Fairmount Park Racetrack

Fairmount Park is home to live thoroughbred horse racing action. From March through September, the horses run on the one-mile oval dirt track Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

CITY: Collinsville

Comfort Suites Springfield

Beautiful all suite hotel. Whirlpool bathtubs, microwaves & refrigerators in every room. Indoor heated swimming pool. Continental breakfast included.

CITY: Springfield

Fairfield Inn by Marriott - Gurnee

Enjoy the convenience of walking to Gurnee Mills and various restaurants and a quick drive to Six Flags Great America. This hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, including 16 suites, at a superior value for both business and leisure travelers. Indoor pool and Jacuzzi, free passes to Gold's Gym, free in room high speed Internet and a free deluxe continental breakfast, including fresh-coffee, freshly made waffles, cereals and fresh fruits are all included with an overnight stay. A 480 sq. ft. meeting room is also available.

CITY: Gurnee

Casino Queen

The bright lights of Vegas have nothing on the Casino Queen, home of the loosest slots! The Queen has had the loosest slots in the entire country for six years running, plus the hottest table games in town. Hungry? The Queen has you covered from fine dining to casual. The best view in town is from the Casino Queen Hotel.

CITY: East St. Louis

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago's internationally acclaimed professional theater dedicated to presenting the works of William Shakespeare.

CITY: Chicago

Fox Valley Repertory (formerly Noble Fool Theatricals) at Pheasant Run Resort

Theater devoted full time to elevating the art of comedy in all its forms comes to Pheasant Run Resort & Spa in St. Charles.

CITY: St. Charles

Weaver Ridge Golf Course

This 18-hole championship golf course with incredible views also features a restaurant that opens daily at 11am and offers Sunday brunch.

CITY: Peoria

Gambit Golf Course

This championship par 71 golf course, designed by Richard Osborne, snakes through meadows and woodlands. The Gambit features the area's only indoor practice center, with two state-of-the-art golf simulators and a nine-hole practice green.

CITY: Vienna

South Eden Village Mall

A pleasant, relaxing shopping experience where you can browse our gift shops, eat at our lunch buffet and shop our mall full of flea market finds and antiques. Plenty of free parking. Buses welcome!

CITY: Hanna City

Metropolis Murals

A series of six murals are painted on buildings along Ferry Street and Market Street in downtown Metropolis. Each mural reveals a different story and makes our heritage come alive through artistic renderings of local historical events. Interpretive plaques describe the historical significance of each.

CITY: Metropolis

Peaceful Pines

A charming cottage on situated on 19 acres, adjacent to Apple River Canyon State Park. Fishing, golf, shopping at your fingertips. Paradise for the birder, artist or author. Full kitchen, pet-friendly and quiet.

CITY: Apple River

Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center & CoCo Key Water Park - Rockford

Located right off of Interstate 90. Guests traveling for work can make the most of their stay with many businesses and organizations within just a few miles of this Rockford hotel. The spacious, clean rooms offer wireless Internet access, a coffeemaker, cable or satellite television with in-room movies and much more. There are two dining options right on property with the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery and the Calalloo Grille in the water park. There is an indoor and outdoor heated pool, fitness center, business center, free complimentary WiFi and more. CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, offers over 60,000 square feet of fun with water slides, activity pools, a lazy river, an interactive play island, private cabanas and party rooms, and a 10,000 square foot arcade. We happily accept birthday parties and group outings!

CITY: Rockford

Brunswick Zone - Naperville

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone in Naperville offers bowling, billiards, an arcade/game room, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.

CITY: Naperville

Aloft Bolingbrook

Aloft Bolingbrook is a sassy, savvy, hip, trendy hotel located at The Promenade Bolingbrook. Mix & mingle with friends at the WXYZ lounge, stay and play at our indoor pool or fitness center, and breeze into an Aloft room featuring custom amenities.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Timber Campground

East access from I 74, exit 24, go east on Route 81 for 13 miles or I 80, exit 19, go south 10 miles on Route 82 and then turn left and travel 2 miles on Route 81. This campsite offers many options for RV and primitive camping. There is a small general store for necessity items and free Wi-Fi. Walk among the trees, hear and see the birds singing in our 50-acre wooded campground. Drop a line into our 5-acre spring-fed stocked lake (catfish, bass and bluegill). Relax on our beach and cool off with a swim. In the evening sit around your campfire and look up at the stars and dream. Make us your home take time to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The campground offers 50/30 amp sites and some pull-thrus. Beautiful lakeside tent sites for rental. Activities on weekends. Groups welcome. Camping season runs April 15 through October 15.

