2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
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2 - 3
Christmas Craft and Wine Fair
The Pavilion of the City of Marion holds the Annual Christmas Craft and Wine Fair to showcase the homemade area crafts and local wines. This 2 day event brings crafters together with wine tasting in a wonderful event for the Christmas season. Sales from Local Wineries will be available. We have a variety of unique crafters to find that perfect gift. There will be door prizes, giveaways, Christmas music and more. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa or Mrs. Claus if you attend.
CITY: Marion
14
Christmas Home Tours
Visit Historic Golconda, and tour 4 homes, 1 church and the local museum. Christmas in the courtyard begins at 5:30pm with refreshments and a visit from Santa.
CITY: Golconda
9 - 10
John A Logan College Autumn Fest
This annual event features over 100 original arts and crafts, great food and music, children's activities, free admission, and free parking. For more information call 1-800-851-4720.
CITY: Carterville
Sep 3
Jonamac Orchard Opening Weekend!
Come and enjoy a day in the country! Pick your own apples. Get lost in the corn maze. Visit the petting zoo. Enjoy the freshly baked pies and apple cider donuts and much more!
CITY: Malta
4 - 26
Jonamac Orchard's Haunted Maze!!
This 10-acre cornfield and 3-miles of winding pathways will take on a Halloween makeover! Open on Fridays and Saturdays from October 4 - 26, 2013
CITY: Malta
French Heritage Museum at the Stone Barn
Here you can explore the French involvement in the history of the Kankakee River Valley-the first explorers and missionaries; the coureurs de bois and fur traders and the pioneer settlers from France, French Canada, and Belgium.
CITY: Kankakee
6
Annual Elmwood Heritage Cemetary Walk
Explore the cemetery and hear a variety of stories about ordinary and extraordinary people connected to Sycamore. The cemetery location is at the intersection of Elmwood and Charles Streets.
CITY: Sycamore
13
Cortland Fall Fest
The 32nd Annual Cortland Fall Festival and Parade will feature local bands, a parade, a "Mutt Strutt", and an Apple Cook-Off Contest. Dress up your pooch for the parade, start perfecting your favorite apple dish or simply just come as you are and enjoy the day!
CITY: Cortland
10 - 11
8th Annual Kite Festival
In the open area near Evening Island, enjoy soaring stunt kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois. The Chicago Fire Kite Team has been competing and demonstrating team sport kite ballet and precision since 1986. Invited to kite festivals around the world, they have flown in front of friendly crowds in England, France, Japan, and Canada as well as the United States. Free.
CITY: Glencoe
Oct 25
Glen Ellyn Farmer's Market
Visit downtown Glen Ellyn every Friday, late May through October to find locally grown produce, organic meats, fresh flowers, baked goods, jewelry and more.
CITY: Glen Ellyn
A.E.C. Outfitters
Guided hunting on 2000 acres of land. Archery and shotgun deer hunting.
CITY: Marion
Sep 22
Oak Brook Polo
Polo has been played for more than 80 years at the historic Oak Brook Polo Grounds and everyone is invited to come out and watch the exciting "game of kings!" Polo is an exciting team sport played on a large grass field. Players on horseback attempt to score by driving a small ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled wooden mallet. The Oak Brook Polo Club has six match dates scheduled for 2013.
CITY: Oak Brook
Farmer's Market - Kankakee
Produce, prepared foods, bread, cheese, plants, entertainment and activities at the gazebo 9 am -12 pm. Farmers market open May through October. Accepts WIC coupons, senior citizen coupons.
CITY: Kankakee
Haigh's Scuba Diving Quarry
Scuba dive in a 12-acre, spring-fed quarry and see several varieties of fish, along with underwater attractions that include a 33-foot cabin cruiser, a marine dump truck and an amphibious vehicle. Rental equipment, air-fills and dive instruction are available.
CITY: Bourbonnais
Cedarville Historical Museum
This museum is located in an 1889 school building and features a permanent exhibit honoring Jane Addams, who was born and raised in Cedarville. Miss Addams was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Museum exhibits include personal items and memorabilia from her life and the life of her family. There are also changing exhibits on topics of local historical interest and a research center and a research center.
CITY: Cedarville
20
Civil War Ball, Dinner and Style Show
Logan Rail splitting Association will sponsor its annual Civil War Ball and this year is adding a dinner and style show. Civil War era clothing is encouraged, but dancers are also welcome to come in modern casual attire. Never danced before? Don't worry. Instructors are available to walk newcomers through the dances. All ages welcome.
