Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sport and more.
Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state.
Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
Visit the many historic sites in Illinois, from the Land of Lincoln, to the site of an ancient Native American city at Cahokia Mounds.
Visit the History Museums of Illinois. From the vast collection of the Chicago History Museum to small town historical museums, you’ll discover the stories and heritage of our towns and our people.
History comes alive at Illinois historical reenactments. Meet Abraham Lincoln in the flesh, experience colonial life, or take a canal boat ride with a period costumed storyteller.
One of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright called Illinois home—and filled it with some of his best works.
Taste your way through the state with our guide to the best and closest places to eat in Illinois. Experience everything from fine dining to shared plates and takeaway fare.
Put your dancing shoes on or unwind at one of the many bars and night clubs in Illinois. Locate the best cocktails, the perfect beer, local DJs, international artists and more.
Taste the regional characteristics in our locally produced wines. Browse our guide to the closest and best Illinois wineries and vineyards for your next celebration or trip.
Fancy a pint? Hunt down major Illinois breweries and distilleries for the best beers, ciders and spirits in the state. Support local production and taste your way through Illinois.
Taste your way through the best of the state with food tours in Illinois. Enjoy everything from fine dining and wineries, to craft beer and pizza tours.
The company John Deere founded has a presence around the world but it all started in Grand Detour, Illinois. Whether you're a school group, a John Deere fan or a history buff, it's an experience you can't miss. Open year round.
When you step foot on the grounds of the John Deere Historic Site it will feel like taking a step back in time. Hear the floorboards creak as you walk inside John Deere's home. Take in the beauty of the picturesque landscape. And feel the heat of fired steel inside a working blacksmith shop.
The original John Deere home, built in 1836, gives you an intimate glimpse of pioneer life. You'll see how the Deere family raised eight children, not to mention live-in apprentices, in their six room home. See the rooms as the Deere family would have known them, furnished with period household items that show how pioneers cooked, cleaned, bathed, and spent their few leisure hours. Right next door is the Gift Shop where you can find items forged in our blacksmith shop as mementos of your visit. There's also a selection of clothing, hats, and other John Deere Historic Site merchandise.
The site is open year round and admission is free. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sundays noon - 4pm
| Mon-Fri | 10:00AM – 4:00PM |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 10:00AM – 4:00PM |
| Sunday | 12:00PM – 4:00PM |
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Read MoreHear ye, hear ye! Join us for the annual medieval faire.
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