16th Annual Prairie Day

The Annual Prairie Day is a celebration of the prairie environment normally held in conjunction with National Prairie Week at Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area. Presentations on the environment and nature play a very important part of the day's activities as well as highlighting on the special features of the park itself. Various presentations, educational talks, and projects for children are the special offerings of the day. All special amenities of the park are open including the Cragg Cabin, the Visitors Center, butterfly barn, nature trails with wagon rides and etc.

CITY: Morris

3 French Hens Market

Bringing the tradition of Open Air Euro Markets to the Midwest, 3 French Hens Country Market is held on the grassy banks of the Historic I&M Canal in downtown Morris, IL. Featuring more than 120 vendors selling homemade, homegrown, antique, one of a kind and repurposed items. Open the second Saturday May, June, July, August, September and October from 8am-2pm and the 2nd Saturday in August from 2pm-8pm, rain or shine!

CITY: Morris

4 - H Park Campground

Unlimited tent sites -- lots of shade trees. Closed one week during July for the Livingston County Fair.

CITY: Pontiac

4-H Campground

Livingston County 4-H Park is located 1.7 miles from downtown Pontiac. Nightly, weekly, and monthly rates are available. Sites for RVs include water, and either a 50amp or 30amp electrical service. There is a dump station on site. Bathrooms and grills are available. Unlimited tent sites. Pets allowed, but must be leashed at all times.

CITY: Pontiac

American Legion Speedway

Offering some of the best dirt track racing in the Midwest, see UMP late models and street stock car racing at American Legion Speedway every Saturday from mid-May through Labor Day weekend.

CITY: Fairbury

Apple Butter

Located in nostalgic downtown Morris is an extremely unique gift shoppe, Apple Butter and Shugie's. They have one of the largest gift giving inventories in the area. Open Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00am - 4:00pm

CITY: Morris

Apple Tree Restaurant

Serving breakfast and lunch, Apple Tree offers a full menu of "down-home" cooking in a quaint and cozy atmosphere. Famous for their homemade pies.

CITY: Pontiac

Benchwarmers Pub

Unique eatery and bar filled with local sports memorabilia. Full service menu available daily.

CITY: Fairbury

Bernardi's II

One of the best Italian restaurants in Central Illinois. Famous for pasta, but also serves delicious fried chicken.

CITY: Pontiac

Best Western- Pontiac Inn

Offering 58 rooms with indoor pool and hot tub. Suites with hot tub available. Amenities include deluxe continental breakfast, coach tour services, and nearby attractions.

CITY: Pontiac

Bill's Antiques and Upholstering

A large selection of antique Victorian and oak furniture. A large selection of old lunch boxes and wooden telephones.

CITY: Pontiac

Budget Inn & Suites - Streator

Indoor heated pool, continental breakfast, hot tub suite, family suites with 3 queen beds. Children under 12 stay free. Free local calls. High Speed Internet.

CITY: Streator

Cafe Fontana

The menu offers a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, paninis, Neapolitan pizzas and pasta. Entrees include baby back ribs, Marsala boneless pork chops, potato crusted Icelandic cod, filet mignon and New York strip steak. Homemade soup is also served each day. Be sure to save room for our fresh made gelatos.

CITY: Pontiac

Catherine V. Yost Museum and Art Center

The Yost house was built in 1898 by Z.F. Yost. The museum portrays the life of an upper-middle class family during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

CITY: Pontiac

Chapin's

Chapin's is an upscale casual restaurant located in the heart of Morris's historic downtown. Atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Menu offers a wide selection of fine steaks and seafood, as well as fresh salads, vegetarian dishes, and scrumptious desserts. Enjoy a cappuccino or glass of wine in front of the fireplace late in the evening. Come in a stranger and leave as a friend. Traditional Olde World ambience.

CITY: Morris

Chapin's Restaurant

Chapin's is an upscale, casual restaurant located in the heart of Morris's historic Downtown. Atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Menu offers a wide selection of fine steaks and seafood, as well as fresh salads, vegetarian dishes, and scrumptious desserts. Enjoy a cappuccino or glass of wine in front of the fireplace late in the evening. Come in a stranger and leave as a friend. Traditional olde world ambiance.

