All Illinois Tours & Excursions in 2026

Go beyond Capone. An expert guides uncovers the Beer Wars, the ambushes, and the brutal rivalries on these exact streets.

Winner of 10 Best History Tours by USA Today in 2026, and the "ORIGINAL" Chinatown tour since 2001. Discover the history, culture, and hidden stories of Chicago’s Chinatown on a guided walking tour through one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Starting at Chinatown Library, you'll visit iconic landmarks, including Chinatown Square, Chinatown Mural, Ping Tom Memorial Park, the Chinatown Gate, Nine Dragon Wall, Pui Tak Center, Chinese Buddhist Temple, St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church, and more. Along the way, you'll learn about Chinese heritage, local traditions, and the community’s lasting impact on Chicago before ending at the historical old Chinatown. - Explore Chicago Chinatown with a knowledgeable guide. - Learn about Chinese culture, history, and traditions. - Admire public art and the Chinatown Mural - Perfect for first-time visitors and returning guests alike

This private architectural walking tour in Chicago explores residences that reflect the city’s design evolution. You will begin along Lake Shore Drive, where early high-rise living reshaped urban life. What architectural movements defined Chicago’s rise as a global city? Historic homes reveal craftsmanship influenced by leading architects of the modern era. Prestigious streets present a collection of preserved facades that reflect social and cultural history. Landmark residences highlight transitions from classical to modern design principles. This experience offers insight into architectural innovation and the lifestyles that shaped it. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Discover a cherished Chinese tradition through a fun and creative Kite Coloring Workshop in Chicago's Chinatown. Learn about the fascinating history of kites, which were first invented in ancient China, and hear the cultural stories behind this centuries-old art form. Then, let your creativity shine as you design and color your own blank silk kite under the guidance of experienced instructors. Once your masterpiece is complete, you'll take it home as a unique keepsake of your cultural experience. This hands-on activity is suitable for all ages and offers an engaging way to connect with Chinese heritage through art and storytelling. - Learn the history and cultural significance of traditional Chinese kites. - Design and color your own silk kite to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir. - Enjoy a hands-on cultural activity suitable for participants of all ages. - Take your finished kite home as a memorable keepsake

Travel on a piece of history! We travel on the Chicago River seeing the sights after watching the Holiday Fireworks Show. Perfect for Fire enthusiasts, families and everyone in between! Our flagship vessel is a retired Chicago fire boat, the Fred A Busse, Engine 41, which served Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Firefighter patches from around the world and memorabilia from Engine 41's time in service, adorn the walls inside the cabin.

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!

Take part in a unique evening Happy Hour Cruise, featuring fresh craft beers while cruising the stunning Chicago skyline. Every Thursday and Friday evening, this 2-hour experience begins on Lake Michigan, sails through the locks, and navigates the Chicago River, providing breathtaking views and delightful sunsets. On Thursdays, a representative from Phase Three Brewing will be onboard to share insights about their innovative ales and lagers, enhancing your tasting experience. On Fridays, we showcase live music. This cruise is exclusively for adults 21 and older, making it the perfect outing for beer enthusiasts looking to unwind in a vibrant setting. - Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise - Cruise through Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago's iconic skyline - Exclusively for adults 21 and over, ensuring a mature atmosphere

Experience the authentic flavors of Chinatown on a 3-hour guided food tour curated by Chicago Tribune Good Eating Award winner Z.J. Tong. As you explore the neighborhood with a local guide, you'll sample regional Chinese specialties, discover the stories behind each dish, and gain a deeper understanding of Chinatown's rich culture and history. Tea and ice water are included throughout the tour. - Sample authentic regional Chinese dishes at local favorite eateries. - Explore Chinatown with knowledgeable guides connected to the community. - Learn the cultural traditions and stories behind every tasting. - Enjoy an award-winning culinary experience curated by Z.J. Tong.

Explore Chicago's iconic skyline on this enlightening Riverwalk architectural tour. Experience the rich tapestry of history and innovation as "you get your steps in" along the scenic Riverwalk, revealing the stories behind the city’s most celebrated structures. Expert guides will share insights into the work of renowned architects like Mies van der Rohe and Jeanne Gang, showcasing the stunning interplay of glass, steel, and water. Ideal for architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike, this tour offers a unique perspective on the Windy City’s vibrant culture and architectural beauty. - Discover Chicago’s architectural evolution from Art Deco to modern designs - Guided insights from experts on legendary architects and their masterpieces - Enjoy a scenic stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk - Perfect for both architecture lovers and those new to Chicago

SHOOTING&SPINNING IS ALLOWED FROM 18 YEARS OF AGE. In case it is a group, everyone must be 18+ Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for an exciting new experience, our activity promises a one-of-a-kind artistic journey. Book now and embark on an adventure that will leave you with an extraordinary masterpiece and unforgettable memories.

"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!"

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.

