IT’S HANDMADE, HOMEMADE,
LOCALLY MADE, IT’S ILLINOIS MADE
Every crafted item carries a little bit of the place and people that make it. The Illinois Makers program celebrates the small businesses whose uniquely Illinoisan style and creativity set our locally made goods apart.
Read on to find Illinois Made businesses in every region of the state or view the digital Illinois Made Guide for profiles on a selection of Makers.
Interested in becoming (or nominating) an Illinois Maker? View criteria and submit.
Illinois Made in Chicago
Unique Finds in the Big City
A longtime manufacturing hub, local artisans continue the city’s centuries-long tradition of creating, making everything from delicious treats to stylish clothes to chic home decor.
Illinois Made in Chicagoland
ARTISANS JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY
Beyond the city limits, the skyscrapers give way to treelined suburbs and smaller communities where greater Chicagoland makers are baking, building, and painting some wonderful things.
Illinois Made in The Land of Lincoln
Makers in Central Illinois
Deep in the heart of the state’s prairies, local makers are pouring their passion into artful desserts, small-batch spirits, and classic furniture that are honestly amazing.
Illinois Made in Great Rivers Country
Carefully Crafted in Western Illinois
In the charming small towns along the great rivers of the region, makers are crafting some of the finest pottery, handmade heirlooms, and delightful trinkets in the midwest.
Illinois Made in Trails to Adventure
Quirky Creations & Delicious Drinks in Southern Illinois
Adventurous and unique describes not just the topography, but the standout foods, drinks, and quirky creations that makers in Southern Illinois are crafting every single day.
Meet the Makers
Showing 15 out of 184 results
Maker Story
Handmade Goods
Custom Bats in Homewood
In the village of Homewood in the Chicago Southland, Todd Pals brings a love of baseball to life.
Custom Bats in Homewood
Maker Story
Distilleries
Quincy Street Distillery
Using regional ingredients and collaborating with local artisans, owner/distiller Derrick Mancini and his team concentrate on crafting small-batch artisanal spirits,…
Quincy Street Distillery
Maker Information
Bakeries
Voila! Macarons
Voilà Macarons is an authentic European Macaron bakery which currently offers over 40 regular flavors and Holidays inspired seasonal flavors.
Voila! Macarons
Maker Information
Distilleries
Crozehead Cooperage and Whiskey Experience
Crozehead Cooperage Co is a small family business founded by Army Veteran, Loren Buchmeier.
Crozehead Cooperage and Whiskey Experience
Maker Information
Golf Courses
Sub 70
Sub 70 Golf was created to give golfers access to the highest quality and newest technology golf clubs available in…
Sub 70
Maker Story
Food & Beverage
Crown Brew Coffee Co
After spending years doing nonprofit work, Josh started his own community-minded business almost by accident.
Crown Brew Coffee Co
Maker Information
Galleries
Alto Clay Works
Pottery showroom, resident artist studios, and classroom for summer camps and instruction
Alto Clay Works
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Steve Meadows
A trip to Palestine reveals the colorful folk art of Steve Meadows.
Steve Meadows
Maker Information
Bakeries
Dairyhäus
World's greatest homemade ice cream shop, or so we think. We make more than 20 varieties of homemade treats that tantalize the taste-buds. Homemade ice cream and waffle cones are made fresh daily!
Dairyhäus
Maker Information
Bars & Taverns
17th Street BBQ
17th Street BBQ is an award-winning BBQ joint rated "Best Ribs in the U.S." by Bon Appétit Magazine.
17th Street BBQ
Maker Information
Galleries
Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art Gallery
Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art Gallery is a hip and colorful custom tattoo shop located in the heart of downtown Elgin, IL, just 35 miles from Chicago. We're just a short walk from the Grand Victoria Casino and the Metra train station.
Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art Gallery
Maker Story
Food & Beverage
Epiphany Farms
Healthy living through sustainable, environmentally sound farming that relies on farm to fork education has to be tasted to be…
Epiphany Farms
Maker Information
Chocolate, Sweets & Ice Cream
Chocolate Factory, Inc.
Candy and ice cream across from Dixon Springs State Park.
Chocolate Factory, Inc.
Maker Story
Food & Beverage
Carnivore
At a meat shop and restaurant in Oak Park, Illinois, butchers source all their cuts from local farms.
Carnivore
Maker Information
Restaurants
Lexington Betty Smokehouse
Lexington Betty Smokehouse pays homage to Chef Dominique's grandmother Betty King.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse