Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Allerton Park was the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton, who donated it to the University of Illinois in 1946. It features 1,500 acres of woodlands, formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures. The park is open to the public for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and leisurely garden strolls.

CITY: Monticello

David Davis Mansion

The David Davis Mansion was the home of Judge David Davis, the friend, mentor and campaign manager for Abraham Lincoln. The elegant 36-room Victorian home tells the story of the generation that led the United States through the Civil War and early years of Reconstruction. Take a tour of the lavishly decorated mansion, where you’ll learn about the important friendship between Davis and Lincoln, and get a peek at what life was like for a wealthy Victorian-era family.

CITY: Bloomington

Scovill Zoo

This zoo overlooking Lake Decatur is home to animals from around the world, the Z.O.&O. Express train, the Endangered Species Carousel and the Zootique Gift Shop. Family events and activities are offered regularly.

CITY: Decatur

World's Largest Covered Wagon

The Railsplitter Covered Wagon, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest covered wagon in the world, is located on the front lawn of the Best Western Lincoln Inn, near historic Route 66. A statue of Abe Lincoln reading a law book sits in the huge wooden wagon, which stands 24 feet tall.

CITY: Lincoln

Children's Museum of Illinois

Kids can shimmy up Luckey's Climber, make a giant bubble and pretend to be whatever they can imagine, from a pilot to a scientist. The museum's permanent exhibits complement temporary exhibits and projects.

CITY: Decatur

Grady's Family Fun Center

As Bloomington-Normal's only amusement park, Grady's features an 18-hole mini-golf course, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts and kiddie rides.

CITY: Bloomington

McLean County Museum of History

Founded in 1904, the museum is housed in a magnificent courthouse that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in downtown Bloomington, the museum reveals the lives of the people who shaped McLean County, including those who encountered and knew Abraham Lincoln.

CITY: Bloomington

Lake Decatur

The state's largest artificial body of water, Lake Decatur spans 2,800 acres, with 30 miles of shoreline offering recreational opportunities and wildlife vistas at lakeside parks and the city marina. Water sports include boating, fishing, sailing and jet skiing. While shoreline locations surrounding Nelson Park Marina offer miniature golf, dining, public gardens and picnic facilities.

CITY: Decatur

The Palms Grill Café

The Palms Grill Cafe was a well-known restaurant during the heyday of Route 66. Recently the cafe was revitalized and reopened, and is serving up delicious nostalgia from the fabled Route 66 era. Conveniently located right across the street is the towering Bunyon’s Statue, another one of Route 66’s famous Muffler Man Statues.

CITY: Atlanta

Ewing Cultural Center

Located on the wooded Sunset Hill estate of the late Hazle Buck Ewing, the Ewing Cultural Center encompasses the open-air Theatre at Ewing (summer home of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival), the elegant Ewing Manor (which is open for tours) and the beautiful Genevieve Green Gardens.

CITY: Bloomington

Paul Bunyon Hotdog Statue

Standing 19 feet tall and clutching a giant hot dog, this Paul Bunyon statue, purposely spelled with an “o”, is one of Route 66’s mythic Muffler Man Statues. A few of these giants still proudly grace the roadsides of historic Route 66. This one is located in Atlanta, Illinois, just across the street from the Palms Grill Café, which features fine fare from The Mother Road’s golden age.

CITY: Atlanta

Funks Grove Pure Maple Syrup

Guided tours offered during February and March that show syrup making by the "Boiling Down" process. Gift store stocked with syrup as well as Route 66 memorabilia.

CITY: Shirley

Spirits of Bloomington Historic Ghost Tours

The Spirits of Bloomington Historic Ghost Tours feature guides dressed as President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln who reveal fascinating tales, myths and paranormal accounts of McLean County.

CITY: Bloomington

The Chocolatier, Inc.

The Chocolatier, Inc. in Downtown Bloomington specializes in fine chocolates and candies. Stop in and pick out the perfect treat!

CITY: Bloomington

Miller Park Zoo

Miller Park Zoo is the only Illinois zoo to feature the endangered Sumatran tiger. This zoo also features several indoor and outdoor exhibits of exotic animals, special events, and is open year round.

CITY: Bloomington

Route 66 Park & Tourism Center

This small park is right on Route 66, and it's a great place to check out the town of Atlanta. It is a great park, including flat area to run and playground for the kids to climb and run on, you and your family are sure to enjoy.

