All Illinois Tours & Excursions in 2026

Discover the rich history and dynamic transformation of Hyde Park on this engaging walking tour. Delve into the neighborhood's evolution from a lakeside retreat for the elite to a vibrant, diverse community shaped by migration, policy, and social change. Explore iconic landmarks like the Museum of Science and Industry while gaining insight into the impacts of racial segregation and urban renewal. This tour is designed for history buffs and urban studies enthusiasts, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of race and community development. - Walk through Hyde Park and learn about its historical significance - Visit key sites related to civil rights and urban policy - Understand the neighborhood's transformation and ongoing challenges - Perfect for history lovers and those curious about social dynamics

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

Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Embark on a captivating journey through the Loop’s architectural wonders with our Loop Architecture Tour in Chicago. Explore the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building and the historic Rookery Building, steeped in timeless elegance. Marvel at the striking Calder sculpture in Federal Plaza, a highlight of the city’s public art scene. Admire the innovative design of the Marquette Building, a masterpiece of the Chicago School of Architecture. Step into the luxurious Palmer House, a landmark boasting historical significance. Discover the rich legacy of the Marshall Field and Company Building, a symbol of Chicago’s commercial prowess. Finally, delve into the cultural richness of the Chicago Cultural Center, showcasing the city’s artistic diversity. Join us on this unforgettable journey through Chicago’s architectural gems in the heart of the Loop.

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).

Chicago, a city with undeniable charm, awaits you for a walking exploration of its 25 must-see attractions. From the Riverwalk to Marina City to the famous Cloud Gate, this tour takes you through the history and architecture of Windy City. See iconic venues like the Chicago Theatre and Willis Tower, while learning fascinating stories about Al Capone and Prohibition. An enriching experience for architecture, history and gastronomy lovers, all in one day. - 7.2 km tour through points of interest in Chicago - Discover the historical and modern heritage of the city - Explore at your own pace with captivating audio stories - Ideal for travelers in a hurry or those on a quick visit to Chicago

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

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.

Explore the highlights of Chicago’s Chinatown in just 90 minutes with our expert-guided History and Culture Tour. This tour takes you through iconic landmarks, historic streets, and cultural sites, sharing authentic stories and insights along the way. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, it’s a quick yet meaningful introduction to one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods. A minimum of 2 participants is required for this experience. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.

Visit the most beautiful interiors in Chicago with a local guide bringing their stories to life. Step into stunning centuries-old architecture on a guided walking tour of downtown Chicago. We go in buildings no other walking tour explores. Enter the Gold Coast, historic churches, and hear stories of wealth, scandal, and corruption. Your guide will set off on a journey through the heart of downtown Chicago's Gold Coast. Visit historic sites tied back to Abraham Lincoln, Pope Leo, and even Al Capone. Hear about the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, which ushered in a vision of 20th-century society. This tour is designed for casual travelers and architecture hounds alike. Go where no other walking tours visit, only on Chicago Architecture: Gilded Interiors.

THE LINCOLN MKT STRETCH LIMOUSINE OFFERS SEATING FOR 8 PASSENGERS, WITH LUGGAGE CAPACITY FOR 3 CHECKED-IN BAGS AND 3 CARRY-ON ITEMS. Luxurious Fleet: Our fleet consists of top-of-the-line luxury vehicles, meticulously maintained to provide the utmost comfort and style during your journey. Whether you're traveling solo, with a group, or for a special occasion, we have the perfect vehicle to suit your needs. Professional Drivers: Our drivers are not only highly skilled behind the wheel but also epitomize professionalism and courtesy. They prioritize your safety and satisfaction, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride from pick-up to drop-off.

Explore the new Old Post Office Building, whose early 20th-century design has been adaptively reused into a beautiful, modern Class A Office building. It once seemed as though the stunning architectural details of Chicago's Old Post Office would be lost to time while the building sat vacant for almost two decades. But the 2.8 million square foot building, completed in 1934, recently went through a monumental renovation and now serves as a modern multi-use event and office space that meets today's need for large, light-filled workspaces. See how historic artifacts and building details have been creatively incorporated into the Old Post Office's design including the conversion of the roof to a 3.5-acre urban rooftop park. Old places can become new spaces when a developer with vision collaborates with an award-winning architectural team.

Dive into the unwritten code of Chicago's snack culture. Find out why the locals strictly forbid ketchup on hot dogs, bending forward 45 degrees to eat their Italian Beef, secretly preferring thin, square-cut pizza from the famous Deep Dish, and voluntarily downing shots of an extremely bitter vermouth liqueur. Led by a chef and a local, this walk reveals the history of immigrants, the hard work in the slaughterhouses, and the rituals of the working class that determine who truly belongs. - A 2.4 km self-guided tour with 7 stops in 98 min. - Ideal for travelers interested in food culture & culinary identity and social structure & everyday life Told in an immersive podcast style by experts and locals - Suitable audio content, AI guide, and navigation via the app

