2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 309 items
Ballard Nature Center
Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.
CITY: Altamont
2 - 10
Effingham County Fair
The annual county fair offers a variety of events for residents and visitors. 4-H and open shows of agricultural products and animals, Queen pageants, horse racing, talent contests, rodeo, demo derby, tractor pulls, and professional entertainment are some of the events you can enjoy while at the County Fair.
CITY: Altamont
Alton Hauntings Tours
Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.
CITY: Alton
Aug 17
Alton Block Party
Third Street in downtown Alton is the place to be for live music, food and dancing in the streets, held on the third Saturday of each month from June to August. Family activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the band to begin thereafter.
CITY: Alton
Alton Riverfront Amphitheater
The 4,000 seat Alton Riverfront Amphitheater hosts a variety of events from community festivals to live concerts throughout the summer months. With the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop, bring your blanket and spread out for an evening under the stars. Check out our website for a list of upcoming events.
CITY: Alton
Aug 30
Alton Summer Concert Series
Summer is here, and the sounds of summer will be bouncing off the Mississippi River during the “Five Dollar Friday” Summer Concert Series at the Alton Riverfront Amphitheater. The first concert of the season on June 14 will feature Changes in Latitude - a tribute to Jimmy Buffett . The second concert will feature Think Floyd USA - a tribute to Pink Floyd, June 21. The third concert will feature Street Fighters - a tribute to the Rolling Stones, Aug 16. The final concert of the season will feature House of the Holy - a tribute to Led Zeppelin on Aug 30.
CITY: Alton
14
$5 Friday Summer Concerts: Changes in Latitudes
The first concert of the season will feature Changes in Latitude - a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Tickets are $5 per person. Changes in Latitude is known as one of the country’s premier tribute bands to Jimmy Buffett. The band has 10 members including Steve Kareta (vocals, guitars), Allen Stevens (guitars/vocals), Amy Sullivan (vocals, Jon Berman (saxophone), Clark Seibold (drums), Bob Casinghino (keyboard/vocals), Brandon Marger (percussion), Jason Roseman (steel pan drums) Mark Neveu (bass) and Don Hemmer (pedal steel guitar). For more information call (800) 258-6645 or visit www.riverfrontamphitheater.com.
CITY: Alton
19
Sawyer Brown at Riverfront Amphitheater
Watch nationally-known country band Sawyer Brown at the beautiful Alton Riverfront Amphitheater. Borderline will also be performing. Gates open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. Admission is $20. To order tickets, go to http://www.tacopresents.ticketfly.com/.
CITY: Alton
C J Smith Resort
For 84 years, C. J. Smith Resort has provided everything needed to enjoy a day of fishing and boating on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes in northern Illinois. C. J. Smith Resort is a family owned and operated business since 1929. We believe in providing exceptional service and reasonable prices to our valued customers and guests.
CITY: Antioch
Arcola Architectural Tours
Arcola is a pristine showcase of small-town America that still retains many examples of more than a century of architectural changes in the American home. Two tours daily from April through October.
CITY: Arcola
Arlington International Racecourse
At Arlington International, we aim to make every day of the season special by combining the excitement of thoroughbred racing, gorgeous grounds and fantastic food to create a winning track experience for our guests! Whether you're looking for a fun and exciting day out with friends and family, a casual and charming afternoon at the races, or a sophisticated and stylish get-together, Arlington International offers an extraordinary experience for everyone! Live racing and entertainment May 3 - September 29, 2013.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights Farmers Market
Enjoy fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, bakery good, jams, jellies, and more from local farmers. Open June through October.
CITY: Arlington Heights
17
Arlington Million
The Arlington Million brings together horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans from every corner of the world. Immerse yourself in the Arlington Million experience... history and tradition, special performances, fashionable apparel, and delectable cuisine.
CITY: Arlington Heights
1
Binny's Taste at the Track
The Biggest and Best Wine Event of the Spring Season is Back! You’re invited to join us to watch and wager on the heart pounding sport of Thoroughbred horse racing while enjoying a sampling of over 400 domestic and international wines from Binny’s. Plus, top Chicagoland restaurants will be providing a sampling of signature dishes to pair with your favorite wine. This ticketed event includes general admission to Arlington Park, entrance into the exclusive Taste at the Track event in the Park, a Govino wine glass and wine tastings, and three food sample tickets. In addition to your sample tasting options, you’ll also enjoy chef demonstrations and delicious small plate offerings available for purchase. You MUST be 21+ to enter the exclusive Taste at the Track event. Be sure to get your tickets early as they will sell out! For more information visit the Binny's Taste at the Track ticket page.