CITY: Atlanta

Scovill House & Oriental Gardens

Serenity envelopes this intimate area, where visitors are welcomed by a Chinese Fu dog and flowering dogwoods, star magnolia, Japanese lilac, and rhododendron -- foliage native to the Orient. Originally commissioned by Guy and Rose Scovill in the 1920's and reconstructed in the 1980's, the gardens' soothing nature encompasses a small reflective point, sod bridge, and oriental sculptures, and surrounds a small cottage, which is available for gatherings and retreats.

CITY: Decatur

The Pour House

Nightlife bar with welcoming atmosphere for all and good quality food for lunch and dinner - try us!

CITY: Decatur

Genevieve Green Gardens

The Genevieve Green Gardens offer a relaxing setting for contemplation and the appreciation of nature's beauty. Small gardens are tucked in at various locations; there is also a formal compass garden with a beautiful arbor, a Japanese garden, and a main plaza that is highlighted by a water feature. Walkways, accompanied by tasteful signage, conveniently guide visitors around the property and are in harmony with the landscape's topography. Carefully designed lighting makes it possible to enjoy the gardens during evening hours.

CITY: Bloomington

Monticello Railway Museum

View various pieces of steam and electric railroad equipment. Offers vintage train rides on Sat. and Sun. May through Oct., as well as a number of special events throughout the year.

CITY: Monticello

Route 66 Log Chapel

This hand-built chapel in Lincoln is open for prayer and meditation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CITY: Lincoln

Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts

Built in 1922 to house the original American Passion Play, the former Scottish Rite Temple is the centerpiece of downtown Bloomington's Cultural District. The Performing Arts Center has a 1,200-seat theater and 1,000-person ballroom.

CITY: Bloomington

Beach House Restaurant

Wonderful American cuisine in an elegant setting. Dine inside or outside and take in an amazing view of Lake Decatur. Fresh seafood flown in daily from Florida makes this one of Decatur's treasures.

CITY: Decatur

Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden

Created in 1927 from an old sand pit across the road from Lake Decatur, the city's oldest garden was extensively renovated in 1992. Its resurrected look features secluded paths leading through rocky terraces planted with unusual trees, and landscapes brimming with colorful perennials. Towering bald Cypress trees, planted in the 1920s, still reign over these delightful grounds.

CITY: Decatur

Holiday Inn Express - LeRoy

The Holiday Inn Express is the newest hotel in LeRoy. The hotel is situated just off I-74 and only 15 minutes from the Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) in Bloomington-Normal. While staying in LeRoy, hotel guests have easy access to I-74, which makes visiting spots such as Moraine View State Park or Clinton Lake a breeze. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center, free high-speed Internet access, complimentary Express Start hot breakfast bar, indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

CITY: Le Roy

Prairie Fire Glass

Blown glass - stained glass. Glass blown on site - Demos daily

CITY: Monticello

Macon County History Museum

Imagine Abraham Lincoln, the 6'4" lawyer, ducking to avoid bumping his head on the entrance of Macon Country's first courthouse built in 1829, which was the only log courthouse where Lincoln practiced law. This and other period buildings, located in the Macon County History Museum, allow visitors to travel back to different historical periods of the county. The prairie village on the museum grounds is home to such historical buildings as the log court house where Abraham Lincoln practiced in the 1830s.

CITY: Decatur

Normal CornBelters

The CornBelters are a professional minor league baseball team with the independent Frontier League. In addition to competitive baseball, fans enjoy zany on-field promotions, outrageous entertainment acts, delicious food and post-game fireworks.

CITY: Normal

BlueLine Night Club

There's great bands and sophisticated atmosphere at the BlueLine Night Club in Downtown Bloomington!

CITY: Bloomington

Lincoln Christening Site/Watermelon Statue

A life-size statue of a watermelon commemorates the day the City of Lincoln was christened by Abraham Lincoln on August 27, 1853. The town's founders, John D. Gillett, Virgil HIckox and Robert B. Latham, were all personal friends of Lincoln.

CITY: Lincoln

Illinois Brewing Company

Great brewing company in a beautiful bar! Lunch and dinner served.

CITY: Bloomington

Fairview Water Park

Fairview has an activity pool featuring arched water jets, a polar bear slide and a water mushroom. The park also features six lap swim lanes, a deep pool with two thrilling drop slides, multiple diving boards and two sand volleyball courts.

CITY: Normal

IWU School of Theatre Arts

Four mainstage plays are performed annually, ranging from Shakespeare to musicals. Holiday events are held every season.

CITY: Bloomington

Community Players Theatre

The Community Players Theatre is committed to presenting quality theater at an affordable price. Call for current performances and tickets.

