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Tour Illinois with Jane Lynch

Illinois is in the middle. And what do you find in the middle? Modern skyscrapers meeting ancient rock formations. The heart of Michelin stars & dive bars, nestled between iconic art & state parks & the start of America’s most famous highway. When you're in Illinois, you're in the middle of it all.

Check out Jane's guide to her favorite places in Illinois.

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Jane Lynch Tours Chicago

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Art Institute of Chicago

Illinois is at the meeting point of humanity and history. See that history come to life (literally) at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. Its interactive exhibits—like Ghosts of the Library, a hologram show featuring Abe—immerse you in his legacy. If you want more museum time, you can view the largest Impressionist painting collection outside Paris at the Art Institute of Chicago. You can also see architectural masterpieces on the Chicago Architecture Cruise. Speaking of architecture, get away for a weekend to Galena’s Historic District where 85 percent of buildings date back to before 1859.

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Chicago's Greatest Hits

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Best of Springfield

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Matthiessen State Park

When you’re in Illinois, you’re in the middle of miles of epic trails & refreshing ales. At Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, you’ll find soaring cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and whitewater rapids for rafting on the Vermilion River. In Southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest you’re surrounded by lush woodland and otherworldly rock formations where you can horseback ride or zipline. After hiking, swap your canteen for a beer glass at renowned breweries, Tangled Roots Brewing Company near Starved Rock State Park and Scratch Brewing Company near the Shawnee National Forest. 

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Beauty Just Beyond Chicago

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Adventure in the Fox River Valley

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Grafton SkyTour at Aerie's Resort

Find yourself in the middle of an unforgettable trip with your loved ones. Surround yourself with world-class masterpieces & futuristic architecture at Millennium Park. Then, cruise along The Great River Road and its 550 miles of riverboats, skytours, and the scenic Pere Marquette State Park. Finally, raise a glass to new memories at Galena Wine Cellars or at any of the 11 wineries along the Shawnee Wine Trail.

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Instant Childhood Memories

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Wine, Dine and Shine in the Shawnee Hills

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Route 66

Enjoy the middle of amusement & architecture at Navy Pier. Ride the Ferris wheel, cruise aboard a topsail schooner, watch a Shakespearean play, and eat deep-dish pizza all in an afternoon. After that, hit the road and go on a drive down America’s Main Street, Route 66. This legendary highway's roadside attractions like the mythical Muffler Men and stretches of original brick road have been meticulously restored to their golden-age glory. To see one of these spots in person, make a pit stop at Cozy Dog Drive-In, inventors of the corndog on a stick, and grab a bite for the road.

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Making Memories on Route 66

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Roadside Distractions

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