
The most-booked Illinois tours and tickets right now

Take the scenic route. Book a four-mile pedicab tour along the Illinois River bluffs of Grandview Drive. Faster than walking, slower than driving; Peoria Pedicab presents: the Goldilocks pace. Peoria Pedicab offers a unique one hour route along the scenic landscape views and historic homes of Grandview Drive. Tours begin on the north side of the Heights Tower (1222 E Kingman Ave) and follow Grandview Dr. for two miles, turning around at Grandview Dr. Park (before the steep curves). Tours return along the same route, back to the Heights Tower. The price is per group, and the pedicab typically seats two adults per group. Children younger than six may sit on a lap.
No similar experiences found

We provide a controlled environment for safe horseback riding for kids and beginners, and a petting zoo. We have a 24,440 sqft equestrian center with a spectacular view of Mississippi river sunsets. Our location is wonderful, with nature all around us. Our horses are calm and happy in this place. They love to be petted and groomed. The goats, pigs, and chickens are friendly, and will eat out of your hands. Rub the pigs belly, scratch the goat, feed meal worms to the chickens, and watch the smiles grow on your family's faces. The ducks provide comical quacking as they waddle around the property. The pigs grunt as they come and go. The miniature horse is absolutely wonderful with kids and can carry up to a 50 lb rider. We move along at your kids' pace. Nobody else has rental apartments overlooking an indoor horseback riding arena, where you can see the animals and beautiful scenery right outside your windows.
No similar experiences found

Treetop thrills await, where a zipline adventure in Galena, Illinois promises a unique outdoor experience. The 2 to 2.5-hour tour kicks off with an exhilarating UTV ride along off-road trails, leading to six ziplines, including the impressive 1,250-foot long line. Feel the rush as you rappel 40 feet down from a tree platform, navigate a 140-foot suspended sky bridge, and choose between an optional free-fall jump or a rappel to the ground from the final platform. This unforgettable adventure is perfect for anyone seeking excitement.
No similar experiences found

Enjoy a private and authentic cooking class in a local home with host Ruby who comes from a family that is all about communal eating and hosting large family gatherings, where good food and great conversations are the backbone of any meal. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Your cooking class will take place in a local home kitchen where Ruby will teach you how to make 2-3 Indian-Mexcian dishes from their family recipes. After cooking, you will enjoy your meal together in your host's home. • Private cooking lesson in a local home • Introduction to India's culture and cuisine • Learn to cook either traditional Indian meal or Indian-Mexican fusion • 100% private activity • Experience Indian hospitality in a residential Chicago neighborhood • Vegetarian and gluten free options available
No similar experiences found

Come see the beautiful Starved Rock Area as we wander through towering St. Peters sandstone bluffs with Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Great American Pelicans populate this area along with blue herons, turtles and more. Our tour guides will educate and entertain you as you paddle through an American lotus flower field on the water. Your 2 hour adventure begins with a land based lesson and safety briefing and then we venture out on the water for a trip you will never forget. We now allow your furry friends on our tours!(in tandem kayaks only for a fee)
No similar experiences found

Explore Grafton's chilling past on this one-hour walking tour, where history meets the supernatural. - One-hour walking tour focused on Grafton's history and ghost stories - Expert guide shares haunting tales and historical insights - Ideal for history enthusiasts and paranormal fans - Stroll along the scenic riverfront while uncovering chilling legends
No similar experiences found

Kayak under towering Saint Peters sandstone bluffs, see Bald Eagles, Great American White Pelicans, lotus flowers and more
No similar experiences found

Kayak under towering saint peters sandstone bluffs, see Bald Eagles, great american white pelicans, lotus flowers and more
No similar experiences found








Small-group + private walking tours with a local guide

Treetop thrills await, where a zipline adventure in Galena, Illinois promises a unique outdoor experience. The 2 to 2.5-hour tour kicks off with an exhilarating UTV ride along off-road trails, leading to six ziplines, including the impressive 1,250-foot long line. Feel the rush as you rappel 40 feet down from a tree platform, navigate a 140-foot suspended sky bridge, and choose between an optional free-fall jump or a rappel to the ground from the final platform. This unforgettable adventure is perfect for anyone seeking excitement.
No similar experiences found

Food tours, market walks, wine tastings, cocktail experiences

Enjoy a private and authentic cooking class in a local home with host Ruby who comes from a family that is all about communal eating and hosting large family gatherings, where good food and great conversations are the backbone of any meal. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Your cooking class will take place in a local home kitchen where Ruby will teach you how to make 2-3 Indian-Mexcian dishes from their family recipes. After cooking, you will enjoy your meal together in your host's home. • Private cooking lesson in a local home • Introduction to India's culture and cuisine • Learn to cook either traditional Indian meal or Indian-Mexican fusion • 100% private activity • Experience Indian hospitality in a residential Chicago neighborhood • Vegetarian and gluten free options available
No similar experiences found

Museums, ruins, art collections, religious sites with expert guides

Take the scenic route. Book a four-mile pedicab tour along the Illinois River bluffs of Grandview Drive. Faster than walking, slower than driving; Peoria Pedicab presents: the Goldilocks pace. Peoria Pedicab offers a unique one hour route along the scenic landscape views and historic homes of Grandview Drive. Tours begin on the north side of the Heights Tower (1222 E Kingman Ave) and follow Grandview Dr. for two miles, turning around at Grandview Dr. Park (before the steep curves). Tours return along the same route, back to the Heights Tower. The price is per group, and the pedicab typically seats two adults per group. Children younger than six may sit on a lap.
No similar experiences found

Bike tours, e-bikes, kayaking, rafting, anything outside

Come see the beautiful Starved Rock Area as we wander through towering St. Peters sandstone bluffs with Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Great American Pelicans populate this area along with blue herons, turtles and more. Our tour guides will educate and entertain you as you paddle through an American lotus flower field on the water. Your 2 hour adventure begins with a land based lesson and safety briefing and then we venture out on the water for a trip you will never forget. We now allow your furry friends on our tours!(in tandem kayaks only for a fee)
No similar experiences found

Kayak under towering Saint Peters sandstone bluffs, see Bald Eagles, Great American White Pelicans, lotus flowers and more
No similar experiences found

Kayak under towering saint peters sandstone bluffs, see Bald Eagles, great american white pelicans, lotus flowers and more
No similar experiences found



Half-day to full-day trips out of the city - Pompeii, Tivoli, Tuscany, you name it

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.
No similar experiences found

Private guides, VIP access, after-hours tours, premium small-group

Explore Grafton's chilling past on this one-hour walking tour, where history meets the supernatural. - One-hour walking tour focused on Grafton's history and ghost stories - Expert guide shares haunting tales and historical insights - Ideal for history enthusiasts and paranormal fans - Stroll along the scenic riverfront while uncovering chilling legends
No similar experiences found

Common questions about booking Illinois experiences through SimilarTours
Yes, especially if you want to see the whole city efficiently. A 10-hour private charter lets you hit neighborhoods and landmarks on your own schedule, which saves time and stress. Solo travelers often pair this with a focused activity like a pizza-making class or skydiving afterward.
Indoor skydiving and private food classes fill up quickly on weekends, so book 2-3 weeks out if you can. Kayak rentals and guided tours are more flexible, though summer weekends still move fast. Check availability as your dates get closer.
In Chicago proper, yes - use rideshares or book a private airport transfer if you're flying into Midway. For activities outside the city (Galena ziplines, Mississippi wildlife tours), a car or guided tour that includes transportation is easier. Many activity operators include pickup or can recommend transport.
Start with a private city tour to orient yourself, add a kayak or skydiving experience for hands-on fun, then do a food tour or cooking class. This hits Chicago's culture, outdoor side, and culinary rep without feeling rushed.
Most are. Indoor skydiving, horseback riding, petting zoos, and canoe tours work well with kids; check age or height minimums before booking. Pizza-making classes appeal to older kids and teens. The ugly sweater food tour skews adult-social.
Rentals give you freedom to paddle on your own schedule; guided tours add instruction and interpretation of wildlife or local history. Tandem rentals let you share a boat if you're not solo. Check before you go whether life jackets, paddles, and shuttle service are included.
Late spring through early fall (May-September) is warmest and best for outdoor activities like kayaking and horseback riding. Summer weekends book fastest. Winter is doable for indoor activities (skydiving, pizza classes) and fewer crowds, but weather can limit outdoor options.
Browse every tour and activity across United States, with Illinois as your starting point
See all experiences in United StatesBrowse Illinois by category - skip-the-line tickets, walking tours, day trips, food experiences & more
United States
Illinois pulls you in different directions, and that's the point. Chicago dominates with its food scene (private pizza-making classes, deep-dish tours), water access (kayaking on local waterways, tandem rentals), and adrenaline options like indoor skydiving. Head outside the city and you'll find ziplines in Galena, horseback riding, canoe trips through wildlife refuges, and quirky group experiences like ugly sweater food tours. Most visitors hire a private guide or book a chartered city tour to make sense of Chicago's spread, then venture out for something hands-on.