Showing 289-384 of 9,827 items
Gateway Fun Park
Gateway features mini-golf, go-karts, an arcade, bumper boats, a kiddie track and Rudy's Restaurant.
CITY: Collinsville
Lake Decatur
The state's largest artificial body of water, Lake Decatur spans 2,800 acres, with 30 miles of shoreline offering recreational opportunities and wildlife vistas at lakeside parks and the city marina. Water sports include boating, fishing, sailing and jet skiing. While shoreline locations surrounding Nelson Park Marina offer miniature golf, dining, public gardens and picnic facilities.
CITY: Decatur
Lost and Found
A fresh mix of vintage and new items featuring an ever-changing array of home furnishings, gifts and items of intrigue. Stop in and be inspired.
CITY: Peoria
Martini's on Water
Visit Martini's to enjoy one or more delicious concoctions from the expansive beverage menu. The selection includes key lime pie, bloody Mary, cheesecake, and cinnamon apple. Martini's offers outdoor seating on the patio, which has magnificent views of the river. Live entertainment and Monday specials are sure to make your visit memorable.
CITY: Peoria
Fort Lamotte
Fort Lamotte is a construction of a civilian style early 19th century American fort, featuring a two story block house and small log cabin. Construction began in spring of 2007 with all volunteer labor, donations of materials by various people and businesses. The block house is mainly constructed of popular logs as is the cabin. Local hickory was used for the cantilever logs, between 1st and 2nd stories with a puncheon 2nd story floor and persimmon trusses. The stockade walls are of locally grown hedge and black locust. This is the third fort to bear the name Lamotte.
CITY: Palestine
Chicago Greeter Service
Explore Chicago with a friendly, knowledgeable Chicago Greeter as your guide! Visitors can register for a free 2-4 hour guided walking tour of a neighborhood or special local interest of their choice. This free service matches an individual, family or small group of friends with one of over 200 enthusiastic volunteer Greeters who love sharing their expertise and passion about the city and all there is to see and do here. For more information, visit http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/tours/tourism/chicago_greeter_tours.html.
CITY: Chicago
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
Wild Reef: Sharks at Shedd Aquarium
See sharks glide through underwater gardens of iridescent corals and garden eels. Wander through a lagoon and mangrove forest, and visit a fishing village where residents saved their reef from destruction.
CITY: Chicago
Junction City Shopping Center
Conveniently located at the corner of Knoxville Ave. and Prospect Road in the heart of Peoria. We invite you to explore the boutiques and eateries along our historic boardwalk. Enjoy a gourmet lunch, shop for a new outfit, find traditional and modern home decor, or surprise a loved one with a bouquet of fresh flowers. The quality and sophistication of the Junction City experience rivals anything found in Illinois.
CITY: Peoria
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group features three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.
CITY: Chicago
Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion
Located on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, Krannert is the second-largest fine art museum in Illinois, and places among the top tier of university art museums nationwide. The museum’s diverse permanent collection contains some 10,000 works of art, and represents the cultures of African, Asia, Europe and the Americas. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum features outstanding temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
CITY: Champaign
Confederate Prison Site
Built in 1833, Alton houses Illinois' first state penitentiary. During the Civil War, the facility imprisoned thousands of Confederate soldiers. Partial remains of the structure can still be observed today.
CITY: Alton
Mississippi River Visitor Center
The visitor center overlooks Lock & Dam 15 on Arsenal Island. See the observation deck - a great spot for viewing bald eagles in the winter and for watching barges lock through on their way up and down the mighty Mississippi River. Enjoy exhibits on the Mississippi River and a gift shop. Guided tours are available of the Lock & Dam system on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tour Reservations are required!
CITY: Rock Island
Jan 6
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events. Watch live ice carving then escape Jack Frost with an exotic trip past crocodiles, pygmy hippos and meerkats at the Regenstein African Journey. Animal exhibits stay open late as guests roam taking in the lights, music and taking photos with Santa. Prepare holiday crafts and enjoy the zoo’s incredible animals immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other.