CITY: Arlington Heights
The 200 Acres
Located in the heart of Illinois' Amish country, The 200 Acres is a working farm that features beautiful gardens, including a spectacular collection of more than 5,000 mums, and offers its heirloom seeds for sale. The 200 Acres is especially known for its more than 300 varieties of rare pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the globe that are grown right on the farm and displayed in its Great Pumpkin Patch from mid-September through October 31 every year. The on-site Homestead Bakery sells made-from-scratch goodies such as pies and angel food cake during spring, summer and fall.
CITY: Arthur
J.H. Hawes Elevator
This restored grain elevator is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free tours are offered Sundays in June, July and August.
CITY: Atlanta
Bicycle Trails - Aurora
More than 35 miles of trails, from Aurora to Crystal Lake, pass through scenic landscapes. Routes include the Fox River, Virgil Gilman and Red Oak Trails, and the Illinois Prairie Path.
CITY: Aurora
Fox River Games Paintball
Bring a group of friends to play a round of paintball at Fox River Games. Open play or "walk-on" play is recreational play for all ages (age restrictions) and skill levels. Play as an individual or play in groups. Typically we are open every weekend Saturday and Sunday and during the summer we operate on Wednesdays and Fridays too. Please check our website for our operating schedule and specific hours of operation.
CITY: Aurora
Splash Country Water Park
This deluxe water park features tube slides, a simulated river, zero-depth pools and sand activity areas.
CITY: Aurora
Apple Basket Farms
Enjoy one of the areas last remaining commercial fruit orchards. Pick apples & pumpkins. Feed animals at the petting zoo, stroll through Farmer Jack's corn maze.
CITY: Barry
Hall Quarry Beach
Hall Quarry features a zero-depth sand beach, two islands, a youth water slide, drop slide, and a diving tower with two- and four-meter platforms.
CITY: Batavia
Braeutigam's Orchards
Blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, and eggplant are the specialties at this orchard.
CITY: Belleville
Boone County Conservation District
The enchanting charm of Boone County’s Buffalo Creek creates a picturesque scene of nature at its finest. With a mission of preserving nature for generations to come, the area offers numerous educational events and festivals.
CITY: Belvidere
13
Country Antique Market, Bishop Hill
Join in the gathering of 60 exceptional proprietors showing and selling their wares on the Colony School lawn. Look and peruse through a vast variety of hard to find specialty collectibles and antiques from early country, primitives, folk art, pottery and textiles. This market is the the place you are longing to explore.
CITY: Bishop Hill
1 - 30
8 Seasons in Sapmi Exhibit
Step into the northernmost reaches of Europe! The indigenous Sápmi are a people whose nation spans Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. The Sapmi heritage is explored through their artwork and artifacts, and photographs of their traditionally nomadic lifestyle. We invite you to view garments, jewelry, musical instruments and more. Take the back roads this summer and experience our Utopian on the Prairie, Bishop Hill.
CITY: Bishop Hill
Bolingbrook Golf Club
Bolingbrook Golf Club combines the elements of a world-class facility and championship golf. Featuring an Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest designed golf course, a learning academy, clubhouse with lounge, two full-service restaurants, and banquet facilities. Over 78,000 sq. ft. club house features beautiful verandas overlooking an award winning golf course and a great venue for meetings and other social events.
CITY: Bolingbrook
25
Chicago Bears Training Camp
Whether you're a hardcore football nut, or you just want to give the family a Bears experience they'll never forget, Bears training camp in Bourbonnais is the place to be! Every summer the Chicago Bears descend on Olivet Nazarene University for training camp, where fans can attend free family events and meet the players. Please visit the website for dates and times.
CITY: Bourbonnais
26 - 30
Bourbonnais Friendship Festival 2013
During the five days of fun, rides, games, shows, beer garden, parades, teen Idol, baby contest and more. You are bound to see astronauts, Martians, the Jetsons, Buzz Lightyear, Luke Skywalker and more as you orbit the festival grounds.
CITY: Bourbonnais
Legends Sportsplex
This year-round facility offers five basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, two soccer fields, a video game arcade, bumper cars, two mini-golf courses, softball batting cages, a go-kart track, climbing wall and paintball field.
CITY: Bourbonnais
5 - 7
Thee Old Time Farm Show
Stroll down the rows of old tractors and equipment, visit the operating exhibits of old gas engines, steam engines, the sawmill, threshing and corn shelling. Ask the operators to explain their exhibits and learn about the agricultural equipment that is "Part of America's Heritage". On July 7 come and cheer on the second annual antique tractor pull after the Parade of Power.
