Illinois has no shortage of museums, roadside stops, and quirky destinations, but not all of them have stood the test of time. Some once drew crowds of families and travelers before closing for good. While they’re gone now, many still live on in photos, stories, and the memories of those who visited. Here are ten Illinois attractions that have shut down forever.
1. Kiddieland Amusement Park (Melrose Park)
Ask anyone who grew up near Chicago, and chances are they have a Kiddieland memory. The cheerful jingles, the scent of popcorn, and the laughter echoing from the Little Dipper coaster made this place a family institution for over eight decades. For generations, Kiddieland’s rides offered the perfect first taste of thrills.
The park wasn’t just about the rides. Puppet shows, pony rides, and the log flume became traditions for visitors. It was a spot where grandparents could revisit their childhood alongside their grandkids, sharing the same carousel horses and bumping cars. The annual back-to-school visits always felt like a time-honored ritual.
Sadly, rising property values and family disagreements led to the park’s closing in 2009. Today, a large retail store sits where the Ferris wheel once turned, but Kiddieland’s spirit lingers in countless family scrapbooks. There’s still a sense of fondness when locals recall cotton candy afternoons under Illinois’ summer sun.
2. Navy Pier’s Original Ferris Wheel (Chicago)
When Navy Pier reopened in the mid-1990s, the brand-new 150-foot Ferris wheel instantly became its crown jewel. Rising above the pier, the ride gave families sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline, transforming the waterfront into a destination again.
For kids, it was the thrill of reaching the top and spotting boats gliding below. For couples, it was the perfect backdrop for date nights and photos. Even in winter, bundled-up riders braved the chill for the skyline’s sparkle.
Over 20 years, the wheel carried millions of visitors and became a familiar postcard image.
For locals, it was more than a ride, it symbolized Chicago reclaiming its waterfront and giving it new life. In 2016, the wheel was retired and dismantled to make room for the taller, sleeker Centennial Wheel. Though its replacement now spins above the pier, many still remember the original as their first high-flying view of Chicago. Nostalgia lingers for the gentle hum and slow turn that made every ride unforgettable.
3. Old Chicago Indoor Amusement Park (Bolingbrook)
Imagine stepping through the doors of Old Chicago in Bolingbrook, bright lights everywhere, the smell of popcorn, and the hum of excitement. When it opened in 1975, this indoor amusement park was unlike anything Illinois had ever seen. Rides, arcades, and shops sprawled beneath a giant dome, promising fun regardless of the weather outside.
For many, Old Chicago felt almost futuristic. It brought together shopping and entertainment in a single, climate-controlled space. Teens hung out with friends, families braved the roller coaster, and shoppers browsed row after row of stores.
Operating costs and competition proved too much, though, and by 1980, Old Chicago’s doors closed for good. The site has faded from view, but ask locals and you’ll hear tales of weekend trips spent chasing thrills beneath that iconic roof. It’s a piece of state history that’s still missed today.
4. Riverview Park (Chicago)
For much of the 20th century, Riverview Park was the beating heart of Chicago summers. Opened in 1904, it sprawled across 74 acres on the city’s North Side and quickly earned fame as the largest amusement park in the world. Kids grew up with its roller coasters, the Bobs and the Fireball, while families flocked to the midway for funhouses, parachute drops, and sideshows that seemed endless.
Its slogan, “Laugh Your Troubles Away at Riverview,” rang true for millions. The park wasn’t just about thrills. Community picnics, concerts, and fireworks made it a gathering place where Chicagoans felt at home. Generations shared the same rides, creating a shared memory bank that stretched across decades.
By the 1960s, though, land values rose, competition grew, and Riverview closed in 1967. The loss was deeply felt, as if the city had lost part of its soul. Today, nothing remains of the park itself, but in Chicago nostalgia, Riverview still roars with laughter and the click of coaster tracks.
5. Chicago’s Meigs Field Airport (Chicago)
Meigs Field wasn’t just for pilots, it was for dreamers. This small airport, perched on Chicago’s lakefront, offered breathtaking views for anyone landing or taking off. Aviation buffs still reminisce about the unique thrill of flying in with the city skyline in sight.