CITY: Cambridge

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Architect Frank Gehry designed this spectacular outdoor concert venue in Millennium Park that is home to the Grant Park Music Festival, along with other free concerts and events.

CITY: Chicago

Hegeler Carus Mansion

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 57-room, Victorian-era mansion features century-old chandeliers, ornate woodwork and other fine details. It was built in 1876 by Edward C. Hegeler and the mansion was designed by Chicago architect William W. Boyington.

CITY: LaSalle

How the West Was Won - Cave-in-Rock State Park

An all-star cast is featured in this frontier drama about the western expansion of the United States in the early 1800s, as seen through the eyes of two pioneer families. Parts of the movie were filmed in Southern Illinois' Shawnee National Forest and Cave-in-Rock State Park, named for its limestone cave that once harbored real river pirates.

CITY: Cave-in-rock

The Station House

Part of the downtown Springfield nightlife scene for more than 15 years, this LGBT-friendly dance club features karaoke on Thursday nights.

CITY: Springfield

Anne's Antiques

Located in the historic North End of Princeton, IL, Anne's Antiques is a quaint antique shop featuring vintage oak and walnut furniture, handmade quilts, pottery and glassware

CITY: Princeton

Attic Treasures - The Shoppes at the Red Brick Church

A colletion of shops in a quaint brick church featuring antiques, crafts, and unique gifts.

CITY: Washington

All About A Ghost Tour

Walking tour with researched, authentic stories about Galena's ghostly past & present. Mix of history and mystery.

CITY: Galena

Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens

The Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor arts program that places sculptures in the village square, along charming residental streets, and in the Flossmoor Sculpture and Garden Park.

CITY: Flossmoor

Jacksonville's Underground Railroad Tour

Visit Underground Railroad sites such as Woodlawn Farm, as well as Jacksonville-area homes that were part of the Railroad.

CITY: Jacksonville

Sugar Grove Family Fun Center

Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, a driving range and a game room are the draw at this entertainment center.

CITY: Sugar Grove

Red Bud Lane Iris Garden

Feast your eyes on the gardens of iris, hostas and day lillies. These bulbs and rhizomes are shipped all over the country. Please call before your visit.

CITY: Kansas

The Porch Basket

A unique one of a kind shop in downtown Eldorado, the Porch Basket offers a large line of hand woven baskets, country decor items, and a large line of basket weaving supplies. Call about basket weaving lessons.

CITY: Eldorado

Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Centre

Considered a "must play" course in the Midwest, Aldeen has an impressive list of accolades, including being voted best municipal course in Illinois by Golf Digest, and ranking number 38 in Golf Magazine's Thrifty 50 list.

CITY: Rockford

Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Open Table's Diner's Choice 2012 Winner, Woodlands features Midwestern regional favorites in a comfortable room with spectacular lake views. Enjoy fresh seafood, aged steaks, pastas.

CITY: Galena

Foundation Park

Home to the Balloon Fest, Foundation Park has many walking trails, nature areas, and gathering places.

CITY: Centralia

Long Grove Confectionery Chocolate Factory Tour

On the factory tour hear a brief history of Long Grove's candy kitchen, see chocolates being produced and sample gourmet chocolates before visiting the Factory Store.

CITY: Buffalo Grove

J-H Bison Ranch

Tours of this family-run bison ranch include baby bison feeding, herd tours, and photos with baby bison, llamas and horses.

CITY: Trenton

Cave-in-Rock State Park Lodge and Cabins

Lodging nestled in the Shawnee National Forest on Pirates' Bluff, units have a private balcony providing a breathtaking view of the Ohio River. Duplex cabins include a large living area containing two queen beds and Sat TV/VCR, Bath has full tub and shower facilities. Within walking distance to the "Cave" of Cave-in-Rock, and the Ohio River free ferry to Kentucky Amish Country is nearby. Kaylor's Restaurant located in the cabin complex, is open seven days a week and offers an outstanding view of the river. Offers year round lodging. Concessionaires: Annie and Marty Kaylor.