CITY: Chicago
Starved Rock Rental Cabin
Beautiful high end rustic cabin sleeps 18! 3 bedroom, 4 bath, 2 private whirlpools, 3 fireplaces. Full kitchen, all cookware, linens, etc. Optional waterpark passes available. Across from Starved Rock.
CITY: Utica
Alton Riverfront Amphitheater
The 4,000 seat Alton Riverfront Amphitheater hosts a variety of events from community festivals to live concerts throughout the summer months. With the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop, bring your blanket and spread out for an evening under the stars. Check out our website for a list of upcoming events.
CITY: Alton
Grant Park
Proudly referred to as Chicago's "Front yard," Grant Park is a public park, 319 acres located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area. Grant Park’s most notable features include Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus. Named for United States President and Civil War General, Ulysses S. Grant, Grant Park was developed as one of Chicago's first parks and expanded through land reclamation.
CITY: Chicago
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
Aaron's Cottages & Cabins at the Goldmoor
Luxurious cottages and cabins on the magnificent Goldmoor estate overlooking the Mississippi River and featuring elite amenities, dining, spa services and beautiful gardens.
CITY: Galena
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum is a major museum and research center for Chicago and American history. From permanent galleries to special exhibitions and exciting programs, people of all ages are able to experience the past and better understand the present. Please call for museum hours, pricing and exhibitions.
CITY: Chicago
Stone Creek Golf Club & Resort
Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Stone Creek features an 18 hole-championship course and beautiful cabins. Stone Creek also offers a restaurant, clubhouse, and a scenic area for hiking and fishing.
CITY: Makanda
Chicago's Chinatown
Chicago's own Chinatown features beautiful Chinese-style buildings, as well as exotic dining and shopping experiences that have made the neighborhood a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
CITY: Chicago
17 - 18
Cultural Festival
Now in its 34th year, the Cultural Festival continues to provide a wide variety of live entertainment, mouth-watering food and community services in a festival and family atmosphere. This event draws nearly 15,000 to Bloomington-Normal each August.
CITY: Bloomington
One Eleven Main
Great chefs working with local producers to provide the flavor of Galena's culinary past, present and future. Local flavor cuisine.
CITY: Galena
Mar 23
Young Frankenstein
Young Frankenstein is a wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks' classic comedy masterpiece, hailed by the American Film Institute as one of the funniest movies of all time. The story follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor, his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and, in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancée Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster - but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications. Young Frankenstein is scientifically-proven, monstrously good entertainment. It’s ritzy, glitzy and blitzfully funny!
CITY: Oakbrook Terrace
7 - 9
German Valley Days
This 39th annual hometown festival offers a car show, 5KRun/Walk, parade, stage entertainment, pig scramble, kiddie tractor pull, pork chop barbecue, pancake breakfast, water fights, inflatable rides, bingo, fireworks, contests, concession and more!
CITY: German Valley
Rivers Casino
At Rivers Casino, step into the excitement of more than 1,000 slots and nearly 50 table games. Find all of your favorites and more on the entirely non-smoking 43,000-square-foot gaming floor. Rivers also features seven bars and restaurants (including local favorite Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House), plus lively nightly entertainment.
CITY: Des Plaines
Nov 29
White Hall Drag-O-Way Fifth Friday Cruise-In
Burn rubber to White Hall in your vintage wheels or hot rod to show off your ride at the Fifth Friday Cruise-In. No entry fee, no "judging," just a bunch of car folks who like to drive their cars and get together with like-minded enthusiasts. Show starts at 4pm. Enjoy a meal while you’re there, as the event takes place at the San Jose Restaurant’s parking lot – if it's warm enough, there will be hand-dipped ice cream available. So stop by with your vintage wheels or just come out to admire the sweet rides.
CITY: White Hall
Wildlife Prairie State Park
A unique, 2,000-acre zoological park which is home to wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk, cougar, otter, and others. You will enjoy the park's spectacular natural settings, butterfly garden, wildflowers, lakes and restored prairies.
CITY: Hanna City
Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm and Garden Center
Fall: festival with haunted house, corn maze, farm animals, and more. Spring/Summer: large selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, trees, shrubs, aquatic plants, roses, planters, and gourmet food items. Admission is free - cost for some activities.