CITY: Bradley
Brookfield Zoo
There's more than 200 beautifully landscaped acres to explore at Brookfield Zoo. Highlights include dolphin shows at Seven Seas, ape encounters at Tropic World and the chance for kids to dress up and play veterinarian at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. The zoo also offers an old-fashioned carousel and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
CITY: Brookfield
Aug 13
McLeod Summer Playhouse
Enjoy your favorite plays right here in Carbondale with the McLeod Summer Playhouse series. In the past classic performances such as Chicago, Cinderella and Steel Magnolias have graced the stage, and this year's line-up is just as a impressive. Don't miss Hair, Guys & Dolls, and Annie, three incredible shows.
CITY: Carbondale
Jun 28
Carbondale Community Friday Night Fair
Enjoy some of the best of what Carbondale has to offer every Friday during the summer, when the arts & entertainment scene unites with local farmers and craftsmen to create a fun, family-friendly festival. Hosted in Carbondale's historic Town Square Pavillion, the fair includes kids activities, a farmer's market, craft vendors, live music and more, all free of charge.
CITY: Carbondale
Sep 25
Brown Bag Concert Series
Grab a lawn chair, pick up lunch from a local eatery and head to the Town Square Pavillion for Carbondale Main Street's Brown Bag Concert! Every Wednesday local musicians come together to put on a free show in the heart of downtown Carbondale. Everyone is welcome, but the event emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere.
CITY: Carbondale
3 - 23
Southern Illinois Music Festival
The 9th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival features over three-dozen performances in venues all over the Southern Illinois region. In addition to the New Chicago Chamber Orchestra, musicians from throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia perform orchestral music, chamber music, opera, ballet, and jazz in an informal and inviting atmosphere. This year’s Festival, titled “Swarm of B's,” runs June 3-23 and features some of our favorite composers that start with the letter "B"—Bach, Brahms, Barber, Bartok and Beethoven to name a few.
CITY: Carbondale
Brooms Orchard
Apples, peaches, strawberries, jam and a country store. Pick your own pumpkins, apples, peaches and strawberries. Special events in September and August.
CITY: Carlinville
Carlyle Lake
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres), is a premier location for outdoor sports. We known to sailors, it is one of the best and most challenging for sailboats. There is also boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching, sand beaches, and camping areas. Hotels, cabins and golf courses make the area a true outdoor lover's playground.
CITY: Carlyle
Coral Cove Water Park
Dive into this beach-themed water park with 2 tall tube slides, drop-slide, diving well, walk-in swimming pool, splash ‘n spray playground, sand play area and café. Locker rooms, showers & family restrooms. Available for group rentals for 50-1500 people.
CITY: Carol Stream
Chalet Hills Golf Club
This championship 18-hole golf course with 6,950 yards offers bent grass fairways, and beautiful rolling hills and vistas. Power carts are required Friday through Sunday and holidays.
CITY: Cary
21 - 23
Taste of Champaign-Urbana
Find your new favorite restaurant. The one that would make you willingly wait in a long line, travel miles and miles, and create special occasions just to visit. The Taste of Champaign-Urbana will aid you on your adventure to culinary discovery with 25 food vendors to tempt your taste buds. More than that, “Taste of C-U” will entertain you with free live music. It will expand your knowledge of hidden artistry within the Champaign-Urbana community. All this in one whirlwind of a weekend, June 21-23 at West Side Park in Champaign, IL. Come out and join in on the fun!
CITY: Champaign
28 - 29
Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
The stages will be sure to be rocking all day, showcasing our featured Blues bands and singers, featuring such artists as Eric Sardinas, Shirley Johnson, Jerry Lee & the JuJu Kings and Shane Dwight. This street festival also features some the nations top, and award-winning so it will be hard to go home hungry.
CITY: Champaign
28 - 30
Bloomington Gold Corvette Show
Bloomington Gold is not only the longest running national Corvette event, but also is noted for innovations that have been commonly copied by many other automotive events. Corvette auctions, swap meets, certification, SURVIVOR®, educational seminars and special museum-type displays all began at Bloomington Gold. Over 4,000 Corvettes will descend on Champaign County for the first time and over 1,00 0 are expected to take part in the Gold Tour, showcasing the open roads.
