It’s finally time to get back to doing the things we love. Are you ready to experience new thrills, relax among nature, get out on the water, or take in some culture? Chicagoland delivers fun for the whole family. Visit for a day, a weekend, a week, or more — we've got everything ready to make your summer unforgettable.
EXPLORE EACH REGION
ALL WITHIN 1 HOUR OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Find Your Fun
Each part of Chicagoland brings a unique twist to the region. Find the perfect place to visit below.
(L) Kehinde Wiley. Barack Obama, 2018. Oil on canvas. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. © 2018 Kehinde Wiley. (R) Amy Sherald. Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, 2018. Oil on linen. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. The National Portrait Gallery is grateful to the generous donors who made these commissions possible and proudly recognizes them at npg.si.edu/obamaportraitstour. Support for the national tour has been generously provided by Bank of America.
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Upcoming Events
Octoberfest with Pollyanna Brewing and The Forge
The Forge:Lemont Quarries
TBD
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
1 HOUR FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Visit McHenry County
The 25,000 acres of open land for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing includes the unmatched beauty of the Glacial Park Conservation Area. And if you get hungry, visit Stade’s Farm and Market where you can pick your own farm fresh fruit and veggies.
45 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Experience the endless outdoor fun that comes from 550 miles of trailways/bikeways, 200+ lakes/rivers, and the world-class Six Flags Great America theme park. Or have even more fun inside at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park.
Visit Lake County
30 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Plan on a good time, no matter what adventure you crave. Experience the great outdoors of the Busse Forest Preserve with its unspoiled flatwoods, upland forests, and marshes and roaming elk herds. Or enjoy the fresh air in an entirely different way while playing Topgolf in your own socially distanced bay.
Meet Chicago Northwest
30 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
From the Evanston Lakefront to the Chicago Botanic Garden, there’s countless ways to explore. Great food and shopping offer countless ways to explore. Experience the historical depth of Mandela: Struggle for Freedom at the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
Chicago’s North Shore
45 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Few places offer the perfect blend of architecture, forest trails, river walks, and natural beauty quite like the Elgin, East Dundee, and West Dundee areas. Explore the Fox River before a relaxing evening at any number of beer gardens, including the award-winning Plank Road Tap Room.
Explore Elgin
30 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Urban sophistication meets small town charm in DuPage. Home to two of the largest art exhibitions in the Chicagoland area this year, DuPage offers the culture we crave. Experience Frida Kahlo: Timeless this summer. For a breath of fresh air, Discover Human+Nature, the newest exhibition at The Morton Arboretum. Created by internationally renowned artist Daniel Popper, five large-scale artworks between 15 to 26 feet tall will inspire an appreciation for the deep connection between trees and people.
Discover DuPage
0 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Chicago is excited to welcome you back. This summer, experience history at the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago when The Obama Portraits visits. Enjoy a Chicago Greeter tour, our free and award-winning tours from locals. Then stroll to the Chicago Riverwalk where you can dine on a waterfront patio, hop on a boat cruise, take a kayak tour, or watch Art on the Mart.
Choose Chicago
1 HOUR FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
The First 100 Miles of Route 66 run through the Heritage Corridor, where all roads lead to fun, nostalgia, and wonder. Explore the historic Old Joliet Prison of Blues Brothers fame or plan your escape route on the ziplines and rope courses of The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Whatever you do, your heart rate will rise.
Heritage Corridor
45 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
With 600 holes of golf, it would be difficult to play them all—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. And if outdoor exploration is more your style, find countless biking, walking and mountain biking trails with the handy Chicago Southland Trails app. Blaze your own path (or course) here.
Chicago Southland
Each part of Chicagoland brings a unique twist to the region. Find the perfect place to visit below.
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Photo Credit: Kehinde Wiley. Barack Obama, 2018. Oil on canvas. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. © 2018 Kehinde Wiley. The National Portrait Gallery is grateful to the generous donors who made these commissions possible and proudly recognizes them at npg.si.edu/obamaportraitstour. Support for the national tour has been generously provided by Bank of America.