CITY: Lincoln
20
Kingston Fest & Kardboard Boat Regatta!
Kingston Fest is a craft and vendor fair, live music and games in the shady Kingston Township Park. Bring your swimsuit and try the new dual slide Water Slide. Race your friends on two huge obstacle courses! Kiddie Bouncer and slide combo are $1 for tickets, 25 cents for other children’s games. Community games will be at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30. There will be horseshoe, bags and softball tournaments. The Kardboard Boat Regatta is always great family fun, watch boats made out of cardboard race on the Kishwaukee River.
CITY: Kingston
8
Fall Farm Day
Fall Farm Days in Logan County means a trip to Gail's Pumpkin Patch for pick-your-own pumpkins, farm tours, cider, homegrown honey and other fall treats.
CITY: Beason
Oct 30
Elmhurst Farmer's Market
Visit downtown Elmhurst on Wednesday mornings from June through October for the Elmhurst Farmers Market. You will find a variety of farmers and vendors. Olives, olive oil and pickles - along with the usual fruits and vegetables - will be among the items for sale at the Elmhurst Farmer's Market. Items sold will also include plants; baked goods; produce; consumable items; and arts and crafts.
CITY: Elmhurst
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
Camp Sagawau Environmental Education Center
Environment Education Center - offers cross country skiing in the winter.
CITY: Lemont
Stony Creek Golf Course & Clubhouse
The Oak Lawn Park District's family friendly 18 hole golf course with restaurant and banquet facility.
CITY: Oak Lawn
29
Proud to Run 5k & 10k
Proud To Run is a 10K run, 5K run or walk that celebrates LGBT pride during Chicago's Pride weekend. Proud To Run 2013 will raise funds for TPAN, The Night Ministry, and LINKS- Pride Youth Program. It is presented in association with Frontrunners Chicago. This will be the 32nd annual event.
CITY: Chicago
Sep 2
Kankakee Regatta
Experience power boat racing from both sides of the beautiful Kankakee River, then enjoy entertainment, food and festivities along its banks. Get an autograph at one of the meet and greets with the drivers, view the antique boats or sit back and enjoy the racing from the hospitality tent.
CITY: Kankakee
22 - 23
Bike MS Tour De Farms
Thousand of cyclists to participate in Bike MS: Tour De Farms on June 22 & 23, 2013, in DeKalb. Bike MS: Tour de Farms is one of the largest fundraisers of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter. Children under 12 years old are invited to participate in a special Bike MS course exclusively for junior riders, on Saturday, June 22, at 3 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older and submit a $15 registration fee. Also on Saturday, five Chicago-based bands will perform from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents of DeKalb and the surrounding communities are invited to attend. Registration for Bike MS is open to individual riders, teams, volunteers and virtual riders.
CITY: DeKalb
Southern Illinois Miners League All Star Games
Minor League Professional baseball team, the Southern Illinois Miners are a member of the West Division of the Frontier League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. From the 2007 season to the present, the Miners have played their home games at Rent One Park. The "Miners" name refers to the Southern Illinois region's history of coal mining.[1]
CITY: Marion
Kane County Cougars
As an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Cougars continue to set a standard of excellence, both on and off the field. In 2013, the Cougars are expecting to welcome their 10 millionth fan in franchise history, and have routinely been one of the top draws throughout Minor League Baseball, while providing the best in affordable and family-friendly fun throughout Chicagoland.
CITY: Geneva
6 - 7
Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival
Located on the Esplanade at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, the Festival features original works for purchase from a select crowd of 80 acclaimed artists. All of the artwork embodies a botanic theme, use, or material. The incredible artwork available at the Festival is rivaled only by the beauty of the setting. Admission is free. Regular parking rates apply.
CITY: Glencoe
Normal CornBelters
The CornBelters are a professional minor league baseball team with the independent Frontier League. In addition to competitive baseball, fans enjoy zany on-field promotions, outrageous entertainment acts, delicious food and post-game fireworks.
