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Epiphany Farms
Mar 25, 2022
Healthy living through sustainable, environmentally sound farming that relies on farm to fork education has to be tasted to be believed. Read more about Epiphany Farms
Central Illinois invites you into the very best of America's heartland
Presidential History & Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln
Walk through Lincoln's home in Springfield, cruise original Route 66 pavement, and discover university towns that buzz with energy year-round. Here, prairie meets history, culture, and innovation. You'll find world-class museums steps from working farms, craft breweries in historic downtowns, quirky roadside giants guarding small-town main streets, and Amish buggies clip-clopping through the modern world. Every town tells a story worth hearing, and locals always have time to chat.
Towns and Cities in Central Illinois
Springfield lets you walk in Lincoln's footsteps, and roll down Route 66. Bloomington-Normal serves up Insurance City heritage alongside ISU energy, craft breweries, and Constitution Trail adventures. Champaign-Urbana combines Big Ten spirit with exceptional culinary depth, where farm-to-table restaurants thrive between research labs and prairie paths. Decatur delivers lakefront beaches, Millikin University performances, Children's Museum discoveries, and easy access to Lake Shelbyville recreation.
Bloomington-Normal
Other Towns in Central Illinois
Heartland charm
There's more to explore! Effingham will delight you with its sprawling antique malls and locally loved restaurants. In Jacksonville, see some pristine Victorian mansions, and in Arthur and Arcola you'll discover real Amish Country life, with handmade furniture shops, pie bakeries, and, of course, buggy rides. Monticello will charm you with Railway Museum train rides and Allerton Park's formal gardens. Danville goes all out for sweet corn season, and its Fischer Theatre hosts performances that are worth the drive.
Discover Abraham Lincoln's Legacy
Explore Historic Sites
The Land of Lincoln is home to the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Throughout the region you can visit key historical sites from Lincoln's life and learn more about his legacy at museums.
Central Illinois Road Trips
Central Illinois road trips take you past Route 66 gems, Lincoln sites, roadside oddities, and genuine small-town diners. Pick your adventure style: family road trips past corn fields and ice cream stops, romantic getaways to B&Bs, or buddy trips between breweries. Every route shows you the real Illinois, with working farms, main street shops, and spots that locals love.
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Deep in the Heart of Illinois
Ride a horse and buggy in Amish Country. Have an outdoor adventure in Lake Shelbyville. Or pop by Champaign-Urbana and Decatur for some of the most highly-acclaimed food, arts, and... Read more about Deep in the Heart of Illinois -
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Best of Springfield
Experience the best of Springfield! Explore Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln. Indulge in family fun, the arts, and outdoor activities. Read more about Best of Springfield -
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Lake Hop Adventure in Decatur Area
Escape to Lake Decatur and Lake Shelbyville for some fun and a cool view. Read more about Lake Hop Adventure in Decatur Area -
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Girls’ Weekend to Springfield
Planning a girls weekend? This 3 day Springfield and New Berlin itinerary is perfect for relaxing, unwinding and reconnecting. Read more about Girls’ Weekend to Springfield -
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The Birthplace of the Road Trip
It's the things you see along the way that you remember most. The giant statue of the guy holding a hot dog. The drive-in where it’s not a day past... Read more about The Birthplace of the Road Trip -
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48-Hour Family Getaway to Champaign County
Explore the greater Campaign County with the family! A whole lot of fun on this planned 48-hour trip for families. Read more about 48-Hour Family Getaway to Champaign County -
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Fun in Bloomington-Normal
Beyond the bustling breweries and cozy coffee shops, Bloomington-Normal is an experience that will suit the tastes of every visitor. Our charming communities are both historic and modern, celebrated by... Read more about Fun in Bloomington-Normal -
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A Starry Night in Champaign County
If you're ready for an amazing weekend, then the greater Champaign County area is calling! A visit to our Outside of Ordinary area has something for everyone, including world-class food,... Read more about A Starry Night in Champaign County -
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A Guide to a Guys Getaway in Bloomington-Normal
A getaway for the guys. Enjoy some good craft beer, golf, and a shooting range with friends. Read more about A Guide to a Guys Getaway in Bloomington-Normal -
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Roadside Distractions
Things can get a little unusual in Illinois. White squirrels, pink elephants, sasquatches, giants, supermen—they all call our state home. So if you’re the type of traveler who thinks normal... Read more about Roadside Distractions -
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Road (trip) to the White House
Four presidents have hailed from our great state, and their history comes alive at the homes, museums, parks and other landmarks associated with our 16th, 18th, 41st, and 44th commanders... Read more about Road (trip) to the White House
Get Unique Local Products and Experiences from Illinois Made Makers in Central Illinois
Show more in category of Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Steve Meadows
Jan 01, 2016
A trip to Palestine reveals the colorful folk art of Steve Meadows. Read more about Steve Meadows
Show more in category of Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Prairie Fire Glass
Nov 01, 2017
In the small town of Monticello, you’ll find one of the finest glassblowers this side of the Mississippi. Heck, on either side of the Mississippi. Read more about Prairie Fire Glass
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Blacksmith Chic
Apr 19, 2017
Return to a time when a cast iron hammer, molten steel and the sweat of your brow were the only ingredients required to fire the creative spirit. Read more about Blacksmith Chic
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Cocoa Blue Chocolates
Aug 25, 2017
In Rochester, Illinois, a few miles from Springfield, Joshua Becker imports the rich flavors of Dutch chocolate into his handcrafted truffles. Read more about Cocoa Blue Chocolates
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Firefly Grill & Restaurant
Aug 07, 2016
The Firefly Grill is like that much-loved relative who is always in charge of throwing the family dinners for extended family - except the food tastes better. Read more about Firefly Grill & Restaurant
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Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
Oct 16, 2023
Do peaches go with fried green tomatoes? Find out at a creative Illinois farm dinner. Read more about Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
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Tuscola's Famous Candy Kitchen
Feb 21, 2018
In Tuscola, two sisters inherited their grandfather's candy recipes—and carried on a family tradition. Read more about Tuscola's Famous Candy Kitchen
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Incredibly Delicious Artisan Bakery
Nov 01, 2017
Artisanal breads, traditional croissants, handmade pastries, specialty cakes and desserts are just the start of why this French Bakery and Cafe is called Incredibly Delicious. Read more about Incredibly Delicious Artisan BakeryTravel Inspiration for the Land of Lincoln
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Show more in category of Inspiration
Road (trip) to the White House
Four presidents have hailed from our great state, and their history comes alive at the homes, museums, parks and other landmarks associated with our 16th, 18th, 41st, and 44th commanders... Read more about Road (trip) to the White House -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Family Friendly Illinois Route 66 Road Trip
Route 66 is peppered with kid-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy. Photo opportunities, a mural, an arcade museum, a drive-in theater, a gondola and chairlift, and more. Whatever... Read more about Family Friendly Illinois Route 66 Road Trip -
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Best of Springfield
Experience the best of Springfield! Explore Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln. Indulge in family fun, the arts, and outdoor activities. Read more about Best of Springfield -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Fun in Bloomington-Normal
Beyond the bustling breweries and cozy coffee shops, Bloomington-Normal is an experience that will suit the tastes of every visitor. Our charming communities are both historic and modern, celebrated by... Read more about Fun in Bloomington-Normal -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Illinois' African-American History and Heritage
Discover sites that reflect the legacy of African-Americans on the history and culture of Illinois, from museums to music. Read more about Illinois' African-American History and Heritage -
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Drive-In Movie Theaters
Cruise back in time and enjoy an unforgettable night at one of Illinois' drive-in theaters. Read more about Drive-In Movie Theaters