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Getting Here & Getting Around
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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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Places to Stay
Explore Our Past
Trip Ideas
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Seasonal Adventures
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Getting Here & Getting Around
My FavoritesMemorial Day Weekend in Illinois
Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the summer, when Illinois residents and travelers head out to welcome months of warm weather and plenty of family activities. Kick off the summer holiday with our list of things to do over Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago and all over Illinois.
Downstate
Madison County
- Experience the oldest consecutive running parade in all the the US at the Memorial Day Parade in Alton. This year marks its 152nd anniversary.
- Enjoy a weekend of food, live music, carnival rides, raffles and fun at the 34th Annual Bonifest in Edwardsville.
- Join one of the oldest and largest annual race events in the Metro East at the Run for Bonifest 5K which passes the historic Leclaire Park.
Pulaski County
- Honor our heroes during an elaborate service at the Mound City Memorial Day Service.
Jerseyville County
- Community leaders will walk in the Jerseyville Memorial Day Parade along with the Jersey Community High School Band and current and veteran service members.
Kankakee County
- What better way to celebrate warmer weather than the Pembroke Rodeo in St. Anne.
Macoupin County
- Explore craft and toy shows, antique machinery, horse-drawn machinery, Blacksmith shop, and much more at the Macoupin County Historical Society Spring Festival.
Sangamon County
- Add some fast-paced action to your Memorial Day weekend at the Springfield Mile.
Peoria
- Rock out at Summer Camp Music Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest.
Chicago Suburbs & Beyond
Cook County
- The 32nd Annual Prairie Arts Festival Fine Art & Fine Craft Exhibition and Sale at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, in Schaumburg.
Kane County
- Spend a day at the Outdoor Fine Arts Show in St. Charles. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
- 43rd Annual Chicagoland Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. In addition to a variety of gem, mineral and fossil exhibits, there will be face-painting and balloon twisting 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
DuPage County
- The St. Charles Annual Memorial Day Parade begins on 6th Street before continuing to Riverside Avenue and ending at the Freedom Shrine.
- Fan of a good barbecue? Check out the Red, White and BBQ Festival in Westmont.
Dekalb County
- The Antique Car Show & Flea Market is fun for the whole family, reminisce about years gone by while enjoying the many makes and models of antique cars displayed by Silver Springs Chapter AACA.
LaSalle County
- Featuring over 60 unique craft beers, live music and food vendors, the Starved Rock Country Brewfest is not to be missed.
Chicago
- Snag a prime view downtown for the Memorial Day Parade as Chicago honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Check out the fireworks at Navy Pier, on foot or by boat.
- Spend a fun-filled day at the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival with tribute bands, food libations, artisans, and a second stage with zany entertainment.
- Explore the Randolph Street Market Festival which moves outdoors from May.
- Marvel at nature's beauty during the Butterflies & Blooms exhibit at Chicago Botanic Garden.
- Wander around Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, a great escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
- Honor veterans at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, a unique institution dedicated to improving the public's understanding of military history and affairs.
- Lounge around on Chicago’s beaches - pack some snacks and don't forget the sunscreen!
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Enjoy Illinois Magazine
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