CITY: Normal
8 - 10
The Great River Tug Fest
This is the only tug-of-war across the mighty Mississippi River. On Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., barge traffic, pleasure boats and paddleboats yield the right of way to a 2,400 foot, 680 pound rope that stretches between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois. Eleven teams from each side are formed and the side with the most winning teams takes the Alabaster Eagle trophy for that year. Currently the score is tied 10 - 10. A family weekend event filled with carnival rides, live entertainment, a huge parade, scenic 5k run/walk, food, arts and craft vendors and one of the largest fireworks displays (friday night) in the two state area. Admission charged. Festival takes place on the Mississippi River at Port Byron IL Riverfront. Hwy. 67 & Port Byron. Call 309-523-2500 for more information
CITY: Port Byron
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
Vaughn Athletic Center Water Park
This year-round indoor water park has tube slides, zero-depth entry and interactive water play.
CITY: Aurora
Sep 22
Tempel Lipizzans Performances
Witness artistry and history come to life as the Tempel Lipizzan stallions enchant audiences with their power, intelligence and grace. From the play of newborn foals to the leaps of athletic stallions, the Tempel Lipizzans are an experience for the entire family. This unique performance set to music has become a Lake County favorite. Evening performances are scheduled 6pm for Saturdays June 8, 15, 22, July 6, 13, 20, August 3, 10, 17 and 5pm on September 14. Evening Toast and Performance held on June 8th and September 14th to celebrate the beginning and end of the season with advance tickets only. Matinee performances are scheduled for 1pm Sundays and Wednesdays, June 30, July 24, 28, August 21 and 25 and September 8 and 22.
CITY: Wadsworth
Waves of Fun Water Park
This indoor water park features a wave surf machine, a 45-foot slide tower and a four-story interactive, Hawaiian-themed play structure.
CITY: Sandwich
30
Blossoms at Butterworth - Deere Family Mansions
Each June visitors enjoy the splendor of the Butterworth Center's impressive gardens while participating in several exciting activities; including old-fashioned music, games of the 1800s, jugglers, a scavenger hunt, an antique auto show, tours and refreshments. Come and see these Deere family home gardens at the Butterworth Center & Deere Wiman House.
CITY: Moline
Joliet Slammers
This professional minor league baseball team plays for the Frontier League in Silver Cross Field and are the 2011 Frontier League champions.
CITY: Ottawa
Springfield Sliders Baseball
Springfield's very own baseball team! Games throughout the summer! Come to Robin Roberts Stadium at Lanphier Park. Come and see Speedy, have food and watch America's favorite past time.
CITY: Springfield
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
Kohl Children's Museum
Kohl Children’s Museum offers hands-on, interactive exhibits designed exclusively for children ages birth to 8. All of the exhibits and programs are designed to make learning fun and interesting for young children. A visit to a grocery store, a veterinarian’s office as well as a day care inhabited by dolls allow children to participate in adult activities on their own scale. Children can build a house, make music, take care of cars, explore the properties of water and much more in the many engaging exhibits featured.
CITY: Glenview
Schaumburg Boomers at Boomers Stadium
Located in the heart of the Chicago suburbs, the Schaumburg Boomers are the ideal destination for family-oriented fun! Minor league baseball team competing in the Independent Frontier League. Schaumburg Boomers store sells Boomers clothing and other items.
CITY: Schaumburg
DuPage Children's Museum, Inc.
Where children and adults learn to play together. Enjoy exhibits, workshops and materials that stretch the imagination and stimulate creativity. A fun environment for exploration and discovery.
CITY: Naperville
Peoria Chiefs Baseball Team
The Peoria Chiefs are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, from Peoria, Illinois. They play in the Midwest League.The Chiefs are proud to be Central Illinois’ most affordable family entertainment. Over 5 million fans have enjoyed top quality baseball and non-stop entertainment over the last 27 years. More than 120 former Chiefs have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including Mark Grace, Greg Maddux, Joe Girardi, Yadier Molina, Dan Haren and Albert Pujols.
CITY: Peoria
Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park
Illinois' only indoor/outdoor aquatic park features seven water slides, a lazy river, two zero-depth entry pools, a spray play area, diving well, sand playground and two concession stands.
CITY: Bolingbrook
WaterWorks
The Water Works is an indoor water park located in the Schaumburg Park District Community Recreation center. It features three water slides, rapid water channel, water playground, diving pool, lap pool, gradual beachlike entry pool, whirlpool, family changing room and a nursery.
