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Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more.
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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
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Getting Here & Getting Around
My FavoritesTrails and Ales
Fresh air and fresh brews abound in equal measure in the historic stretch from suburban Chicago to Starved Rock State Park. Go play outside, then relax with a drink nearby.
Fresh air and fresh brews abound in equal measure in the historic stretch from suburban Chicago to Starved Rock State Park. Go play outside, then relax with a drink nearby.
Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby
Wear sturdy footwear for scrambling up and down hundreds of steps to explore the drippy gorges, creeks and falls of this park, rich in geologic strata. Nine miles of marked mountain bike trails also snake through the woods.
13 miles to...
Tangled Roots Brewing Company, Ottawa
Find a farm-to-foam experience at the industrial-chic taproom, featuring gleaming copper brew kettles. Lagers and ales include River Raptor Pale Ale, a hoppy homage to the eagles that live in the area.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
Along 13 miles of (extremely popular) trails, find layered canyons and towering tree lines. Don’t let a little rain deter you—the park’s dozen-plus waterfalls flow best after storms or in spring when snow is melting.
14 miles to...
Red Dog Grill, Ottawa
On a patio overlooking an Illinois River marina, sample sips from local Radium City Brewing, specializing in pale ales. If you need to cool off, the soaring-ceilinged bar offers the same serene views. Snack on a warm pretzel with beer cheese dip.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington
Paths great for hiking and biking wind through this former U.S. Army arsenal now being restored to a native prairie. You might spot the area’s bison herd. Ask at the visitors center for a hint at where the creatures have been spotted.
7 miles to...
Hickory Creek Brewing Company, New Lenox
A retired engineer brought his brewing hobby out of an old milk house and into a storefront in this far-south Chicago suburb. They're currently closed as they relocate within New Lenox, but you're encouraged to check their Facebook page for updates on reopening plans!
Hidden Oaks Conservation Area, Bolingbrook
Trails throughout this 15-acre nature sanctuary wind past a trout pond (an on-site shop sells licenses and bait), beehives, wildflowers, sculptures and more. If you need a rest, chill on
the nature center’s rooftop deck.
10 miles to...
Pollyanna Brewing Company, Lemont
Live events—like music bingo, trivia and food-truck rallies—energize most summer nights. Taste The Full Lemonty, a crisp golden ale, and tour the brewery to see experiments
with local fruits and spices.
I&M Canal Trail
This state trail runs for 96 miles along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal towpath, with sections alternately paved or groomed with crushed limestone. The flat, easy 11 miles between Lockport and Joliet take you past the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site.
11 miles to...
Elder Brewing Company, Joliet
The cozy downtown spot offers free popcorn and a 1982 Millipede arcade game (also free) to enjoy with Uncle Jack’s Gris Gris, an IPA, or Poly’s Revenge, an American pale ale. Check out bands in the new music room.
Love the Story?
Scratch Brewing Company
Scratch Brewing Company
in
Eat & Drink,
Food & Beverages
Taste foraged, farm-crafted beer and the homegrown dining options that await you...
Autumn Kicks off with a Splash of Fall Color
Autumn Kicks off with a Splash of Fall Color
in
Family Fun,
Outdoors,
Regional Getaways
Autumn has officially arrived in Illinois, bringing beautiful fall colors for le...
Five Places to Stay on a Winter Getaway in Southern Illinois
Five Places to Stay on a Winter Getaway in Southern Illinois
in
Activities
Whether you’re planning a family holiday trip or a weekend getaway with friends ...
Enjoy Illinois Magazine
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