CITY: South Barrington
August Hill Winery
Visit the August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. tasting room and experience locally-made handcrafted wines. Wine tastings and flights, wine gifts & accessories, gallery of local art, outdoor patio, private events. Open Monday - Thursday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM & Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
CITY: Utica
The Nest at Palisades Cabins
The Nest at Palisades Cabins offer secluded luxury cabins designed to provide charm, quiet luxury and romance. We’re located on a wooded acreage high above the Mississippi River minutes from Savanna, the Palisades State Park and an easy 20 minute drive to Galena.
CITY: Savanna
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
Near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers lies a veritable bird-watching utopia. Visitors to Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge can expect to see a variety of migratory birds, from waterfowl and warblers to Acadian Flycatchers and American Bald Eagles. In fact, Two Rivers is the winter home to one the largest Bald Eagle populations in the continental United States.
CITY: Brussels
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
Mar 1
Bald Eagle Safari
Get an up close view on a Bald Eagle Safari with Bob Motz. He provides spotting scopes that magnify 15 to 45 times and mount on the car window frame for good viewing of eagles in trees. You can see the yellow of their eye, the nostrils in the beak, and the black talons of their feet. Binoculars are also provided to see eagles in flight. The safaris make good birthday and anniversary gifts. Cost is $20 per hour for one to four people. Two or three-hour safaris are recommended. Call Bob at 309-788-8389 or email him at eaglemotz@aol.com to arrange a safari.
CITY: Rock Island
Chicago Blackhawks
Don't miss a minute of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey season, as the team pursues its dream of another Stanley Cup win.
CITY: Chicago
Union Station Visitors Center/Union Square Park
Located in a historic train depot across from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, here you'll find tourism information for the whole state. The adjacent Union Square Park hosts many free events and performances throughout the year.
CITY: Springfield
Downtown St. Charles
Located on the banks of the Fox River, historic St. Charles is known for its great antique shops housed in turn-of-the-century buildings. Visit Century Corners Historic Shopping District and Old St. Charles, where you'll find landmark buildings, unique boutiques and nearly 30 restaurants.
CITY: St. Charles
May 24
Night of the Iguana
A spiritually-lost reverend battles to save himself amid the denizens of a dilapidated Mexican hotel. Caught between the women who tempt and taunt him, Shannon faces his own personal Gesthemane during the dark tropical night where everyone learns exactly what happens when you come to the end of your rope. Performance times: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3 pm
CITY: Chicago
Harry Caray's Restaurant - Chicago
Award-winning Italian steakhouse showcasing the legendary broadcaster's Hall of Fame career. Located in a 110-year old Dutch Renaissance building which was landmarked in 2001.
CITY: Chicago
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
Chicago Indoor Racing
This entertainment and meeting facility features two indoor European karting tracks, a restaurant and a multitude of alternative entertainment options, including billiards and video games.
CITY: Buffalo Grove
Schwiebert Riverfront Park
Located along the Mississippi River in the downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District, this park offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River, an open-air stage, interactive fountain, observation shelter, waterfront promenade, bike trail and digital playgrounds (the first installation of its kind in the Midwest).
CITY: Rock Island
Captain Swift Covered Bridge
Located one mile west of Princeton in Bureau County, Illinois is the Captain Swift Covered Bridge. Built in 2006, the bridge derives its strength from its burr arch design, an idea patented by Theodore Burr of New York in 1804. Made entirely of wood using 1800s concepts (it has an outer skin of Douglas Fir), the Captain Swift Covered Bridge is the only two-lane covered bridge in Illinois. It has a 16’-3” vertical clearance, a 28 foot minimum roadway width and a 128’ span over the Big Bureau Creek. GPS co-ordinates - N41 22.745 W89 29.871
CITY: Princeton
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
This Navy Pier funhouse takes visitors on a 15-minute, full sensory experience that challenges and dazzles guests to navigate through a series of mirror mazes set in the great city of Chicago.
CITY: Chicago
Lavender Creek Farm
Lavender Creek Farm grows fields of organic lavender plants. Walk the lavender fields, pick bouquets and browse the plants for sale. Lavender soaps, oils, lotions, candles and more are made at the farmhouse - the old fashioned way!
