2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 129 items
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
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
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
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
Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum
See the finest collection of memorabilia from the historic Mother Road in Illinois. The free-admission Hall of Fame features nostalgic photos and displays, plus attractions that include Route 66 artist and icon Bob Waldmire's bus and van, and the world's largest Route 66 shield.
CITY: Pontiac
Zipline Canopy Tour Chicago
Looking for that perfect daring escape for you, your friends or family? Zip Chicago Canopy Tours provides an experience you will not soon forget. It will create memories that last a life time. The tour is completely guided and contains no motorized machines for propulsion. All you have to do is enjoy your flight! Our guests can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. The platforms and suspension bridges are surrounded by an assortment of native trees. Check out our different tours to see which adventure is the right one for you!
CITY: Marseilles
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
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
Route 66 Heritage Wayside Exhibits
Five wayside story boards that highlight the history of Route 66 in Pontiac. Pick up a map at the Route 66 Museum.
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
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
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
Weber House and Garden
Historic home long associated with the rich and famous, Weber House sits in an English garden of meandering paths, hollyhocks and old oaks. Inside cozy candlelit rooms reflect the 18th century.
CITY: Streator
Pontiac Visitor's Center
Be sure to stop by and pick up local Pontiac and tourist information for area attractions, dining, coupons and shopping.
CITY: Pontiac
Troll Hollow Campground
Troll Hollow is the “summer home” to campers who come back year after year after year to make new memories with family and friends. In fact, the campers at Troll Hollow have become such good friends that they feel like family. Nestled in the beautiful Illinois Valley area, Troll Hollow is just minutes away from fun for every member of your family, whether they prefer biking, hiking or kayaking in the great outdoors, or strolling the charming streets of nearby Utica searching for the perfect antique.
CITY: Marseilles
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
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
Engle Lane Theatre
An astonishingly well-equipped theater in its 42nd season. Plays and musicals running May-August.
CITY: Streator
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
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
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
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
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
Old City Hall Shoppes
Thirty craft and antique shops under one roof in this old, historic city hall.
CITY: Pontiac
Three Roses Bed & Breakfast
Four quaint rooms; homemade gourmet breakfast, close to downtown attractions. At Three Roses Bed & Breakfast (circa 1890), you can experience the comfort of our beautiful guest rooms and enjoy personalized service when it comes to your breakfast. All breakfasts are cooked to order from scratch and can accommodate any special diets including gluten free. Just let us know of your special dietary requirements when you make your reservation. We offer our motorcycle guests and those with vintage cars a spot in our secured garage to give you extra peace of mind. Your best night sleep is our goal. We are conveniently located off Interstate 55 near Old Route 66 and on Route 116.
CITY: Pontiac
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
The Jones House
This Gothic Revival house, built in 1858, it is the oldest brick home in Pontiac.
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
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
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
Travis Wood Products
Museum-quality, historic Shaker reproduction furniture and accessories handcrafted by local artist. Showroom by appointment. Listed as one of the top 200 craftspeople in the United States by Early American Magazine.
CITY: Fairbury
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
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
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
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
The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park
Come check out our park, it has many miles of trails, created for the beginner all the way to the advanced rider. We have wooded areas, fields, creeks, and yes, the Famous Mud Hole. (Ask park personnel where it is). Plans are in progress to create a rock climb and bog for those who want more challenges. Call ahead for hours and track conditions.
CITY: Marseilles
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
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
Schulz Tree Farm
Cut your own scotch pine, white pine, Norway and blue spruce Christmas trees. Also visit the barn, where you'll find unique Christmas gifts and crafts, wreaths, swags and free cocoa.
CITY: Pontiac
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
Renfrew Park
6-acre park donated to the village in 1891 by David McWilliams, the first banker and business person in the community. It is named after the Prince of Wales, Baron Renfrew, who visited the area while on a hunting expedition in 1860.
CITY: Dwight
Fairbury Echoes Museum
This local museum features a Fairbury Room and exhibits that change periodically. Open Wednesday and Fridays, or by appointment.
CITY: Fairbury
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
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
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
Strevell-Lincoln House
Built in the 1850's, this home welcomed Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Among the many connections Pontiac has to Abraham Lincoln, one of the most interesting revolves around Lincoln's friendship with local attorney, Jason W. Strevell. Strevell was born in New York and migrated to Illinois in 1855. He was admitted to the Illinois bar that same year, and began his practice in Pontiac. He was involved in his legal practice here for twenty-four years. He served as a Republican in the Illinois House of Representatives, and also had one term as a Senator. He was a member of the electoral college that elected Hayes to the presidency, and was actively concerned in the first presidental election of William McKinley. The house is currently being restored by the Livingston County Historical Society.
