All Illinois Tours & Excursions in 2026

Enjoy the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at one of the Windy City's most storied venues on this insider tour of the Chicago Theater. Let your guide lead the way, as you hear about the theater's architecture, history, and famous performers throughout the years. Stand on the famed stage and take in the atmosphere, and see artist signatures from notable performers, including Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton. A great activity for fans of music and live performance.

Discover Chicago architectural treasures—and immerse yourself in the Windy City's history—on this small-group walking tour. Your focus is the iconic stained glass pieces crafted and designed by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Following your guide from the Chicago Architecture Center, visit four late-19th-century landmarks that contain glass works by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his contemporaries. This in-depth, insider tour is a must-do for history and architecture fans.

Travel through architectural history on this express, small-group walking tour, which covers Chicago's most famous buildings in chronological order (and which is speedy enough to cater to the most time-pressed travelers). With a guide in the lead, there's no need to fuss over maps or worry about directions. Simply stroll along and listen to the in-depth commentary on Chicago's architectural history; you'll learn about each building, and will have plenty of chances to stop for photos.

Paint ""Therapy"" is allowed for individuals aged 18 and over. In the case of a group, all participants must be 18 or older Engage in a vibrant explosion of creativity with the Neon Paint Therapy Experience at Shot Of Art. This immersive 30-minute activity invites adults aged 18 and over to unleash their artistic flair while surrounded by glowing neon lights and energetic vibes. Armed with water guns filled with neon paint, participants can freely express themselves on canvas and walls, creating a unique masterpiece. With premium clothes protection provided, enjoy the thrill of painting without worry. Capture the moment and let your imagination run wild in this exhilarating art session.

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the hit TV show *Chicago P.D.* on this small-group tour of the set and beyond. Visit real filming locations including the Firehouse 51 exterior, Molly’s Bar, District 21 Station (UIC Police HQ), Millennium Park’s Bean, and the stunning Chicago Cultural Center and hear insider stories that you'd miss on your own.

Step into the shadows of Chicago’s past on this adults-only haunted pub crawl, where ghost stories, historic landmarks, and legendary nightlife collide. Beginning near the iconic Palmolive Building, this guided experience takes you through the city’s Gold Coast and beyond, uncovering the eerie aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire and the restless spirits it may have left behind. Along the way, you’ll visit a curated mix of historic sites and local bars, blending chilling storytelling with time to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere. Adults 21+ only, must have valid I.D.

Arrange for a stress-free ride to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway Airport (MDW) with this private transfer service. Meet your professional chauffeur at your hotel in downtown Chicago (or other Chicagoland destinations), and relax on the journey to the airport in a private sedan or minivan. You can leave the navigation to someone else, and reach the airport relaxed and in time for your flight.

Ensure a hassle-free arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway Airport (MDW) with this private transfer service to your downtown Chicago hotel (or farther-flung Chicagoland destination). Take the stress out of finding a taxi at Chicago's busy airports and book a private vehicle in advance. Travel in style by luxury sedan or SUV that can accommodate up to six passengers.

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.

Immerse yourself in American literary traditions, and enjoy a wide range of interactive exhibitions, during a visit to Chicago’s one-of-a-kind American Writers Museum. Conveniently located on Michigan Avenue, the museum was established in 2017, and is one of the city’s newest highlight institutions. Guarantee your admission, and prevent any travel hassles, by securing your tickets in advance. Once inside, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace.

Discover the amazing history and architecture of Chicago with expert tour guide Dave Lineal. Walk among gigantic towers of downtown and learn how Chicago became a global force in culture, commerce, and architecture. Our tour will explore building interiors like the world's oldest skyscrapers, City Hall, the underground Pedway, and the old library. We will observe public art like the Picasso and the Bean. While immersed in the places where it happened, Chicago's colorful stories will vividly spring to life. This walking tour aims to enhance your understanding of modern-day Chicago by a deep dive exploration of its history. Your guide to the city is the friendly and well-informed Dave Lineal: local artist, culture vulture, and historian. Dave is tested and certified by the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Association. This is an outdoors / indoors all-weather walking tour with a duration of two hours. We will meet under the marquee at the Chicago Theater, 175 N. State Street.

To me, one can appreciate a given building, or piece of public sculpture, far better when a tour guide explains the historical and cultural context. What was important in that era, and what was the architecture of that era thus trying express? I do know a lot about this. Thus, you will gain this information about each point of interest. I have taken other tours here, and I just do not hear a word from that point of view. This tour will be like an open history book to an America that no longer exists: Roman and Greek architectural styles, as well as French and British-influenced styles. Of course, you will see the latest in office building architectural styles from around the world, for those of you who just love the modern era as well.

Explore the sights and skyscrapers of Chicago’s spectacular Riverwalk on this private, self-led smartphone walking tour. Upon booking, download the app and receive a password to access your tour; once it’s on your phone, it is valid forever. Set off at a time that works best for you: see highlights like the Merchandise Mart, Wrigley Building, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and much more.