CITY: Mackinaw
900 North Michigan Shops
The avenue's most fashionable address features an unprecedented shopping experience at Bloomingdale's flagship store, along with 70 fine shops and restaurants. Enjoy six levels of spectacular shopping at retailers like Coach, Gucci, Maxmara, and Mark Shale.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum
Experience railroading during its glory days at a former link for the Chicago Great Western Railway from Chicago, Illinois to Oelwein, Iowa by taking a tour through our extensive collection of railway memorabilia. See a full-size caboose, both G-scale and HO-scale operating model railroads and artifacts of northwestern Illinois railroads.
CITY: Elizabeth
Mayslake Peabody Estate
Tour Mayslake Hall, a Tudor Revival style mansion, formerly owned by coal baron F.S. Peabody. Witness restoration in progress at this nationally registered historic building by renowned architect B. Marshall. Portiuncula Chapel is available for weddings.
CITY: Oak Brook
Green City Outdoor/Indoor Market
Green City Market is Chicago’s only year-round farmer's market promoting local, sustainable farmers, producers and chefs by connecting them to the public through educational programming and special events. Enjoy the Outdoor market May through October.
CITY: Chicago
Bald Knob Cross
A national symbol of faith, this 111-foot-tall cross, when illuminated at night, can be seen over an area of 7,500 square miles atop the most prominent elevation in Southern Illinois. The cross is surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest.
CITY: Alto Pass
Tara Point Inn and Cottages
Noted in Midwest Living magazine as "a riverside retreat for the romantic," the Tara Point Inn is known for its incredible accommodations and breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Atop the palisades bluffs above Grafton, visitors can choose either the main inn or a secluded cozy cabin escape to what some call the most pleasantly memorable getaway experiences in the Midwest.
CITY: Grafton
Laugh Factory
World famous comedy club seats 375. Private booths, cabaret seating, open 7 days a week, private events, group outings.
CITY: Chicago
18 - 23
64th Annual Midsommar Swedish Days Festival
This “Granddaddy” of Illinois festivals features a host of family-friendly activities with live musical entertainment, a carnival, Rosemaling show, pet parade, Kids’ Day fun, Grand Parade, the state’s largest Music Competition, multi-ethnic food plus great shopping in our historic downtown. Geneva’s train station is located just blocks from the festivities.
CITY: Geneva
21 - 23
Long Grove's Annual Strawberry Festival
The pleasures of summer are celebrated with “berry” wonderful strawberry-inspired treats. Strawberry lovers of all ages flock to Long Grove’s renown fest to enjoy chocolate covered strawberries, fruit smoothies, and other strawberry drinks, ice creams, strawberry donuts, baked goods and, of course, the farm-fresh berries themselves. There is free live entertainment all three days at venues all over town and most of Long Grove’s many shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants offer variations of strawberry-themed foods, drinks, and merchandise. Fun for All Ages Strawberry Fest features plenty of activities and fun for children, including a variety of kiddie rides, face painting and outdoor activities and tents full of family and education-oriented products.
CITY: Long Grove
6 - 7
Sugar Creek Arts Festival
The streets of Uptown Normal are painted with artists and art lovers alike during this annual festival held each July. The festival only allows original pieces of artwork to be shown, so be ready for a one-of-a-kind experience!
CITY: Normal
Cedar Rock Cabins
Fully furnished cabins in the Shawnee National Forest. Wooded paths wind up and down the hills past rock formations. Enjoy the screened in porch at dusk and view area wildlife. Relax in the hot tub under the stars.
CITY: Goreville
Fon du Lac Park District
Experience what 1600+ acres of parks, natural areas, riverfront and trails have to offer. Enjoy 2 golf courses, a picturesque marina and campground, Splashdown Water Park, and a variety of recreational programs and activities for all ages.
CITY: East Peoria
Southern Illinois Golf Trail
Golf is always in season on the Southern Illinois Golf Trail, where the mild weather allows for golfing nearly year round. Start putting in Marion and make the rounds through all five of the Trail courses—Kokopelli, Crab Orchard, Hickory Ridge, Stone Creek and Gambit—ending in the lush green hills of the Shawnee National Forest.
