2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 131 items
2
19th Century Christmas at Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center
Don't miss these two beautifully decorated Deere family mansions during the holiday season. The 19th Century Christmas features the interiors of the homes decorated for the holidays; along with living-history volunteers, Choir performances, Santa Claus, music, and make-and-take activities for the children. These homes once belonged to the John Deere family and are now operated by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust. Open noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.
CITY: Moline
9 - 23
2013 Bald Eagle Bus Tours
Guided, four-hour tours of bald eagle, wintering communities. View and learn about the bald eagle's habits, life history, preservation efforts and threats to its future. Reservations required. Bus departs from Stoney Creek Inn.
CITY: Galena
Feb 15
A Day in Eagle Country
The limestone bluffs and woodlands that line the Mississippi River Valley offer the American bald eagle an ideal winter roosting site. We invite you to come view the magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Take a day long adventure of eagle and wildlife spotting with Bluff City Tours. The tour includes: transportation by motorcoach or trolley, professional tour guide, continental breakfast and lunch at Pere Marquette. All tours depart from and return to the Upper Level Parking Lot at Alton Square Mall off Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. These tours are scheduled on Wednesdays & Saturdays in January & February.
CITY: Alton
Acorns Golf Links
Acorns Golf Links is located in Waterloo, Illinois featuring 6,701 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 72.3 and it has a slope rating of 125. You will not find subdivision golf at Acorns; just nature, beautiful scenery, challenging design, and you. Making Acorns the premier public course to test your game, have fun with good friends, or to get away from your daily hussle and bussle. Acorns features zoysia fairways, five tee boxes; matching every level of golf and large bent grass greens. Designed by William Ebeler, the Acorns golf course opened in 1997.
CITY: Waterloo
All Seasons Ice Rink
Two full-sized rinks are open for year-round skating. All Seasons also offers a game room, ballet room, pro shop and party room.
CITY: Naperville
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
Alpine Slide at Chestnut Mountain Resort
Fun for all ages. Ride your own sled down 2,050 feet of terrain-tailored track to the banks of the Mississippi.
CITY: Galena
Alton Little Theater
Entertaining audiences since 1934, the Alton Little Theater offers a season of great live theatrical performances from dramas to comedies to everyone's favorite musicals. The Alton Little Theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois.
CITY: Alton
5
Alton-Audubon Eagle Festival
Join us for the kick-off of the eagle watching season. Activities include: live eagle meet & greet, preview of events at the Eagle Watching Hot Spots, kid's activities, crafts and eagle viewing walks. Learn about eagle watching - how to spot eagles, where to look and what brings the eagles here each winter. Then, head across the river to Downtown Alton for ice sculpting on the streets.
CITY: Alton
1
Annual Lights Fantastic Activities & Parade
Take pictures with Santa’s reindeer in Carbondale's Town Square, stop by the Polar Express Station (the Old Train Depot) for candy cane treats, and enjoy the Holiday Cookie Walk, where downtown businesses offer cookies and refreshments. The Lights Fantastic Parade kicks off at 6pm.
CITY: Carbondale
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
Jan 1
Avenue of Lights
Avenue of Lights is a two-mile holiday display of animated lights at Moorman/Wavering Park in Quincy. It runs from Thanksgiving until New Years, nightly from 6-9:30pm. A staple attraction of Quincy during the holiday season.
CITY: Quincy
11 - 13
Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show
Don't miss the Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The show is heralded as the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to the United States' national symbol of freedom. The three-day event includes live eagle, hawk, owl and vulture flying demonstrations along with educational programs by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Missouri. Also enjoy over 200 fun and informative exhibits. Free parking is available at the show. Hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $4 for adults, $1 for children 6-15, free for children 5 and under. The event takes place at the QCCA Expo Center at 2621 4th Avenue Rock Island, IL. 61201 Call (309) 788-2543 for more information.
CITY: Rock Island
Mar 1
Bald Eagle Safari
Get an up close view on a Bald Eagle Safari with Bob Motz. He provides spotting scopes that magnify 15 to 45 times and mount on the car window frame for good viewing of eagles in trees. You can see the yellow of their eye, the nostrils in the beak, and the black talons of their feet. Binoculars are also provided to see eagles in flight. The safaris make good birthday and anniversary gifts. Cost is $20 per hour for one to four people. Two or three-hour safaris are recommended. Call Bob at 309-788-8389 or email him at eaglemotz@aol.com to arrange a safari.
