New Bedford IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Bedford, Illinois.
1. Birthplace of Ronald Reagan
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Birthplace of Ronald Reagan in New Bedford offers visitors a glimpse into the early life of the 40th President of the United States. Visitors can explore the modest home where Reagan was born and learn about his formative years in Illinois. This historical landmark preserves an important piece of American presidential history and provides context for understanding Reagan's journey from small-town Illinois to the White House.
2. Kickback Saloon
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Kickback Saloon is a popular local establishment offering a relaxed atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The saloon features classic pub fare, refreshing beverages, and often hosts live entertainment for patrons. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town Illinois charm and friendly service that makes this spot a favorite gathering place.
3. Hennepin Canal State Park
HISTORIC WATERWAY RECREATION
Hennepin Canal State Park offers visitors a picturesque outdoor setting centered around the historic 104-mile hand-dug canal. The park features excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife observation along the scenic waterway. Visitors can explore the historic locks and aqueducts while learning about this engineering marvel that connected the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.
4. Hennepin Canal Parkway
SCENIC TRAIL SYSTEM
The Hennepin Canal Parkway provides a beautiful recreational corridor along the historic canal system near New Bedford. The parkway features a flat, crushed limestone trail perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and cross-country skiing in winter. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and peaceful atmosphere along this well-maintained pathway.
5. Brothers Pub
FAMILY-OWNED LOCAL TAVERN
Brothers Pub serves as a community gathering spot with a welcoming atmosphere and hometown charm. The establishment offers hearty comfort food, cold drinks, and a place where locals and visitors can mingle and relax after a day of exploring the area. Their reputation for friendly service and casual dining makes it a must-visit spot in New Bedford.
6. Beecher Mausoleum
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Beecher Mausoleum is an impressive architectural structure designed by Cecil E. Bryan featuring reinforced concrete with Bedford limestone veneer. This National Register of Historic Places site contains 210 crypts and represents an important piece of regional funerary architecture. Visitors interested in historical preservation can appreciate the ongoing restoration efforts that have saved this significant landmark.
7. Field Museum
WORLD-CLASS NATURAL HISTORY
The Field Museum stands as one of the world's premier natural history museums housing an extraordinary collection spanning dinosaurs, ancient cultures, and biodiversity. Visitors can marvel at SUE, the most complete T-Rex fossil ever discovered, while exploring exhibits that cover everything from ancient Egypt to modern conservation efforts. The museum's interactive displays and scientific research facilities provide educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
8. The Art Institute of Chicago
RENOWNED ART COLLECTION
The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the world's most impressive art collections spanning thousands of years of human creativity across cultures. Visitors can admire iconic works like Grant Wood's 'American Gothic,' Georges Seurat's 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,' and Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks' among its extensive galleries. The museum's diverse collection includes everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations in a stunning architectural setting.
9. Shedd Aquarium
UNDERWATER WORLD EXPLORATION
The Shedd Aquarium invites visitors to explore the fascinating underwater worlds of oceans, rivers, and lakes through immersive exhibits and diverse marine life. The facility houses thousands of aquatic animals from tiny seahorses to beluga whales in carefully designed habitats that recreate natural environments. Visitors can enjoy daily animal presentations, touch experiences, and conservation education that highlights the importance of protecting our water ecosystems.
10. Grant Park
CHICAGO'S FRONT YARD
Grant Park serves as Chicago's magnificent lakefront playground offering over 300 acres of urban greenspace along Lake Michigan. The park hosts major city events including Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and various cultural festivals throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy Buckingham Fountain, beautiful gardens, museums, harbor facilities, and stunning skyline views all within this expansive public space.
11. Willis Tower
ICONIC SKYSCRAPER EXPERIENCE
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) stands as one of the world's tallest buildings offering breathtaking views from its 103rd-floor Skydeck. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a series of glass boxes extending four feet outside the building, for an unforgettable experience 1,353 feet above the streets of Chicago. The tower houses offices, restaurants, and exhibits about Chicago's architectural heritage and the building's construction.
12. 360 CHICAGO
PANORAMIC SKYLINE VIEWS
360 CHICAGO offers spectacular 360-degree views of Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan, and surrounding states from the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center. The observation deck features TILT, a thrilling attraction that angles visitors outward over Michigan Avenue from 1,000 feet up. Visitors can enjoy the bar, interactive learning displays about Chicago landmarks, and unparalleled photo opportunities of the cityscape.
13. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
MARITIME HERITAGE SITE
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park preserves and interprets America's most influential whaling port through historic buildings, exhibits, and informative tours. The visitor center provides excellent maps and overview information about the city's maritime history and its role in the global whaling industry. Visitors appreciate the free park experience which can be enhanced by also visiting the adjacent Whaling Museum for a comprehensive understanding of this important historical period.
14. St. Anthony of Padua Church
MAGNIFICENT RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
St. Anthony of Padua Church stands as a breathtaking example of religious architecture that inspires awe in visitors with its stunning interior design and craftsmanship. The church features magnificent stained glass, intricate woodwork, and an impressive organ that enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the space. Visitors consistently describe it as one of the most beautiful religious buildings they have experienced, making it a must-see landmark in New Bedford.
15. Seamen's Bethel
HISTORIC MARITIME CHAPEL
The Seamen's Bethel gained literary fame through Herman Melville's classic novel 'Moby-Dick' and continues to attract visitors interested in maritime history and literature. The chapel features the distinctive pulpit shaped like a ship's bow that inspired Melville's description in his famous work. Visitors can explore both the Bethel and the adjacent Seamans Home to gain insight into the spiritual lives of whalers and seafarers from New Bedford's golden age of whaling.