for directions on where to go, and what to do--map included. You can start and pause the Adventure whenever it is convenient for you. Chicago was once the “Candy Capital of the World,” and chocolate has been a rich, decadent part of the city’s culinary history longer than deep-dish pizza and Italian beef. Milton Hershey even learned how to make chocolate in Chicago at the 1893 World’s Fair. Some of the world’s most beloved chocolate treats, including Tootsie Rolls, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Snickers, 3 Musketeers and Milky Way, were invented or are manufactured here. There are 8 delicious Loop and River North stops on our tour/scavenger hunt. Simply read the clues and follow the directions to guess the answers. Hints are provided if you need help. You won’t be required to buy anything, but if you need a quick pick-me-up, what’s better than chocolate?

Set off on an exciting adventure in Naperville! Solve mysteries, tackle intriguing questions, and uncover the city’s rich history along the way. Admire the “Wall of Faces,” a moving tribute to the victims of 9/11, and explore the “Crown Jewel” park filled with beautiful art and meaningful memorials. Take selfies by the Millennium Carillon Tower, named in honor of the generous Moser family. Wander across scenic bridges, count towering trees, and even figure out how many grizzly bears a bridge could hold!

S. Silvera Charters offers a unique luxury yacht rental for those looking to create unforgettable memories on the water. Perfect for special events or leisurely cruising, this charter allows you to set your own schedule and enjoy a personalized experience. With a minimum rental of three hours, you can relax on board while exploring beautiful coastal views. Captain's fees are separate, ensuring a tailored experience for your group. - Exclusive yacht rental for luxury experiences - Flexible scheduling with afternoon and evening options - Minimum three-hour rental for ample exploration - Personalized service with optional captain at an additional fee

Skip the dry guidebook and gamify your sightseeing in Galena with this interactive digital scavenger hunt. Follow clues and take on challenges to explore the town on foot or by car, learning about its history, landmarks, unique shops, and quirks along the way. A remote host will keep you engaged and on track during your experience and your score will be added to the leaderboard from more than 300 city hunts.

An immersive clue-solving adventure around the trendy arts neighborhood Fulton Market. Search for real-world clues, solve puzzles, and discover the neighborhood with an experience you'll never forget! Reschedule anytime with no fees. It's a scavenger hunt, escape room, and urban crawl all-in-one. Follow the storyline around town as you find clues and use them to crack codes. Then enter solutions on the app to find out where to go next. Clues can be anywhere - murals, statues, landmarks, and more! Plan on about two hours of playtime, depending on your experience level and how much time you spend exploring along the way. Difficulty level is adjustable - take as many or as few hints as you’d like! PLEASE NOTE: Bookings made less than 7 days before your play date will be scheduled for local pickup. For bookings made 7+ days in advance, our team will contact you to arrange shipping.

Dive into Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on an interactive scavenger hunt, perfect for families, friends, or team building! Guided by clues on your phone, you’ll solve puzzles, unlock local legends, and discover iconic sites like the Old Water Tower, Tribune Tower, and bustling Riverwalk—plus hidden gems along the way. Go at your own pace, compete for fun, and see the best of Chicago’s lively downtown in a whole new way. Teams of up to six welcome; no local knowledge required—just curiosity and comfy shoes.

Discover Chicago in a fun new way—and combine your sightseeing with a lively scavenger hunt—on this 2-in-1 excursion. With your smartphone in hand, set off at a time that works best for you on this self-led tour. Prompted by the game, explore the Windy City's vibrant Loop neighborhood. Spot historic buildings, famous streets, and other local landmarks along the way, all while your party solves clues and challenges.

The streets of Chicago hold clues to a chilling murder. Can you piece together what happened on this self-guided walking quest? Your smartphone delivers clues, witness statements, and puzzles as you navigate between real-world locations that become your crime scene. Each stop reveals new evidence and suspects. Follow the trail from location to location, piecing together the story while exploring Chicago's streets. The app guides you step by step with an immersive narrative full of twists. This 1–2 hour private detective adventure runs 24/7 — start whenever you want, pause for coffee or photos, and play at your own pace. Available in 5+ languages.