CITY: Rock Island
Feb 29
Bald Eagle Trolley Tours
In January and February ride the trolley from Starved Rock Lodge to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for bald eagle viewing and an educational program. Includes lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday in the Main Dining Room.
CITY: Oglesby
Apr 1
Bald Eagle Watching in the Cache River Wetlands
The Cache River Wetlands offers great opportunities for eagle watching, as well as spotting other birds. The Cache River Wetland Center provides resource and identification materials to help you spot eagles and other birds in the area and along the rivers. They will provide maps and directions to the viewing station for the nest just off Illinois Route 37 off Perks road and south of the visitor's center.
CITY: Cypress
Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center
All types of family fun. Miniature golfing, driving range, batting cages, ice skating, in-line skating and archery.
CITY: Macomb
7 - 8
Belvidere Holiday Walk
Travel back in time for a glimpse of holidays in seasons past. Luminaries will light the way to our log cabins where pioneer families will be celebrating. They might even be serving holiday goodies! Stop by and share your holiday wishes with a Civil War era Santa. Enjoy freshly popped corn along the way and come inside the Nature Center to listen to the sound of music. Held on the Festival Grounds in Spencer Conservation Area.
CITY: Belvidere
Ben's Christmas Tree Farm
Ben's Christmas Tree Farm was founded in 1983. Since then, Ben's has provided visitors with organically grown fir and pine trees in an authentic country atmosphere. Besides trees, enjoy the animals, wagon rides and more.
CITY: Harvard
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
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
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
6
Bradley Lighted Christmas Parade
The Bradley Christmas Fantasy Parade includes a festive Winter Wonderland that features vendors, carolers, storytellers, games and visits with Santa.
CITY: Bradley
7
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus and make a holiday craft!
CITY: Decatur
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
Byron Forest Preserve District (skating)
The Forest Preserve has one outdoor skating rink and warming shelter - open weekends.
CITY: Byron
Camelot Christmas Tree Farm
Camelot offers a wide variety of Christmas trees, including balsam, frasier fir, scotch and white pine. Be sure to sample Camelot's famous homemade oatmeal cookies and hot chocolate.
CITY: DeKalb
Camp Sagawau Environmental Education Center
Environment Education Center - offers cross country skiing in the winter.
CITY: Lemont
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts & Mitchell Museum
Exhibitions, a children's gallery, a permanent collection and special events. Grounds include 85 acres sculpture park, nature trails and bird sanctuary. Hosts annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Chestnut Mountain Resort
Full-service, 120-unit resort 8 miles southeast of Galena on a wooded palisade overlooking the Mississippi. One of the Midwest's top-rated ski/snowboard resorts: 19 trails, 475-foot vertical drop, half-mile runs, nine lifts, seven-acre terrain park. Indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, miniature golf, Alpine slide, Mississippi cruises, skiing/snowboard programs, on-site restaurants, lounge.
CITY: Galena
Feb 22
Chestnut Twilight Snowshoe Hike
Experience the glowing wood lined trails at dusk as you join our small group on a leisurely 1.5 hour snowshoe hike through the Trails at Chestnut Mountain. We’ll end the hike at a toasty bonfire overlooking the Mississippi at the south point. Headlamps optional. Hike starts at 4:30pm and costs $48 Adult/$25 kids, includes snowshoe rental. Advanced reservations required.
CITY: Galena
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. Each year, nearly one million people visit the Garden's 26 gardens and four natural areas, uniquely situated on 385 acres of land on and around nine islands. Six miles of shoreline extend along 81 acres of water, including the Great Basin, North Lake, and Skokie River Corridor. The Garden also has a renowned Bonsai Collection.
CITY: Glencoe
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
Dec 24
Christkindlmarket
The Christkindlmarket is a four-week, open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. The market offers shopping opportunities and serves as a winter wonderland meeting place for family and friends. Plus, enjoy German delicacies like brats, goulash and potato pancakes while you’re there.
CITY: Chicago
Jan 5
Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light
Christmas Around the World began in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to American allies during the war, is now in its 69th year. The exhibit features more than 60 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of Chicago's ethnic communities to reflect holiday customs from around the world. Holidays of Light showcases various global holidays that celebrate light or enlightenment such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Festivities include ethnic dancing and singing, storytellers, and school choir performances.
