Sims IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sims, Illinois.
1. Cedarhurst Center For the Arts
CULTURAL ARTS EXHIBITION SPACE
Cedarhurst Center For the Arts offers visitors a rich cultural experience with diverse art exhibitions and educational programs. The center showcases both contemporary and historical artworks in a serene setting that encourages artistic appreciation. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits, attend workshops, and explore the beautiful grounds that often feature outdoor sculptures.
2. Jefferson County Historical Village
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION SITE
Jefferson County Historical Village preserves the rich heritage of the region through its collection of historic buildings and artifacts. The open-air museum features relocated and reconstructed structures that tell the story of pioneer life in Southern Illinois. Visitors can explore log cabins, a one-room schoolhouse, and various exhibits showcasing traditional crafts and daily life from bygone eras.
3. Benton Historic Jail Museum
FORMER PRISON TURNED MUSEUM
The Benton Historic Jail Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the criminal justice system of early 20th century Illinois. Housed in a former county jail building, the museum preserves the original cells, sheriff's quarters, and various law enforcement artifacts. Visitors can learn about notorious inmates, historical crimes, and the evolution of incarceration practices through informative exhibits and guided tours.
4. The Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-RENOWNED 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. The museum's impressive architecture combines classical and modern design elements, creating a stunning backdrop for its prestigious collections. Visitors can spend hours exploring diverse exhibits from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces while enjoying the serene indoor gardens.
5. Millennium Park
URBAN PARK CULTURAL HUB
Millennium Park offers a lush urban retreat with serene gardens, interactive fountains, and iconic sculptures including the famous Cloud Gate (The Bean). The park serves as a cultural hub featuring a lively amphitheater that hosts concerts and performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities including ice skating in winter and outdoor dining options during warmer months.
6. Museum of Science and Industry
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXHIBITS
The Museum of Science and Industry features diverse exhibits including a renowned German U-Boat tour, human body displays, and compelling climate change presentations. The interactive museum encourages hands-on learning with engaging activities designed for visitors of all ages. Special exhibits regularly rotate through the museum, complementing permanent installations that explore everything from transportation to genetics.
7. Willis Tower Skydeck
BREATHTAKING CITYSCAPE VIEWS
Willis Tower Skydeck provides visitors with an elevated observation deck featuring a thrilling glass-floored ledge extending four feet outside the 103rd floor. The attraction offers panoramic views of Chicago's skyline and interactive displays detailing the architectural significance of the building. Visitors can learn about the tower's history through a museum exhibit before experiencing the vertigo-inducing views from 1,353 feet above street level.
8. Wrigley Field
HISTORIC BASEBALL LANDMARK
Wrigley Field stands as a historic ballpark blending classic architecture with modern updates, known for its intimate atmosphere and rich baseball heritage. The iconic stadium, built in 1914, features the famous ivy-covered outfield walls and a manually operated scoreboard that have become symbols of baseball tradition. Tours allow visitors to explore normally restricted areas including the press box, dugouts, and field while learning about the park's storied past.
9. 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
TILTING THRILL RIDE EXPERIENCE
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers expansive city views and interactive exhibits from 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. The attraction features TILT, a celebrated thrill ride that angles visitors outward over the city at a 30-degree angle behind floor-to-ceiling windows. Visitors can also enjoy unique yoga sessions with skyline views and a photo station for capturing memorable moments against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Chicago's architectural wonders.
10. Field Museum
PREHISTORIC DINOSAUR EXHIBITS
The Field Museum showcases a rich array of dinosaur displays, including SUE, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever discovered. This natural history museum houses interactive educational exhibits on ancient cultures, extinct species, and global anthropology. Visitors can explore millions of specimens and artifacts spanning billions of years of Earth's history through engaging presentations and immersive environments.
11. Lincoln Park Zoo
FREE URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Lincoln Park Zoo presents a broad array of animals including majestic big cats and polar bears in a serene park environment. The free zoo features beautifully landscaped habitats, gardens, and a scenic boardwalk ideal for leisurely exploration throughout the year. During winter months, the zoo transforms with the seasonal ZooLights tradition, illuminating the grounds with festive displays and special programming.
12. Chicago Riverwalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT PROMENADE
The Chicago Riverwalk features scenic views and lush greenery along a beautifully designed pedestrian pathway following the Chicago River. Visitors can enjoy dining at waterfront restaurants, shopping at unique boutiques, or simply strolling along the river's edge amid impressive architecture. The area offers opportunities for boat tours and kayaking adventures that provide unique perspectives of Chicago's famous skyscrapers and historic bridges.
13. Shoal Creek Conservation Area
NATURAL WOODLAND PRESERVE
Shoal Creek Conservation Area encompasses 266 acres of towering Oak and Hickory trees that serve as home to approximately 700 plant species and diverse wildlife. The natural preserve offers hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking to observe some of the 70 butterfly species and more than 70 types of birds that inhabit the area. Visitors can enjoy free admission and parking while exploring this pristine example of Illinois' native ecosystem.
14. Lake Lou Yaeger
RECREATIONAL RESERVOIR DESTINATION
Lake Lou Yaeger offers outdoor enthusiasts a 1,357-acre human-made reservoir that's popular for boating, fishing, and water recreation. During summer months, visitors can enjoy a sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming in designated areas. The surrounding area features trails for biking and horseback riding, making it a comprehensive outdoor destination for activities year-round.
15. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY HOMESTEAD
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site preserves a replica of the two-room saddlebag-style log cabin that was once home to Thomas Lincoln, father of President Abraham Lincoln. The 86-acre park features living history demonstrations where interpreters in period clothing showcase 1840s rural life through authentic activities and crafts. Visitors can explore the main cabin, outbuildings, and gardens while learning about the Lincoln family's pioneer lifestyle through educational exhibits and guided tours.