Energy IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Energy, Illinois.
1. Oakbrook Center
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Oakbrook Center is an upscale outdoor shopping mall featuring a wide variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant shopping experience with beautifully landscaped walkways and water features throughout the property. The center regularly hosts events and activities for all ages, making it more than just a shopping destination.
2. Yorktown Center
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOPPING MALL
Yorktown Center offers a diverse shopping experience with numerous retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment venues all under one roof. The mall features a mix of national retailers and local boutiques, providing something for every shopper. Families particularly enjoy the various kid-friendly activities and events held throughout the year.
3. Downtown Chicago
URBAN EXPLORER'S PARADISE
Downtown Chicago showcases the city's iconic skyline, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the magnificent Magnificent Mile shopping district. The area comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and waterfront activities along Lake Michigan during warmer months.
4. Brookfield Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Brookfield Zoo houses over 2,000 animals across 216 acres of naturalistic habitats and immersive exhibits. Visitors can observe a diverse collection of wildlife from around the world while learning about conservation efforts and animal care. The zoo offers special seasonal events, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive experiences that make each visit unique.
5. Swedish American Museum
NORDIC CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Swedish American Museum preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Swedish immigrants and their contributions to American society. Visitors can explore permanent and rotating exhibits featuring authentic artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of Swedish immigration to Chicago. The museum also hosts cultural events, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year.
6. Andersonville Galleria
ARTISANAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Andersonville Galleria is a unique marketplace featuring over 100 independent artists, designers, and small businesses under one roof. Shoppers can discover handcrafted jewelry, artwork, clothing, home décor, and specialty foods created by local artisans. The galleria embodies the creative spirit of Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, known for its Swedish roots and diverse community.
7. Robert W. Roloson Houses
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ARCHITECTURE
The Robert W. Roloson Houses represent the only row homes ever designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, these four attached residences showcase Wright's early architectural style with distinctive geometric elements and innovative design. Architecture enthusiasts appreciate these structures as important examples of Wright's evolution toward his Prairie School style.
8. Gallery Guichard
AFRICAN DIASPORA ART
Gallery Guichard showcases exceptional contemporary art from African American artists and the broader African diaspora. Located in Bronzeville, the gallery features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media works that explore cultural identity and social themes. Visitors can engage with thought-provoking art while learning about the rich artistic traditions of the African diaspora.
9. Illinois Institute of Technology
ARCHITECTURAL CAMPUS GEM
The Illinois Institute of Technology campus is renowned for its innovative architectural design led by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe from 1938 to 1958. Visitors can admire notable buildings like Crown Hall, considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture with its minimalist glass and steel construction. Architecture enthusiasts from around the world tour the campus to experience Mies' influential vision of simplicity, clarity, and function.
10. The Morton Arboretum
NATURAL WOODLAND SANCTUARY
The Morton Arboretum encompasses 1,700 acres of magnificent tree collections, gardens, and natural landscapes perfect for exploration in any season. Visitors can hike or bike through miles of scenic trails, attend educational programs, or enjoy seasonal exhibits including the popular illuminated winter light show. The arboretum serves as both a peaceful sanctuary and a world-renowned center for scientific research focused on tree conservation.
11. Garden of the Gods
DRAMATIC ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods features extraordinary rock formations perched atop rolling hills in the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can hike along the observation trail to witness dramatic sandstone sculptures naturally carved by wind and water over millions of years. The site offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding forest, particularly stunning during sunrise, sunset, and autumn when the foliage transforms into vibrant colors.
12. Pere Marquette State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER RECREATION
Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois' largest state park, offers diverse outdoor activities along the scenic Mississippi River. Visitors can hike miles of trails through wooded bluffs, cycle along riverside paths, fish in abundant waters, or explore on horseback through lush forests. The park's natural beauty changes with each season, from spring wildflowers to summer greenery to spectacular fall colors to winter eagle watching.
13. Starved Rock State Park
CANYONS AND WATERFALLS
Starved Rock State Park features stunning sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and breathtaking overlooks just 90 minutes from Chicago. Hikers can explore 13 miles of well-marked trails leading to spectacular geological formations formed by glacial meltwater and erosion over thousands of years. The park offers year-round beauty with spring wildflowers, lush summer foliage, vibrant autumn colors, and frozen waterfalls in winter.
14. Monument to the Great Northern Migration
HISTORIC BRONZE SCULPTURE
The Monument to the Great Northern Migration, created by artist Alison Saar, commemorates the historic movement of African Americans from the South to Chicago between 1915 and 1970. The bronze sculpture depicts a traveler carrying a suitcase, symbolizing the journey and hopes of over 6 million people seeking better opportunities. Located in Bronzeville, the monument serves as a powerful reminder of a pivotal chapter in American history that transformed Chicago's cultural landscape.
15. Bronzeville Walk of Fame
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL
The Bronzeville Walk of Fame honors distinguished African Americans who have made significant contributions to arts, sciences, politics, and social justice. Bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalks along Martin Luther King Drive recognize luminaries such as Louis Armstrong, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Ida B. Wells. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through this outdoor museum that celebrates the neighborhood's rich cultural legacy and historical significance.