What to do in Riverside, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Jamie Nelson
Photo by Jamie Nelson
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

Fans of baseball know Wrigley Field as the long-time home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this is one of the oldest and best-known ballparks in the US. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball history have been played out here, including Babe Ruth’s now famous “called shot” in 1932 during the World Series. He allegedly pointed to the bleachers, predicting that he’d hit a home run, and then did. Legendary Cubs player Ernie Banks nicknamed the stadium "The Friendly Confines" because fans were wild about their team and ballpark. Catch a game and mingle with the passionate locals if you’re in town March through September.
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Wrigley Field showing a city and landscape views

2. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

3. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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Navy Pier showing landscape views, a sunset and a city

4. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
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Reflection of a Chicago buildings in a mirror of Chicago Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago city, USA., Shutterstock ID 1129809965, Purchase Order: SP-2109, Order Number: SP-2109 Qantas AU US Sale New Ads

5. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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Soldier Field which includes a city and landscape views

6. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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Chicago Riverwalk which includes a ferry, a high-rise building and a city

What to do in Riverside

Popular places to visit

Wrigley Field featuring a city, a sporting event and city views

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

Michigan Avenue

4.5/5(14 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

4.5/5(36 reviews)

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

4/5(125 reviews)

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

Millennium Park

4.5/5(147 reviews)

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Soldier Field which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

Soldier Field

4/5(44 reviews)

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
United Center

United Center

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Catch an event at United Center during your trip to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

United Center
Chicago Riverwalk featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a city

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk
Grant Park

Grant Park

4.5/5(96 reviews)

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park

Day trip destinations from Riverside

Chicago showing a city and a skyscraper as well as a family

Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverside worth visiting?
Riverside offers an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or regional cuisine, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Riverside?
After you've visited top attractions like Brookfield Zoo and Galloping Ghost, spend the rest of your day discovering Riverside's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Riverside?
Don't leave without exploring Brookfield Zoo, rated the top tourist attraction in Riverside.
Is three days enough to stay in Riverside?
Three days in Riverside is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Brookfield Zoo, Galloping Ghost and Madison Street Theatre are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Chicago.
Is Riverside a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Riverside. Several key attractions, such as Brookfield Zoo and Galloping Ghost, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Riverside's best neighbourhoods, North Riverside is 0.97 kilometers away from downtown, while Stickney is 3 kilometers away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Riverside with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Riverside with kids.

What to do in Riverside for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Riverside, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Credit Union 1 Arena or Resurrection Cemetery & Mausoleums.
Are there free things to do in Riverside?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Riverside. If you need inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Galloping Ghost is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.