Top 15 Things To Do In Zion, Illinois

1. Enjoy great outdoors at Shiloh Park

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Shiloh Park is an immensely popular public reaction park in Zion, and by far, one of the best parks you will ever find in the state of Illinois. The park covers a total area of 132 acres (53.4ha). It has well-maintained lawns, four tennis courts, two baseball diamonds, a playground, basketball courts, and a total of three picnic sites. It also has clear walking trails for those who would wish to explore deep into the woods. It is a great place to visit alone, or for family day outings.

Shiloh Park

Address: 1300 Shiloh Blvd, Zion, Illinois 60099

Website: Shiloh Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

2. Tour the residence of Zion’s founder: Shiloh House

Shiloh House was the residence of Dr John Alexander Dowie – the founder of Zion. The construction of the house was completed in 1902, and though the ownership has passed through many hands, it currently serves as Zion’s Museum. On display are Dr Dowie’s personal belongings, including his travelling writing desk and leather bag, the silver spade he used for groundbreaking ceremonies, the trowel used for laying the cornerstone, a wedding certificate he signed, and Zion banners among other things.

Shiloh House

Address: 6588 W Ottawa Ave, Littleton, CO 80128, USA

Website: Shiloh House

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; (Closed on Sat & Sun)

3. Go hiking at Illinois Beach State Park

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The Park is located along Lake Michigan and it stretches for 5.6 miles (105km) along the sandy shores of the lake. The park’s length, as well as the diversity in its ecosystem, presents a myriad of recreational opportunities, with hiking being the most popular of them all. It is a nice way to appreciate and soak in the unique and beautiful setting of the Illinois landscapes. The hike will also expose you to several species of plants, including fragrant pines and black oak forests. If hiking is not your thing, there are ample opportunities for boating, swimming, and camping so that you never run out of ideas when you think about visiting the park.

Beach State Park

Address: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Enjoy relaxing nature walks at Beulah Park

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Sometimes all you need to relax your mind, body, and soul is going for a relaxing walk in a green park, and Beulah Park is here to help you get just that. The park is heavily wooded, with a gentle stream passing through it. It runs along a small creek and a ravine, with a small section being paved for bikes. Except for the occasional interruption by the bikers, it is a very quiet place, filled with fresh air and the soothing sounds of nature. Going for nature walks here is not only relaxing but also therapeutic.

Beulah Park

Address: 19th, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: Beulah Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. Go swimming at Isherwood Beach

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If you are looking for the best places to go swimming in Zion, then Isherwood Beach must be on top of your list. The beach is on the west side of Lake Michigan, it’s clean, spacious with fine sand on the shores. Other amenities to make your stay on the beach as comfortable and relaxing include park beach benches, fire pits with seats for watching sunsets, and a gazebo to hide from the hot sun. The views from this beach are also incredible and it is a wonderful place to spend your evenings.

Isherwood Beach

Address: Zion, IL 60099, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Have immersive fun at Edge of Escape Room

If you think you are comfortable with solving puzzles and finding a solution to tough situations, then you should check out the fun and immersive experience at Edge of Escape Rooms. It features a total of two escape room – Times Machine and Tunnels under London. You will have 60 minutes to use all your senses and mindset to find a solution to puzzles and make good use of clues to find your way out. Whether you go for the Time Machine or Tunnels under London, you will also learn vital lessons on the benefits of teamwork in a fun, relaxing and engaging manner.

Edge of Escape Room

Address: 600 29th St #3261, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: Edge of Escape Room

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 6:30pm; Thu: 11am - 7:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)

7. Enjoy the views at Hosah Park

Hosah Park is a relatively unknown little gem in Illinois and one you will fall in love with due to the peace and serenity it offers. It is a secluded ecological sanctuary that is about a half a mile from the beach. It is a nice spot to walk your dog, ride a bike, or go for a romantic walk with a loved one. Since it is secluded, the place is never crowded, and most of the time, you will find that it will be yourself, the beach and the vegetation.