CITY: Champaign
Magic Waters Waterpark
Some of the many fun water attractions include the five-story Abyss (a dark tunnel tube ride), the two-person Splash Blaster water coaster, Tsunami Bay (Illinois' largest wave pool), Splash Magic River, and Little Lagoon for the tykes. The newest ride is the Double Dare Drop speed slides. Each slide drops riders 75 feet, making the thrill ride the steepest speed slide in northern Illinois.
CITY: Cherry Valley
Tall Ship Windy
Navy Pier's resident 148-foot, four-masted schooner pays tribute to the Great Lakes' rich maritime heritage during a variety of cruises each day.
CITY: Chicago
Seadog Speedboat Rides
The largest speedboats in the country, the 70-foot-long, bright yellow Seadog boats carry up to 149 passengers and offer 30-minute speedboat rides along the lakefront. Seadog rides depart from Navy Pier.
CITY: Chicago
Theater on the Lake
Set in a red brick building beneath the towering trees of Lincoln Park, Theater on the Lake offers a great view of Lake Michigan and low ticket prices.
CITY: Chicago
Millennium Park
In the heart of the city you’ll find a state-of-the-art park designed for the new millennium. Discover the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, the multimedia Crown Fountain and the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, all with Chicago’s stunning architecture as a backdrop. The park is also host to many free cultural programs, concerts and family activities. Plus, there's alfresco dining in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago River Architecture Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats
The Chicago River Architecture Tour is a 60-minute journey through the heart of the city. Led by an architectural expert, this in-depth tour traces the history and innovations of urban architecture in Chicago.
CITY: Chicago
Combined Lake and River Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats
The Combined Lake and River Tour offers a comprehensive overview of Chicago, with breathtaking views of the magnificent skyline and an up-close perspective from the Chicago River.
CITY: Chicago
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The urban gateway to nature and science. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a place where city dwellers can reconnect with the wonder of the natural world. From a hands-on water lab to a wilderness walk to the only international, year-round butterfly haven, science comes alive.
CITY: Chicago
U.S. Cellular Field
President-elect Barack Obama is an avowed fan of the Chicago White Sox, and is often seen wearing a White Sox baseball cap. U.S. Cellular features an exploding scoreboard, an old-time facade, complete with arches and over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats.
CITY: Chicago
City Segway Tours - Chicago
Chicagoland's first guided Segway tour provides an informative ride with unique and fascinating Chicago stories, fantastic photo ops and the chance to ride the coolest machine in the world.
CITY: Chicago
2 - 4
Lollapalooza
Join thousands of music fans in Chicago’s Grant Park for the summer’s biggest music festival. This three-day gathering features 70 acts on five stages, giving you a chance to see everything from hip hop and heavy metal to punk and alternative rock.
CITY: Chicago
Odyssey Lunch/Dinner/Champagne Cruises
Step aboard Odyssey and enjoy a two or three-hour escape to the signature elegance and total entertainment experience only a luxury cruising vessel can provide. Creative appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared fresh onboard daily. Award-winning wines. Dancing to live music. And unmatched skyline views.
CITY: Chicago
10 - 14
Taste of Chicago
Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival.
CITY: Chicago
Navy Pier
The Midwest’s number-one attraction is the place in Chicago for lakefront fun. Take an exhilarating ride on the sky-high Ferris wheel, board a sightseeing or dinner cruise boat, and see a live performance at the outdoor Skyline Stage or acclaimed Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Dine at one of Navy Pier’s many boardwalk restaurants and browse the unique shops and stands (a great place to pick up a souvenir).
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
The North Side Chicago Cubs baseball team calls historic Wrigley Field home.
CITY: Chicago
Block 37
This landmark development on State St. features first-to-Chicago retailers, signature dining and entertainment venues within a five-story atrium. The center has direct access to the CTA Red and Blue Lines as well as Chicago's extensive pedway system.
CITY: Chicago
Kanan Cruises
Chicago's newest and largest cruise ship located at Navy Pier. Cruises are available for group and private charters along Chicago's lakefront for groups of 50 to 400 passengers.
CITY: Chicago
Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours
Try a segway tour, where you'll enjoy fantastic views of Chicago's famous attractions. Explore Chicago by day or night with friendly tour guides.
CITY: Chicago
Bobby's Bike Hike Obama Tour
Enjoy a gorgeous ride through the historic Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods. Your guide will take you to all of President Obama's favorite Chicago places, including the University of Chicago campus and the first family's residence.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago's First Lady Cruises
Located at the Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago's most luxurious touring vessels offer one of Chicago's top tourist attractions, the critically-acclaimed Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise with commentary by trained, certified docents, and the American Girl Dinner & River Cruise created especially for families and girls (8-12).