CITY: Cave-in-rock

34 Ranch Horseman's Campground

34 Ranch offers the largest privately-owned horseman's campground in Southern Illinois. Located in Hardin and Pope Counties in the midst of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Open year round. One cabin is primitive without plumbing. The other two have both baths and kitchens. The ranch also has 250 modern campsites and can accommodate RV's. Rents out cabins and one trailer. Owner: Tom Luchies.

CITY: Herod

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

American Girl Cafe

Chicago’s American Girl Cafe is the place for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and parties. For reservations and seating times, call toll-free 877-247-5223.

CITY: Chicago

Family Aquatic Center

This aquatic center has a frog slide, water slide, wet playground area, a sand playground, concessions, a shaded picnic area and a bath house.

CITY: Shelbyville

Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Located on the Chicago River with butcher and dry-aging room in-house, experience Chicago Cut specializing in steaks, seafood and an extensive wine list.

CITY: Chicago

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant

Guests can view, and even dine, in our unique winery barrel aging rooms. Each location is responsible for barrel aging several varietals ranging from delicate Malbecs to sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignons.

CITY: Wheeling

A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market

A fun-filled orchard featuring apples, berries, melons. The indoor market is filled with jams, jellies, sauces, dips, salsas, candy and homemade "take n bake" pies. Also unique is the Krazy Kernel Kettle Korn, produced right in Princeton! Specialty cheeses, such as Antonella, Buffalo Wing Jack, and Tomato Basil Yellow Cheddar are also available. Pair these cheeses with some of the wines that are sold in the new wine shop, or enjoy your purchase on the newly constructed outdoor patio area. The Cider Mill banquet room has been expanded to accommodate 200 guests, so plan your wedding, reception, party, or reunion here!

CITY: Princeton

UP Comedy

UP Comedy Club presents an eclectic mix of comedy seven days a week featuring the best in Chicago stand-up, sketch and improv comedy. The club also features a full service kitchen and bar with a no drink minimum.

CITY: Chicago

The Streets of Woodfield

A lifestyle and entertainment center offering streetside shopping and dining in a suburban setting. A vibrant shopping alternative including Carson Pirie Scott, AMC-Loews Theater, GameWorks, Laugh Out Loud Improve Theater, and some of Chicago's top restaurants. Store, restaurant, and theater hours vary.

CITY: Schaumburg

Hampton Inn - East Peoria

Hotel offers deluxe accommodations.

CITY: East Peoria

John Deere Historic Site

John Deere's home still stands with a working replica of his blacksmith shop and a preserved archeological dig that unearthed Deere's orginal shop.

CITY: Grand Detour

Hall Quarry Beach

Hall Quarry features a zero-depth sand beach, two islands, a youth water slide, drop slide, and a diving tower with two- and four-meter platforms.

CITY: Batavia

Charnley-Persky House Museum

Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan designed this Gold Coast residence, now the home of the Society of Architectural Historians. Open for tours.

CITY: Chicago

Apple Basket Farms

Enjoy one of the areas last remaining commercial fruit orchards. Pick apples & pumpkins. Feed animals at the petting zoo, stroll through Farmer Jack's corn maze.

CITY: Barry

Olympic Tribute & Laborer's Memorial

Honoring the extraordinary achievements of Champaign County residents who have participated in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this granite platform inscribed with the names of the athletes and the Olympic symbol is surrounded by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus. Tribute to Olympic Athletes rises from an ordinary prairie landscape transformed by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus.

CITY: Champaign

Mickey Finn's Brewery

Mickey Finn's Brewery is a landmark casual social gathering place famous for handcrafted beer. Since opening in 1993 as Lake County's first brewpub, Mickey Finn's has won a trophy case full of national and international awards for their beer. The menu offers a variety of items including burgers, pizza, fish n' chips, and buffalo wings. Also enjoy seasonal outdoor dining, a huge banquet facility, carry-out food and beer, live entertainment on weekends and a diverse clientele.

CITY: Libertyville

Fort Massac State Park

State park and historic site. October's big Fort Massac Encampment and several other living history event weekends scheduled throughout the year bring the past to life for American history buffs. The visitor center offers exhibits, information & a short film.

CITY: Metropolis

Lincoln League Souvenir and Book Shop

Books and souvenirs.

CITY: Petersburg

Chicago Slaughter

The Chicago Slaughter is a member of the Indoor Football League, which has teams in over 25 cities nationwide. Come see an exciting game and cheer on your team! Headed by Coach Steve "Mongo" McMichael and William "The Refrigerator" Perry, former Chicago Bears.

