- Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Trip
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Things to Do
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Events
Events
Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sport and more.
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Trip Ideas
Trip Ideas
- Eco-Friendly Hotels and Green Getaways in Illinois
- College Football in Illinois
- Journey Along the Lincoln Highway
- Illinois Shopping
- Route 66
- IL ♥ LGBTQ
- Golf Illinois
- Chicago Neighborhoods
- Family Fun in Illinois
- Everybody Outside!
- Bike Illinois
- Outdoor Adventures in Illinois
- Chicago to Alton
- Chicago to Carbondale
- Illinois Scenic Byways
- Chicago to Quincy
- Fall Road Trips in Illinois
- Fall Colors on the Great River Road
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Places to Go
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Road Trip
Stories & Highlights
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Amazing is...
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Seasonal Adventures
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Places to Stay
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Maps & Visitor Guides
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Getting Here & Getting Around
Getting Here & Getting Around
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.
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My Favorites
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Around Illinois by Amtrak
Around Illinois by Amtrak
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.
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- History
History
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Historic Sites
Historic Sites
Visit the many historic sites in Illinois, from the Land of Lincoln, to the site of an ancient Native American city at Cahokia Mounds.
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Presidential History
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History Museums
History Museums
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.
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Historical Reenactments
Historical Reenactments
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.
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Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
One of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright called Illinois home—and filled it with some of his best works.
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- Taste Illinois
Taste Illinois
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Places to Eat in Illinois
Places to Eat in Illinois
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.
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Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois
Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois
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.
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Illinois Wineries & Vineyards
Illinois Wineries & Vineyards
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.
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Illinois Breweries & Distilleries
Illinois Breweries & Distilleries
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.
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Food Tours in Illinois
Food Tours in 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.
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Things to Do
Events
Trip Ideas
Places to Go
Road Trip
Amazing is...
Seasonal Adventures
Places to Stay
Maps & Visitor Guides
Getting Here & Getting Around
My Favorites
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Historic Sites
Presidential History
History Museums
Historical Reenactments
Places to Eat in Illinois
Bars and Nightclubs in Illinois
Illinois Wineries & Vineyards
Illinois Breweries & Distilleries 
Food Tours in IllinoisInformation
Experience the history of the second of the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas.
Its was at this site on August 27, 1858 that the Freeport Doctrine, an important statement regarding slavery and state's rights, was proclaimed by Douglas. Although Douglas won the Senatorial campaign for which the debate was held, his statements lost him the support of the South and split the Democratic Party. This enabled Lincoln to win the Presidency in 1860, thus precipitating the Civil War. The site is self-interpretive through a series of waysides that tell of the events and ideas which led up to the debates, and also includes a boulder and plaque dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, as well as the life-size statues "Lincoln and Douglas in Debate" by artist Lily Tolpo which was dedicated in 1992. The park-like setting is complete with benches, lighting, and spacious walks.
Contact Details
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Address:
114 E Douglas St
Freeport IL 61032 - Phone: (800) 369-2955
- Website: Visit Website
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