CITY: Carbondale
The Cottage On Lake Galena
A spectacular 2-bedroom/2.5-bath lakeside cottage in Galena Territory. Private, romantic, pristine and upscale. Hot tubs, sound systems, three stone fireplaces. Enjoy Eagle Ridge Resort amenities. See our website photos to appreciate.
CITY: Galena
Galena On The Fly, Inc.
Hot air balloon rides sunrise and sunset daily. Reservations required. Gift certificates available. Groups welcome. Call for pricing and information.
CITY: Galena
Indian Trails Resort
Indian Trails Resort, near the Mississippi River just outside of Moline, Illinois, is family oriented and has a year round activities director to organize events. A 30 acre wilderness area provides a safe area for children to explore and a great place to hike and camp. Deer and other wildlife may be sighted on occasion. Horseshoe Lake and some nearby dams provide spots for good bass, crappie, walleye, and channel catfish fishing. As with all our resorts Indian Trails offers members camping services and cabins for nightly rental. There is a snack bar on site also.
CITY: Colona
Soldier Field
Today's Soldier Field comprises two distinct structures. There is classical stone-clad shell designed in the 1920s. Its contemporary interior is a 2003 retrofit designed specifically for the NFL's Chicago Bears. The original stadium seated 120,000. The new Soldier Field seats 61,5000 in a boldly asymmetrical steel and concrete bowl set within the confines of the original colonnades.
CITY: Chicago
The River House
Relax, reflect and unwind in this private guest house that is a turn-of-the-century cottage completely restored with modern amenities. Located high above the confluence of the Mississippi & Illinois Rivers, it offers a quiet retreat with a spectacular view, yet it is only one block from village shops, marina, restaurants, bike trails and the scenic byway.
CITY: Grafton
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Experience Chicago's world renowned architecture with one of 80+ different tours offered by The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF). Explore by boat, foot, bus, bicycle or Segway, and choose from tours such as the Devil in the White City tour, Lights, Camera, Architecture! tour, the Daniel Burnham Tour and many others. Interested in the boat tour? Only the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago's First Lady Cruises can showcase Chicago's world renowned city architecture with style, class and comfort. Learn more at www.cruisechicago.com. Also offered: FREE exhibitions, programs and workshops, youth education, family programs and an architecture and design-themed retail store. Private tours and group tour rates available. Open daily 9:30-5:00.
CITY: Chicago
Kingston Mines
A Chicago blues institution that encourages its patrons to "hear the blues, drink booze and talk loud." Kingston Mines is a prime site for viewing celebrities out for a night on the town with more than 40 years in the business.
CITY: Chicago
Arthur Amish Country Information Center
This visitor's center offers maps and information on the entire Amish area, including the 150 Amish craft shops that dot the countryside surrounding the village of Arthur.
CITY: Arthur
Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse & The Speakeasy
Enjoy Broadway musicals, comedies, concerts, children's productions, and dinner in this historic, beautifully restored Vaudeville-era theatre. For a schedule of upcoming and current productions please visit the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse website. Next door to Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse you will find the Speakeasy. This smaller theatre features comedy and concerts throughout the year. To see who is performing at The Speakeasy, go to the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse website.
CITY: Rock Island
Tommy Gun's Garage
Enter through the back door under the L train tracks, give the password and experience Chicago during the Roaring '20s. Enjoy dinner and an interactive musical comedy revue with gangsters and flappers.
CITY: Chicago
Peoria Glen Oak Zoo
Open year-round, the Peoria Zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals from around the world. Come see our newest members of the zoo family in Africa! From Giraffes and Rhinoceros to Spider Monkeys and Lions, the Zoo is the wildest family place in town. In addition to family recreational resources, educational programming, and conservation-based programs are top priorities. www.peoriazoo.org
CITY: Peoria
Oct 27
Model Railroad Garden
The 7,500-square-foot “Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America” exhibition features trains running on 1,600 feet of track, for train and garden enthusiasts to enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of the miniature trains traversing high and low through tunnels, across bridges and around buildings.
