Waverly IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waverly, Illinois.
1. Danenberger Family Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Danenberger Family Vineyards is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts visiting Waverly, offering tastings of locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. Visitors can enjoy the scenic vineyard views while sampling various wine varieties produced on the premises. The vineyard also hosts special events throughout the year, making it a social hub for the community.
2. Sugar Creek Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
Sugar Creek Covered Bridge is a highly-rated historic attraction in the Waverly area, preserving a piece of Illinois transportation history. The wooden covered bridge offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century infrastructure and makes for excellent photography opportunities. With a near-perfect 4.8 rating, this well-preserved landmark draws history buffs and casual tourists alike to experience its rustic charm.
3. Apple Barn
FRESH RURAL PRODUCE
The Apple Barn is a beloved Waverly attraction where visitors can purchase fresh, locally grown produce in a traditional farm setting. With an impressive 4.7 rating, this country market offers seasonal fruits, vegetables, and homemade goods that showcase the agricultural heritage of the region. Families particularly enjoy visiting during harvest season when apple picking and other farm activities might be available.
4. Springfield Beer Company
LOCAL CRAFT BREWS
Springfield Beer Company is a craft brewery near Waverly that offers visitors a taste of locally brewed beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery features a selection of handcrafted beers made with quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques. With a solid 4.5 rating, beer enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to sample unique flavors while learning about the brewing process.
5. Bounce Tag
ACTIVE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Bounce Tag offers an energetic entertainment option for families near the Waverly area with various inflatable attractions and activities. Visitors can enjoy bouncing, sliding, and playing in a safe, supervised environment designed for children and families. With a 4.0 rating, this venue provides a welcome opportunity for active play, especially during inclement weather.
6. Waverly Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Waverly Lake is a natural attraction offering fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to the area. The lake provides a peaceful setting for anglers seeking to catch local fish species while enjoying the serene surroundings. Campers can take advantage of the facilities to experience the beauty of Illinois nature during an overnight stay.
7. Waverly City Park
COMMUNITY OUTDOOR SPACE
Waverly City Park serves as the community's central recreational space where families can enjoy various outdoor activities throughout the year. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces for sports and relaxation in a well-maintained environment. Visitors can experience small-town charm while watching local youth sports or simply spending a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
8. The Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-CLASS ART MUSEUM
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's premier art museums featuring an extraordinary collection spanning thousands of years and diverse cultures. Visitors can explore everything from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, including iconic works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Grant Wood's "American Gothic". The museum's stunning architecture and comprehensive exhibits make it an essential cultural destination when exploring Illinois beyond Waverly.
9. Field Museum
NATURAL HISTORY WONDER
The Field Museum is a renowned natural history museum housing an impressive collection of geological, anthropological, and biological specimens, including SUE, the most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered. Visitors can journey through ancient civilizations, explore evolution, and learn about diverse ecosystems from around the world in immersive, educational exhibits. The museum's scientific research and educational programs continue to inspire curiosity about our natural world for visitors of all ages.
10. Shedd Aquarium
UNDERWATER WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Shedd Aquarium offers visitors the chance to explore aquatic ecosystems from around the world, featuring thousands of species from tiny seahorses to magnificent beluga whales. The aquarium's diverse habitats include a Caribbean reef, Amazon rainforest, and Great Lakes exhibits that showcase both exotic and local marine life. Special experiences such as animal encounters and 4-D presentations enhance visitors' understanding of underwater environments and conservation efforts.
11. 360 CHICAGO
PANORAMIC CITY VIEWS
360 CHICAGO (formerly John Hancock Observatory) provides breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan, and beyond from 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. Visitors can experience TILT, a thrilling attraction that literally tilts guests outward for a unique downward-facing view of the city. The observation deck offers a bar, interactive exhibits about Chicago's history, and incomparable photo opportunities of one of America's most iconic urban landscapes.
12. Grant Park
CHICAGO'S FRONT YARD
Grant Park, often called "Chicago's Front Yard," is a sprawling urban park stretching along Lake Michigan, home to famous attractions like Buckingham Fountain and Millennium Park. Visitors can enjoy beautiful landscaped gardens, open green spaces, and lakefront views while exploring public art installations including Cloud Gate (The Bean). The park hosts many of Chicago's major events and festivals throughout the year, including Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago.
13. Willis Tower
ICONIC CHICAGO SKYSCRAPER
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) stands as one of the world's tallest buildings and offers visitors unparalleled views of Chicago from its 103rd-floor Skydeck. The tower's most thrilling feature is The Ledge, a series of glass balconies extending four feet outside the building where guests can stand suspended 1,353 feet above the ground. This iconic skyscraper has defined Chicago's skyline since 1973 and continues to attract millions of visitors seeking spectacular urban vistas.
14. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Navy Pier is Chicago's most popular tourist attraction, featuring a 196-foot Ferris wheel, boat tours, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues along Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events, fireworks displays, and cultural attractions including Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Children's Museum. The pier's carnival atmosphere and stunning lakefront location make it an ideal destination for families seeking a day of diverse entertainment options.
15. Waverly Community Picnic
ANNUAL TOWN CELEBRATION
The Waverly Community Picnic is an annual August event that brings together residents and visitors for a traditional small-town celebration. Attendees can enjoy local food, games, music, and community activities that showcase the friendly atmosphere of this Illinois town. This cherished tradition offers a perfect opportunity to experience authentic local culture and connect with the welcoming spirit of Waverly.