Hosah Park

Address: 100 Shiloh Blvd, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: Hosah Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

8. Enjoy a night camping at Zion Beach

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If you are thinking of going camping when visiting Zion, then you have every reason to think about Zion Beach. The beach has very decent campgrounds, with some being just a few meters from the sand. They also have every amenity you will need for a great stay in over 300 electric sites. With proximity to Chicago, access to the grounds is very easy, and their rates are also within the “affordable range.” Furthermore, it is a kid-friendly facility, and this makes it easy to go camping with your entire family.

Zion Beach

Address: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

9. Admire the birds at North Dunes Nature Preserve

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North Dunes Nature Preserve is a large and diverse area that is the home to a variety of plants and animals. It contains a savanna, prairie, and wetlands. It is also the breeding grounds for unique birds, with the most notable species being common snipe, upland sandpiper, American bittern, Virginia rail, and least bittern among others. Though there is a lot to admire in this preserve, one thing that stands out the most are the birds. As such, it is a real paradise for birdwatchers who travel from far and wide to come and appreciate the bird species in this area.

North Dunes Nature Preserve

Address: Zion, IL 60099, USA

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

10. Have drinks and watch a sports game at Pit Stop

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Pit Stop is not just in an ordinary pub where you go for a drink or two. It is an elegant sports bar with several large flat-screen televisions to enable you to catch up with your favourite games while relaxing on the lounges. Additionally, it has a variety of games which you can engage in for more fun as you enjoy your drinks. The games include darts, jukebox, billiards and much more!

Pit Stop

Address: 1907 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: Pit Stop

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am;

11. Relish Mexican cuisines at El Lago

Zion may be miles away from Mexico, but you don’t have to make the trip down south if you want to fill your tummy with your favourite Mexican delicacies when you are here. Simply locate El Lago Restaurant on Sheridan Road, and indulge in the variety of Mexican delights they have on the menu. The restaurant is run by the owner and her daughter who are amazing and personable individuals. The foods are tasty, come in great portions and are very affordable. Pass by here for lunch while you ponder on your next move for the afternoon.

El Lago

Address: 2216 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: El Lago

Opening hours: Mon: 7am - 2pm; Tue - Sat: 7am - 9pm; Sun: 7am - 8pm

12. Bowling at Pinsters Bowl

Pinster Bowl and Bar is a very popular destination for fun for most Zion residents. It has a 16-lane bowling facility where guests can have a variety of fun and friendly activities. It is family-friendly, and this means that guests of all ages will have the pleasure of indulging in fun activities.

Pinsters Bowl

Address: 1646 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: Pinister Bowl

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri: 9am - 2am; Sat: 10am - 2am

13. Enjoy a game of basketball at David Park

David Park boasts a total of three softball fields, two basketball courts, and a skateboard area. All the playground equipment are provided so you don’t have to worry about carrying your own. It is generally a great place for the outdoors, and if you are passionate about the game of basketball, then you will always find guys you can join in the game when you visit.

David Park

Address: 3309 21st St, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

14. Go golfing at Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course

If you need some golfing action, then the best place to test your putting skills will be at the Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course. The course is about two decades old and it is a popular ground for those looking for challenging courses for exciting plays. The design of the course was purposeful, and it was to mimic the feeling that comes with playing in Ireland’s top golf courses like Waterville or Ballybunion courses.

Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course

Address: 351 Green Bay Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

15. Relish seafood at Red JJ Fish and Chicken

Would you love to have the tastiest fish and chicken wings in Zion? Well, Red JJ Fish and Chicken is the place to be for such amazing servings, and a wide variety of seafood. It is one of the leading fast-food restaurants in town where you are assured of the best shrimp dinners, fish fillets, and crispy chicken wings. Whether you need a heavy meal or you need a light snack to get you going, the menu at Red JJ Fish and Chicken will adequately take care of your needs.

Red JJ Fish and Chicken

Address: 4200 IL-173 #5, Zion, IL 60099, USA

Website: Red JJ Fish and Chicken

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm

Visit Zion for fun and adventure

With all the above things to do in Zion, Illinois, you should have a very busy, but fun-filled stay. Whether it is an adventure, camping, hiking or eating, the little town of Zion has it all for you. Just be sure to plan your trip well so that you get to experience all the attractions you had planned to visit.