- Plan Your Visit
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 FavoritesAmazing is Your List of Winter Must-dos
During the chilliest months of the year, Illinois hosts exciting events that are well worth the winter trip. Hear and taste all the state has to offer this season.
January Events
Illinoisans make the most of the frigid weather, with fun activities in the snow and ice. Take it from the state's most beloved annual visitor: the majestic bald eagle.
Alton-Audobon Eagle Ice Festival
Alton | January 4
Eagle-watching enthusiasts and curious kids can see a bald eagle up close in the Alton Visitor Center, then watch ice sculptors create towering-yet-delicate works of art. Just across the river, the Audubon Center shuttles guests around the park, looking for eagles.
Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition
Rockford | January 22-25
A huntress. A towering wizard. A looming castle. These are just some of the sculptors that artists vying to represent Illinois in the US Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition might create in front of curious passers-by.
Starved Rock Eagle Watch Weekend
Oglesby | January 25-26
Marvel at Birds of Prey shows and family activities at the Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock Visitors Center and Illinois Waterway Visitors Center. Take a short hike to the top of Starved Rock for a live eagle viewing or join the park naturalist for a tour.
The Morton Arboretum's Enchanted Railroad
Lisle | January 17-February 23
Marvel at a world of tiny enchantment! Watch an intricate miniature model railroad wind through magnificent scenery that the whole family can enjoy. The train runs at a child-friendly height to thrill even the littlest fan.
Chicago Restaurant Week
Chicago | January 24-February 09
For over two weeks, enjoy dining deals throughout the city and surrounding suburbs and experience Chicago's rich, culinary diversity. Hundreds of restaurants will feature special prix fixe menus starting at $24 for brunch and lunch $36 and/or $48 for dinner.
February Events
Explore an Illinois February filled with fun cultural events — starting with Groundhog Day at the filming location of the hit film.
Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt
Lisle | Year-round through June 20
Journey through Morton Arboretum's far-reaching forest to hunt for six colossal trolls crafted from reclaimed wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Woodstock Groundhog Day
Woodstock | January 30-February 8
The filming site of Bill Murray’s hit movie attracts thousands every February for Groundhog Day trivia, tours and movie viewings. A crowd of enthusiasts huddle in the cold each year to see the town’s own Woodstock Willie predict a long winter or early spring.
Chicago Theatre Week
Chicago | February 13-23
A celebration of Chicago’s world-class theatre scene, visitors and residents have the opportunity to choose from more than 120 productions and sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings in Chicago. Read more about Chicago Theatre Week.
Big Muddy Film Festival
Carbondale | February 18-24
Thanks to a mix of experimental, documentary, narrative and animated films, there’s a movie for everyone at Southern Illinois University Carbondale each February. Emerging and established filmmakers answer questions from viewers.
March Events
Gather some green and join St. Patrick's Day parades and celebrations throughout the state. Also, March Madness!
St. Patrick's Day Parade & River Dyeing
Chicago | March 14
The dyeing of the Chicago river has been a tradition for many generations and attracts thousands of people dressed in green to see the action live. Wherever you are in Illinois, be sure to get involved with local St. Patrick's Day parades and events.
March Madness Half-Marathon
Cary | March 15
For basketball fans, March Madness is a time for sweepstakes and sports bar revelry. Lesser known is the March Madness Half-Marathon in Cary, celebrating the unofficial start of the running season in greater Chicago. Limber up!
