Cisco IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cisco, Illinois.
1. Allerton Park & Retreat Center
HISTORIC ESTATE AND GARDENS
Allerton Park & Retreat Center is a stunning 1,500-acre estate featuring formal gardens, hiking trails, and a historic mansion. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained grounds adorned with over 100 ornamental sculptures and statues throughout the property. The retreat center offers a peaceful getaway with its combination of natural woodlands and European-inspired landscape design.
2. Sundrop Alpacas
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ALPACA FARM
Sundrop Alpacas provides a delightful hands-on experience where visitors can meet and interact with friendly alpacas. The farm offers educational tours explaining alpaca care, breeding, and the uses of their luxurious fiber. Guests can purchase handcrafted alpaca products from the farm's store, supporting local sustainable agriculture.
3. Prairie Fire Glass
ARTISAN GLASSBLOWING STUDIO
Prairie Fire Glass is a captivating artisan studio where visitors can witness the mesmerizing process of glassblowing firsthand. The gallery showcases exquisite handcrafted glass pieces including vases, ornaments, jewelry, and lighting fixtures created by skilled local artists. Guests can purchase unique glass art pieces as memorable souvenirs of their visit to Central Illinois.
4. Monticello Family Bowl
NOSTALGIC BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Monticello Family Bowl offers classic bowling entertainment for visitors of all ages in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The well-maintained lanes provide a nostalgic bowling experience complete with automated scoring and bumper options for younger players. Beyond bowling, guests can enjoy arcade games and tasty snack bar offerings making it an ideal attraction for family outings.
5. Triple M Farm: Mariah's Mums & More
SEASONAL FLOWERS AND FARM
Triple M Farm: Mariah's Mums & More is a charming seasonal farm known for its spectacular display of chrysanthemums and other flowers during the fall season. Visitors can wander through colorful fields, select fresh-cut flowers, and enjoy festive photo opportunities among pumpkins and autumn decorations. The farm also hosts special events throughout the growing season, providing educational demonstrations about horticulture and sustainable farming practices.
6. University of Illinois Arboretum
ACADEMIC BOTANICAL GARDENS
The University of Illinois Arboretum spans 57 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring diverse plant collections and serene walking paths. Visitors can explore specialized areas including the Japan House garden, Sen Cherry Tree Allée, and numerous themed gardens showcasing native and exotic plant species. The arboretum serves as both a recreational space and living laboratory, offering seasonal events and educational programs throughout the year.
7. Lil Beaver Brewery
CRAFT BEER TASTING ROOM
Lil Beaver Brewery offers craft beer enthusiasts an opportunity to sample unique, locally-brewed beverages in a casual, welcoming taproom. Visitors can taste a rotating selection of innovative beers ranging from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, all crafted in small batches with careful attention to quality and flavor profiles. The brewery frequently hosts special events including live music, food trucks, and beer release parties, making it a lively destination for both locals and tourists.
8. Moraine View State Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Moraine View State Recreation Area encompasses over 1,900 acres of natural beauty surrounding a 158-acre lake, offering numerous outdoor activities throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping, with well-maintained facilities including picnic areas and nature trails. The park's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for birdwatchers who can spot numerous species in the wetland areas and woodlands.
9. The Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the world's most important art collections, spanning centuries of human creativity from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Visitors can marvel at iconic works including Grant Wood's 'American Gothic,' Georges Seurat's 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,' and an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The museum's thoughtfully designed galleries offer an enriching cultural experience, complemented by rotating special exhibitions and educational programs for art enthusiasts of all ages.
10. Millennium Park
URBAN CULTURAL LANDMARK
Millennium Park stands as Chicago's premier urban green space, featuring iconic attractions including the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (known as 'The Bean') and the interactive Crown Fountain. Visitors can enjoy free concerts and performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, or stroll through Lurie Garden's beautiful seasonal plantings. During winter months, the park transforms with a popular ice skating rink, making it a year-round destination for both tourists and locals seeking recreation in the heart of downtown Chicago.
11. The Magnificent Mile
PREMIER SHOPPING DISTRICT
The Magnificent Mile stretches along North Michigan Avenue, offering Chicago's most prestigious shopping experience with over 460 retailers ranging from luxury boutiques to flagship department stores. Visitors can admire the district's impressive architecture, including historic landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower alongside modern skyscrapers. Beyond shopping, the area features acclaimed restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues, making it a must-visit cultural destination for experiencing Chicago's vibrant urban atmosphere.
12. Museum of Science and Industry
INTERACTIVE SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION
The Museum of Science and Industry engages visitors with hands-on exhibits exploring scientific principles, technological innovation, and natural phenomena through interactive experiences. Highlights include the authentic German U-505 submarine, a massive model railroad, and immersive exhibits on topics ranging from weather systems to the human body. The museum's historic building, originally constructed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, houses enough fascinating exhibits to keep curious minds engaged for an entire day of discovery and learning.
13. Wrigley Field
HISTORIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Wrigley Field stands as one of America's most beloved baseball stadiums, offering fans an authentic, nostalgic sports experience since its opening in 1914. Visitors can tour the historic ballpark to see its iconic features including the manual scoreboard, ivy-covered outfield walls, and the famous red marquee at the entrance. Beyond game days, the surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood buzzes with energy at its numerous sports bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues that celebrate Chicago's passionate baseball culture.
14. Lincoln Park Zoo
FREE URBAN WILDLIFE PARK
Lincoln Park Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to observe over 200 species of animals in naturalistic habitats, all while enjoying free admission in a beautiful park setting. Animal enthusiasts can explore diverse exhibits including the Regenstein Center for African Apes, the Kovler Lion House, and the immersive Polar Bear habitat, learning about wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo's scenic location adjacent to Lincoln Park provides additional recreational options with gardens, walking paths, and nearby Lake Michigan beaches complementing the animal encounters.
15. Chicago Riverwalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT PROMENADE
The Chicago Riverwalk stretches along the Chicago River, offering pedestrians a vibrant urban pathway lined with restaurants, bars, and public art installations. Visitors can enjoy unique perspectives of the city's architectural wonders while strolling along the water's edge, or take advantage of recreational opportunities including kayak rentals and river cruises. The Riverwalk comes alive especially during summer evenings, when outdoor dining venues and special events create a lively atmosphere against the backdrop of illuminated skyscrapers reflecting on the water.