CITY: Pontiac
Dargan Park Sculptures- "Seasons of Life"
25 feet tall, magnificent iron statues depicting the stages of man's life.
CITY: Pontiac
Trees and Trim
Cut your own scotch, white and red pine, douglas fir, Norway and blue spruce Christmas trees here.
CITY: Fairbury
William G. Stratton State Park
Although only 613 acres in size along the Illinois River, this state park is widely used by boaters and anglers of northeastern Illinois. Launching ramps with docks serve boaters from the Illinois River Bridge in Morris.
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
Streatorland Historical Society Museum
Displays include 19th-century clothing, music room, local artifacts, and many photographs depicting Streatorland history.
CITY: Streator
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 have two twin sofa sleepers also with which to accommodate your entire family.
CITY: Pontiac
Wilmington Dam
Home to catfish, walleye, northern pike, bass, pan fish, picnic and recreation.
CITY: Wilmington
Reardon Historic Mansion Bed And Breakfast
For a chance of a lifetime to visit this beautiful historic mansion bed & breakfast with furnishing mostly from 1800's. Better than visiting a museum!
CITY: Morris
Springbrook Marina
Full-service marina. New and used boat sales, transient slips, fuel, restaurant. Open year-round.
CITY: Seneca
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
Left Field Grille
Home of Livingston County's Best Hamburger. Family friendly and free delivery.
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
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
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
The Windmill
The Windmill was built in 1896 to supply water for the Oughton estate and grounds, which later became home of the Keeley Institute, an alcohol rehab center.
CITY: Dwight
Park Motel
24 Rooms, clean, courteous and quiet by the lake. Parking outside the rooms. AARP. High Speed Internet available.
CITY: Morris
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
Pontiac Elks Country Club
This championship 18-hole course features a driving range and practice green, lounge and restaurant, plus an indoor pool.
CITY: Pontiac
Comfort Inn - Pontiac
58 rooms; indoor pool and hot tub; some suites with hot tub; deluxe continental breakfast
CITY: Pontiac
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
The Country Mansion Restaurant
The original structure was built as a boarding house in 1891. It was purchased and moved to its present site in 1895. In 1977, the home was purchased by the Ohlendorfs, remodeled and opened as The Country Mansion. Eight or more need reservations.
CITY: Dwight
Wolf Creek Golf Club - Pontiac
This 18-hole championship course has a pro shop and is easily walkable, with a par 72 and 5,470-6,900 yards.
CITY: Pontiac
Sandy Ford Canoe Launch
Canoe launch site, and parking on Vermillion River. Land and water reserve.
CITY: Streator
Newtown Farm
Country Cape Cod style home offering charm and hospitality overlooking six acres of horse pasture.
CITY: Wilmington
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
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
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
Sandy Ford Sportsman Club
Private club with public events including trap, bow and cowboy shoots. NRA approved. Indoor competitions.
CITY: Streator
Country at Heart Antiques and Collectibles.
Country and primitive furniture, Victorian, oak and walnut furniture. Linens, vintage clothing, jewelry, pottery and porcelain.
CITY: Marseilles
Park Motel
Clean and quiet, near lake, parking outside room. Free HBO/ ESPN, golf course 2 mi.
CITY: Morris
Shugie's
Step back into time as you enter the nostalgic, fun atmosphere of Shugie's. Get a gift for everyone!
CITY: Morris
Super 8 Motel - Pontiac
48 rooms. Some rooms have microwave and refrigerator. Truck parking available. Restaurants nearby.
CITY: Pontiac
Holiday Inn Express - Pontiac
54 rooms. Some rooms with jacuzzi available. Guest laundry. Handicap accessible.
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
Pit Stop Family Cafe
A family style restaurant with an automotive theme. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
CITY: Pontiac
Wolf Creek Golf Club
The 18-hole course features 6,637 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 69.1 and it has a slope rating of 117. Wolf Creek golf course opened in 1972.
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
Whispering Pines of Dwight
Bed and breakfast with a beautiful, quiet country setting on a heavily wooded three acre lot. Breakfasts include international recipes.
CITY: Dwight
Bernardi's II
One of the best Italian restaurants in Central Illinois. Famous for pasta, but also serves delicious fried chicken.
CITY: Pontiac
Delong's Casual Dining & Spirits
Excellent food in a charming setting. Full menu, frozen custard, and alfresco dining available.
CITY: Pontiac
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