CITY: Bloomington

Long Creek Vineyards

Long Creek Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard established in 2004. The vineyard was planted on the family farm rooted in the quaint but lovely village of Long Creek, Illinois. (Located 3 miles east of Decatur, IL on US Route 36) Draped on the hillside of this farm are Chambourcin, Steuben, Vidal Blanc, La Crosse and Vignoles. In 2006 they planted a variety of Northern Italian grapes including Nebbiolo, Barbera and Sangiovese, as well as the French varieties of Syrah and Viognier.

CITY: Decatur

Crossroads Global Handcrafts

Crossroads Global Handcrafts is a respected outlet for fairly traded handcrafts and food products from around the world including handmade art objects, utilitarian items, textiles, baskets, carvings, jewelry, ceramics, premium coffees, tea and chocolate.

CITY: Bloomington

Eastland Mall

Featuring food, shopping and entertainment, Eastland Mall is the family friendly center that is sure to please everyone with a wide variety of stores and activities. We know you will find great shopping at stores like Aeropostale, American Eagle, Applebee's, Buckle, Hollister, Justice, Limited, Rogers & Hollands, Talbot's, Victoria's Secret and more.

CITY: Bloomington

The Shoppes at College Hills

The Shoppes at College Hills is an open-air lifestyle center anchored by Von Maur, Gordman’s, Hobby Lobby and Target. The exciting blend of retailers and restaurants includes more than 25 specialty stores like Coldwater Creek, Chico’s, J. Jill, Ann Taylor Loft, Jos. A. Bank, Flat Top Grill, Coldstone Creamery and much more. The inviting landscaped outdoor environment creates a shopping experience second to none. Our state of the art water feature adds to the ambiance of the center. Other amenities include street lighting, seating areas, children’s play area and outdoor dining.

CITY: Normal

The Corn Crib

The state-of-the-art Corn Crib Stadium is home to the Normal CornBelters and Heartland Community College athletic teams. The Corn Crib seats roughly 7,000 patrons for CornBelters games, and many more for concerts and special events.

CITY: Normal

Veterans Point Memorial

25 tons of granite memorialize 1300 veterans from at least twenty-seven states with the message, "Freedom is not Free." Fifty Flags of Freedom fly the following holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

CITY: Clinton

Motel 6 - Normal

Amenities at this Motel 6 include free local calls, free morning coffee, free expanded cable, kids stay free, pet friendly, accessible rooms, outdoor pool, and truck parking.

CITY: Normal

Illinois Symphony Orchestra

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra performs diverse concerts for the communities of Springfield and Bloomington-Normal. Single tickets or affordable subscription packages are available.

CITY: Bloomington

The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center

Recreational options are plentiful at the Chateau Hotel & Conference Center. Guests can swim in the indoor pool, relax in the sauna or whirlpool, workout in the exercise room, jog on the twelve mile Constitution Trail that connects to the property, or visit the nearby Shoppes at College Hills outdoor mall. The property offers complimentary wireless high speed internet access, 7am-10pm complimentary transportation service, 24-hour airport shuttles, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers, electronic keyless entry door locks, banquet and conference facilities for up to 500 people and free parking.

CITY: Bloomington

Hawthorn Suites & Conference Center

The Hawthorn Suites & Conference Center is an upscale, all suite hotel in Bloomington at the intersection of I-55/74 and Market Street, just off exit 160. The hotel offers convenient access to shopping, dining and Bloomington-Normal area attractions. The Hawthorn Suites & Conference Center's accommodations are designed with the comfort of guests in mind. Spacious suites, 10-foot ceilings, and elegant interior decor are intended to provide hotel guests with an enjoyable experience. Amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily and an evening reception every Wednesday. Each hotel suite includes one or more queen size beds, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a wet bar or full kitchen, 25 inch television, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, spacious desk and a separate living area with full-size sofa sleeper. Free high-speed Internet access is available throughout the hotel.

CITY: Bloomington

Decatur Civic Center

The Decatur Civic Center hosts trade shows, concerts, expos and more.

CITY: Decatur

Quality Inn & Suites West - Bloomington

The Quality Inn & Suites West is conveniently located off Illinois Highway 9 and Interstate 74. The Quality Inn & Suites West offers free continental breakfast, free local calls, free issues of The Wall Street Journal, fitness center, sauna, indoor pool, hot tub, free high-speed Internet access and banquet and meeting rooms. Suites feature microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers and cable television with HBO.

CITY: Bloomington

Burr House Bed & Breakfast

The Burr House Bed & Breakfast is located in Bloomington's historic district across from Franklin Park. Six rooms are available, including one suite with a private bath and sitting room, three rooms with private bath and two with a shared bath. The home has four marble fireplaces, ornate plaster ceilings, original black walnut floors and woodwork and a formal dining room where breakfast is served.