Discover the elegance and beauty of Hanfu, the traditional 
clothing of ancient China, in this one-of-a-kind cultural experience here at our Chinatown Visitor Center! Step into Ancient Elegance in Authentic Hanfu Costumes! Take stunning photos & share with your friends Learn about the history and meaning of Hanfu Fun for families, friends, and culture lovers of all ages

Explore the festive charm of Chicago during the holiday season on a double-decker bus tour showcasing the city's dazzling lights. This BYOB tour allows you to sip your favorite beverages while taking in iconic holiday displays, from the magnificent lights at the Magnificent Mile to the enchanting decorations at Millennium Park. Perfect for friends and family, this experience combines the joy of the season with the thrill of city sightseeing. - Enjoy a festive BYOB experience while touring Chicago’s holiday lights - See the best holiday displays including the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park - Perfect for families and friends looking to celebrate the season together - Experience the city on a double-decker bus for a unique perspective

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

Downtown Chicago has a dark history hiding in plain sight. This self-guided audio tour takes you through the Loop on your own schedule, with narration on your phone at every stop. Start at the Chicago Riverwalk, where the SS Eastland rolled over at its dock in 1915. Walk into Death Alley behind the site of the Iroquois Theater fire. Hear the ghost stories of the Palmer House and the Congress Plaza Hotel, the secrets of the Rookery, and the stories beneath Willis Tower, then finish on the steps of the Art Institute. No group, no guide, and no fixed start time. Go at your own pace, stop for a drink along the way, and replay any story you like. All you need is a phone and headphones.

Step into the grit and glory of Michael Jordan’s 1990s Chicago Bulls dynasty. We trace the physical collision between global basketball myth and the reality of the Near West Side. From high school talent pipelines and pickup courts to working-class fan taverns, the vanished Chicago Stadium, and the redeveloped housing projects across Lake Street, this walk explores how an industrial city rebranded itself into an international sports capital—and what that transformation meant for the neighborhood living in the arena's shadow. - A 3.9 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 139 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Pop Culture & Media Landscapes and History & Memory - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

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.

Get ready to unleash your creativity at the BYOB Candle-Making Class at Chicago Candle Co. This hands-on workshop invites you to craft stunning, personalized candles from upcycled wine bottles, all while enjoying your favorite drinks. Under the guidance of friendly instructors, you’ll learn the art of glass cutting and soy wax pouring, choosing from a variety of cocktail-inspired scents. Bond with friends or make new ones in a welcoming atmosphere as you create unique pieces that reflect your individual style and eco-friendly values. Perfect for a fun night out or a memorable group activity in the heart of Chicago.

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.

More than 100 years later, stories of Prohibition-era Chicago still capture the public’s imagination. But the portrayal of that era in popular culture isn't always accurate. On this tour, you’ll hear how the culture in turn-of-the-century Chicago helped bring about the 18th Amendment through stories of notorious vice districts along the Chicago River and the South Loop. We'll talk about the rise of Al Capone during the infamous “Beer Wars,” culminating in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Along the way, we’ll talk about how the city played a role in the popular and artistic growth of jazz, and how Chicago during the Roaring Twenties has been depicted on screen, in blockbusters such as "The Untouchables" and "Chicago." Please be advised that this tour contains stories of murder and sex work. Although children are welcome on this tour, parents should use their discretion in determining whether it is suitable for those under 15.

Dive into this captivating journey through the hallowed grounds of Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery. As we stroll amidst the stunning and serene beauty of historic resting places, you'll encounter the final resting spots of architectural visionaries like William LeBaron Jenney, John Root, Louis Sullivan, Mies Van der Rohe, and Daniel Burnham. This unique walking tour not only unveils the grandeur of tombs and mausoleums but also shares the stories of Chicago's celebrated architects, whose creativity shaped the city's skyline. But our journey extends beyond the architects' realm, as we also discover the final resting places of other notable figures with deep pockets—pioneers of industry such as Marshall Field, Palmer Potter, George Pullman, Walter Newberry, and more. Their legacies, intertwined with the fabric of Chicago's history, add an extra layer of richness to this immersive tour.

One of the “original six”, dating way back to 1926, the Chicago Blackhawks are the epitomise NHL history. For an experience filled with tradition and history, look no further than attending a Blackhawks game at the iconic United Center. The Blackhawks are going through somewhat of a transition phase, led by superstar youngster Connor Beard, winner of the 2024 Calder Memorial trophy for the best NHL rookie. The team are looking to return to previous heights that have seen the franchise win 6 Stanley Cup titles. With a capacity of over 23,000, the United Center is designed for maximum fan engagement, featuring excellent sightlines and modern amenities. The giant LED scoreboard ensures that you won't miss a moment of the action, while the state-of-the-art sound system amplifies the crowd's excitement, making every goal feel monumental! Don't miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime to experience the NHL live in a venue that has become synonymous with Chicago’s vibrant sports culture!

Travel the legendary Route 66 in 14 unforgettable days - from Chicago to Los Angeles across eight states, discovering over 450 handpicked points of interest. Explore iconic landmarks, historic towns, scenic detours, hidden gems, classic diners, and breathtaking landscapes while creating your own version of America’s most famous road trip.