Illuminating historic sites and stories of courage from the Land of Lincoln’s role in the fight for freedom
By Randy Mink
Discover the joys of Illinois on a themed road trip Magnificent Architecture in
Erin Karasewski
Influenced heavily by Frank Lloyd Wright, Illinois is home to a variety of great architectural attractions
Randy Mink
Spice up your itineraries with off-the-radar treasures found in every corner of the state Land
By
Trails to Adventure Winery and Craft
Beer
• By Billy Stampfl
Explore the best vineyards and breweries of Southern Illinois, from scenic wine trails to unique beer loops, for a flavorful adventure Illinois’ Underground Railroad Legacy
By Billy Stampfl
Illuminating historic sites and stories of courage from the Land of Lincoln’s role in the fight for freedom
Lincoln, Land of Ghosts
Justine Leavitt
Haunted places to visit in Central Ilinois
Hello!
On behalf of the Tour Illinois Committee, we are thrilled to welcome you to the 2025 edition of the Illinois Group Tour Planner. Whether you’re returning to explore even more of what our state has to offer or planning your first visit, we’re excited to show you why Illinois is truly the Middle of Everything.
Illinois is home to a rich tapestry of diverse destinations and unforgettable experiences that will captivate every group traveler. From the vibrant urban heart of Chicago to the charming small towns that dot the state, you’ll find something for everyone. Our state boasts an incredible mix of historic sites, world-class attractions, outdoor adventures and a burgeoning culinary scene—making Illinois the perfect destination for any group.
In this year’s guide, we’re excited to highlight some of Illinois’ best-kept secrets. Discover hidden gems across the state that often go overlooked in favor of the usual crowd favorites. We also take you on a journey through some of Illinois’ most scenic road trip routes, ideal for those who want to see the state at their own pace.
You’ll also find features on Illinois’ architectural treasures in the Chicago and Beyond region, rich history along the Great River Road and its ties to the Underground Railroad, spine-tingling haunted attractions in the Land of Lincoln region, and the best vineyards and breweries in the Trails to Adventure Region, where scenic wine trails and unique beer loops offer flavorful escapes for your group.
We look forward to welcoming you to our great state and hope you have a truly memorable experience in Illinois, where the adventure never ends.
Yours in tourism partnership, Tour Illinois Committee
Learn more about Illinois group travel opportunities!
Illinois Group Tour Planner
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Erin Karasewski
Justine Leavitt
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A classic car cruises down Route 66.
CRUISIN’ DOWN THE HIGHWAY
Discover the joys of Illinois on a themed road trip
By Randy Mink
Illinois was made for road tripping. Its cities, towns and natural areas are packed with fun things to see and do. From metropolitan Chicago to Downstate backwaters, special memories await groups looking for adventure around the next bend.
These are just a few itinerary ideas to get your motor running:
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE IN ILLINOIS
The story of Illinois begins long before European settlement. Covering 740 miles in four days, this road trip from the state’s northwest corner to its southern extremities spotlights ancient mounds, rock carvings and artifacts left behind by Native peoples.
The journey begins at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve near Galena, where walking trails provide panoramic views of the remains of Native American mounds perched above the Mississippi River. Traveling south, you’ll head to Albany Mounds State Historic Site and see burial
and ceremonial mounds dating back more than 2,000 years. Next are Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown and Peoria Riverfront Museum , both of which display tools, pottery and other artifacts of Illinois’ first peoples. Focus on prehistoric life in the Illinois River Valley at the Center for American Archaeology Museum in Kampsville.
In Alton, the Piasa Bird Mural on the limestone bluffs along the Mississippi is a modern reimagining of an ancient image that once adorned the cliffs, a striking example of Native storytelling traditions. At the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, learn about the Native American guides and interpreters who were essential to the success of the epic expedition into America’s western wilderness.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville preserves the plazas and mounds of what was once the largest settlement in what is now the United States. A hike up the 100-foot-high Monks Mound, the largest earthen structure in the Americas, rewards visitors with a
view of the St. Louis skyline. Cahokia Mounds’ museum is currently closed for renovations.
The final day in Southern Illinois takes you to Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area near Chester, where sandstone bluffs hold petroglyphs carved centuries ago by Native peoples. Next stop, near the Ohio River, is Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site , once a major center of the Mississippian culture. Finally, visit Shawnee National Forest’s Hamburg Hill, part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail . Walk a preserved section with deep ruts forged by wagon wheels and countless footsteps on the path taken by thousands of Cherokee people during their forced relocation in the 1830s.
ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Follow in the footsteps of the four U.S. presidents who hailed from Illinois. Presidential history comes alive at homes, museums and other landmarks associated with our 16th, 18th, 40th and 44th commanders in chief. The route covers about 450 miles and can be done in three to five days.
In the Land of Lincoln, it’s fitting to begin the journey in Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln lived for 17 years before moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Ranger-led tours of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site reveal details of the only home Lincoln ever owned. It’s part of a four-block historic district that has been returned to its 19th century appearance. The nearby Lincoln Home Visitor Center presents orientation videos.
The highlight for many Springfield visitors is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum , which offers rare artifacts, state-of-the-art displays and a dramatic presentation that uses holograms to create an immersive experience. Across the street is the Old State Capitol , where Lincoln delivered his famous House Divided speech in 1858 and Barrack Obama announced his presidential campaign in 2007.
Also in Springfield is Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Rubbing the nose on the bronze bust of Lincoln is said to bring good luck.
Costumed interpreters at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg, 20 miles northwest of Springfield, shed light on Honest Abe’s earlier years. Reconstructed log buildings re-create the village where he lived from 1831-1837 while working as a store clerk, rail-splitter, postmaster and deputy surveyor.
On the Historic Ronald Reagan Trail in northwest Illinois, Eureka College’s Ronald Reagan Museum features items from the 40th president’s student days, film career and presidency. In the farm town of Tampico, Ronald Reagan Birthplace & Museum offers tours of the restored apartment where Reagan was born in 1911. Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon paints a picture of the future president’s family life in the 1920s. The nearby Northwest Territory Historic Center is a converted 1908 school building with a President Reagan History Room, a collection of original Reagan movie posters
and the restored sixth grade classroom of “Dutch” Reagan.
At Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site in Galena, tour the home presented to General Grant by the town’s citizens after his return from the Civil War. It contains many of the 18th president’s possessions and original furnishings.
The road trip ends on the South Side of Chicago. Get a glimpse of Obama’s home in the Kenwood neighborhood and University of Chicago Law School, where he taught from 1992 to 2004. Have lunch at Valois Cafeteria, a longtime Obama favorite.
The Obama Presidential Center , opening in 2026, will feature an eightstory museum building in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. Its top-floor Sky Room will offer sweeping views of the city. Other facilities will include an athletic center, test kitchen, restaurant, picnic areas and children’s play area.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
The roots of African American history run deep in Chicago and throughout the state. This 300-mile road trip from Chicago to Alton can be done in three or four days.
Start on the South Side of Chicago and its historic Bronzeville neighborhood. Known historically as the “Black Metropolis,” Bronzeville became a hub of Black life and culture in the 20th century.
Tour the neighborhood with the Bronzeville Visitor Information Center or simply stroll the Bronzeville Walk of Fame , where bronze plaques and monuments honor former residents like
entertainers Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong.
In Washington Park, visit DuSable Black History Museum, the nation’s oldest independent African American history museum. A few miles south is National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. Exhibits explore the contributions of the first Black labor union, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and life in the South Side’s Pullman neighborhood, once the Pullman Palace Car Works company town and now the federally designated Pullman National Monument
The Obama Presidential Center, under construction on 19 acres in Chicago’s Jackson Park, opens to the public in 2026. The stone facade of its eight-story tower will be engraved with Obama’s speech marking the 50th anniversary of the civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
On the North Side, interactive exhibits at the Chicago History Museum show how African American culture is woven throughout the city’s past and present. Student-curated exhibits and performances take center stage at the African American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), just west of downtown.
Evanston is home to Shorefront Legacy Center . Shorefront collects, preserves and educates people about Black history on Chicago’s suburban North Shore.
For evening entertainment in Chicago, book a performance at the Black Ensemble Theater. Or head to Buddy Guy’s Legends, the city’s premier blues club.
In west suburban Oak Brook, stories of the
DuSable Black History Museum
Photo courtesy of Abel Arciniega
Underground Railroad unfold at Graue Mill, a water-powered gristmill that hid runaway enslaved African Americans in its cellar.
In downtown Springfield, both the Acts of Intolerance Sculpture and 1908 Race Riot Mural, plus various markers, memorialize the dark time when a mob of more than 5,000 white residents lynched Black residents and burned their neighborhoods to the ground. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum currently is closed for renovations.
Jacksonville had several stops on the Underground Railroad, including Congregational United Church of Christ, known as the “abolitionist church” in the 1830s as it risked fines and prison time for its members by providing shelter, food, transportation and clothing to freedom seekers. Another Jacksonville “rail station” was Woodlawn Farm , which had four small cabins for free Black farmhands and is now a living history museum. The Asa Talcott home is one of seven UGRR sites in Jacksonville built in or before 1833. Asa was a brick maker who assisted slaves escaping from the South along with other local abolitionists.