CITY: Bloomington

Heartland Theatre

Heartland Theatre Company is located on the old Soldiers & Sailors campus where Lincoln and Beech Streets intersect in Normal. Besides presenting a season of five plays each year, Heartland hosts an annual 10-Minute Play Festival and a one-act competition and workshop for Midwest playwrights. Heartland occasionally partners with local universities and organizations to offer historical or musical theatre to the community.

CITY: Normal

The Loft - Bloomington

Enjoy this newly renovated martini bar with a wonderful atmosphere! No food served.

CITY: Bloomington

Schaub Floral Display Center

Bursting with seasonal exhibits, our brightest newcomer nurtures flowering trees and scrubs such as weeping Japanese cherry, mock orange, forsythia, fragrant bulbs, and delightfully colored pansies. A perennial garden joins the array this summer, and the spring exhibit opens mid-March.

CITY: Decatur

Steeple Gallery

We specialize in Americana, limited edition prints, custom framing, primitive antiques, gifts and decor. We are located in a 1906 vintage church.

CITY: Monticello

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Bloomington features a contemporary setting, a fresh, modern appearance and a convenient location near the Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA). The hotel offers the very best in accommodations and guests can enjoy complimentary shuttle services, over 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a 24-hour business center and free high-speed, wired and wireless Internet access, indoor pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour fitness center, convenience store, Baxter's American Grill, game room and on-site laundry.

CITY: Bloomington

Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center - Bloomington

Eastland Suites is conveniently located one block off of Veteran's Parkway in Bloomington. Guests start their mornings with a hot breakfast and unwind in the evenings with a complimentary cocktail hour Monday thru Saturday. Guests can also enjoy our indoor pool and fitness center, along with discounted passes to nearby Gold’s Gym. Whatever may bring you to Central Illinois, Eastland Suites offers the finest accommodations and service whether you are staying a day, week, month or even longer.

CITY: Bloomington

Laugh Comedy Club

Some of the nations best comedians grace the stage every week at Bloomington's ONLY Comedy Club! We offer low ticket prices, great food and drinks and under 21 is permitted to enter. Join us every Thursday for College Night! Shows are Thursday, Friday, Saturday!

CITY: Bloomington

Wacky Nackies

Gifts, decorative accessories, jewelry, candy - life's simple pleasures

CITY: Monticello

Firehouse Flea Market & Antiques

We have a wide variety of items including glassware, pyrex, VCR tapes, DVD's, CD's, lamps, Fenton glass, jewelry, vintage clothing, books, small furniture & knick-knacks. We have something for everyone!

CITY: Decatur

Irwin Dairy

This family-run dairy is located on the edge of Logan County. Call to set up an appointment to visit.

CITY: Beason

Ziemer Gallery

Featuring Watercolors of Larry Ziemer, plus other artists

CITY: Monticello

Chicago Style Pizzeria

Chicago Style Pizzeria is a locally owned and operated restaurant that offers pizza as well as appetizers, Black Angus burgers, gourmet sandwiches, salads and pasta dinners. Chicago Style Pizzeria is famous for its daily lunch and dinner buffet, and its Alfredo Pizza. The Pizzeria's pizza offerings include thin crust pizza, deep pan pizza and stuffed pizza. Traditional pizza sauces are available as well as whole peeled tomato, Alfredo, garlic butter, BBQ sauce and Buffalo sauce. Also traditional and gourmet toppings are offered. Finally, a cheeseless pizza is available in both the thin crust and deep pan pizza.

CITY: Bloomington

Boating on Lake Decatur

Boating on Lake Decatur is allowed year-'round with a permit (available at the cashier's window / 2nd floor of the Decatur Civic Center). For general information, call Lake Management Office at (217) 424-2837.

CITY: Decatur

African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum

AACGS promotes and provides resources and education on the history of the African American. Embracing all cultures, it offers (in part), genealogy workshops, museum displays, storytelling, essay & poetry contests and the promotion of Cultural Arts. Three main annual community events sponsored are Black History Month, Juneteenth National Freedom Day, and Kwanzaa Celebration.

CITY: Decatur

Postville Courthouse State Historic Site

Reproduction of the first Logan County courthouse used from 1840-1847, which was one of the places where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. It features a period courtroom, offices and exhibits. It was the original seat of County Government in Logan County.

CITY: Lincoln

Sandy's Motel

24 rooms, restaurant nearby, non-smoking rooms, free movie channel.