CITY: Glencoe
Flamm Orchards/Fruits & Cream Stand
Take a drive out to the orchards and buy in-season strawberries, peaches and apples. Flamm's Fruits & Cream Stand offers treats like homemade strawberry shortcake, cobblers, apple dumplings and pies.
CITY: Cobden
Grand Victoria Casino
The biggest, the grandest, the most stylish and the most comfortable casino in all of Illinois. Over 80,000 square feet and two decks of fun and excitement.
CITY: Elgin
Ford Center for the Performing Arts (Oriental Theatre)
This 1926 movie palace's rebirth as a magnificent venue for live theater is another wonderful addition to the emerging North Loop Theater District.
CITY: Chicago
Aug 10
Illinois Shakespeare Festival
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival exemplifies a long-established tradition of professional theatre devoted to performing the plays of William Shakespeare. The festival has been named one of the ten best theatre festivals anywhere by National Geographic. In addition to the mainstage show, theatre-goers can also enjoy behind the scenes tours, live jazz music, nightly Green Shows, fine art fairs and ice cream socials with the cast and crew. Spend a pleasant summer’s evening on the grassy lawn of the Festival grounds with a picnic basket, bottle of wine and great friends before the show.
CITY: Bloomington
The Palms Grill Café
The Palms Grill Cafe was a well-known restaurant during the heyday of Route 66. Recently the cafe was revitalized and reopened, and is serving up delicious nostalgia from the fabled Route 66 era. Conveniently located right across the street is the towering Bunyon’s Statue, another one of Route 66’s famous Muffler Man Statues.
CITY: Atlanta
Boars Nest Cabins
Located close to most of the award winning wineries of Southern Illinois, the Boars Nest will be off the beaten path yet still close to town in a peaceful atmosphere. All non-smoking cabins with packages available, including meals, drinks, transportation.
CITY: Cobden
Kickapoo State Park Campgrounds
Kickapoo has two major campgrounds for tent and trailer camping, with 184 sites. About half the sites have electrical hookups, two shower buildings are available to all campers and a sanitary dump station is available. Campers occupying electrical sites are required to pay for the availability of electricity even if the service is not used. A limited number of walk-in sites are available for primitive campers. The shower buildings are closed by November 1 (may be earlier if bad weather) and reopen May 1 (may be earlier - weather depending).
CITY: Oakwood
Sunken Garden
View the spectacular display of 15,000 flowers of 15 varieties, plus a three-tiered fountain and the Four Seasons statues that complement this exquisite English garden.
CITY: Aurora
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
Experience a bit of Napa Valley in Central Illinois. Visit the winery, tasting room and gift shop. Enjoy the panoramic view available for weddings, receptions and meetings.
CITY: Mackinaw
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers a broad spectrum of theatrical experiences year-round, engaging and entertaining audiences from all walks of life and from around the world. The plays of William Shakespeare form the core of our company's work and Subscription Series, featuring selections from Shakespeare’s 38-play canon complemented by other dramatic works—from traditional classical theater to new classics that resonate with Shakespeare’s timeless insights into the human condition.
CITY: Chicago
Exploritorium
Named “Chicagoland’s Best Rainy Day Activity Site” by Chicago Magazine, the Exploritorium is much more than an indoor playground. It is a place where children and adults can come and explore together through interactive play. Make-believe in our costumed dress-up area, run your fingers through our water play area, make music, play with trains, and experience new heights in the two-and-a-half story maze of tubes and tunnels.
CITY: Skokie
Water Tower Place
At the pinnacle of Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place is Chicago's premier shopping destination. Its stunning eight-level atrium features more than 100 of your favorite stores and restaurants plus a mix of distinctive specialty shops and boutiques. It offers a unique, high-energy urban shopping experience you simply won't find anywhere else in the city. In short, Water Tower Place is the place to shop.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Neighborhood Tours
These half-day bus excursions celebrate the history, stories, traditions, and most importantly, the people of our great city. Tours departing weekly from the Chicago Cultural Center. Explore Chicago's neighborhoods with local tour guides. All tours are conducted by motorcoach and by foot, and depart from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. Check in at 9:30 am in the main seating area behind the Randolph Cafe. Unless otherwise specified, tours do not include lunch or refreshments. All tours are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors/students/children, with the exception of Taste of the Neighborhoods ($50/$45). Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Chicago Neighborhood Tours is presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.
