Junction IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Junction, Illinois.
1. Centralia Carillon
MELODIC BELL TOWER EXPERIENCE
The Centralia Carillon stands as a magnificent bell tower that offers visitors a chance to experience melodic concerts throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the harmonious sounds of the bells while exploring the surrounding grounds, which often host community events. The carillon represents a significant cultural landmark in the region, combining architectural beauty with musical artistry.
2. Makraft Brewing Co.
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Makraft Brewing Co. offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery showcases a variety of handcrafted ales and lagers, often paired with live entertainment or food options. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to sample unique brews while experiencing the local culture of Junction.
3. Greenview Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Greenview Golf Club provides golfers with well-maintained fairways and challenging holes set against picturesque Illinois landscapes. The course offers amenities for golfers of all skill levels, including practice areas, equipment rentals, and professional instruction. Visitors can enjoy a full day of recreation with the club's additional facilities that may include dining options and pro shop services.
4. Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Art Institute of Chicago houses a vast collection spanning centuries, including an extensive Monet gallery, Van Gogh works, and intricate miniature rooms. Visitors can wander through serene gardens and admire the blend of classical and modern architecture that frames this world-renowned cultural institution. The museum offers an immersive artistic experience with rotating exhibitions that complement its impressive permanent collection.
5. Millennium Park
URBAN OASIS AND SCULPTURES
Millennium Park serves as a lush urban retreat with serene gardens, interactive fountains, and iconic sculptures including the famous Cloud Gate (The Bean). Visitors can enjoy performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion amphitheater or participate in seasonal activities like ice skating during winter months. The park connects Chicago's cultural institutions while providing breathtaking views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
6. Cloud Gate
THE ICONIC BEAN
Cloud Gate, commonly known as The Bean, is a massive 110-ton reflective sculpture standing 33 feet tall in Chicago's Millennium Park. This interactive outdoor art installation connects viewers with reflections of the city skyline, the sky, and surrounding visitors in its mirror-like stainless steel surface. Visitors find this iconic structure most peaceful during early morning hours, though it remains one of Chicago's busiest attractions throughout the day.
7. Willis Tower Skydeck
GLASS FLOOR SKY VIEWS
The Willis Tower Skydeck offers an elevated observation experience featuring glass-floored ledges that extend four feet outside the 103rd floor of this iconic skyscraper. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views spanning up to four states while learning about Chicago's architectural history through interactive displays and exhibits. The attraction combines thrilling heights with educational content about the city's development and skyline evolution.
8. Museum of Science and Industry
INTERACTIVE SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION
The Museum of Science and Industry features diverse exhibits including a renowned German U-Boat tour, human body displays, and climate change presentations. Visitors can engage with hands-on activities designed for all ages, making complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining. The museum's Dark Universe movie and immersive experiences provide educational entertainment that combines historical artifacts with cutting-edge technology.
9. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Navy Pier has evolved from its 1916 origins as a shipping center to become a vibrant public space hosting food vendors, family-friendly activities, and community events along Lake Michigan. The pier's Centennial Wheel, constructed in 2016 to celebrate 100 years, offers spectacular views of Chicago's skyline and waterfront. Visitors can experience a variety of seasonal programming, making each visit unique as the pier connects to the Chicago Riverwalk for extended exploration opportunities.
10. Wrigley Field
HISTORIC BASEBALL LANDMARK
Wrigley Field combines classic architecture with modern updates, creating an intimate atmosphere steeped in baseball heritage since its opening. Tours offer access to exclusive areas including the press box and dugout, providing insight into the storied history of this iconic ballpark. Visitors experience the unique charm of this neighborhood stadium that remains one of baseball's most beloved venues for both casual fans and sports historians.
11. 360 Chicago
TILTING SKYLINE EXPERIENCE
360 Chicago offers expansive city views alongside interactive exhibits that tell the story of the city's development and cultural significance. The attraction features unique experiences including skyline yoga sessions, photo opportunities, and the celebrated TILT experience that angles visitors over Michigan Avenue. Visitors can enjoy both daytime panoramas and evening city lights from this elevated vantage point with visibility reaching across Lake Michigan on clear days.
12. Field Museum
PREHISTORIC NATURAL HISTORY
The Field Museum showcases a rich array of dinosaur displays, including the renowned T-Rex exhibit named Sue, one of the most complete fossil specimens ever discovered. Interactive educational exhibits bring ancient cultures to life while providing insights into extinct species and their environments. Visitors journey through time as they explore artifacts and specimens that document Earth's natural history and human civilization across continents and eras.
13. Chicago Riverwalk
SCENIC URBAN WATERWAY
The Chicago Riverwalk offers a riverside promenade featuring scenic views, lush greenery, and numerous dining and shopping opportunities along the Chicago River. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls while admiring impressive architecture or participate in boat tours and kayaking adventures for alternative perspectives of the city. The walkway connects multiple neighborhoods while providing a peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban environment, especially beautiful during sunset hours.
14. Superman Statue
SUPERHERO HOMETOWN MONUMENT
The 15-foot Superman Statue stands proudly in Metropolis, Illinois, the official hometown of the iconic superhero. Visitors can pose with the Man of Steel and explore the surrounding Superman Square, which features additional tributes to the character's legacy. The statue becomes the centerpiece during the annual Superman Celebration that attracts fans from around the world for costume contests, celebrity appearances, and comic-themed events.
15. Brooks Catsup Bottle
QUIRKY ROADSIDE LANDMARK
The Brooks Catsup Bottle in Collinsville stands as a giant novelty structure that once served as a water tower for the Brooks catsup maker. This whimsical roadside attraction represents classic American roadside architecture and has become a beloved landmark along historic Route 66. Visitors driving through Illinois often stop to photograph this prime example of mid-century commercial kitsch that celebrates the region's food production heritage.