CITY: Chicago
Mercury's Urban Adventure Cruise
Board this 90-minute river and lakefront cruise, complete with live commentary detailing over 50 downtown Chicago buildings and bridges. Cruises depart daily, May through October.
CITY: Chicago
Steve's Segway Tours
Explore Chicago's lakefront, museums and Millennium Park on a three-hour Segway tour led by guides all year round.
CITY: Chicago
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Architect Frank Gehry designed this spectacular outdoor concert venue in Millennium Park that is home to the Grant Park Music Festival, along with other free concerts and events.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago White Sox
The South Side championship baseball team plays at U.S. Cellular Field, and features fireworks when the home team makes a home run.
CITY: Chicago
National Lampoon's Vacation - Buckingham Fountain
In this wacky comedy a Chicago family takes a hysterical road trip across country to reach a theme park on the West Coast. Illinois scenes include Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago's Grant Park (seen spouting its famous cascades of water in the background as the family leaves Chicago) and the Poplar Street Bridge that spans the Mississippi River in East St. Louis (where the family gets lost).
CITY: Chicago
Buckingham Fountain
Visitors can enjoy a dazzling music, light and water show at the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Located at Columbus Drive, shows runs from dusk to 11pm every hour and lasts for 20 minutes. Operates April through mid-October.
CITY: Chicago
Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline
Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline offers 90-minute tours for the whole family that include lake and river cruises, fireworks cruises, canine cruises and wacky pirate cruises, all departing from the landscaped dock on Chicago’s Riverwalk at the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
CITY: Chicago
Fireworks Cruise
This fun boat ride for the whole family offers panoramic views of Chicago lakefront fireworks aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline popular 90-minute commentated lakefront fireworks sightseeing boat cruise on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
CITY: Chicago
American Sightseeing / Gray Line Tours
Offers sightseeing tours in more than 150 destinations on six continents and is widely recognized as the world's leader in sightseeing tours, ground transportation, charter service, airport transfers, and convention services.
CITY: Chicago
Kayak Chicago
Kayak through canyons of skyscrapers and architectural wonders, or explore the waters just off beautiful Lake Michigan. Kayak Chicago is Chicago’s premier full-service outfitter, offering a variety of tours with certified instructors and guides. It’s a truly unique way to experience the urban landscape.
CITY: Chicago
Green City Outdoor/Indoor Market
Green City Market is Chicago’s only year-round farmer's market promoting local, sustainable farmers, producers and chefs by connecting them to the public through educational programming and special events. Enjoy the Outdoor market May through October.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago French Market
Come visit Chicago's first and only year-round, indoor marketplace providing you with permanent, convenient and personal access to local artisans and purveyors.Featuring nearly 30 individual specialty vendors, Chicago French Market offers fresh ingredients for cooking at home, delicious grab-and-go options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, light snacks, picnics, easy party planning for home and office settings, plus meaningful gift ideas, all in one convenient location.
CITY: Chicago
21 - 23
Chicago Pride Fest
It's all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®! One week before Chicago's iconic Pride Parade on June 30 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer. Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance,this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community. Stay tuned for this year's stage lineup!
CITY: Chicago
10 - 11
Northhalsted Market Days
Held on four blocks in one of Chicago's most popular year-round neighborhoods for both city residents and visitors, Northalsted Market Days® is the Midwest's largest two-day street festival. Featuring top-name entertainment, food and vendors galore.
CITY: Chicago
Sep 6
Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival
The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival presented by MasterCard is all about celebrating the world-class Magnificent Mile shopping experience. Shopping Festival attendees receive VIP treatment with exclusive in-store offers and events, celebrity appearances, fashion shows, culinary celebrations, outdoor concerts, fabulous hotel packages, special perks for MasterCard cardholders and much more. The Shopping Festival is the perfect opportunity to book an end-of-summer getaway to The Magnificent Mile to enjoy an unforgettable lineup of events.
CITY: Chicago
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
Flamm Orchards/Fruits & Cream Stand
Take a drive out to the orchards and buy in-season strawberries, peaches and apples. Flamm's Fruits & Cream Stand offers treats like homemade strawberry shortcake, cobblers, apple dumplings and pies.