CITY: Morris

Classic Inn

28 rooms

CITY: Dwight

Comfort Inn - Morris

Comfort Inn offers our guests an atmosphere that is friendly, dourteous and above all fun. Indoor pool/hot tub, coffee makes, iron/ board, hairdryers in all rooms. Free Continental Breakfast. Pet Allowed.

CITY: Morris

Country at Heart Antiques and Collectibles.

Country and primitive furniture, Victorian, oak and walnut furniture. Linens, vintage clothing, jewelry, pottery and porcelain.

CITY: Marseilles

Dargan Park Sculptures- "Seasons of Life"

25 feet tall, magnificent iron statues depicting the stages of man's life.

CITY: Pontiac

Dargon Park Sculptures

"Seasons of Life," created by sculptor and artist Barry Tinsley, stands 25 feet tall and is made up of three sculptures that symbolize the human "seasons" of growth during our lives.

CITY: Pontiac

Days Inn Morris

Business or Pleasure you will be treated to all the standard Days Inn extras that make your stay more enjoyable, like our FREE Daybreak Breakfast, refreshing SolTerre shower experience, free WI-FI in every room. Plus, if you are a Wyndham Rewards member, you will continue to receive Wyndham Rewards points for all eligible stays.

CITY: Morris

Delong's Casual Dining & Spirits

Excellent food in a charming setting. Full menu, frozen custard, and alfresco dining available.

CITY: Pontiac

Des Plaines Conservation Area

This site's 5,500 acres make up one of the largest and most used hunting and field trailing areas in the state. It also offers camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, two small natural areas and 12 miles of equestrian trails with cross-country jumps.

CITY: Wilmington

Dominy Memorial Library

A resource to encourage education and to promote research, the library acts as a cultural center, housing 18,709 books. It is also home to large print books, audio books, newspapers, magazines, music cassettes, videos, bifocal kits, and art prints. Patrons have access to a fax machine, copy machine, microfilm printer-reader, genealogy materials, and the internet through two computers. The library offers a meeting room, outreach programs, children's programs, and a children's library.

CITY: Fairbury

Dwight Country Club

This 18-hole, par 71 course features mature greens.

CITY: Dwight

Elliot's Corner Junction

Hot and cold sandwiches, fried chicken. Home of the famous "Bite-Me" burger.

CITY: Pontiac

Engle Lane Theatre

An astonishingly well-equipped theater in its 42nd season. Plays and musicals running May-August.

CITY: Streator

Fairbury Downtown District

Fairbury's renovated downtown area features eateries, specialty shops, and consignment and antiques stores. There is also a vintage-style gazebo in the central park.

CITY: Fairbury

Fairbury Echoes Museum

This local museum features a Fairbury Room and exhibits that change periodically. Open Wednesday and Fridays, or by appointment.

CITY: Fairbury

Fiesta Motel

53- room motel in Pontiac Illinois.

CITY: Pontiac

First National Bank of Dwight

Famed architecht Frank Lloyd Wright designed and engineered this bank in 1905, and it is the only one of his three designed banks still standing.

CITY: Dwight

Fossil Rock Recreation Area

Seasonal, monthly camping and full hook-up. Full hook-up sites to primitive tenting. Beach, fishing, fossil hunting, playground, showers. Near raceways. Shade. Open all year. Call for reservations and hours of operations.

CITY: Wilmington

Gebbhard Woods State Park

Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Fishing, boating and bird watching are also popular activities. This picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.

CITY: Morris

Gebhard Woods State Park/IDNR

Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the state's most popular state parks. Fishing, boating and bird watching are also popular activities. This picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.

CITY: Morris

Gemini Giant

Located in Wilmington, this converted Muffler Man beckons travelers on historic Route 66 to stop for a burger at the Launching Pad Drive-In. The Launching Pad Drive-in first opened in 1960 as a Dari Delite, and sold only hot dogs and ice cream. Since then, the menu has expanded. In 2000, the Launching Pad Drive-In was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame.