Families visited simply to watch the planes. Kids leaned against the fence, eyes wide as Cessnas and small jets rumbled down the runway. The airport became a favorite spot for taking in sunsets over Lake Michigan and marveling at the city’s energy.
The sudden closure in 2003 stunned many, as bulldozers erased the runway overnight. A controversial decision, it sparked debate that continues today. While Meigs Field is no more, its story remains a touchstone for Chicago’s aviation fans and the state’s changing relationship with its lakeshore.
6. Santa’s Village (East Dundee – Original Version)
For kids in Illinois, nothing compared to entering Santa’s Village for the first time. The holiday spirit was everywhere, from twinkling lights to whimsical rides inspired by the North Pole. Families traveled from across the state just to experience its festive magic.
The original version, opening in 1959, became a cherished destination for generations. Parents snapped photos of little ones on the Candy Cane slide or greeting Santa himself. Every trip felt like stepping inside a snow globe, no matter the season.
Santa’s Village closed in 2006, but the nostalgia endures. New owners have since rebooted the park, but those early memories linger in family albums and holiday stories. The first iteration remains a treasured chapter in Illinois’ long history of family attractions.
7. The Spindle (Berwyn)
Nothing stopped traffic on Cermak Road quite like The Spindle. This vertical stack of eight cars looked surreal, poking into the Berwyn sky and making drivers look twice. It was less a sculpture, more a conversation starter for anyone passing by.
Installed in 1989 as a piece of public art, The Spindle quickly found fans among locals and visitors alike. Kids pressed their faces against car windows in awe, while others paused for a quick snapshot. The oddity stood as a symbol of suburban creativity and irreverence.
Retail development meant its removal in 2008, much to the disappointment of its admirers. While the cars have driven off into history, The Spindle’s legend lives on in photos and memories. The site’s current look can’t compete with its offbeat charm.
8. Adventureland (Addison)
Some parks gain a cult following, and Adventureland in Addison was one of them. Opening in 1961, it quickly became the summer hotspot for local families. The rides ranged from gentle spinners to small coasters, with something ages could enjoy.
Competition with bigger parks nearby eventually caught up, but Adventureland’s charm wasn’t just in its attractions. Friendly staff, hand-painted signs, and weekend events gave the place a welcoming, hometown feel. You could spend the whole day, never waiting long for your turn.
When the park closed in 1977, its regulars felt the loss deeply. Many still swap stories about their favorite rides or the time they won a giant stuffed animal. In Illinois nostalgia circles, Adventureland’s memory remains bright.
9. Midwest Museum of Natural History (Sycamore)
Natural history came alive in Sycamore at the Midwest Museum of Natural History. This small but ambitious museum let visitors get up close with dinosaur skeletons, mounted animals, and hands-on science activities. School groups filled its halls, inspired by the array of fossils and artifacts.
The museum’s strength was in its community focus. Local volunteers often led tours, sharing their passion for science and the region’s natural wonders. Families returned again and again to see new exhibits and enjoy educational programs.
Financial challenges forced the museum to close its doors in 2020. Its absence is felt by those who valued its approachable take on science in the heart of Illinois. The museum’s impact lingers, reflected in the curiosity it sparked in a generation of visitors.
10. Uptown Theatre (Chicago)
Walking past the Uptown Theatre today, you still sense the grandeur that defined Chicago’s entertainment scene in the early 20th century. Its massive Spanish Baroque facade and eye-catching marquee drew crowds for years. This was once the place to catch a movie in style, surrounded by velvet seats and glittering chandeliers.
The theater’s closure in 1981 marked the end of an era. Countless attempts at restoration have taken shape, but the doors remain closed. The Uptown’s story is one of hope and heartbreak, a reminder of how quickly grandeur can fade.
Locals still root for its revival, sharing stories of first dates and Saturday matinees. The theater stands as a testament to Illinois’ rich cultural history, even as it waits for a second act. It remains an iconic, if silent, guardian of Uptown’s past.
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