Welcome. You'll find the best of the USA here in Illinois.
Your adventure has begun
Chicago's impressive architecture will catch your eye, but there's so much more in Illinois to capture your heart.
Illinois lets you enjoy the best of the USA. Explore the place Abraham Lincoln called home, watch eagles fly over the Mississippi, and feel that world-famous spirit all around you. Drive Route 66, with one-of-a-kind photo ops and nostalgic delights. Or just enjoy the warm welcomes that await in charming small towns. Perhaps some shopping and world-class cuisine?
Your Illinois adventure has begun, we can't wait to see you in person.
Chicago: a big city with big heart
One of the world's greatest cities
When you visit Chicago, you visit one of the world's great cities, full of rich history and cultural experiences. Wander world-class museums, laugh at legendary comedy clubs, bite into deep-dish pizza, and see the sights you know from countless movies and television shows.
From the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Chicago River, you'll find art, culture, and Midwestern charm around every corner. Welcome to Chicago – we think it'll be your kind of town.
Travel Inspiration
Start Planning Your Illinois Adventure
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Show more in category of Offbeat Illinois
Roadside Attractions of Illinois
The roadside attractions of Illinois are worth a road trip on their own. Including the 15-foot Superhero Statue, Catsup Bottle, Gemini Giant plus more! Read more about Roadside Attractions of Illinois -
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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 -
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Where to Eat on Route 66 in Illinois
When on Route 66, you’ve just got to indulge in some old-school American hospitality, charm and cuisine. Here's some of the best. Read more about Where to Eat on Route 66 in Illinois -
Show more in category of Outdoors & Regional
Road Trips Through Illinois' Small Towns
A road trip through small towns and along river roads is the best way to see not only beautiful scenery, but the heart and soul of Illinois. Read more about Road Trips Through Illinois' Small Towns -
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Chicago Theatre Scene
If you love a good show, when it comes to amazing theater, Chicago is where you want to be. Your trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the city’s... Read more about Chicago Theatre Scene -
Show more in category of Arts, Culture & History
Show Me Chicago: Tours to Help You See the City Up Close
You could try to navigate Chicago’s 234 square miles on your own, but it’s much more efficient—and a whole lot more fun—to hop on one of these unique tours. Read more about Show Me Chicago: Tours to Help You See the City Up Close -
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6 Illinois Museums Worth Traveling For
There’s something for everyone inside Illinois’ world-class museums. Read more about 6 Illinois Museums Worth Traveling For -
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11 Must-See Chicago Skyscrapers
Chicago is one of the world’s great architectural destinations. These 11 skyscrapers are some of its must-see marvels. Read more about 11 Must-See Chicago Skyscrapers -
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Famous Film & Television Locations in Illinois
Visit famous filming locations in Illinois from movies and TV shows such as The Dark Knight, Chicago Fire, and The Blues Brothers. Read more about Famous Film & Television Locations in Illinois -
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10 Neighborhoods to Love in Chicago
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. Each one has its own history, style and unique flavor. Here are 10 to fall in love with. Read more about 10 Neighborhoods to Love in Chicago -
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Chicago Rooftop Bars & Patios That Locals Love
Discover the Chicago rooftop bars and patios beloved by the locals. Read more about Chicago Rooftop Bars & Patios That Locals Love -
Show more in category of Offbeat Illinois
Illinois Hidden Gems
We’ve all got a bucket list of must-visit places and experiences. But sometimes, stumbling across the unexpected can be magical. These hidden gems are just a few of the spots... Read more about Illinois Hidden Gems -
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Explore the Regions: Rivers, College Towns, and Wine
Discover sites in all four regions of Illinois, from the riverboats of Peoria to the vineyards of Southern Illinois Read more about Explore the Regions: Rivers, College Towns, and Wine
Route 66
Feel the freedom of the highway
Retro diners. Iconic museums. Quirky small towns and photo ops. The lure of the open road. Chances are, when you think of the USA, many of the images that come to mind are from Route 66. And it all begins here in Illinois.
See how the spirit of Route 66 and the great American road trip is kept alive in Illinois.
An Unforgettable Destination All Year Round
Unique experiences for every season
Shopping in Illinois
Our big deals are a big deal
In Illinois, we've elevated shopping to an art. After you've visited all the world-famous names lining the Magnificent Mile, the luxe brands, the big boxes, and the small, family-owned boutiques dotted around the state, you're going to need extra luggage allowance on the way home.
American-made authentics
Rock Island's Handcrafted Canoes
When Bruce and Sue Peterson relaunched one of America's most revered handcrafted canoe companies, they found the perfect spot in Rock Island, Illinois.
Custom Bats in Homewood
In the village of Homewood in the Chicago Southland, Todd Pals brings a love of baseball to life.
John Boos & Co.
The world’s most celebrated chefs do their best carving and chopping on hardwood boards handcrafted in Effingham, IL.
Revolution Brewing
On Chicago’s North Side, an independent brewer and his Anti-Hero IPA are uniting passionate beer drinkers of every persuasion.
Blacksmith Chic
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.
Chicago's Custom Hat Maker
When you Google “Chicago” and zoom in on the little blue arrow, you’re guided to the area of 51 West Jackson Boulevard, the epicenter of Chicago’s “Loop” district and the home of Optimo Hats, arguably the finest-quality hatmaking establishment in the world.
Sports in Illinois
Feel the excitement and thrill
The Bulls. The Cubs. The Bears. The Sox. The Blackhawks. Don't miss your chance to catch one of these iconic teams up close, and feel the energy of a hometeam crowd.
But that's only the beginning. Throughout Illinois, you'll find all kinds of sporting opportunities, including college games, NASCAR, golf, and more.
Dining and Food
The fast and the finest
There are a lot of things we do well, and you better believe food is one of them. Here, enjoy world-class fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, farm-to-table experiences, amazing produce from farmers' markets, and...
... yeah, we know what many of you will really be here for. The deep dish. The Chicago dogs. Burgers, fried chicken, and every kind of classic comfort food imaginable. Eat up! Enjoy!
Arts, history, and culture
See, feel, reflect, and think
People have made history here, and we've made people who've made it everywhere. From Abraham Lincoln, to John Deere, to Barack Obama, and so many more, Illinois has a fascinating history of fascinating figures to discover.
Then there's the culture. We're famed for our theatre and comedy scenes, and our artists and collections are world-class. Chicago is known as a cultural capital, and you'll discover it's with good reason.
The greater outdoors
Breathtaking landscapes await
You might have taken long walks. You might have gone cycling, swimming, kayaking—even rock climbing.
But if you haven't done it here, have you really done it at all? Discover new horizons and new scenery in every corner of Illinois, and have an adventure your friends back home will envy.
Enjoy Illinois Travel Stories
Enjoy Illinois Inspiration Guide
Don't just take our word for it. Take our magazine's word for it, too. Get the inside word on unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois, in every corner of the state. Travel stories, stunning photography, and trip ideas to make every moment of your adventure one to remember.