CITY: Chicago
Jun 2
Funfest for Air-cooled VW
This FunFest is Mid America Motorworks way of saying "Thank You" to all VW enthusiasts. The three-day event is the best Air-Cooled enthusiasts party anywhere. Expect to see more than 1,000 VWs and 8,000 enthusiasts. This is not your typical car show. With non-juried fun judging, one of a kind expert seminars and a guest list including some of the best-known names in the VW world, it's no wonder that Funfest has become a must-attend event.
CITY: Effingham
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
A full service resort, located on 175 naturally wooded acres of Chicago's North Shore, offering an ideal setting for retreat-style meetings, romantic getaways, weddings and fun-for-the-whole-family vacations or reunions. Enjoy the 18-hole PGA championship golf course, award-winning Marriott Theatre, tennis club, along with several on-site restaurants, a lounge and Starbucks. While staying in one of the 383 rooms or 6 suites, enjoy a swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, work out in the fully equipped fitness center and relax in the whirlpool. There are also 26 meeting rooms totaling 40,000 sq ft. available for any planned event.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Trolley Car #36
Take a 45-minute trolley ride along the Rock River, into Rockford's industrial roots and through Sinnissippi Gardens, where you'll visit the greenhouse, lagoon and beautiful planted gardens.
CITY: Rockford
Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook
Providing the nation with access to the rich history of aviation in Illinois, the Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook focuses on technology, research, education and community service.
CITY: Bolingbrook
The Country English Cottages
Cottage gardens, hiking trails, lavish candlelight dinners, delivered gourmet breakfast, all-natural farm, gorgeously English countryside surroundings, hot stone therapy massage and exquisite amenities create the perfect pampered experience.
CITY: Galena
8 - 10
Country Treasures Craft Show
Freshen up your home and garden for spring! A wide variety of homemade items for sale. Event features holiday items as well.
CITY: Quincy
Sep 1
Rock Island Grand Prix
The world's best drivers come to compete for one of go-karting's largest cash purses with payouts through ninth place. Last year attracted more than 30,000 spectators to the two days of racing. Festival week includes nightly outdoor concerts, driver's parade, fan autograph session and special Sunday post-race awards ceremony. There are also food and merchandise booths, kid's activities and other race-related activities. Free admission.
CITY: Rock Island
Ewing Cultural Center
Located on the wooded Sunset Hill estate of the late Hazle Buck Ewing, the Ewing Cultural Center encompasses the open-air Theatre at Ewing (summer home of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival), the elegant Ewing Manor (which is open for tours) and the beautiful Genevieve Green Gardens.
CITY: Bloomington
TPC Deere Run
Built on the site of a former Arabian horse farm, this beautiful 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course stretches along wooded ravines on the Rock River. The course is home of the John Deere Classic, a PGA Tour event that draws top golf talent.
CITY: Silvis
Spiaggia
Since opening to great fanfare in 1984, Spiaggia has set the tone for Italian fine dining in Chicago and in the United States. A favorite Michigan Avenue restaurant of critics and patrons alike, this timeless four-star restaurant celebrates the cuisine of Chef/Partner Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg, who creates luxurious, world-class Italian cuisine showcasing the finest ingredients presented with simple elegance. The award-winning wine list, impeccable service, spectacular view and sophisticated, contemporary setting contribute to Spiaggia's universal regard as a premier, authentic Italian dining destination.
CITY: Chicago
7 - 9
Pride of the Fox Riverfest
Unique among Chicagoland festivals, Riverfest features the annual running of the ancient sport of dragon boat racing, a 40-ton Fantasy Sand Sculpture, water ski shows, and an assortment of events and entertainment for all ages.
CITY: St. Charles
C & A Robot Factory
This fun factory is the perfect place for LEGO fans ages 2-14. Come and build your own creation, and learn about LEGO machines and robotics.
CITY: Libertyville