Our tour will take you through Millennium Park, starting at the Millennium Park Welcome Center. We’ll wander past shining sculptures, playful fountains, and peaceful gardens, all while soaking in the city’s energy, ending at Queen’s Landing, where the city meets the lake, and the skyline stretches as far as you can see. You'll learn the history of the city, see the sites, learn about what you are seeing and be guided step by step by our walking tour app.

Every Friday & Saturday at 10:30pm, Sundays at 7:00 at The Neo-Futurist Theater, the Neo-Futurist Ensemble attempts to perform 30 original, handcrafted, radically honest plays in the ever-shrinking span of 60 minutes. Each play offers something different, be it funny, profound, elegant, disgusting, topical, irreverent, terrifying, or musical; all are ORIGINAL, truthful and tackle the here-and-now, inspired by the lived experiences of the performers. With new plays every week, THE INFINITE WRENCH is The Neo-Futurists’ ongoing and ever-changing attempt to shift the conventions of live performance and speak to those unreached or unmoved by traditional theater. Masking is optional on Friday and Saturdays. Masks are required on Sundays.

Shoreline water taxis are the fast and fun way to get to Chicago’s top attractions. Our water taxis aren’t tours, but they are a great way to get around town. Offering multiple docks conveniently located near major attractions including Navy Pier, the Willis (Sears) Tower, Michigan Avenue, Museum Campus, and Union Station.

Step into Chicago’s coolest hidden bars on a mid-century cocktail adventure! Join a local guide to discover vintage lounges, secret speakeasies, and retro bars most tourists miss. Savor expertly crafted cocktails (own expense), hear untold stories of the city’s nightlife boom, and soak in stylish decor straight from the 1950s and 60s. This small-group tour is perfect for cocktail lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path night out in the Windy City.

Considered Chicago’s original “Millionaire’s Row,” Prairie Avenue in the Near South Side is renowned for its Gilded Age mansions—and this tour makes exploring easy (and delightfully spooky). In the evening, meet your guide in front of the Glessner House, and set off with ghost-hunting gear to accompany you. In between spotting highlights including the Marshall Field Jr. Mansion and the Henry B. Clarke House, you’ll hunt for specters and hear ghost stories.

Exploring Oak Park, Illinois, where Frank Lloyd Wright resided during the crucial early years of his career, offers a captivating journey through the evolution of his architectural vision. The neighborhood is renowned for hosting the largest collection of Wright's work. Built between 1892 and 1909, your stroll through the neighborhood takes you to several private homes and Wright’s studio providing a fascinating glimpse into his creative progression and the birth of the iconic Prairie style. View the exteriors of nearly a dozen of Wright’s structures. This one-hour walking tour covers nearly a dozen homes on Chicago and Forest avenues and on Elizabeth Court.

Forget the history you learned in school—Chicago’s story looks very different when told through the women who helped shape it. On this captivating 2-hour walking tour, discover trailblazers like Ida B. Wells, Jane Addams, Katherine Buckingham, and Jeanne Gang while exploring some of Chicago’s most spectacular and often overlooked architectural interiors. Step beyond the famous landmarks to uncover women who challenged convention, created groundbreaking art and architecture, fought for justice, and helped shape the city we know today. Your expert local guide brings their stories to life, revealing fascinating details most visitors—and even locals—never hear. - Discover the untold stories of extraordinary Chicago women - Step inside beautiful, hidden architectural interiors - See Chicago history from a fresh, empowering perspective - Support a local, woman-owned small business Starts near Roosevelt University and ends in Millennium Park.

Experience360 by the Illinois Holocaust Museum memorializes the lives and stories of Holocaust victims and survivors in a way that guidebooks can’t match. With this admission pass, engage with holographic stories and virtual reality experiences, reflecting on the somber lessons taught by one of modern history’s most important and traumatic events.

Learn the secrets of making one of Mexico’s most celebrated dishes during this beginner-friendly, local-hosted cooking class. Meet your Michelin-trained chef guide at her home, enjoy a refreshing hibiscus agua fresca upon arrival, and roll up your sleeves. Your guide will break down the steps to make an authentic mole sauce, and share tips as you go. Finally, sit down to enjoy your tasty and traditional meal.

Explore haunted Chicago at your own pace and schedule. Go anytime. Why take this tour? -It's like an in person tour guide, only it's on your phone. -Tour at your own pace and schedule -Professionally produced, narrated and musically edited immersive experience -Guided by technology. Put your phone in your pocket as the smart phone tour guided you with voice turn by turn. -Great deal -See and learn about Chicago's haunted spots, tragic events, fires, and the spirits that stayed behind. -Listen again after taking the tour. -The tour never expires, go or listen (after the on location tour) anytime. This haunted adventure is a smart phone guided on location tour. You go to the first stop, open the tour, enter your experience code and press play. From there you are guided turn by turn through Huntsville. The app knows your location and seamlessly guides you each step of the way.

Save time and energy with an at-home cooking class, and perfect the techniques to create a Chicago classic—deep dish pizza. From the comfort of your own kitchen, enjoy one-to-one tuition from a private, online teacher (and Chicago native). With a recipe and ingredient list emailed to you ahead of your chosen start time, crafting your own delicious pizza couldn't be easier.