The Mississippi River town of Alton also harbors Underground Railroad history. Tours of selected sites can be arranged by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau office. In the Alton Cemetery, the 110-foot-tall Elijah P.
Lovejoy Monument honors the abolitionist and newspaper editor who was shot to death by pro-slavery zealots in 1837.
GREAT RIVER ROAD NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
From Illinois’ southernmost tip to its far northwest corner, this ribbon of roadway follows the Mississippi River for 540 miles through the historic towns and pockets of natural beauty that grace the state’s western border.
Begin at Fort Defiance State Park in Cairo, the point where the Mississippi and Ohio rivers meet. Traveling north, you come upon Chester, where statues and murals on the Popeye Character Trail remind visitors this was the hometown of the cartoon character’s creator, E.C. Segar. At Fort de Chartres State Historic Site , learn about 18th century French colonial life from re-enactors. Go back further in time in Collinsville at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site , which preserves ancient Indian mounds and plazas.
The Alton area requires a full day, with one of the highlights being National Great Rivers Museum and a tour of Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Downtown Alton abounds with art galleries, antiques emporiums and other specialty shops. For fine craft brews, stop in at Old Bakery Beer. In nearby Hartford, ascend Lewis & Clark Confluence
Tower to view the meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site tells the story of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who started their epic westward expedition from here in 1804. North of Alton, your trek continues to the quaint historic village of Elsah and to Grafton, where the Grafton Sky Tour aerial lift at Aerie’s Resort & Winery offers awe-inspiring views of the Mississippi. Save time for a hike at Pere Marquette State Park , Illinois’ largest state park, and a fried chicken dinner at its lodge restaurant.
Historic districts in Quincy hold a vast range of magnificent homes in many architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Queen Anne. The Moroccan-style Villa Kathrine houses the local visitor center and offers sweeping views of the Mississippi.
The town of Nauvoo was the largest Mormon settlement in the country until the Mormons were driven out by an angry mob that killed their leader, Joseph Smith. Mormon heritage is preserved at the Joseph Smith Historic Site .
In Moline, part of the Quad Cities metro area that straddles the Iowa-Illinois border, a popular attraction is the John Deere Pavilion , which showcases equipment manufactured by Moline-based Deere & Company. Then treat yourself to a sundae at nearby Lagomarcino’s , an old-school soda fountain restaurant. For unbeatable views and delicious food, cruise the Mississippi on the Celebration Belle riverboat.
Rock Island is home to Quad City Botanical Garden and Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse . On an island in the Mississippi, Rock Island Arsenal , a U.S. Army site, has an excellent museum, and Mississippi River Visitor Center offers a bird’s-eye view of river traffic at Locks and Dam 15 . More river vistas await at Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna. From there, follow the Great River Road to Galena, a hilly town brimming with 19th century charm. Many groups do their sightseeing with Galena Trolley Tours
GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
Travelers looking for heady doses of nostalgia and Americana will find them in abundance on Old Route 66. From the Lake Michigan shoreline of Chicago to the Mississippi River in southwestern Illinois, museums, retro diners, quirky roadside attractions and other nods to yesteryear
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site in Du Rocher.
Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois
drive tourism on what John Steinbeck nicknamed the “Mother Road” in his classic 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath .
Spanning eight states, the asphalt artery symbolized freedom and mobility in the mid-20th century, attracting vacationers, adventurers and those searching for a better life out West.
Many road trippers get their first kicks on 66 at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant , a diner on Jackson Boulevard in downtown Chicago, just west of the famed road’s starting point. “Serving the world’s finest coffee,” as its sign proclaims, the breakfast/ lunch favorite has been dishing up comfort food since 1923. If you wait for a food stop outside of the city, consider a fried chicken meal at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in suburban Willowbrook or White Fence Farm in Romeoville, both filled with Route 66 and other memorabilia. In Joliet, stop at Rich & Creamy for a cold treat or take a tour of the Old Joliet Prison , which appeared in The Blues Brothers movie. In Pontiac , Mother Road enthusiasts flock to the free-admission Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum and ogle classic cars at the PontiacOakland Automobile Museum . The place of pilgrimage for Route 66 fans in Bloomington-Normal is Ryburn Place , a vintage gas station turned gift shop. The town of Atlanta recently unveiled the
American Giants Museum, which chronicles the story of the 20-foot-tall fiberglass “Muffler Men” statues once used as advertising characters by automotive and other highway businesses. Several of these towering figures stand outside the museum.
