Who doesn’t love free things? Well, everyone loves free. But it’s even better if the free thing happens to be AWESOME. There’s a ton to do in Illinois that costs a lot of money–but there are also tons of things that are totally free and fun. Here are our top thirteen:
- Lincoln Park Zoo
Ron Cogswell/Flickr Large zoo, totally free!!
- Take a hike…
Justin Meissen/Flickr Our state parks, especially in Southern Illinois, are among the best in the country
- Become Superman for a day…
Mark and Allegra Jaroski/Flickr Visit Metropolis, IL
- Get soaked!
coby/Flickr Millenium Park is a ton of fun in the summer or winter. And free!
- Explore Cave-In-Rock
David Wilson/Flickr It’ll be even cooler if you see the movie “How the West Was Won” before going, as parts of the movie were shot here.
- Pick your own food
Jeff Turner/Flickr Wild berries are all around in Illinois. Make sure you consult a book or expert before foraging.
- Chicago Cultural Center
Patrick Emerson/Flickr Chicago visitors tend to hit up the big museums and skip this place, but they miss out. It is host to free concerts and unique exhibits.
- Get your kicks on Route 66
Chuck Coker/Flickr Drive on any part of this historic road.
- Enjoy wildlife
USFWSMidwest/Flickr So many varieties abound at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
- Get your dance on
John Bracken/Flickr Get free dance instruction at Chicago’s Summer Dance.
- Explore Main Street in Galena
Richie Diestersheft/Flickr You can window shop!
- Indulge in natural beauty
Tripp/Flickr Peoria’s Grandview Drive is just incredible. And you don’t even have to walk to enjoy it.
- Stop and smell the roses
Sandeep Pawar/Flickr It’s absolutely gorgeous. And free!!!
What other fun, free things are there to do in Illinois? Let us know in the comments.
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
Large zoo, totally free!!
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Our state parks, especially in Southern Illinois, are among the best in the country
Mark and Allegra Jaroski/Flickr
Visit Metropolis, IL
coby/Flickr
Millenium Park is a ton of fun in the summer or winter. And free!
David Wilson/Flickr
It’ll be even cooler if you see the movie “How the West Was Won” before going, as parts of the movie were shot here.
Jeff Turner/Flickr
Wild berries are all around in Illinois. Make sure you consult a book or expert before foraging.
Patrick Emerson/Flickr
Chicago visitors tend to hit up the big museums and skip this place, but they miss out. It is host to free concerts and unique exhibits.
Chuck Coker/Flickr
Drive on any part of this historic road.
USFWSMidwest/Flickr
So many varieties abound at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
John Bracken/Flickr
Get free dance instruction at Chicago’s Summer Dance.
Richie Diestersheft/Flickr
You can window shop!
Tripp/Flickr
Peoria’s Grandview Drive is just incredible. And you don’t even have to walk to enjoy it.
Sandeep Pawar/Flickr
It’s absolutely gorgeous. And free!!!
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