CITY: Chicago
7
Christmas in the Village
Spend the day in downtown Cobden, where you can enjoy fresh-roasted nuts while listening to strolling Victorian carolers and madrigal players, take an old-fashioned horse-drawn surrey or wagon ride around the village, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Feed Store, where handcrafted wreaths and gingerbread houses will be on display.
CITY: Cobden
Dec 27
Christmas Wonderland
Begin your holiday celebration escaping from the chaos of the season and experiencing the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Springs Park in Alton, Illinois into a Winter Wonderland. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 2 million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest. Christmas Wonderland 2009 will be open from November 27th through December 27th. The suggested donation is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. Carriage rides will be available with advanced reservations by calling Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986. For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call 1-866-465-7890.
CITY: Alton
13
Cocoa & Cookies with Santa
Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with Santa and also make a holiday craft!
CITY: Decatur
Comlara Park
Bike trails, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, nature area, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, swimming, beach, sledding and cross-country skiing.
CITY: Hudson
Cosley Zoo
Over 45 exhibits of native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals; tree-shaded picnic area - seating for 300; "Exclusive Use" facility rentals; private party room; open year-round.
CITY: Wheaton
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
A wildlife refuge covering approximately 43,500 acres of forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Hunting, fishing & boating available.
CITY: Marion
Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary
Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.
CITY: German Valley
Cross Country Skiing at Rock Spring Center
Trails open whenever there is at least three inches of snow on the ground. Equipment rental available from 9am-2pm.
CITY: Decatur
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing at The Morton Arboretum
Explore a winter wonderland at The Morton Arboretum, where you'll find 3.5 miles of groomed ski trails. Bring your own or rent a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis (in children's and adult sizes). Ski trails are open when there are four or more inches of snow on the ground.
CITY: Lisle
Dahnke's Pine Patch
Located in Martinsville, this tree farm features Colorado Blue and Norway Spruce, Douglas and Fraser Fir, and White and Scotch Pine trees.
CITY: Martinsville
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center offers a total 840,000 square feet of flexible exhibition space. Configure it any way you like. You may need a 500-booth to 800-booth area, or 100 to 200 booths. If you’re planning a larger show, you’ll appreciate our continuous 250,000 square-foot space for 1,225 booths. Or you can create a multiple hall layout for up to 3,566 booths. Customized floor plans are our specialty, so just ask.
CITY: Rosemont
Dec 31
Du Quoin Annual Holiday Lights Fair
Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the month of December. Come experience Du Quoin Tourism’s transformation of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds into a magical place with lights and decorations. The event features a 1 1/2-mile drive through over $250,000 worth of lighted displays as well as decorated trees, entertainment, food, crafts and visits with Santa in the Expo Hall. The light trail opens nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and the Expo Hall will be open on the second and third weekends in December from 5:30 — 9:30 p.m. The Expo Hall features Santa’s train ride and Santa’s Workshop.
CITY: Du Quoin
Eagle Watching - Union County Refuge
The Union County Refuge in Union offers a popular spot for bald eagle watching. Visitors can view bald eagles and take wildlife photography off the main road, which runs down the middle of the wildlife refuge. Park rangers will be available weekdays to answer questions about the eagles and other wildlife spotted in the refuge. Admission is free. For more information on eagle watching, contact the Union County Refuge (618-833-5175).
CITY: Jonesboro
Mar 2
Eagle Watching at Starved Rock State Park
You don’t have to travel north to see these majestic birds of prey. Thousands of eagles migrate south from Canada during the winter and Illinois is one of the homes of the greatest population of wintering bald eagles. The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica offers a “Bald Eagle Trolley Tour” in January and February on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Viewing birds from the Veranda at the Starved Rock Lodge is good as well. Dress warmly though. This great viewing spot is right outside the doors of the Great Room. If you’d like some exercise, take a hike on one of the trails at the Starved Rock State Park. One trail begins right at the Veranda. For a birds eye view, hike to the top of the Rock. Another popular event is "Eagle Watch Weekend" with activites both at the Starved Rock Lodge and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center.
CITY: Oglesby
Mar 2
Eagle Watching in Alton
Illinois boasts the largest concentration of wintering American bald eagles in the continental U.S., and the Alton area is a great place to see them. Mingle with a live eagle at the National Great Rivers Museum. Get a bird’s-eye view from eight stories high as majestic eagles soar along the Mississippi River at the adjacent Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Or drive along on an exciting eagle-watching expedition with a nature expert at Pere Marquette State Park during Bald Eagle Days, held from late December through early March.