Across the street is the Bunyon Giant , a fiberglass man holding a hot dog. Another great photo op awaits on Old Route 66 in the town of Lincoln, where a statue of Abraham Lincoln sits in the driver’s seat of the Railsplitter Covered Wagon , the world’s largest covered wagon.
Springfield’s newest Mother Road attraction is the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience, an outdoor walk-through exhibit highlighting businesses and attractions, past and present, in 92 Illinois communities.
For lunch in Springfield, stop at Cozy Dog Drive In , famous for its cornmealbattered hot dog on a stick and loaded with Route 66 lore. Or eat at Motorheads Bar & Grill with its huge collection of vintage advertising and automotivethemed memorabilia. Motorheads’ towering Route 66 shield sign and the Fairgrounds’ installations were done by Springfield’s family-owned Ace Sign Company , which offers free guided tours of its plant/museum.
Litchfield takes pride in the Ariston Cafe , a fine restaurant that’s been around since 1924. Or grab a bite at nearby
Jubelt’s Bakery & Restaurant , a homey cafe on Old Route 66.
The neighboring Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center salutes local businesses that flourished during the roadway’s heyday.
In Livingston, a giant pink elephant visible from I-55, plus other larger-thanlife sculptures, beckons wayfarers to Pink Elephant Antique Mall , housed in a former high school. Next door is the 1950s-style Twistee Treat Diner , whose whimsical ice cream cone-shaped building whets your appetite for burgers, fries and ice cream creations.
West End Service Station in Edwardsville served Route 66 motorists for nearly four decades and recently was transformed into a visitor information center with attractive displays on the road’s lore.
In nearby Granite City, the past comes to life at It’s Electric Neon Sign Park , where three restored neon signs from local businesses, plus two large murals, celebrate the town’s place on America’s Mother Road. The signs are turned on from dusk to dawn.
At the Mississippi River in Madison, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge marks the end of Route 66 in Illinois. Built in 1929, it is one of the world’s longest bicycle and pedestrian bridges and is open for vehicular traffic during special events. IL
The famous Route 66 mural in Pontiac often draws a crowd.
Photo courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism
MAGNIFICENT ARCHITECTURE IN CHICAGO AND BEYOND
Influenced heavily by Frank Lloyd Wright, Illinois is home to a variety of great architectural attractions
By Erin Karasewski
Home to one of the best skylines in the world, Chicago’s architecture will leave any visitor in awe. And Chicago isn’t the only place in Illinois that offers worldclass building designs. Northern Illinois is a haven for architecture enthusiasts, offering a treasure trove of stunning structures and architectural tours that will captivate any group. Here are some fascinating destinations for groups to visit.
CHICAGOLAND AREA
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) features a collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions that highlight architectural creativity, innovation, and the cultural significance of the city’s architectural designs. Visitors can check out the iconic Chicago City Model (which features more than 4,000 buildings and interactive elements that tell amazing stories of the city) and attend workshops and panels hosted at the center. Through the center, your group has more than 80 different tours to choose from. Most famous though is the CAC River Cruise , aboard the First Lady. It was voted the best boat tour in the country by USA Today. The 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago’s majestic buildings and is led by the Chicago Architecture Center’s expertly trained volunteers. Even Chicago natives rave about the rich history and stunning views seen from the First Lady.
DISCOVER CHICAGO’S ICONIC ARCHITECTURE BY WATER
Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill-seeker, or just looking for a relaxing way to take in Chicago’s architectural wonders, City
Cruises has the perfect cruise for you. Its exclusive range of architectural boat tours offers something for every type of traveler, showcasing the best of the city’s skyline and historic buildings from the unique vantage point of the water.
For those looking to elevate their experience, indulge in the Premier Plus Chicago Architectural Brunch or Lunch Cruises. Enjoy a chef-curated menu of plated breakfast or lunch options while cruising along the Chicago River in comfort, with stunning views of Chicago’s most famous landmarks like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Old Chicago Post Office. Complete with bottomless mimosas, a fully stocked cash bar, light architectural narration, and a masterful DJ, this experience combines gourmet dining with spectacular views of the city’s magnificent skyline.
For an adrenaline rush, try the Seadog Architectural Cruise with Speedboat Ride. Perfect for those who love excitement and a quick pace, this thrilling ride takes you through the Chicago Harbor Locks and
the city’s iconic skyscrapers at top speed. As you cruise along the Chicago River and whiz across shores of Lake Michigan, enjoy fascinating narration about the city’s architectural history.