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago with engaging tours that delve into the rich history and culture of areas like Chatham, led by Historian Dilla, who uncovers the unique stories and contributions of these communities, providing an authentic experience of Chicago's diverse heritage. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about local culture, these tours offer fascinating insights into the Windy City's past and present. The tours vary in duration but typically last around 2 hours, making them perfect for a quick but enriching adventure. - Discover the history and culture of Chicago's neighborhoods - Tours available in Chatham - Led by knowledgeable Historian Dilla for an authentic experience

Discover Starved Rock’s canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls on this 3-mile (round trip) guided hike. Listen as the guide tells stories of how Starved Rock got its name along with other legends of the area. Break for lunch at the halfway point. Lunch includes your choice of turkey, ham or veggie wrap, snacks and bottled water. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hike will vary upon group skill and trail conditions. *Boxed lunch and souvenir drawstring backpack included. Online bookings are subject to additional fees.

With Crazy Dash, you'll use an app to explore Chicago in this exciting scavenger hunt! Use an app to find things around the city in any order you want, take photos, and collect points. At the end, take a look at the rankings to see your score compared to others across the country. All scavenger hunts have a live remote host that will help via chat. Crazy Dash is our most easy-going scavenger hunt. Come join us in Chicago today!

Enjoy an effortless start to your Chicago trip with this private transfer service from O’Hare International Airport. After landing, grab your luggage and meet your driver, who will be waiting for you directly at the terminal. Then, climb aboard your luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle: you can sit back and relax—and take in the Chicago scenery—as your driver whisks you directly to your destination.

Experience the joy of the holiday season aboard the Santa Claus Sleigh Ride Cruises on the Chicago River. This 75-minute ride offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Chicago's stunning winter skyline while creating cherished memories with the family. From November 14 to December 20, join us every Saturday and Sunday for festive fun, including a special visit from Santa himself. Dress warmly, as rides are weather permitting, and come prepared for a delightful outing that supports veterans in need through Shepherd's House. - 75-minute scenic cruise along the Chicago River - Family-friendly experience with a visit from Santa Claus - Available Saturdays and Sundays from November 14 to December 20 - Drinks and snacks available for purchase on board

Chicago is inseparable from its Black history, where local pioneers helped shape the city’s story. On this self-guided audio tour through downtown Chicago, you’ll hear untold stories of Black excellence, resilience, and activism that transformed both the city and the nation. From Underground Railroad stations to civil rights battlegrounds, you’ll discover how Chicago became a beacon for those seeking freedom and opportunity. Starting at the site of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable’s mansion near the Chicago River, you’ll follow the footsteps of the city’s founder: a Black man who established Chicago’s first trading post in the 1770s. You’ll walk through the heart of the Loop, exploring sites where pioneering entrepreneurs like John Jones built businesses that became platforms for activism. The tour ends at Grant Park, where Barack Obama delivered his historic presidential acceptance speech in 2008 – a moment that represented the culmination of generations of struggle.

A puzzle adventure from the Bean to the Chicago River. Solve six objectives, walk about a mile, and see downtown Chicago like nobody else does. Six stops. Clues hidden in sculpture, fountains, columns, bridge towers and stone. Each one you crack unlocks the next. Part scavenger hunt, part brain teaser, all through Millennium Park and up the Magnificent Mile. Chicago flies four red stars on its flag, each a moment the city could have ended and didn’t. You’ll spot details everyone else walks right past and piece together the words the city left behind. The kind of stuff that makes someone say “wait, seriously?” Between stops, a short audio transmission from Operations Center tells you what you found and where to go next. Snap the hidden small door and our AI analyst confirms it for a bonus badge. No tour guide. No schedule. Your field guide is delivered straight to your phone, with no app or login needed. Hints are built in so you’re never stuck.

Unleash your creativity in a Turkish Mosaic Art workshop at our Naperville studio, where you’ll craft your own stunning mosaic lamp. Guided by experienced instructors, learn the art of mosaic design as you select vibrant glass pieces and decorative beads to create a personalized masterpiece. Enjoy the rich flavors of Turkish coffee and indulge in delightful sweets, all while immersing yourself in the captivating history of Turkish mosaic art. Perfect for beginners and families, this workshop promises a unique blend of art, culture, and fun.

Use an app to survive a zombie apocalypse in Naperville. In Zombie Scavengers, explore the city however you'd like to search for items needed to survive a zombie apocalypse. You'll get points for finding these items. You can also do some zombie themed challenges for points on the app as well. Strategize in order to get the most points and survive the apocalypse. Your remote host will be there for you via chat if you need anything. Can you survive the apocalypse in Naperville?

You’ll be creating a unique fragrance that is true to you! We save it on file so you can order refills (at a discounted rate as long as you keep your bottle) and we rotate fragrances on the bar so you can always come in to create a new scent too! We’ve been around for over 30 years (established 1993) and have been a hidden gem in Chicago’s beautiful Lincoln Park area for the entire time. Nothing beats experience and trained perfumers to help guide and create the right proportions for you! We are BYOB—just board liquor allowed. But beer, wine, or a few hard seltzers are ok. It’s the perfect outing for date night, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthdays, business outings or even solo! For bigger groups (5+) you will have to book on our website or give us a call for instructions. It is a private activity in the sense that you get your own table or seating with your reservation—just like you would at a restaurant.

"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!"

Visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center at your own pace on a self-guided tour. With pre-booked admission tickets, you’ll have complimentary access to an audioguide and entrance to the interactive Survivors Stories Experience. Listen to holograms of Holocaust survivors as they answer your questions. Other galleries include the Take a Stand Center and a special hands-on youth section.