CITY: Wilmington

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area

Largest tall grass prairie in Illinois. Big bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass thrive here, as do broad-leafed flowering plants known as forbs. Hiking and cross-country skiing.

CITY: Morris

Grundy County Historical Society

Museum hours of operation are Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM. Call in advance for guided tours (48 hour notice). The museum has extensive Mazon Fossils, a replica of an early 1890 store, a replica of a 1900 living room as well as a 'tool shed' showing many of the early tools used by pioneers and early farmers. There are many other exhibits as well.

CITY: Morris

Guest House Antiques

Furniture, costume jewelry, vintage clothing, glass, pottery, Yankee candles, linens.

CITY: Wilmington

Heart's Desire Antiques & Accents

We offer a large selection of antiques, beautifully refinished Oak antique furniture, Amish-made furniture, and many other specially made goods.

CITY: Fairbury

Hearts Desire

2,400 square ft of crafts, gifts and antiques.

CITY: Fairbury

Heidecke State Fish and Wildlife Area

State hunting, fishing, and wildlife refuge.

CITY: Morris

Historic Swinging Bridges

Three bridges which cross the Vermillion River. Built as early as 1898 and one of the most popular attractions in Pontiac. Bridge 1 connects Riverview Drive and Play Park. It was built in July 1898 by Joliet Bridge Company with an iron structure, 190 feet long and 4 feet wide and supported by cables swung from masonry piers. The current bridge is a wooden structure. Bridge 2 connects the Play Park and Chautauqua Park - Eden M. Johnson Memorial circa 1926. Bridge 3 connects the south side and Riverside-Humiston Park. It was built in connection with the adjoining park, circa 1978: Illinois Contractors, Inc.

CITY: Pontiac

Historical Society Museum/Alton Railroad Depot

The restored railroad depot, designed by Henry Ives Cobb, is now the home of the Dwight Historical Society and is still an operating Amtrak train station.

CITY: Dwight

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Morris

Grundy County's only full service hotel. Indoor swimming pool. free coffee in the AM, Free Cookies in the PM.

CITY: Morris

Humiston Woods and Nature Center

A 335-acre wooded tract with 7 trails, 2 pavilions, 4 picnic areas, a fishing pond, a canoe dock, and includes 3 handicapped-accessible areas.

CITY: Pontiac

I&M Canal State Trail

Enjoy hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, boating, canoeing and biking along the I&M Canal State Trail. This 61-mile recreational trail begins at Brandon Road in Rockdale and parallels the canal to LaSalle Peru.

CITY: Morris

Illini State Park

Attraction

CITY: Marseilles

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum

Free admission to the finest collection of memorabilia associated with the history of the Mother Road in Illinois. Featuring Route 66 Artist and Icon, Bob Waldmire's bus and van! Be sure to step around back where you will see the World's Largest Route 66 shield and other great murals.

CITY: Pontiac

Indian Creek Golf and Country Club

This nine-hole course has challenging water hazards, a driving range, a lounge and a banquet room. The club is open April to November.

CITY: Fairbury

International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum

Free admission to a museum featuring the history of outdoor sign and mural art. Videos, drawings, and artifacts tell the story of advertising art. Art work for sale. The International Walldog Mural & Sign Art Museum is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of the outdoor wall advertising signs painted in the days before electronic mass media. The painters who created those early signs called themselves "Walldogs." The displays which are found at the museum tell the history of the early sign painters who created their art on the sides of brick buildings, barns, and other structures. Examples of those early signs can still be seen throughout the Midwest and, though faded, peeling, and sometimes barely readable, these "ghost signs" remain an important part of our collective cultural and commercial history.

CITY: Pontiac

Jasmine's Confectionary

Penny candy, gourmet chocolates, candies, Jelly Bellys, soup, sandwiches, ice-cream, pop, coffee and cappuccino.

CITY: Wilmington

Joe's Stationhouse Pizzeria

Pizzas, pasta, and more. Family owned and operated for over 40 years.

CITY: Pontiac

Kayak Morris

Less than 1 hour from Chicago. Providing unique rentals/guided tours/lessons and sandy beach camping. Kayaks, bikes and canoes on the Illinois River, Mazon River and I & M Canal/Towpath.