OAK PARK AND KANKAKEE
A short distance from Chicago resides Oak Park, the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway The museum is an ideal place to begin exploring the author’s life and work and itself is an architectural wonder, known as a Queen Anne home. If you have any literature fanatics in your group, this museum recognizing one of the most influential writers of American literature is a must see.
Also in Oak Park is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio. Wright lived and worked in Oak Park for 20 years, developing the Prairie Style architectural design. Oak Park has the largest collection of Wright-designed buildings and the Home and Studio and Unity Temple are open daily for tours.
Another one of Wright’s well-known designs is located in Kankakee, about an hour south of Oak Park. The B. Harley Bradley House is an iconic example of his Prairie Style. Since its construction, this large residential building has served as a home, office complex, and even an internationally acclaimed restaurant. Fully restored in 2005 with almost all original art glass windows intact, it was converted into a public museum in 2010.
CHICAGO SOUTHLAND
If your group has more time or is trying to see all of what Northern Illinois has to offer, the southern part of the city
Chicago River boat tour
and its suburbs hosts a treasure trove of architectural gems.
Blue Island is home to the Joshua P. Young House. This unassuming two-story house was the home for one of the most influential people in the development of the Southern part of Chicago. Young played key roles in land, housing, and railroad developments.
The house was built prior to 1850 by Carlton Wadhams, designer of the American House Hotel in Blue Island in 1844.
Your group can also make its way to Pullman, which is home to the Pullman National Historical Park National Park Service Visitor Center and Pullman State Historic Site’s Car Works grounds. A story of perseverance, preservation, and pride, the park tells the journey of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States, the sleeping car magnate who helped create it, and the workers who lived in the carefully designed community surrounding the Car Works.
Pullman is significant for its architectural influence on urban planning and design. Visitors can see the 1881 Pullman Car Works, the heart of this historic planned industrial community, and take part in scheduled tours offered by several historic preservation groups.
Here are a few more stops south of Chicago for the architectural inclined group travelers:
• Peotone’s Windmill (Peotone, 45 minutes south of Chicago), a full-size Dutch-style windmill built in 1872. This is a free tour for the group that’ll take about an hour or two. Donations are always welcome.
• George R. Thorne Summer House (Midlothian, 30 minutes south of Chicago). The architect, Howard Van Doren Shaw, was well known among Chicago’s social elite and was considered a master at adapting historical styles to the design of American Homes.
CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE
In Evanston, you’ll find the marvelous mansion of former U.S. Vice President, the Charles Gates Dawes House. The chateaulike home is located adjacent to Lake Michigan and has been dubbed a National Historic Landmark. It’s been restored to its 1920s origins and has enhanced exhibits focusing on Evanston history. The Evanston History Center operates walking tours throughout its surrounding neighborhoods featuring homes built by the famed architect Daniel Burnham.
One of the most fascinating architectural buildings in the Chicagoland area, located in Wilmette, is the Bahá’í House of Worship, designed by French-Canadian architect Louis Bourgeois, is one of 13 in the world, and the only one located in North America. Construction began in 1912 but due to several delays, the temple wasn’t completed until 1953. To convey the Bahá’í principle of the unity of religion, Bourgeois (with design feedback from ’Abdu’l-Bahá) incorporated a variety
of religious architecture and symbols. The temple is open to the public and is used as a devotional space for people of any faith.
Just north of these two sites, the group will find the Writers Theatre in Glencoe. Founded in 1992, its new center was designed by the Jeanne Gang and Studio Gang Architects. The Theatre’s deliberately intimate performances bring audiences faceto-face with powerful stories from classics to contemporary works.
In nearby Skokie, the group can find the third largest Holocaust museum in the world. The Illinois Holocaust Museum was designed by renowned Chicago architect, Stanley Tigerman. You can step into an authentic German rail car, visit galleries and immerse yourself in the interactive, holographic Survivor Stories Experience, and travel through history while exploring life before, during, and after the Holocaust.
CHICAGO’S WESTERN SUBURBS
A must see visit to Chicagoland is a stop at Chicago Tribune Founder Robert R
McCormick’s estate in Wheaton/DuPage County. The park and the Greek Revival-style home offers mansion tours that are based on the history of Chicago Tribune, Colonel McCormick’s role in WWI and the interesting people who stayed there over the years. Visitors will be delighted with the garden’s beauty, history and culture. Don’t miss the First Division Military Museum directly in the park. Save time for a round of golf at a top course on the 27-holes managed by Kemper Sports.