CITY: Cobden
Blueberry Hill Farm
U-pick strawberries, blueberries and blackberries in Season. May-July 8am to 8pm
CITY: Cobden
31
Pepper Fest
Celebrate the pepper harvest, a favorite gathering for all chile heads and hot pepper fans. From 11am to 5pm, walk the pepper field and see many varieties of hot peppers in bloom, meet the vendors and see who makes the best hot/spicy food, visit the Pepper Farm Store and select your favorite salsa, jellies, spices and pepper products, relax, visit with friends, enjoy great local music and soak in great southern Illinois pepper heat.
CITY: Cobden
Argyle Lake State Park
Find serenity at this beautiful 1700-acre wooded park situated along an old stagecoach route between Galena and Beardstown. Featuring 95-acre Argyle Lake, the park is home to countless beaver dams and more than 200 bird species and 5 miles of hiking and biking trails.
CITY: Colchester
23 - 26
Colona Memorial Day Celebration
Fun begins Thursday on Hennepin Canal Parkway with carnival children’s activities, horseshoe contest, nightly live entertainment in the beer garden and don’t miss the 42nd annual parade starting at 2 p.m on Sunday.
CITY: Colona
Cook County Cheetahs Minor League Baseball Season
Come out and join us for an old-fashioned favorite - baseball!
CITY: Crestwood
Windy City Thunderbolts
The Windy City ThunderBolts baseball brings affordable family entertainment all summer long at Standard Bank Stadium. 2007 & 2008 Frontier League Champions! Call to reserve groups or parties today!
CITY: Crestwood
Holiday Inn Crystal Lake Conference Center
Situated in resort-like setting, the Holiday Inn is minutes from the historic Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street filled with shopes and restaurants for every taste. McHenry County's premier conference facility.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Danville Dans at Historic Danville Stadium
Built in 1946 as part of the Brooklyn Dodgers farm system, during the summer the field is home to the Danville Dans, a college summer wooden bat team. This NCAA-sanctioned, Major League-sponsored wooden bat collegiate league plays at Danville Stadium.
CITY: Danville
22 - 23
Danville Arts In The Park
Featuring over 75 regional artists and performing art groups set up under the oaks. Continuous on-site entertainment with food and drinks are also available.
CITY: Danville
Aug 3
Danville Dans Baseball
The Danville Dans are a collegiate summer league baseball team which hosts players from around the country! Don't miss one of their 30 home games this year (late May through early August) which are played at historic Danville Stadium. Check their webpage for information on special events happening throughout the season!
CITY: Danville
13 - 14
25th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament
The Danville Horseshoe Club hosts its 25th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament at Douglas Park with competitors from across the country participating. Registration is $25.00 per person and can be completed by visiting http://www.active.com/miscellaneous-tournament/danville-il/danville-il-25th-annual-open-horseshoe-tournament-2013. Registration must be received no later than Friday, June 29. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories.
CITY: Danville
1 - 31
31st Annual Midwest Heritage Quilt Show
Beautiful quilts, some nearly 100 years old, will be on display at the Vermilion County Museum throughout the month of July. Awards will be given in 9 categories including bed quilts, purses and clothing, and wall hangings.
CITY: Danville
Aug 2
Summer Sounds Concert Series
Great live music and drinks every other Friday throughout the summer at Danville's Temple Plaza outdoor stage. Bands include Monkey's X (May 24), Alex Jenkins & The Bombers Blues Band (June 7), Mike Dangeroux Orchestra (June 21), Just Us Band (July 5), Outbound Drive (July 19), and Duke Tomatoe & The Power Trio (August 2).
CITY: Danville
Gantz Market
Pull up to this roadside stand to buy sweet corn or pick your own in season.
CITY: De Land
Yaeger's Farm Market
Farm products available for purchase include plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a wide variety of Amish jams and jellies. A pumpkin patch and corn maze are featured in the fall.
CITY: DeKalb
8
DeKalb Kite Fest
Looking for a fun family day out? The DeKalb Kite Fest is great fun for the whole family whether you choose to make, fly, or just watch the kites fly. There are lots of large beautiful kites that fill the sky. Location: Corner of Lucinda and Kishwaukee Drive DeKalb Kite Fest WhenSunday, Sep 8, 2013 WhereCorner of Lucinda Ave and Kishwaukee Drive, DeKalb (map) DescriptionCorner of Lucinda and Kishwaukee Drive, NIU Campus. Stunt kites, dancing kites, food, and activities for the kids & family. dekalbcountycvb.com
CITY: DeKalb
Oct 27
Blacksmith Demonstrations and Tours
Live blacksmith demonstrations and tours at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead June 9th and 23rd from Noon to 4:00 pm. and on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.
CITY: DeKalb