CITY: Morris

La Mex

Tasty Tex-Mex food with ample portions and friendly service.

CITY: Pontiac

LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

2,058 acre lake with rocky shoreline. Called a "perched" lake because it is formed by levees that rise above the surrounding land. High winds require that safety precautions be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

CITY: Marseilles

Left Field Grille

Home of Livingston County's Best Hamburger. Family friendly and free delivery.

CITY: Pontiac

Lion's Lake

This new lake is located on old Route 66 at the southeast edge of Dwight. Donated to the village in 1994 and improved with funding from local organizations, the lake offers a beautifully landscaped picnic are, fishing, and a bike trail. Open year-round.

CITY: Dwight

Livingston County Courthouse

Located on the square in downtown Ponitac, the courthouse was built in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Abraham Lincoln tried some of his earlier cases here.

CITY: Pontiac

Livingston County War Museum

Walking through Livingston County War Museum is like taking a tour of the 20th Century, including artifacts, films, books, uniforms and weapons of several wars. The museum does not glorify war, but shows the best attributes of men and women caught up in war. In doing so, we respectfully honor the service of America's veterans, and the men and women from the area who served in the military.

CITY: Pontiac

Looking for Lincoln Exhibits

Pontiac’s historic connections to Abraham Lincoln date back to Lincoln’s early days as a young lawyer traveling the 8th Judicial District. Lincoln visited Pontiac many times, represented a number of local citizens in legal actions, and made connections here that helped him to rise to prominence in state and national politics. Nine outdoor story boards help tell the stories associated with Lincoln's many visits to Pontiac. Pick up a map at the Visitor Center.

CITY: Pontiac

Lydia's Loft

Elegant lodging in downtown Pontiac. Full kitchen, living room, bedrooms. Lydia's Loft is a circa 1890's building that has been renovated from its original use as retail store to a beautiful 1600 square foot loft apartment. It features a second story view of the beautiful and historic downtown Pontiac IL. Entering Lydia’s Loft from the street level entrance located just behind the Route 66 Museum you will climb two stories into complete privacy and solitude. Your stay includes 1600 square feet of space, complete with two bedrooms; one king size bedroom and one queen size bedroom. You also have two twin sofa sleepers also with which to accommodate your entire family.

CITY: Pontiac

M.J. Hogan Grain Elevator and Visitor Center

The earliest remaining elevator along the canal that was fully operational during the canal's heyday. Built in 1862, the grain elevator allowed farmers to unload their grain locally instead of hauling it to the Chicago market by wagon.

CITY: Seneca

Majestic Theatre

Art Deco Theatre, seats 550, with a full balcony. Dolby digital sound. Affordable snack bar and friendly service. Open Monday - Saturday, 6:00pm - 11:00pm and Sundays, 2:00pm - 8:00pm

CITY: Streator

Mar Theatre

The Mar Theatre opened for business on June 15th 1937, and today much of the original stage and decorative ceiling are intact. The lobby and ticket booth area are in the original configuration. Much of the original architectural hardware and lighting fixtures are still in use. The original auditorium comfortably seats 300 moviegoers and a new second auditorium accommodates 64 patrons. Outside the original marquee is still used to inform moviegoers of the current movies.

CITY: Wilmington

Maria's Restaurant

Fine, Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

CITY: Morris

Mario's Pizza

Although their reputation rest on their excellent pizza, Mario's offers a broad selection of other fine dishes.

CITY: Pontiac

Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area

Containing 2,550 acres, the area is jointly used by the Illinois National Guard as a training facility and is open to the general public for hunting.

CITY: Marseilles

Mazonia State/Braidwood Fish and Wildlife Area

1,700 acres of grassland, brushy draws and shrubs on 2,801 acres. Hunting, fishing, picnicking and more.

CITY: Braceville

Midewin Tall Grass Prairie

Largest open space in northeast Illinois.

CITY: Wilmington

Milltown Market

Come and Experience the diversity and vastness of antiques and collectibles at Milltown Market. You will literally take a walk in the past, with some items remembered from yesteryear, and some you've never seen before! Take your time perusing over 65 booths, which have many different treasures from our collections.