CITY: Hoffman Estates

University Mall

The University Mall is the centerpiece of Southern Illinois' most established retail district and is conveniently located near the crossroads of two of the regions most traveled arteries -- Route 13 and US 51. The mall features variety stores to meet your shopping needs!

CITY: Carbondale

Grant Park

This park features a pavilion with tables, a gazebo, fountain, a play lot, basketball court, historic cannons and monuments, and a walk bridge across the Galena River to Galena's downtown historic shopping district.

CITY: Galena

Apple Tree Acres Alpacas

Fabulous apparel, softest yarns and roving. Meet and buy our Alpacas. Call for hours.

CITY: Utica

Green Mill

This Art Deco-style jazz club in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood has a storied speakeasy past from the days of prohibition. Sit back and listen to some of the best jazz and cabaret music in the city at this elegant club that served as one of the locations for the hit film, High Fidelity. The Green Mill was patterned after Clark Monroe's Uptown House in Harlem (as it was during the 40's). Uniquely comfortable to all audiences, the magic of the Mill is that the audience co-mingles in its mutual respect for the music.

CITY: Chicago

West Chicago City Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Housed in historic Turner Town Hall (National Register site), the museum features community history exhibits and a research collection including local history and railroad materials. The Kid Zone Gallery offers changing hands-on displays for all ages.

CITY: West Chicago

J.R. Kortman Center for Design

Upscale shop and gallery, in downtown Rockford.

CITY: Rockford

Eastlight Theatre

A regional community theatre presenting 4 main stage musicals a year.

CITY: East Peoria

Bronzeville Children's Museum

First and only African American children's museum in the country for children ages 3-9. Interactive exhibits, unique programs. Focus on culture, history and contributions of African Americans.

CITY: Chicago

Two Brothers Brewing Company & Tap House

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Two Brothers Brewing Company is a family owned and operated microbrewery and brewpub located in the western suburbs of Chicago. We have been hand-crafting artisan beers since 1997. Brewery tours offered on weekends. Come in and see what is brewing!

CITY: Warrenville

North Shore Distillery

Visit the first craft distillery in Illinois, where award-winning vodkas, gins, liqueurs and more are handcrafted. See the still and learn how spirits are made in a truly unique setting. Tasting room is open on Fridays from 4 to 8 and Saturdays from 1 to 6. Distillery tours are offered on Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 and 4 p.m.

CITY: Lake Bluff

Hillcrest Campground and Event Center

Hillcrest Campground and Event Center offers an Executive 9 Hole Golf Course, an Olympic Size outdoor pool, full service bar and grill, meeting facilities, indoor and outdoor family event facilties. The newly renovated Camping Resort offers a wide selection of spacious, level sites with picnic tables, water spouts and fire pits. It is located just 10 miles south of the Quad Cities Airport and only 6 miles east of Interstate 80 offering easy access to Peoria and Chicago.

CITY: Orion

Niabi Zoo

This zoo located near the Quad Cities houses more than 900 exotic animals. See the animal exhibits on foot or hop aboard the Mel McKay Express, a miniature replica of an old steam engine that takes visitors around the park. Rise and shine with the wild things during Breakfast With the Animals, held on select Saturdays.

CITY: Coal Valley

The Second City's de Maat Studio Theater

Named for the late improvising guru Martin de Maat, this 49-seat theater is dedicated to presenting productions that are rooted in the crafts of theatrical improvisation and sketch comedy as taught by The Second City Training Center.

CITY: Chicago

Lock & Dam 51 Houses-Golconda

Four Historic Lock-keepers houses, recently renovated for overnight rentals overlooking the Ohio River. Period furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, front & back porches, TVs and phones.

CITY: Golconda

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson - Stockton

Gateway to scenic Jo Daviess County. Affordable, clean, friendly and convenient. Complete breakfast, limited pet friendly. Near historic downtown Galena and Chestnut Mountain skiing. Nearby snowmobile trails, state parks, hunting/fishing.

CITY: Stockton

Longhollow Point Condominiums

Fully furnished studio and one-bedroom condos featured at a private vacation resort equipped with an indoor pool, spa/hot tub, exercise facility, game room.

