2 Illinois Tourist Traps You Should Avoid — Here’s Why

If you're planning a trip to Illinois, you might want to steer clear of a couple of attractions that recently made the list of the top 10 tourist traps in the Midwest that should be avoided. Despite their popularity, these spots may not live up to the hype and could leave you feeling more disappointed than delighted.

What is a Tourist Trap?

Oh, a tourist trap? You mean those magical places where your wallet goes to die while you bask in the glory of overpriced knick-knacks and mediocre food?

It's where the essence of culture is distilled into the purest form of commercialism, and you get the privilege of paying triple for things. It's like Disneyland for your budget, but with fewer rides and more souvenir T-shirts that scream, "I got swindled here!"

More simply put, as Fodor's Travel described it, it's a place where tourists go and locals avoid.

Of the Top 10 Midwestern tourist traps to avoid, two are in Illinois. More specifically, in Chicago

Tourist Traps in Illinois You Should Avoid

(according to Fodor's Travel)

Navy Pier

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When in Chicago, taking in the vast beauty of Lake Michigan's shoreline is a must. However, you might want to reconsider doing so at this overly commercialized, 3,330-foot-long pier where dining and shopping dominate the scene, and parking fees are sky-high.

If Navy Pier is on your list, plan your visit wisely. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and don't expect a tranquil moment by the water on Wednesday or Saturday nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That's when the crowds descend for the fireworks shows.

I like that Fodor does suggest throughout the list, places you should consider visiting instead. And I couldn't agree more with this suggestion:

Sink your toes into the sand at Chicago’s North Beach and sip a fruity drink at Shore Club, the beach’s full-service restaurant.

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Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Paying $35 to vomit on a large window looking out from the world's third-tallest building sounds like a horrible idea. For me, this is a tourist trap of death because I'm terrified of that glass ledge. That's a little too much for my height fear to carry.

In this enclosed space, you'll almost always encounter a crowd.

Fodor's suggests a beautiful spot instead, but my height fears won't get me on an elevator to ride up 96 floors. The Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (the former John Hancock Building) is spectacular (I've heard).

See Fodor's complete list of ten tourist traps to avoid in the Midwest.

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