CITY: Alton
East Alton Ice Arena
Grab your skates and hit the ice any time of the year at this indoor ice arena. Didn't bring your skates? No problem. Rent a pair and take a few laps around the rink. It's the coolest place in town all year round!
CITY: East Alton
Jan 1
East Peoria Festival of Lights & Folepi's Winter Wonderland
Light up your night at the East Peoria Festival of Lights (FOLEPI)! The annual Festival of Lights is a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacular. With more than two million lights in the festival, the beauty will be sure to mesmerize you and your family.
CITY: East Peoria
Elgin Park District
Outdoor ice skating; new refrigerated skating system; warming shelters available.
CITY: Elgin
Enchanted Forest
Choose and cut your own Christmas tree here. On weekends, caboose rides help transport your tree out of the Enchanted Forest.
CITY: Prophetstown
Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery
Sample fine red, white, rose and fruit wines as you enjoy the view of the vineyard from the deck or tasting room. Enjoy the delicious cheeses, snacks, and other local products which are featured. The Sweet and Savory Plates with the best local cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies and sweets are available every day. During the summer, you can "Get Out and Game" with yard darts, croquet, bocce ball or indoor games such as Wineopoly, Foodie Fight, Brain Tease, cribbage and more. Visit their website to learn about their many events or to schedule a party, meeting or wedding party.
CITY: Freeport
Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre
Located on the campus of Highland Community College - features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theater Program, a community performing arts theater.
CITY: Freeport
16 - 21
Festival of Trees "Wishes Come True"
The annual Festival of Trees is the premiere community event in the Danville area. Each year, more than 1,500 volunteers and designers, generous sponsors, a steering committee and Foundation staff make this multi-day event a terrific fundraiser and affordable family holiday experience. Annually, more than 14,000 visitors stream through the Arena to see beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, participate in activities and entertainment, special events, and sounds and tastes of the holidays. Proceeds from the Festival of Trees fund our outreach programs that give back to the greater Danville community.
CITY: Danville
Fox Valley Ice Arena & Fitness Club
Year-round sports complex with 3 ice surfaces, full-service pro shop, full-service fitness club, and on-site restaurant. Also home of The Chicago Freeze Junior A Hockey Team.
CITY: Geneva
Frank Lloyd Wright's B. Harley Bradley House
The B. Harley Bradley House Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1900 The B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, Illinois, is widely acknowledged as Wright's first Prairie Style design. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually and as part of the Riverview Historic District. Following an extensive restoration, the Bradley House now enjoys the opportunity to be appreciated by architecture fans from around the world. This Prairie Style house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright along with its neighboring home. The houses are acknowledged by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy as Wright's first house designs that ushered in Wright's Prairie Style. The B. Harley Bradley House is open for 1 hour tours.
CITY: Kankakee
Friends Forever Humane Society Dog Park
Take your dog to this special 10 acre fenced dog park with a pond (for dog swimming ony). The park also offers a separate fenced area for small dogs and a dog agility equipment area. Fee is $5.00 per dog per day.
CITY: Freeport
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
Galena Birding
Join birding trips that travel to the banks of the Mississippi River, and through mature woodlands and open meadows. Tours last approximately 2-1/2 hours, and depart on selected Saturdays from the Old Train Depot.
CITY: Galena
1 - 30
Gallery of Trees
Throughout the Kankakee County Museum, Christmas trees are decorated by community organizations. Yearly, a special theme is added for your enjoyment. Come in and view the different arrangements and vote for that special tree.
CITY: Kankakee
6 - 7
Geneva's Christmas Walk & House Tour
On Friday evening, Santa Lucia arrives by horse-drawn carriage and Santa arrives to open his Gingerbread House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, roasted chestnuts, Swedish cookies, and old-fashioned candy cane pull, and holiday shopping. On Friday & Saturday, five distinctive homes festively decorated for the holidays by local decorators open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours.
CITY: Geneva
Grand Prarie Families and Farm
The farm offers organic chicken, beef, pork, milk, cheese, bread and herbs.
CITY: Melvin
30
Great River Road Run
It is time again for the Great River Road Run. Race your way to victory with the choice of a 2 mile route or a 10 mile route out and back on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, beginning in Alton. It's the most scenic run you'll ever make as you race to the finish along the Mississippi River and the majestic limestone bluffs.