CITY: Decatur

USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic

Players from over twenty countries competing for ATP World Ranking Points and $10,000 in prize money

CITY: Decatur

Red Roof Inn - LeRoy

The Red Roof Inn in LeRoy is conveniently located just off I-74 and offers small town hospitality, yet is close to all the conveniences of the major cities. Guests will enjoy free WiFi internet, complimentary daily breakfast, coin laundry, alarm clocks with MP3 jacks, cable television with HBO, hairdryers, in-room coffeemakers, microwaves and refrigerators. A jacuzzi suite is also available.

CITY: Le Roy

Normal Theater

The Normal Theater is an historic movie theater located in downtown Normal, IL.

CITY: Normal

Ultimate Play Space- Spray & Play Park

This 13-acre park allows kids to exercise their mind and body! Water park runs Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.

CITY: Clinton

Decatur Park District

In addition to 39 neighborhood and community parks, our green spaces boast bike trails, picnic and camping facilities, gardens, golf courses, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and swimming pools.

CITY: Decatur

Monticello Railway Museum

Offers vintage train rides on Sat. and Sun. May through Oct. View various pieces of steam and electric railroad equipment.

CITY: Monticello

Governor Oglesby Mansion

Built in 1874, this Italianate mansion was the home of Richard J. Oglesby, a U.S. senator and three-time governor of Illinois. Oglesby was also a Union general in the Civil War and a close friend of Abraham Lincoln.

CITY: Decatur

Anne Lloyd Gallery - Madden Arts Center

The warm, welcoming and slightly funky Madden Arts Center is a richly renovated hub where the Decatur Area Arts Council makes its home. The building houses galleries, classrooms, an art shop, photo lab and rehearsal spaces. The Anne Lloyd Gallery showcases local exhibits as well as extraordinary traveling collections. The gallery spotlights an International Arts Experience exhibition over an 8-week period each summer. Participating in the downtown Decatur “art walks” the gallery holds a “First Friday” reception on the first Friday evening of each month, showcasing a different artist or artistic medium each time.

CITY: Decatur

Lincoln Park District

The Lincoln Park District has been providing Central Illinois with quality programs and activities since 1961. The park District offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, golf driving range, sports complex with a weight room, basketball courts, volleyball courts, an area for walking, and vending machines for food and drink.

CITY: Lincoln

Samuel Park's Office

A friend of Abraham Lincoln, Samuel Parks shared a law office with the future president and served on the Eighth Judicial Circuit with him.

CITY: Lincoln

Mulligans

Famous for Long Island Iced Teas! Always a packed crowd in Downtown Bloomington!

CITY: Bloomington

Clinton Lake Marina

Services include boat rentals, beverages, bait, propane tank exchange, slip rentals and an on-site boat service department.

CITY: Weldon

Days Inn - Bloomington

The Days Inn is a Chairman's Award Winning Property and is conveniently located off of Interstate I-55/I-74 /I-39. The hotel offers an indoor heated pool and spa, free deluxe daybreak breakfast, free wireless hi-speed internet, in-room coffee and tea, expanded cable and suites are available with a micro fridge.

CITY: Bloomington

C.H. Moore Homestead

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this restored mansion and grounds whisk visitors back to the Victorian era. Once home to Clinton attorney Clifton H. Moore, visitors will enjoy tours and stories of the friend and law partner of Abraham Lincoln who one resided there. Home of the DeWitt County Museum.

CITY: Clinton

Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Located in the heart of central Illinois, the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is the area’s newest hotel. It’s conveniently located just moments from Illinois State University, numerous corporate offices and the area’s finest shopping, dining and entertainment. Experience the nearby Children’s Discovery Museum, the historic Normal Theater and the revitalized Uptown Normal area.

CITY: Normal

Baymont Inn & Suites - Bloomington

The Baymont Inn and Suites is pleased to provide guests with exceptional service and quality amenities at an affordable price. Whether you are in Bloomington-Normal for business or leisure you can enjoy their heated outdoor swimming pool, free high speed internet in all guest rooms, free cable, fitness center, meeting room and much more. After a restful night of sleep, you can look forward to starting your day with a complimentary enhanced continental breakfast. The Baymont Inn and Suites is just minutes from the Central Illinois Regional Airport, Normal AMTRAK station, Uptown Normal and Downtown Bloomington.

CITY: Bloomington

Hampton Inn West - Bloomington

Clean room? Absolutely. Comfy bed? You bet. Hot shower? Of course. Naturally, you should expect the basics. And at the Hampton Inn West, we're delighted to offer the more personal touches-those little "extras" you may not expect. These include baggage storage, complimentary beverage area, complimentary breakfast area, elevators, laundry/valet service, local area transportation, room service and a safety deposit box.

CITY: Bloomington