20 Attractions to Explore Near Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Indian Hill is an affluent residential community located in Hamilton County, Ohio, rather than Indiana. Situated northeast of Cincinnati, Indian Hill is known for its expansive estates, large wooded lots, and luxurious homes set amidst picturesque landscapes.

The Leaning Tower of Niles, has become a local landmark since its construction in 1934. Nearly 60 feet tall and made of limestone blocks, the tower was modeled after the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. While its height is impressive, the real draw for many visitors is the unique degree to which it has begun to tilt - about seven feet off-center! When it was built during the Great Depression, the tower was intended to attract tourists and business to the area.

The Bahá'í House of Worship is a breathtakingly beautiful seven-sided temple for worship and meditation. Located on a sprawling 18 acres of land, the structure consists of nine sides surrounded by the immaculately-groomed gardens, fountains and pathways. A prominent feature of the building are its intricate ribbed dome, which is visible from miles away - during daytime it reflects hues of gold, while at night is illuminated with various vibrant colours.

The Kohl Children's Museum is a vibrant and educational experience for all ages.The Museum seeks to inspire young minds with interactive displays, hands-on activities and exhibits that stimulate learning. Families can explore six themed areas including Train Station, Music Makers and Backyard. Each section has its own unique offerings for both kids and adults alike. There are also daily performances such as performances from local artists, puppet shows and magic shows.

The Block Museum of Art, is truly a space for arts and culture. From the classic to the contemporary, the museum offers programs of historic and creative importance. The Block Museum offers both permanent and changing exhibitions that are cultural hubs bringing music, film, visual art and spoken word together. The museum also houses preeminent collections from various renowned collecting initiatives such as their Ancient Mediterranean Art collection and print collection.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, is an oasis of natural beauty amidst the bustling city. Spanning across 385 acres, this amazing garden features 27 stunning display gardens and 4 natural areas, as well as a 38-acre fruit and vegetable garden. Visitors can take nature walks on 6 miles of picturesque paths or wander through the greenhouse conservatories. There are also special events throughout the year, such as art exhibitions, lectures and cooking classes at the Regenstein center.

The Ravinia Festival, is an outdoor music festival that has been providing quality performance experiences since 1904. This summer-long event showcases some of the best musical talent around, from symphony orchestras to jazz ensembles and classical soloists. Other unique attractions include food and wine demonstrations, open-air markets, specialty shops and a Children's Garden with interactive activities for little ones.

The Swedish American Museum is a wonderful place to learn about Swedish culture and contains a wealth of memories and artifacts representing the lives of Swedish immigrants in America. It focus on traditional costumes, music, customs, foodways, and language as well as Swedish-American achievements in such fields as medicine, engineering and the arts. Visitors can also explore interactive displays that highlight Swedish immigration to America during the mid-19th to early 20th centuries.

The Ward W. Willits House, is a stunning example of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1901, it was one of the first Wright-designed houses in the area and has since become one of his most iconic works. This two-story frame residence is simple yet elegant, featuring many natural materials like redwood and cypress that blend perfectly with its modest surroundings. Its horizontal lines give a sense of balance to the house, while its award-winning interiors are truly captivating.

Graceland Cemetery is one of the city’s most beautiful places to visit. Dating back to 1860 and located on the north side of Chicago, this historic place has been the final resting spot for some prominent figures in history including Marshall Field, George Pullman, Potter Palmer and many more. Visitors can take part in a guided tour or simply explore on their own while taking in breathtaking memorials, sculptures, trees and an array of wildlife that call this cemetery home.

Montrose Beach is a stunningly beautiful part of the lakefront. Its sandy beach stretches out for a quarter mile, and its sun-drenched sand is perfect to relax and enjoy an afternoon. Along with swimming, Montrose Beach also offers outdoor activities such as beach volleyball, fishing, kayaking, and designated kite flying areas. The scenic walking path along the beach makes it ideal for group walks or a leisurely stroll with exceptional views of Lake Michigan.

Wrigley Field, is an iconic baseball stadium rich with history and a revered slice of Americana. Built in 1914, the stands have welcomed generations of fans as they have watched their beloved teams the Chicago Cubs or White Sox compete over the decades. The ivy coated walls provide a unique visual and help turn Wrigley into an unmistakable landmark which has been awarded listings on Historic Baseball Parks and United States Buildings Survey registers.

Lincoln Park is a neighborhood known for its attractive green environment. It is home to many public parks and golf courses, thus offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Its streets are lined with historic residences and popular stores, giving it an inviting atmosphere. The iconic Lincoln Park Zoo provides education and entertainment to locals and visitors alike, while the city’s rich cultural offerings range from theater shows to art galleries and museums.

Alexander von Humboldt Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the area. Not only does it boast much of its original prairie plants, but it also features wetlands with numerous species of birds and fish. Visitors to the park find plenty to do, with a chain of lakes running throughout that offers fishing as well as 6 miles of trails for cycling, bird-watching, mountain biking and exploring. The Park also provides campsites and enclosed picnicking areas for groups or individuals.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, is a fantastic space dedicated to celebrating and preserving the culture and history of the Puerto Rican people. It offers interactive exhibits, engaging workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and other educational materials that bring visitors closer to the island’s vibrant history and its diverse arts. On any given day at the museum, one can find music performances showcasing beautiful folkloric instruments from around Puerto Rico.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers an enjoyable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The museum's exhibits focus heavily on ecology, letting visitors learn about the Chicago environment and its inhabitants. From the sunny glades of Meadow Lake to an engaging account of native birds and flora, nature lovers will never be bored within its walls. Encouraging interactive learning techniques, visitors can explore various habitats by way of multimedia presentations.

Oz Park is a unique combination of modern amenities and nature. The 17-acre park includes a playground, walking paths, multiple sports fields, an enclosed dog park, and a pond where visitors can fish. In addition to these amenities, the park also contains towering elm trees as well as historic statues and fixtures from the original theme park attraction that inspired it. Visitors of Oz Park will appreciate its wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy in both natural and built landscapes.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature. This beautiful four-season conservatory has something for everyone, no matter the season or weather. Boasting an 8,000-square-foot glass dome filled with lush tropical palms and ferns that make visitors feel like they are on a tropical vacation, the conservatory also features several domed areas dedicated to cacti and succulents, seasonal flowers, and even a palm house.

This is a stunning example of nature and human design. Designated as a National Landmark in 1992 due to its unique significance to landscape architecture and ecology, the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere offers visitors an incomparable experience rarely found in cities. Architect and landscape designer Alfred Caldwell created the lily pool in 1937 by incorporating fallen logs into the stonework that retains the wetland and creates an amphitheater of native plants, trees and diverse wildlife.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is an excellent place for a family outing. Boasting 35 acres of wildlife and gardens spread across five biomes, the zoo offers something for everyone. Visitors to the park can witness hundreds of species of animals in habitats that mimic those they would find when living in the wild. There are also many interactive learning exhibits throughout the park that offer educational opportunities focused on various aspects of conservation and animal care.