Illinois America 250: AT THE CENTER OF OUR NATIONAL STORY
July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Across Illinois, visitors can explore meaningful ways to connect with this historic milestone.
The Illinois America 250 Commission, in partnership with the Illinois Office of Tourism, is developing a statewide site to historic sites, museums, and monuments that reflect the rich and diverse ways Illinoisians have brought the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.
Illinois’ contributions to the American story began long before 1776 and will continue well beyond this anniversary. Sites are organized into four Illinois America 250 themes:
American Revolution, We the People, Power of Place, Doing History
Every one of Illinois’ 102 counties holds stories worth discovering. Explore their themes, visit historic sites, and use the search bar to look up "Illinois 250" for even more attractions and events.
Illinois Connections
AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Although Illinois was not yet a state when the Declaration of Independence was signed, it is home to many historic sites with direct ties to the Revolutionary War and the years that followed. Some of the westernmost battles of the Revolution took place here, including a pivotal victory commemorated by the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial—Illinois’ own “Liberty Bell of the West.”
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Fort de Chartres
Visitors are invited to explore the most significant French fortification in Illinois. Built in the 1750s, it served as the military and administrative headquarters for France… Read more about Fort de Chartres -
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Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
Discover the historic overlook, the Fort mounds and cemetery, and tour the nearby Menard House. Together, these sites provide a glimpse into early European colonization and… Read more about Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site -
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Newberry Library
Located in Chicago, the Newberry Library offers free access to rare books, maps, and manuscripts, with exhibitions and programs focused on American, European, and Indigenous histories,… Read more about Newberry Library -
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Halfway Tavern State Historic Site
A reconstructed two-story stagecoach stop along the historic Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, this 1970s rebuild honors 19th-century travel, regional hospitality, and transportation history in early Illinois—a unique glimpse… Read more about Halfway Tavern State Historic Site
Lifting up Local Stories
WE THE PEOPLE
We the People celebrates Illinoisans’ unique contributions to the nation’s story. By honoring diverse communities, historical events, and cultural milestones, it connects people to Illinois’ rich heritage and the shared values that have shaped American democracy.
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Isle A La Cache Museum
Isle a la Cache Museum immerses visitors in local cultural heritage and natural history with interactive exhibits, educational programs, and trails along the Illinois River, highlighting… Read more about Isle A La Cache Museum -
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Nauvoo Walking Tour
Visitors can take a free self-guided walking tour of Mulholland Street and learn how the French Icarians, Sisters of St. Benedict, and local businesses defined Nauvoo… Read more about Nauvoo Walking Tour -
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Irish American Heritage Center
The Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago celebrates Irish culture through music, dance, language, and history. Enjoy exhibits, performances, and events that honor the enduring legacy… Read more about Irish American Heritage Center -
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Museum of the Grand Prairie
Explore Central Illinois history through engaging exhibits on early settlers, Native cultures, Abraham Lincoln, and everyday life, with educational programs and events for visitors of all… Read more about Museum of the Grand Prairie
Illinoisans’ Unique Contributions
WE THE PEOPLE
Famous and everyday Illinoisans alike have shaped American culture in countless ways—through groundbreaking contributions in architecture, agriculture, art, music, literature, and more. Their creativity and innovation continue to influence and inspire generations across the nation, showcasing the deep cultural legacy rooted in communities throughout Illinois.
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Mound City National Cemetery
Mound City National Cemetery, established during the Civil War, holds Union and Confederate soldiers treated nearby. Listed in 1997, it remains a solemn tribute to sacrifice… Read more about Mound City National Cemetery -
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Jane Addams Hull House Museum
Honoring Jane Addams’ legacy, the Hull House explores immigration, labor rights, and social reform. Her pioneering work in justice, activism, and the settlement house movement helped… Read more about Jane Addams Hull House Museum -
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John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Store
Experience the legacy of innovation at the John Deere Pavilion. Discover interactive exhibits, climb into real machines, and explore the rich history of farming and technology… Read more about John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Store -
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Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center
Located in Chicago’s Pullman community, the district includes the Pullman factory, Hotel Florence, and A. Philip Randolph Museum—honoring African American labor history and a pivotal strike… Read more about Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center -
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Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
Discover the beginning of greatness. Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio in Oak Park is an architectural wonder to behold. Read more about Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio -
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Ellwood House Museum
The Ellwood House Museum tells the story of Isaac Ellwood’s pivotal role in America’s barbed wire industry. This grand estate showcases innovation, wealth, and influence during… Read more about Ellwood House Museum -
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The Warehouse Landmark Site
The former 1977-era Warehouse nightclub, now a designated historical landmark, is celebrated as the birthplace of House music, where legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles helped launch a… Read more about The Warehouse Landmark Site
Indigenous Illinois
POWER OF PLACE
For thousands of years before statehood or the Declaration of Independence, Native peoples lived in and shaped Illinois. Despite forced removals, many remain. Explore statewide sites honoring Indigenous histories, contributions, and ongoing impact.