ROCKFORD
If your group has time, in Rockford, under two hours west, resides another architectural site that is a must see. The Laurent House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house that is wheelchair accessible and one of 11 hemicycle Usonians in Wright’s portfolio.
Whether you’re touring grand skyscrapers, elegant Beaux-Arts buildings, or Wright’s distinctive organic designs, Chicago and beyond offers an unforgettable journey for group travelers through architectural history. IL
Hidden gems await in Lake County, Illinois
Create a truly memorable experience for your customers with a completely customizable tour like our Hidden Treasures, Country Pleasures itinerary. From restaurants seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives to the Sanfilippo Estate to the Sock Monkey Museum and beyond, we’ll craft an unforgettable tour tailored just for your group. Let’s start planning! Email Jayne@LakeCounty.org or call 847-662-3993.
Wandering Tree Estate
Sock Monkey Museum
Chicago Botanic Garden
Sanfilippo Estate
Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie
HIDDEN GEMS OF ILLINOIS
Spice up your itineraries with off-the-radar treasures found in every corner of the state
By Randy Mink
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Chicago.
Photo courtesy of Abel Arciniega
Some of Illinois’ most intriguing attractions are often overlooked in favor of the obvious crowdpleasers. Trips that veer off the beaten path give tour members a chance to make fresh discoveries. Here are just a few of the gems awaiting travelers in the Prairie State’s four tourism regions:
CHICAGO AND BEYOND
Illinois Railway Museum, Union. A few miles off of I-90, this outdoor museum in McHenry County boasts the largest collection of historic railway equipment in America. Several large exhibit barns are packed with antique railcars, including restored Pullman sleeping and dining cars. Guests can board the electric streetcar next to the 50th Avenue ‘L’ station for a ride up to the 1851 East Union Depot, where on summer weekends they can transfer to a main line steam or diesel train for a clickety-clackety roundtrip that takes 35-45 minutes.
Sanfilippo Place de la Musique, Barrington Hills. This museum, housed in a majestic French Second Empire building on the Sanfilippo family’s private estate, showcases the world’s largest collection of restored automatic musical instruments, including music boxes and phonographs, coin-operated pianos, violin machines, and fairground and band organs and calliopes. It also boasts the world’s largest indoor theater pipe organ, arcade and gambling machines, and other mechanical marvels. The spectacular European salon carousel, with a carved, lit-up facade measuring 89’ wide by 42’ tall, possesses 36 horses, several gondolas and chariots, and a spinning lovers tub that all turn around to the sounds of a Gavioli band organ.
Chocolate & Lucy is a new day trip idea inspired by The Making of the I Love Lucy Show. Start with a chocolate factory tour at the Long Grove Confectionery Co. Remember the Lucy & Ethel candy factory episode? Next, visit a restaurant with a Lucy-themed lunch with foods inspired by the show. Then, head over to the stateof-the-art theatre in University Center of Lake County for a one-hour presentation on The Lucy Show by humorist Todd Hunt. Followed by a wine tasting to remember Lucy’s grape stomping antics. Fisher Nuts Store, Elgin. Tour groups love shopping stops, especially when they can bag bargains. Some of the monthly specials are simply irresistible at this store next to the John B. Sanfilippo & Son nut-processing factory, right off of I-90, less than an hour from Chicago. The whole line of Fisher products is available, as are generous free samples.
Billy Graham Center Museum, Wheaton. Located on the campus of Wheaton College in west suburban Chicago, this museum chronicles the history of Christian evangelism in America and spotlights the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, a 1943 graduate of the college. Videos recall Graham’s Gospel-spreading campaigns in Los Angeles, New York, London and elsewhere.
B.A.P.S. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett. The largest Hindu temple in America dazzles visitors with its luminescent pinnacles, exotic domes and photogenic fountains and gardens. The exhibition Understanding Hinduism sheds light on a religion practiced by one of every seven of the world’s people.
Charles Gates Dawes House, Evanston. Reminiscent of a French chateau, this magnificent 1894 mansion overlooking Lake Michigan was the home of the 30th U.S. vice president, who served under Calvin Coolidge in the 1920s. It has 25 rooms, including a cherry-paneled library, a vaulted dining room with a musicians’ gallery, six bedrooms and 12 fireplaces.
Chicago Ethnic Museums. While big, worldclass museums like the Museum of Science & Industry, Field Museum and Art Institute of Chicago grab most of the attention, smaller museums focus on groups that have contributed to the city’s ethnic diversity. Among them are the Polish Museum of America, Swedish American Museum, Ukrainian National Museum, Chinese American Museum of Chicago, DuSable Black History Museum and National Museum of Puerto Rican Art and Culture.
Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette. Better known as the Bahá’í Temple, this landmark along the Lake Michigan shoreline in north suburban Chicago was the first Bahá’í place of worship in the Western Hemisphere (completed in 1953) and is one of only 13 in the world. Crowned with a lacey white 135-foot-high dome, it, like all Bahá’í temples, is circular, has nine sides and is surrounded by fountains and gardens.
Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie. The third-largest Holocaust museum in the world is dedicated to teaching the universal lessons of the Holocaust, inspiring all ages to take a stand against hatred, prejudice and indifference. Travel through history as you explore life before, during and after the evils perpetrated by the Nazi regime across Europe. Step into an authentic German rail car and visit impressive galleries filled with artifacts.
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Joy Morton from the Morton Salt Company’s family motto was “Plant Trees.” The Morton Arboretum is now a living museum with an engaging 1,700-acre garden that protects trees and other woody plants from around the world. Enjoy the Maze
Garden, art installations, 17 miles of walking and accessible trails, nine miles of roads, or a guided tram tour.
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe. This horticultural wonderland encompasses 27 gardens and four natural areas situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. Climb a waterfall garden, find hidden rooms inside an English walled garden, and discover a garden with trains chugging across bridges and trestles.
Chicago Temple, Chicago. Across from City Hall in the Loop, the First United Methodist Church, better known as the Chicago Temple, offers tours of the Sky Chapel, a lofty perch under the spire of the 568-foot-tall Neo-Gothic skyscraper, the tallest church building in the world. The chapel is a gift from the Walgreen family in memory of Charles R. Walgreen, the founder of Walgreen’s drug stores.
The Chopping Block, Chicago. It’s been around for 28 years, but many group travel planners may not be aware of this cooking school in the North Side’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. Groups that book a hands-on cooking party have fun trying out their kitchen skills as they chop, mix and cook their way to a gourmet feast, all while enjoying the satisfaction of teamwork and sense of accomplishment.
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, Dixon. Tours are available of the two-story home on Hennepin Avenue where the future president of the United States lived with his parents and brother from 1920-1923. The nearby Northwest Territory Historic Center is a converted 1908 school building
Illinois Railway Museum in Union.
Photo courtesy of Bob Weder/Illinois Railway Museum
with a President Reagan History Room, a collection of original Reagan movie posters and the restored sixth grade classroom of “Dutch” Reagan. A half hour away in Tampico is Ronald Reagan Birthplace & Museum, where groups can tour the apartment where Reagan was born in 1911.
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford. One of the top Japanese gardens in America, this 12-acre oasis of streams, waterfalls, winding pathways and koi-filled ponds features two gardens, a pond-strolling garden and the contemporary Garden of Reflection. Guided group tours are available.
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, University Park. Located on the campus of Governors State University in south suburban Chicago, the “Nate,” as it’s colloquially known, features 30 masterworks of large-scale sculptures across a beautiful prairie landscape. Free of charge and open 365 days a year, it was voted #1 Best Sculpture Park by USA Today Readers’ Choice. Railfan Viewing Sites, Chicago Southland. South suburban Chicago is one of the most densely packed railroad regions in the United States, making it a top destination for rail buffs. Check out the Blue Island Double Diamond or Dolton Junction, or watch trains go by from the Homewood Railroad Viewing Platform or the Park Forest Railfan Park.
Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios, Crete. This family business has been around more than 50 years. View artists working with hot glass and shop for hand-blown vases, bowls, sculptures and lamps.
Vintage Purse Museum, Manteno. This new museum, employing special needs adults, showcases thousands of vintage fashions including purses, dresses, hats, and shoes, along with nostalgic comic book, Barbie and World War II exhibits. Opening to the general public soon and ready for group tours now, it is housed in a 1920s building once used for the administrative offices of a hospital, then a bank.
LAND OF LINCOLN
Allerton Park & Retreat Center, Monticello. A treasure trove of art and nature, this sprawling estate and woodland area was donated to the University of Illinois by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton. More than 50 statues and other artworks are scattered throughout the formal gardens and hiking trails. The mansion’s first floor is available for public viewing, and private tours of the estate can be arranged for a fee.
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lerna. While the Abraham Lincoln sites in Springfield are top-tier tourist attractions, this working farmstead south of Charleston provides insights into the famous Illinoisan’s family history. A two-room cabin replicates the 1840s home of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, the future president’s father and stepmother. The site offers a variety of interpretive programs, as does the adjacent Stephen Sargent Farm, which was moved to that location to broaden understanding of 19th century rural life in Illinois.
