Every crafted item carries a little bit of the place and people that make it. The Illinois Makers program celebrates the small businesses whose uniquely Illinoisan style and creativity set our locally made goods apart.
View the Illinois Made Guide.
Interested in becoming (or nominating) an Illinois Maker? Read through the criteria and submit a form here.
Whether it's flowers or chocolates, most of us stick to the classics when buying gifts for Mother's Day. The 2023 Illinois Made Mother’s Day Gift Guide will up your gift-giving game this Mother’s Day with unique and handmade finds from all areas of the state.
A longtime manufacturing hub, local artisans continue the city’s centuries-long tradition of creating, making everything from delicious treats to stylish clothes to chic home decor.
Beyond the city limits, the skyscrapers give way to treelined suburbs and smaller communities where greater Chicagoland makers are baking, building, and painting some wonderful things.
Deep in the heart of the state’s prairies, local makers are pouring their passion into artful desserts, small-batch spirits, and classic furniture that are honestly amazing.
Adventurous and unique describes not just the topography, but the standout foods, drinks, and quirky creations that makers in Southern Illinois are crafting every single day.
In the charming small towns along the great rivers of the region, makers are crafting some of the finest pottery, handmade heirlooms, and delightful trinkets in the midwest.
For over 30 years, Ian Schneller has been a maestro of hand-crafted musical instruments.
Learn MoreFor over 30 years, Ian Schneller has been a maestro of hand-crafted musical instruments.
Learn MoreThe Church Street Brewing Company is a production brewery located in Itasca Illinois.
Learn MoreThe Church Street Brewing Company is a production brewery located in Itasca Illinois.
Learn MoreThe smell of spicy, smoky sausage has been filling the air at this Aurora storefront since 1895.
Learn MoreThe smell of spicy, smoky sausage has been filling the air at this Aurora storefront since 1895.
Learn MoreSince 1979, Lynfred has been offering exquisite ambiance & wines sold in regional gourmet shops & restaurants. Tours offered most weekends. Meeting space available. Visit our luxurious Bed & Breakfast Suites. Wine tastings available daily.
Learn MoreSince 1979, Lynfred has been offering exquisite ambiance & wines sold in regional gourmet shops & restaurants. Tours offered most weekends. Meeting space available. Visit our luxurious Bed & Breakfast Suites. Wine tastings available daily.
Learn MoreEnjoy ice cream, candy, chocolate, and sandwiches at a family-owned old-fashioned ice-cream parlor.
Learn MoreEnjoy ice cream, candy, chocolate, and sandwiches at a family-owned old-fashioned ice-cream parlor.
Learn MoreMaple Leaf Coffee Roasters is an artisan coffee roaster offering a wide-variety of single origin and carefully blended coffees for consumers who are looking to explore their coffee palate.
Learn MoreMaple Leaf Coffee Roasters is an artisan coffee roaster offering a wide-variety of single origin and carefully blended coffees for consumers who are looking to explore their coffee palate.
Learn MoreAfter spending years doing nonprofit work, Josh started his own community-minded business almost by accident.
Learn MoreAfter spending years doing nonprofit work, Josh started his own community-minded business almost by accident.
Learn MoreIn Tuscola, two sisters inherited their grandfather's candy recipes—and carried on a family tradition.
Learn MoreIn Tuscola, two sisters inherited their grandfather's candy recipes—and carried on a family tradition.
Learn MoreChocolate Inspirations offers the Happy by Chocolate product line. This mother/daughter duo and their team of women have created handmade, artisan, traditional and plant-based chocolate and confections in Roselle, IL since 2018.
Learn MoreChocolate Inspirations offers the Happy by Chocolate product line. This mother/daughter duo and their team of women have created handmade, artisan, traditional and plant-based chocolate and confections in Roselle, IL since 2018.
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