Everything that has been built, born, and grown here has a corresponding tale. People, places, sights, tastes, innovations, art, sport, triumphs—everything that has made us the state we are today. Everything that makes Illinois amazing.
Peruse the articles and videos below and find something new to discover. Then plan your visit to Illinois and start that Illinois story of your own.
As Illinois celebrates its bicentennial and looks back on 200 years as a state, ...
Read StoryNASCAR, IndyCar, motocross—America loves its motorsports. Every year, millions o...
Read StoryYour squad. Your tribe. Your peeps. Your crew. Your gang. Whatever you call your...
Read StoryWe won’t lie to you: Illinois gets chilly in the winter months. But with 200 win...
Read StoryThere’s an alternate Illinois that lives in the pages of comic books. It’s an Il...
Read StoryThey’re minor league in name, but these Illinois sports teams are major in excit...
Read StoryFall is when many of the state’s best qualities truly shine. Nature, agriculture...
Read StoryWhen you think “Illinois,” you might not immediately think “scuba diving.” After...
Read StoryIllinois is home to millions of love stories. All over the state, you can escape...
Read StoryThere are so many amazing food experiences waiting for you in Illinois. Wherever...
Read StoryWalking down the magnificent streets of downtown Chicago, towering skyscrapers o...
Read StorySouthern Illinois is home to some of the state’s best scenery and outdoor advent...
Read StoryWhite Fence Farm has never been interested in following trends. The meals served...
Read StoryThese Illinois innovations changed our lives for the better.
Play VideoOak Park is a historic community with cosmopolitan sensibility.
Play VideoA great road trip isn’t just about the drive, or the sights. It’s also about the...
Read StoryIllinois loves a good festival. Just about any weekend of the year, you’ll find ...
Read StoryFrom hidden trails to Viking ships, discover the best finds off the beaten track...
Read StoryChicago is one of the world’s great cities. That means finding things there for ...
Read StoryThese views are more than 300 million years in the making. Now, they’re just wai...
Read StoryIllinois is a haven for iconic food and passionate foodies.
Play VideoChicago played a critical role in Barack Obama's story.
Play VideoThe Cubs had their first game at Wrigley Field in 1916.
Play VideoFrank Lloyd Wright is considered one of America's most original architects.
Play VideoAlton, Illinois is home to the Piasa Bird, 'the devourer of men.'
Play VideoFrom great speeches to timely remarks, Abraham Lincoln had a way with words.
Play VideoHere in Illinois, it’s not always about where you go… it’s about how you get the...
Read StoryThe brownie was invented during the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.
Play VideoOne of the greatest American adventure stories.
Play VideoOne of the greatest public speakers of his time.
Play VideoThe skyscraper in Illinois was a huge architectural innovation.
Play VideoFor over 100 years, there's been a burger or BBQ sandwich served at this spot.
Play VideoExperience the storied history of Illinois' most visited state park.
Play VideoIn the sister cities of Champaign-Urbana, urban flair meets historic charm.
Play VideoLush foliage and nearly 27 million acres of farmland deliver fall fun.
Play VideoOttawa, IL is home to a very significant debate.
Play VideoA truly wonderful venue for the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois.
Play VideoWitness the majestic expression of beauty, order and design.
Play VideoFrom great debates to selected writings, Abraham Lincoln had a way with words.
Play VideoCreate your own story in one of Illinois' beautiful state parks.
Play VideoOnce Illinois' greatest city, Galena beckons travelers from around the world.
Play VideoDiscover one of the largest fountains in the world.
Play VideoThough “glacial” is in this park’s name, if you’re looking for a glacier, you’re...
Read StoryOn the western outskirts of the Chicago metropolitan area sits an idyllic valley...
Read StoryThink of Illinois just as the prairie state in all its flatland glory? Think aga...
Read StoryThe histories of Illinois and the United States are inseparable. You can’t look ...
Read StoryKeep visiting this page until the Bicentennial on December 3, 2018, for whole new stories
You only turn 200 once, so we're making sure to celebrate it in style right across the state.
Find out when and where the celebrations are happening