CITY: Galena

RiverBank Lodge

Be inspired by dramatic architectural details and our leather-packed northwoods lodge themed interior spaces. Located on the banks of the Sangamon River, we know you will remember this unique lodging experience!

CITY: Petersburg

Super 8 - Harrisburg

Hot tub- suites available free continental breakfast- non smoking & handicapped rooms available.

CITY: Harrisburg

Fox Valley Symphony

Top-notch pop, classical and family performances are presented under the guidance of Maestro Fusao Kajima.

CITY: Aurora

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Surrounded by gardens and a reflection pool, this magnificent bell tower in Washington Park is the third largest in the world, and one of the few that is actually open to the public.

CITY: Springfield

IWU School of Theatre Arts

Four mainstage plays are performed annually, ranging from Shakespeare to musicals. Holiday events are held every season.

CITY: Bloomington

Community Players Theatre

The Community Players Theatre is committed to presenting quality theater at an affordable price. Call for current performances and tickets.

CITY: Bloomington

Theater on the Lake

Set in a red brick building beneath the towering trees of Lincoln Park, Theater on the Lake offers a great view of Lake Michigan and low ticket prices.

CITY: Chicago

Howl at the Moon

It's a singing, clapping, stomping, dance on the piano, rock 'n' roll show. It's part concert, part piano bar and all centered around audience participation.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Fire

Catch the excitement of Major League Soccer during a Chicago Fire home game at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

CITY: Bridgeview

Prairie State Games

This multi-sport, Olympic-style festival showcases the finest amateur athletic talent in Illinois each year on the last weekend in June.

CITY: Fairview Heights

Peoria Area Civic Chorale

A volunteer chorale group of around 100 singing members, PACC performs two concert series annually, May and December.

CITY: Peoria

Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre

dinner theatre

CITY: Goodfield

Hyde Park Neighborhood

Barack Obama lived in the Hyde Park neighborhood during the late 1980s, when he worked as a community organizer. For the inside scoop on Hyde Park, tour the area with a local volunteer from Chicago Greeter, a free service offered by the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.

CITY: Chicago

Golden Windmill

The Golden Windmill was built in 1872, and is the only smock mill that still has its original stones and gears in place. Today it is home to the Windmill Museum and gift shop.

CITY: Golden

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Beautiful outdoor music theatre open May through September with a capacity of just under 30,000 people. Concessions and private catering available; tour buses welcome.

CITY: Tinley Park

Wrigley Building

Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.

CITY: Chicago

Kincaid Mounds

Kincaid Mounds Archaeological Site is 4 miles south of Unionville Road on New Cut Road, Brookport, IL. Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site is a nationally significant Native-American archaeological treasure. From about 800 AD to 1500 AD it was the ‘capital' of a chiefdom that stretched from Brookport to Hamletsburg along the Ohio River. Large flat-topped mounds were erected on which the houses and temples of civil and religious elite stood. Today, the mounds still exist and a constructed overlook platform and interpretive panels tell the story of the significant contribution and historical value of this Native.

CITY: Brookport

Long Creek Vineyards

Long Creek Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard established in 2004. The vineyard was planted on the family farm rooted in the quaint but lovely village of Long Creek, Illinois. (Located 3 miles east of Decatur, IL on US Route 36) Draped on the hillside of this farm are Chambourcin, Steuben, Vidal Blanc, La Crosse and Vignoles. In 2006 they planted a variety of Northern Italian grapes including Nebbiolo, Barbera and Sangiovese, as well as the French varieties of Syrah and Viognier.

CITY: Decatur

The Framer's Gallery

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience stop at The Framer's Gallery and see all the great one-of-kind gifts from over 20 local artists including jewelry, pottery, wood carving, photography and various mediums of art work. The gallery also offers experienced custom framing at competitive prices. This is always a fun place to be. Come and enjoy the day on Washington Square.

CITY: Washington

Adobo Grill Old Town

Adobo Grill, one of the top Mexican restaurants in the city, is best known for table-side guacamole, margaritas and a collection of over 80 tequilas.

CITY: Chicago

Benjamin's

Historic pub with family atmosphere for 26 years. Kids’ menu. Private banquet room for rehearsal dinners, family reunions, small weddings.

CITY: Galena

Elmhurst City Centre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Choose from a large variety of restaurants from fine dining to casual fare. Catch a movie or browse our wonderful shops.

CITY: Elmhurst