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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Interpretive Center
Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves the remains of North America’s largest pre-Columbian settlement. Discover the advanced Mississippian culture that flourished here more than… Read more about Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Interpretive Center -
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Grand Village of the Illinois
The Grand Village of the Illinois was a major Native American settlement and cultural center along the Illinois River, home to the Illinois Confederation, featuring mounds,… Read more about Grand Village of the Illinois -
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Trickster Gallery
A Native-owned and operated art gallery featuring rotating exhibits of Indigenous art. The gallery proudly includes an Honor Wall dedicated to Native American veterans, honoring their… Read more about Trickster Gallery -
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Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Through its diverse collection and engaging exhibitions, the museum offers deep insights into Indigenous traditions, contemporary issues, and lasting legacies. Read more about Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Nature and the Pursuit of Happiness
POWER OF PLACE
The Pursuit of Happiness cited in the Declaration of Independence comes to life in Illinois’ abundant natural landscapes. You can reflect on these ideals while exploring the state’s many parks, forests, rivers, lakes, and sites dedicated to recreation, education, and conservation.
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Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Illinois is known as the Prairie State, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the first in the U.S., offers trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, abundant… Read more about Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie -
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I & M Canal State Trail
The I&M Canal hosts one of Illinois's longest trails. Read more about I & M Canal State Trail -
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Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
Explore the Illinois River Valley’s beauty, wildlife, and charming towns along the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway—offering hiking, birdwatching, boating, fishing, and rich historical sites… Read more about Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway -
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Jarrett Prairie Center Museum
Visit Jarrett Prairie Center Museum for stunning preserve views, 4,000+ sq. ft. of interactive exhibits, dioramas, fossils, prairie restoration info, and live animals like box turtles… Read more about Jarrett Prairie Center Museum -
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Hanover Bluff Natural Area
Explore the Driftless Area, a rare Illinois landscape untouched by the last Ice Age glaciers. Enjoy hiking, birding, and nature photography in this unique geo-biological region… Read more about Hanover Bluff Natural Area -
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Big River State Forest
Covering over 3,000 acres along the Mississippi River, Big River State Forest preserves historic woodlands and offers hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in a… Read more about Big River State Forest -
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Shawnee Forest Country
Experience hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and horseback riding in Shawnee Forest Country. Unwind with Shawnee Hills Wine Trail stops, vibrant festivals, fishing, and… Read more about Shawnee Forest Country
Reflecting on Lessons for Today
DOING HISTORY
With nearly 1,900 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois, there’s an abundance of locations to explore. These sites inspire, provoke reflection and dialogue, and offer deeper insights into Illinois’ rich, complex history, connecting visitors with stories that have shaped the state and nation.
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Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square
Experience the history of the second famous debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, where ideas clashed and democracy was shaped—an unforgettable moment in Illinois… Read more about Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square -
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Bronzeville Walk of Fame
Civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, poet Gwendolyn Brooks, and astronaut Robert H. Lawrence Jr. are among over 100 notable neighborhood residents honored for their lasting… Read more about Bronzeville Walk of Fame -
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Project XV Museum at The Legacy Building
Project XV Museum, in a rural community, preserves powerful stories of the fight for voting rights. Run by volunteers, it promotes civic engagement and celebrates democracy… Read more about Project XV Museum at The Legacy Building -
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Illinois Holocaust Museum
Recognized as the third-largest Holocaust Museum globally, this powerful institution offers educational exhibits, survivor testimonies, and meaningful programs that preserve history and promote tolerance, remembrance, and… Read more about Illinois Holocaust Museum -
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DuSable Museum of African American History
DuSable Museum of African American History celebrates Black culture, history, and achievements through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood. Read more about DuSable Museum of African American History
Engaging with Movements and Moments
DOING HISTORY
Discover sites honoring the people and movements—artistic, civil rights, and beyond—that reflect how Illinoisans have strived to uphold the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, championing freedom, equality, and justice throughout the state’s rich and diverse history. Explore their inspiring stories today.
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The Legacy Walk
The Legacy Walk is a vibrant outdoor LGBT history exhibit in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, spanning half a mile along the North Halsted corridor, celebrating influential LGBTQ+… Read more about The Legacy Walk -
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Mother Jones Museum
The Mother Jones Museum celebrates labor leader Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, highlighting her powerful activism for workers’ rights, social justice, and fair labor conditions through engaging… Read more about Mother Jones Museum -
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Quincy Underground Railroad Museum: Dr Richard Eells House
A great place to check out Quincy's Underground Railroad History. Many exhibits and displays telling the history of fugitives escaping the slave state of Missouri. Read more about Quincy Underground Railroad Museum: Dr Richard Eells House -
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A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
A fascinating complement to the Pullman National Monument, this Chicago museum celebrates the inspiring history of Black labor in the United States, highlighting the contributions of… Read more about A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum