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Plan Your Visit
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Things to Do
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Places to Go
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Places to Stay
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Explore Our Past
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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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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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Road Trip
Stories & Highlights
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Seasonal Adventures
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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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Things to Do
Places to Go
Places to Stay
Explore Our Past
Trip Ideas
Events
Road Trip
Seasonal Adventures
Maps & Visitor Guides
Getting Here & Getting Around
My FavoritesIn 2018, Illinois turned 200 years old. And it has a lot stories to tell.
Illinois 200
In the 200 years since it became a state, Illinois has been home to a countless number of stories.
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.
Illinois 200
13 Amazing Illinois Labor Day Weekend Festivals
Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but in Illinois they save some of...
Read Story13 Amazing Illinois Labor Day Weekend Festivals
Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but in Illinois they save some of...
Cozy Up to an Illinois Winter Getaway
Illinois has been around for over 200 years as a state, and one can’t help but t...
Read StoryCozy Up to an Illinois Winter Getaway
Illinois has been around for over 200 years as a state, and one can’t help but t...
America's First Auto Race: Chicago to Evanston
NASCAR, IndyCar, motocross—America loves its motorsports. Every year, millions o...
Read StoryAmerica's First Auto Race: Chicago to Evanston
NASCAR, IndyCar, motocross—America loves its motorsports. Every year, millions o...
Go on an Illinois Adventure With Your Squad
Your squad. Your tribe. Your peeps. Your crew. Your gang. Whatever you call your...
Read StoryGo on an Illinois Adventure With Your Squad
Your squad. Your tribe. Your peeps. Your crew. Your gang. Whatever you call your...
8 Illinois Winter Adventures
We won’t lie to you: Illinois gets chilly in the winter months. But with 200 win...
Read Story8 Illinois Winter Adventures
We won’t lie to you: Illinois gets chilly in the winter months. But with 200 win...
Illinois Comic Book Conventions
There’s an alternate Illinois that lives in the pages of comic books. It’s an Il...
Read StoryIllinois Comic Book Conventions
There’s an alternate Illinois that lives in the pages of comic books. It’s an Il...
Minor League Sports Teams of Illinois
They’re minor league in name, but these Illinois sports teams are major in excit...
Read StoryMinor League Sports Teams of Illinois
They’re minor league in name, but these Illinois sports teams are major in excit...
8 Illinois Fall Adventures
Fall is when many of the state’s best qualities truly shine. Nature, agriculture...
Read Story8 Illinois Fall Adventures
Fall is when many of the state’s best qualities truly shine. Nature, agriculture...
Scuba Diving in Illinois
When you think “Illinois,” you might not immediately think “scuba diving.” After...
Read StoryScuba Diving in Illinois
When you think “Illinois,” you might not immediately think “scuba diving.” After...
Find a Romantic Illinois Getaway
Illinois is home to millions of love stories. All over the state, you can escape...
Read StoryFind a Romantic Illinois Getaway
Illinois is home to millions of love stories. All over the state, you can escape...
Don't Leave Illinois Without Trying These Meals
There are so many amazing food experiences waiting for you in Illinois. Wherever...
Read StoryDon't Leave Illinois Without Trying These Meals
There are so many amazing food experiences waiting for you in Illinois. Wherever...
The Time They Lifted Chicago Fourteen Feet
Walking down the magnificent streets of downtown Chicago, towering skyscrapers o...
Read StoryThe Time They Lifted Chicago Fourteen Feet
Walking down the magnificent streets of downtown Chicago, towering skyscrapers o...
Big Adventure and Big Views in Giant City State Park
Southern Illinois is home to some of the state’s best scenery and outdoor advent...
Read StoryBig Adventure and Big Views in Giant City State Park
Southern Illinois is home to some of the state’s best scenery and outdoor advent...
Family Style: The Story of White Fence Farm's Famous Fried Chicken
White Fence Farm has never been interested in following trends. The meals served...
Read StoryFamily Style: The Story of White Fence Farm's Famous Fried Chicken
White Fence Farm has never been interested in following trends. The meals served...
Illinois Innovations & Designs: There Has To Be A Better Way
These Illinois innovations changed our lives for the better.
Play VideoHistoric Oak Park: A Tale of Urban History
Oak Park is a historic community with cosmopolitan sensibility.
Play VideoWhere to Eat on Route 66 in Illinois
A great road trip isn’t just about the drive, or the sights. It’s also about the...
Read StoryWhere to Eat on Route 66 in Illinois
A great road trip isn’t just about the drive, or the sights. It’s also about the...
