Middle of Everything
Discover the Middle of Everything with Illinois native and unofficial tour guide Jane Lynch as she takes in all of the wonders of the middle. Modern skyscrapers meeting ancient rock formations. The heart of Michelin stars & dive bars, nestled between iconic art & state parks & the start of America’s most famous highway.
Welcome to the middle of epic trails and vintage adventures. You’ll find soaring cliffs and epic rock formations in Shawnee National Forest and can canoe the cypress tree-lined Cache River. Dwell in Middle Earth at Rocky Comfort Cabins and frolic with furry friends at Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch. Sauce up the evening at 17th Street BBQ and toast to a day well done at Walker’s Bluff Winery.
Show more in category of Outdoors & Regional
Aug 15, 2022
There is no better place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air than in Shawnee. Explore the beautiful nature and breathtaking landscapes at the Shawnee National Forest. Read more about Destination ShawneeShow more in category of Outdoors & Regional
Oct 05, 2020
To get your fill of fall colors and adventure, there’s no match for Southern Illinois’ striking landscapes. It’s only natural, given the 403-mile-long trail system across the Shawnee National Forest,... Read more about The Wild Side of IllinoisShow more in category of From Local Experts
Jul 28, 2022
The Shawnee Hills wine region in southern Illinois. A 3-day road trip with the top tasting stops you don't want to miss! Read more about Zip, Skip and Sip Your Way Along The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Unforgettable moments await you in the Middle! Cruise along The Great River Road and its 550 miles of riverboats, skytours, and the scenic Pere Marquette State Park. Stroll down the historical downtown streets of Savanna, float the day away on the Celebration Belle and make some new four-legged friends on the Trail at Hoof-It Goat Treks. Grab a bite at Fritz and Frites and then enjoy a perfect stay awaits you at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge. In the Middle of Everything, there’s everything to do!
Show more in category of Outdoors & Regional
Sep 01, 2020
Drive along scenic byways, including “the world’s most beautiful drive.” Then switch gears and speed through the foliage on a zipline, go on a vintage riverboat cruise, or engage in... Read more about Over the River & Through the LeavesShow more in category of Outdoors & Regional
Jul 08, 2022
Experience breathtaking views, quaint towns, and more. From a sunset over the mighty Mississippi River to the ruins of an ancient civilization, the Great River Road’s striking vistas are something... Read more about Where the River Meets the RoadShow more in category of Outdoors & Regional
Dec 02, 2023
Great River Road Illinois, where zero emissions meet breathtaking beauty. Explore our curated guide to zero emissions. Read more about Zero Emissions on the Great River Road
You’ll find yourself in the company of world class masterpieces & futuristic architecture at Millennium Park. The stars have aligned to bring you to the Middle! Explore the universe at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium and roar with the lions at Lincoln Park Zoo before grabbing a southern inspired family dinner at Virtue Restaurant. Make a splash at Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park and seek the thrill of a lifetime at Six Flags Great America. It’s all happening in the middle.
Show more in category of Family Fun
Feb 27, 2023
No kid (or grown-up) can ever get bored in Chicago - there’s too much fun to be had! Like conquering your fear of heights at the top of a skyscraper.... Read more about Family Field Trip to ChicagoShow more in category of From Local Experts
Feb 01, 2023
Discover romantic spots in Chicago. Start your staycation with an interactive cooking lesson, cocktails, and a view. Read more about Romantic Getaway in ChicagoShow more in category of Arts, Culture & History
Jan 01, 2023
Put your music taste on shuffle and tour Chicago’s live music venues. Rock out, embrace your dramatic opera side, or relive the jazz age. Read more about Chicago Mixtape
See Illinois history come to life at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. Its interactive exhibits—like Ghosts of the Library, a hologram show featuring Abe—immerse you in his legacy. You can view the largest Impressionist painting collection outside Paris at the Art Institute of Chicago. You can also see architectural masterpieces on the Chicago Architecture Cruise. Speaking of architecture, get away for a weekend to Galena’s Historic District where 85 percent of buildings date back to before 1859.
Show more in category of From Local Experts
Feb 04, 2022
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 SpringfieldShow more in category of Chicago
Aug 01, 2016
Make it a museum weekend in the Windy City. Read more about Chicago’s Must-See MuseumsShow more in category of Family Fun
Nov 06, 2020
Every city has its must-do's and have-to-visit spots, and Chicago's are second-to-none. Read more about Chicago’s Greatest Hits
Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual inspiration guide that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that'll help you make the most of each season.