CITY: Wilmington

Monical's Pizza

Traditional and specialty pizzas, pasta and salads. Try their famous "Family Pleaser" combination.

CITY: Pontiac

Morris Antique Emporium

A division of Rusty and Dusty Antiques Inc., built in 1879 and provides a nostalgic look back in time offering jewelry, collectibles, Howard products, toys, gumball machines, furniture, license plates, automotive &rRailroad memorabilia, die cast cars and many other treasues!

CITY: Morris

New China Inn Buffet

Classic Asian cooking, available for take-out or dine-in.

CITY: Pontiac

Newtown Farm

Country Cape Cod style home offering charm and hospitality overlooking six acres of horse pasture.

CITY: Wilmington

Old City Hall Shoppes

Thirty craft and antique shops under one roof in this old, historic city hall.

CITY: Pontiac

Old Log Cabin

Open since 1926 and a fixture along America's "Mother Road," Route 66. Great food, nostalgic decor and superior service. Heritage travelers won't want to miss this one!

CITY: Pontiac

Old Theatre Antique Mall

Multi-dealers, general line antiques, collectibles, Hallmark ornaments, Fenton candles, souvenirs, country soaps and dips.

CITY: Wilmington

Paraphernalia Antiques

Euorpean imports, estate jewelry, general line. Three buildings with thousands of choice items.

CITY: Wilmington

Park Motel

Clean and quiet, near lake, parking outside room. Free HBO/ ESPN, golf course 2 mi.

CITY: Morris

Park Motel

24 Rooms, clean, courteous and quiet by the lake. Parking outside the rooms. AARP. High Speed Internet available.

CITY: Morris

Pit Stop Family Cafe

A family style restaurant with an automotive theme. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CITY: Pontiac

Pizzas by Marchelloni

Pizza, fried chicken, daily specials, pizza buffet.

CITY: Pontiac

Pizzas by Marchelloni/Bowling Alley

Restaurant offers pizza and sandwiches and has a large banquet room with separate bar. Eight-lane bowling alley features a game room.

CITY: Fairbury

Planes, Trains & Automobiles - Sun Motel

An uptight businessman who is desperately trying to get home for Thanksgiving finds himself partnered with an easy going shower ring salesman who is on a journey of his own. The film was shot extensively in the Chicago suburbs. One of the most memorable scenes takes place when the two are forced to share a room at the Braidwood Inn (now the Sun Motel) in suburban Braidwood.

CITY: Braidwood

Polk-a-Dot Drive In

Drive-In founded over 50 years ago has become one of the most memorable attractions along Illinois Route 66. Stop in and see the collection of memorabilia and enjoy a great meal.

CITY: Braidwood

Pontiac Buffet

Classic American and Chinese foods.

CITY: Pontiac

Pontiac Elks Club

18 holes- open to public. This course features bent grass greens, fairways and tees. With a mix of mature trees throughout, there is also plenty of sand and water to challenge your shot making skills. A great test for all players with big, undulating greens, three par-3s of more than 200 yards and water on 12 of 18 holes. Also featured is a restaurant, with a lounge and banquet facilities, an all grass driving range, practice greens, full service Pro Shop, halfway house, pool and locker rooms. Tee times available daily. Golf and lung cards are accepted.

CITY: Pontiac

Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum & Resource Center

The history of the Oakland and Pontiac car brands as seen through 15 classic cars, dealer artifacts, a complete print library and memorabilia. Free admission-open year round.

CITY: Pontiac

Prairie Creek Library

The library was originally built in 1896 as a carriage house, and later transformed into a treatment and recreation building for the Keeley Institute, a well-known alcohol rehab center in the late 1800s.

CITY: Dwight

Prairie Lakes Country Club & Inn

Prairie Lakes offers a 9 hole golf course and a full service restaurant and hotel. Hotel and Golf packages available and banquet facilities. Golf opens daily at 7:00am and the restaurant is open 11:00am - 10:00pm daily. Call for seasonal hours.

CITY: Marseilles