Don’t just explore Chicago’s best-known landmarks—put your problem-solving skills and competitive side to the test with this private scavenger hunt experience. The game will be conducted via your smartphone, with a live, remote guide to accompany and assist you. As you go, hunt for clues, discover unusual sights, take part in bonus challenges—and see where you team falls on the national leaderboard.

Experience Chicago in a new way on this small-group Segway tour. Visit Chicago’s "front yard," and see more of the sights in less time. Glide along the fragrant floral paths of Grant Park to the famous Buckingham Fountain. Then, travel along the banks of Lake Michigan to the Museum Campus for top-notch views of the city’s iconic skyline. Guided Segway training and helmets are included, making this a beginner-friendly tour.

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Springfield. Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locations. You'll have the option to explore the downtown area using the Walking Map or follow a Driving Map on the city's outskirts. Once you choose, the exact starting point will be revealed. *See images for route. Park or stop at each location, listen to the audio story, and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. Finally, make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. Your overall detective skills will be evaluated, culminating in a Case Performance Score to measure your sleuthing prowess. This game is suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, offering an immersive audio tale filled with intrigue.

Take your shot at completing this Chicago Scavenger Hunt around the Loop and River North neighborhoods including the Riverwalk. Complete this solo or build a ScavSquad of up to 5 people and discover the city like never before! Use clues and hints within the app to complete the objectives (if you get stuck, you can skip and go back later). Some objectives have prizes so do your best to complete as many objectives correctly. Once complete, you can view the Leaderboard to see how you did against others.

"Dive into adventure with Let’s Roam, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on an epic journey of exploration! Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or turning up the competition, Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts guarantee a blast for all. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a spontaneous outing, a wild bachelorette bash, a festive birthday celebration, or a team-building extravaganza. Each player gets to dive into an interactive role, ensuring every challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next. So, gather your squad, choose your adventure, and let the good times roll! With Let’s Roam, every outing becomes a treasure trove of memories and excitement. Are you ready to conquer the city and create unforgettable experiences? Let’s Roam and make every day an adventure!"

Looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of paddling with the stunning natural beauty of Illinois? Our Guided Kayak Rentals near Chicago are the perfect way to experience Starved Rock State Park from a whole new perspective.

Discover Springfield like never before on this interactive scavenger hunt walking activity. Navigate through the city, unraveling puzzles and uncovering fascinating trivia about Abraham Lincoln and the rich history dating back to 1818. Explore the city’s oldest homes, learn quirky facts about Lincoln's life, and snap memorable selfies along the way. With an app guiding your adventure, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace while savoring local bites at the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop. This unique blend of fun and education makes for an unforgettable outing for families, friends, or couples.

Enjoy a day on the water with your Daily Tandem Kayak Rentals, perfect for families, couples, and dog lovers. These versatile kayaks feature two adjustable seats that can be converted for solo paddling. With a total capacity of 550 pounds, they easily accommodate fishing gear and personal items. Bring your furry friend along—dogs under 40 pounds can sit comfortably between paddlers, while larger dogs can ride in the second seat. Tandems can hold up to three people if the third passenger is 70 pounds or less. Dogs under 40 pounds can ride comfortably on a pad between the two paddlers, while larger dogs can sit as the second passenger.

Kayak under towering Saint Peters sandstone bluffs, see Bald Eagles, Great American White Pelicans, lotus flowers and more

Operation City Quest of Springfield is a great way to see the city! Use an app to submit photos of items you find around the city and challenges you complete for points. The items and challenges can be completed in any order you prefer! See your score on the app leaderboard to see how you compare. The scavenger hunt includes a remote host to help via chat along the way. Come discover Springfield.

Explore Chicago's cinematic history through a thrilling scavenger hunt that takes you to 12 iconic movie locations across the Loop and River North. Participants will engage with the city’s vibrant architecture and learn about its role in popular films, from classic comedies to dramatic stories. The hunt encourages teamwork as you answer questions, upload photos, and guess locations to earn points. Helpful hints in the form of movie clips and photographs will guide you along the way. Unleash your inner film buff and discover the magic of Chicago’s film scene while enjoying a fun-filled adventure with friends or family.