CITY: Alton
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
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
The North Pole has moved to Central Illinois. Try your luck at the 6+ acre corn maze, the Grand Prix style race track, pick a pumpkin or a Christmas tree (depending on season), stop by the fascinating gift shop and, of course, see the reindeer!
CITY: Rantoul
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
9 - 31
Holiday Lights at Bunker Hill
Historic buildings at Kennekuk County Park's "Bunker Hill Historic Area" will be lit for the occasion and decorated for the holidays. Continuing throughout the holiday season, the holiday lights will be displayed weekends from 5-8 p.m.
CITY: Danville
Dec 31
Holiday Lights Train
The Holiday Light Train is Pete's biggest event of the year. The park is decorated for the Holidays. See over 250,000 lights in various displays. Giant toy soldiers, candy canes, cascading snow flakes, flying reindeer, and swans swimming, just to name a few of Pete's displays!
CITY: Waterman
Dec 31
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
December 18th & 19th December 26th - 31st January 1st 4-9pm Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest light festival featuring over 120 animated light displays and million twinkling lights. Come celebrate the holiday season with family and friends during Brookfield Zoos 29th annual Holiday Magic. Enjoy live entertainment, amazing animals, model trains and a train ride, special Dolphin Show, Sing to the Animals and professional ice carvers. Call or visit website for more info.
CITY: Brookfield
6 - 7
Hometown Christmas
Celebrate the Christmas season with a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, food, crafts, music, storytellers, a petting zoo, and children's activities at the Apollo Theater and Fire House on State Street. Seasonal vendors and a Christmas tree display are featured at the Community Building Complex.
CITY: Belvidere
Huron Farm Market
This multi-seasonal shop offers a garden center in the spring, a summer produce market, and fall and Halloween items in the autumn. From April thru October, also enjoy a flea market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
CITY: Eleroy
Jane Addams Recreation Trail
This multi-use 15 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and is highlighted by 21 decked bridges passing over and through wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail that traverses Northern Illinois. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclist, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. An additional two miles of paved trail to Highway 26 has been constructed at the southern end. The final two mile connection into historic downtown Freeport will soon be under construction. The Jane Addams Trail connects at the Wisconsin state-line with Badger Trail which extends to Madison, Wisconsin. It will also connect, in downtown Freeport, with the Pecatonica Prairie path currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. Access to the trail is available at the Wes Block Access, Freeport (exit off Highway 26 1/4 miles south of the Highway 20 intersection).
CITY: Freeport
Japan House
Japan House offers the public an opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese culture through tea ceremonies, workshops and special events through the year. The beautiful Japan House gardens are open from dawn to dusk for you to stroll through and enjoy. The Japan House closes during the summer. Call for information on tea ceremonies and tours.
CITY: Urbana
Dec 1
Kane County Flea Market / December, 2013
Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food served all day.
CITY: St. Charles
Kankakee County Museum
The Kankakee County Museum is the home of the Kankakee County Historical Society. Founded in 1906, it is the oldest incorporated local historical society in Illinois. The Main Museum Building contains seven permanent and temporary exhibit galleries, the Museum Store, the Museum's Archival Research Library, the Museum's offices, and support facilities. The Museum Complex also encompasses the historic 1855 Dr. A. L. Small House, the 1904 Taylor One-Room Schoolhouse, Column Garden and Outdoor Exhibit Area. The museum boasts more than 85,000 artifacts in addition to 20,000 still images in the photo collection.
CITY: Kankakee
Kilbuck Creek
Located in the heart of the mid-west in Monroe Center, Illinois, just a 20 minute drive south from Rockford, a quiet, majestic dwelling sits among the trees that seclude Kilbuck Creek from sight of even its closest neighbors. This secluded sanctuary in the wilderness could be the location of your upcoming wedding, family reunion, church or business retreat or romantic getaway.
CITY: Monroe Center
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
What Lincoln Center is to New Yourk and Kennedy Center is to Washington D.C., Krannert Center is to the Midwest—a magnificent showcase for the performing arts. KCPA is a premier educational and professional performing arts complex and is the setting for over 300 performances each year. A professional laboratory for the University of Illinois dance, theatre, opera and music departments, the Center also hosts internationally famous artists such as Emmy Lou Harris, Herbie Hancock, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mark Morris Dance Group, and is home to the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and Sinfonia de Camera.