CITY: Schaumburg
Sep 15
The Amazing Race – Starved Rock Style
Fans of reality television are probably familiar with the format of the Amazing Race, but Starved Rock Lodge has taken that format and given it their own touch by integrating the historic charm of Starved Rock State Park, Lodge and the surrounding area. The Amazing Race – Starved Rock Lodge Style will be run on select Sundays from May through September. Choose from May 26, June 2 or 23, July 7 or 21, Aug. 4 or 25, and Sept. 1 or 15 as a race date. Advance reservations are required for the race, and an overnight stay package is also available. Racers should contact the activities department at 815-220-7386 to book a team’s place in the race!
CITY: Oglesby
27 - 29
Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest
Red, yellow and orange-hued leaves aren’t the only colors to view in Western Illinois’ skies this fall. At Moline’s annual Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest, a myriad of hot air balloons take off throughout the weekend and glow high above the town after dark.
CITY: Moline
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
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
Hands-on exhibits and daily-changing activities make every visit unique for young children and adults, too. Dig deep into the Dinosaur Expedition, try to stay dry in WaterWays, make a masterpiece in the KraftArtabounds Studio, and climb up to the crow's nest on the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Toddlers can have fun in Kids Town and Treehouse Trails.
CITY: Chicago
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
John Deere Pavilion
The legend of John Deere lives on at the world's most comprehensive agricultural exhibit. Showcases vintage and modern-day equipment, interactive agricultural displays and feature film. Largest collection of John Deere merchandise anywhere.
CITY: Moline
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
Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
The North Side Chicago Cubs baseball team calls historic Wrigley Field home.
CITY: Chicago
Caterpillar Visitors Center
Opened in October 2012, this new visitors center celebrates the long history of the Caterpillar company. Visitors can explore the past by taking a journey back in time via historic photos and antique equipment. Visitor favorites include a 24-foot tall 797 mining truck that doubles as a movie theater and a product floor complete with simulators to explore its world-famous product line.
CITY: Peoria
CoCo Key Water Resort - Rockford
CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, is Rockford's home for any-weather family water park fun. Attached to the Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center, CoCo Key Water Resort makes for a perfect tropical family getaway. Explore over 60,000 square feet of indoor water park fun with three giant waterslides, Coconut Grove Adventure River, Parrot's Perch interactive Play Island, indoor/outdoor spa, kiddie pool with zero depth entry, 10,000 square foot Key Quest Arcade, private cabanas, birthday party rooms, and more
CITY: Rockford
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort and Enchanted Forest
60 acres of Northwoods themed accommodations near Starved Rock. Lodge rooms, villas & cabin, indoor water and amusement parks, dining, banquet & conference center.
CITY: Utica
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
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Strap a mask and flippers onto your imagination and chart a course to the Shedd Aquarium. Have you ever seen eye-to-eye with a dolphin? Said hello to a penguin on a stroll to the South Pole? Immersed yourself in a flooded Amazon forest? Or met a friendly beluga whale? You can do it all at the Shedd! Photo courtesy of the John G. Shedd Aquarium
CITY: Chicago
KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort
KeyLime Cove, the official resort of nearby Six Flags Great America, offers a year round tropical resort experience. The massive indoor water park features a wave pool, body and tube slides, a lazy river, waterfalls and whirlpools. Besides the splashy fun, KeyLime Cove offers a variety of restaurants and entertainment options geared to both kids and parents. Grab a little "me" time and indulge in the luxurious Paradise Mist Spa, or pamper your princess at The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa.
CITY: Gurnee
Museum of Science and Industry
A world of discovery awaits at the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Explore more than 800 exhibits, including the legendary U-505, a German submarine captured on the high seas during World War II; take off on a Boeing 727 airplane for a simulated cross-country flight; descend down a mineshaft for a tour of a realistic coal mine; and witness robots at work in a toy factory. Take a seat at the museum’s Omnimax Theater and watch awesome 3D flicks on a giant screen.
CITY: Chicago
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
One of the most-visited presidential museums in the nation allows visitors to experience the entire Lincoln story under one roof, from Abe's humble beginnings in an Indiana log cabin to his days as president in the White House. Be dazzled by two special effects theaters featuring historical ghosts and a Civil War battlefield, life-like vignettes that depict important moments in the president’s life, and artifacts that range from Lincoln’s stovepipe hat to an original copy of the Gettysburg Address.
CITY: Springfield
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford's 12-acre, "pond-strolling" Japanese garden is acclaimed as one of the top two authentic formal Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Winding paths, serene waterfalls, Sukiya-style buildings, and a gift shop selling authentic Japanese crafts make the gardens a must-see.
CITY: Rockford
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