11 Amazing Festivals You'll Find Only in Illinois
Illinois loves a good festival. Just about any weekend of the year, you’ll find ...
Read Story11 Amazing Festivals You'll Find Only in Illinois
Illinois loves a good festival. Just about any weekend of the year, you’ll find ...
Illinois Hidden Gems
From hidden trails to Viking ships, discover the best finds off the beaten track...
Read StoryIllinois Hidden Gems
From hidden trails to Viking ships, discover the best finds off the beaten track...
What to Do on a Day in Chicago
Chicago is one of the world’s great cities. That means finding things there for ...
Read StoryWhat to Do on a Day in Chicago
Chicago is one of the world’s great cities. That means finding things there for ...
Take Your Place in the Garden of the Gods, Illinois
These views are more than 300 million years in the making. Now, they’re just wai...
Read StoryTake Your Place in the Garden of the Gods, Illinois
These views are more than 300 million years in the making. Now, they’re just wai...
Classic American Food Joints: True American Classics
Illinois is a haven for iconic food and passionate foodies.
Play VideoIllinois President Series: Barack Obama
Chicago played a critical role in Barack Obama's story.
Play VideoWrigley Field: The Friendly Confines
The Cubs had their first game at Wrigley Field in 1916.
Play VideoFrank Lloyd Wright: The Wright Stuff
Frank Lloyd Wright is considered one of America's most original architects.
Play VideoThe Piasa Bird: Bird of Prey
Alton, Illinois is home to the Piasa Bird, 'the devourer of men.'
Play VideoFamous Lincoln Quotes: Part II
From great speeches to timely remarks, Abraham Lincoln had a way with words.
Play VideoExploring Illinois' 7 Scenic Byways
Here in Illinois, it’s not always about where you go… it’s about how you get the...
Read StoryExploring Illinois' 7 Scenic Byways
Here in Illinois, it’s not always about where you go… it’s about how you get the...
The Palmer House Brownie
The brownie was invented during the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.
Play VideoThe Palmer House Brownie
Lewis & Clark: We're Going On An Adventure
One of the greatest American adventure stories.
Play VideoIllinois President Series: Abraham Lincoln
One of the greatest public speakers of his time.
Play VideoChicago Architecture: Rise From the Ashes
The skyscraper in Illinois was a huge architectural innovation.
Play Video17th Street BBQ: A Family Tradition
For over 100 years, there's been a burger or BBQ sandwich served at this spot.
Play VideoStarved Rock: A Historic Adventure
Experience the storied history of Illinois' most visited state park.
Play VideoHistoric Champaign-Urbana: A Tale of Two Cities
In the sister cities of Champaign-Urbana, urban flair meets historic charm.
Play VideoRural Adventures: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Lush foliage and nearly 27 million acres of farmland deliver fall fun.
Play VideoLincoln-Douglas Debates: The First Debate of 1858
Ottawa, IL is home to a very significant debate.
Play VideoNavy Pier: A Chicago Landmark
A truly wonderful venue for the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois.
Play VideoWorld's Columbian Exposition of 1893: I Can Show You the World
Witness the majestic expression of beauty, order and design.
Play VideoFamous Lincoln Quotes: Part I
From great debates to selected writings, Abraham Lincoln had a way with words.
Play VideoIllinois State Parks: Beautiful Places, Magical Spaces
Create your own story in one of Illinois' beautiful state parks.
Play VideoHistoric Galena: A Walking Museum
Once Illinois' greatest city, Galena beckons travelers from around the world.
Play VideoBuckingham Fountain: Chicago's Front Door
Discover one of the largest fountains in the world.
Play VideoGlacial Park: The Gem of McHenry County Conservation District
Though “glacial” is in this park’s name, if you’re looking for a glacier, you’re...
Read StoryGlacial Park: The Gem of McHenry County Conservation District
Though “glacial” is in this park’s name, if you’re looking for a glacier, you’re...
10 Things To Do in the Fox River Valley
On the western outskirts of the Chicago metropolitan area sits an idyllic valley...
Read Story10 Things To Do in the Fox River Valley
On the western outskirts of the Chicago metropolitan area sits an idyllic valley...
A Visit to Matthiessen State Park
Think of Illinois just as the prairie state in all its flatland glory? Think aga...
Read StoryA Visit to Matthiessen State Park
Think of Illinois just as the prairie state in all its flatland glory? Think aga...
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Keep visiting this page until the Bicentennial on December 3, 2018, for whole new stories
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You only turn 200 once, so we're celebrating in style
Bicentennial Events
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
