Fun Activities for Sports Fans in Illinois

All seasons are sports seasons in Illinois, making it an excellent location to play or watch sports. The state boasts museums dedicated to sports and venues where you can participate in sports events. With six major leagues and seven professional teams, all major sports are represented in the Prairie State. If you love sports, Illinois should be on your list of must-visit places. 

From Blackhawks hockey to Chicago Bulls basketball, there’s something for every sports fan in this state. If you’re a sports lover, you have probably bet on a game here and there with friends or coworkers. However, if you want to test how your sports knowledge matches up against a larger audience, online sportsbooks are worth investigating. If you’re new to sports betting, you can take advantage of the Illinois free bets offered by many sportsbooks to new customers. Keep reading to learn about the fun activities that await sports enthusiasts in Illinois. 

America’s Pastime 

Chicago is home to two storied baseball teams – the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs play at Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in the United States. Although the team hasn’t had a World Series victory in five years, watching them play is still a treat. 

The Chicago White Sox is the other baseball franchise that calls Chicago home. Guaranteed Rate Field on Chicago’s southside is where this famous team plays. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a Cubs and White Sox game on the same day. 

Des Plaines River

There are so many fun destinations to visit in Illinois. If you happen to be in the state during the spring or summer months, paddling along the Des Plaines River is another fun activity. You can traverse the river’s 18.5-mile course or take the shorter 5.25 mile “minthon” route as part of an annual event that dates back to the 1950s. It’s one of the oldest continuously operated canoe races in the United States. The race starts in Libertyville and ends in Mount Prospect with a paddle party after the race. If you participate, you’ll compete against about 800 paddlers from 10 states. 

Chicago Sports Musuem

No sports fan’s trip to Illinois would be complete without a trip to the Chicago Sports Museum. You’ll find the museum on the seventh floor of the Mag Mile mall. The museum boasts an impressive collection of sports memorabilia, including Grandpa Rossy’s Game 7 catcher’s gear, memorabilia from the Cub’s 2016 World Series win, and more. There are interactive exhibits and virtual reality games featuring all of the city’s major sports teams. Imagine shooting hoops with Scottie Pippen or guarding the goal against Patrick Kane. You can do all that and more at the museum. 

Susan Paige