CITY: Urbana
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
This beautiful 715-acre state park with a 40-acre lake derives its name from a combination of the town of Lena and the Latin work for water, aqua. The large tracts of wooded land include oak, hickory, walnut and pine trees. Woodland flowers are on display, especially in the spring and early summer, and wildlife is abundant. There is boating, fishing, a children's fishing pond, swimming, picnic and playground areas, shelters, trails for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing, equestrian trails, sledding, hunting and camping. Camping supplies, bait and boat rental are available at the camp store that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
CITY: Lena
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
Lena Lions Park
Lions Park, at over 20 acres, features Splash Land Family Aquatic Center with a 180' waterslide, zero depth entry, many shade shelters, wet sand play area, water features and drop slide. The Splash Land Mini-Golf offers one of the nicest 18 hole miniature golf courses in the Midwest. It has over 275 plant varieties, 4000+ square feet of water areas, three waterfalls and challenges that the entire family will enjoy. The course is ADA compliant. Quench your thirst and your appetite at the Splash Land Food Court. Full restaurant offering sandwiches to soft serve and smoothies to salads - a true family food court. The park also offers picnic and playground areas, flower gardens, shelter house, a concession stand, volleyball and basketball courts, lighted ball diamond, batting cages and restrooms. A 110x110' ice rink is available in season.
CITY: Lena
Jan 6
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events. Watch live ice carving then escape Jack Frost with an exotic trip past crocodiles, pygmy hippos and meerkats at the Regenstein African Journey. Animal exhibits stay open late as guests roam taking in the lights, music and taking photos with Santa. Prepare holiday crafts and enjoy the zoo’s incredible animals immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other.
CITY: Chicago
Lindo Theater
This historic movie theater, built in 1922, features first-run movies presented in the latest 4K digital projection and sound on nine screens. Stadium seating, digital 3D and party room.
CITY: Freeport
Longview Park
Park provides sledding and ice skating in the winter, gardens, greenhouse, tennis, walking trails, shelter and pool in summer.
CITY: Rock Island
15
Luminary Night On Stephenson and Lincoln Streets
Enjoy the beauty of the soft light of luminaries and the architecture of these historic homes as you stroll this lovely residential neighborhood. Also, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Stephenson Street and Lincoln Boulevard from West Street to Park Boulevard.
CITY: Freeport
Luthy Botanical Gardens
This beautiful spot features five acres of landscaped gardens including the Woodland Garden, Children's Garden, Herb Garden and several others. Tropical conservatory is open year-round. Outdoor Garden is open 8:30am to dusk year-round. Closed Mondays.
CITY: Peoria
23
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Kick off the holiday season and create your special memories on The Magnificent Mile in 2013! The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, jump starts the holiday season on Saturday, November 23 with a full day of family friendly activities, concerts by top musical artists and the best holiday shopping. The day’s excitement culminates with a grand evening parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, illuminating one million lights on 200 trees. The parade concludes with a grand finale fireworks show over the Chicago River.
CITY: Chicago
Matthiessen State Park
Enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and more in this state park known for its waterfalls, bluffs and canyons.
CITY: Utica
Matthiessen State Park - Cross Country Skiing
Five miles of scenic trails amidst a spectacular geological backdrop enable hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, runners and cross-country skiers to experience a peaceful jaunt through the park, while families congregate around fully-equipped, shaded picnic areas neighboring playgrounds, trailheads and 17th-Century restored French fort.
CITY: Utica
Dec 25
Mattoon Lightworks
Enjoy the lights of the season in beautiful Peterson Park. Over 50 magnificent light displays, many of which are animated. Definitely a site to see! Drive through at your leisure evenings starting at 5pm. Over 15,000 visitors each year see this great display of holiday lights. Admission is free, donations accepted.
CITY: Mattoon
MB Financial Park at Rosemont
MB Financial Park at Rosemont, the new entertainment district, features lively bars and restaurants with live music, casual dining, bowling, and outdoor patios. A seasonal courtyard is in the center of it all- perfect for farmers markets, movies under the stars, music festivals & ice skating. MB Financial Park at Rosemont is only a block from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and is anchored by Muvico 18- Movie Theater, a number of hotels and the vibrant Rosemont Theatre.
CITY: Rosemont
Miller Nursery
Choose and cut your own scotch pine, white pine, Austrian pine and other nursery trees. Shrubs, flowering trees and evergreens are also sold.
CITY: Atwater