Lincoln Heritage Museum, Lincoln. Groups can see a rare collection of artifacts relating to Abraham Lincoln’s days in Illinois and the Civil War. Besides the first-floor exhibit area, the 75-minute high-tech “Immersion Tour” upstairs features a series of audio-visual displays equipped with captivating graphics. The current exhibit on Mary Lincoln, Clouds and Darkness Surround Us, includes many items owned by the Lincoln family, including a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair and Mrs. Lincoln’s jewelry, mourning fan and handbag. Casey, Illinois. Located off of I-70 in eastcentral Illinois, the town of Casey (pronounced “KZ”) is worth a stop for picture-taking at the World’s Largest Barber Pole, World’s Largest Rocking Chair and other supersized roadside attractions. Climb up into the World’s Largest Mailbox or ring the World’s Largest Wind Chime. Have lunch at Richards Farm Restaurant, home to the 60-foot-long World’s Largest Pitchfork.
GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY
Spinach Can Collectibles, Chester. See rare Popeye the Sailor Man artwork and other memorabilia at this museum/souvenir shop. Visitors to Chester, hometown of the cartoon character’s creator, E.C. Segar, will also find murals, picture cut-outs and statues depicting Popeye and friends.
Fort Defiance State Park, Cairo. At Illinois’ southernmost tip you can climb a concrete observation tower and look out over the point where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi. Cairo’s top tourist attraction is Magnolia Manor, a grand Victorian brick house built in 1869.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville. The largest pre-Columbian site north of Mexico preserves the remnants of a city of 20,000 people and more than 70 of the original 120+ mounds, some built for religious ceremonies, others for burials. Cahokia, inhabited from A.D. 700 to 1400, peaked from 1050 to 1200 and flourished as one of North America’s most complex civilizations.
Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Bishop Hill. A number of historically significant buildings, including Colony Church, remain from the utopian religious community founded in 1846 by a Swedish pietist and his followers. The Bishop Hill Museum offers an orientation video. Several shops provide the opportunity to see artisans at work, and the general store sells specialty foods and other imports from Sweden.
TRAILS TO ADVENTURE
Super Museum, Metropolis. This small Ohio River city is the “Home of Superman.” Its shrine to the TV, movie and comic book hero contains one of the world’s largest collections of Superman memorabilia—from toys, food products and lunch boxes to movie posters, paintings and statues, and props and costumes from the old TV show. A 15-foot-tall bronze statue of Superman stands by the Massac County Courthouse.
Giant City State Park, Makanda. Nestled in Shawnee National Forest, the park draws hikers eager to squeeze through the narrow passageways threading the massive sandstone walls lining mile-long Giant City Nature Trail. Giant City Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, awes first-time visitors with its massive white oak timbers and sandstone blocks.
Illinois Rural Heritage Museum, Pinckneyville. Two cavernous buildings house an outstanding collection of farming implements and other antiques. Catch a demonstration of the rope-making machine, learn about coal mining, see a lard kettle and sausage stuffer, and admire a farmhouse, general store, and doctor and dentist offices from way back when. IL
Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
LAND OF LINCOLN,
LAND OF GHOSTS
Haunted places to visit in Central Ilinois
By Justine Leavitt
Do you dare to visit the haunted places in Illinois? Beyond the Land of Lincoln’s presidential past lies a darker history of otherworldly tales—suitable for the most adventurous of travel groups. With eerie mansions, haunted theaters, and spectral sightings, there is no limit to spooky destinations in the Prairie State.
The statue at Abraham Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield is a popular photo spot.
DECATUR: TREACHEROUS TOURS
Decatur has suffered mysterious encounters that cloak the city in secrets. But visitors and tour guides have joined together to uncover the city’s ghostly secrets. One of the best Illinois ghost tours is Haunted Decatur Tours. Led by renowned historian Troy Taylor, this three-to-four–hour tour has become a staple for travel groups. Travelers will visit a variety of haunted hotspots, including old cemeteries, abandoned buildings, and crime scenes that have left a lasting mark on the city’s history.
Another frightening highlight is the Lincoln Square Theater. This historic venue has hosted performers for over a century, but its ghostly residents are just as famous. Reports of apparition sightings, cold spots, and disembodied voices make this a mustsee for paranormal enthusiasts.
JACKSONVILLE: HAUNTS
Illinois College was founded in 1829 and is believed to have several haunted
buildings on campus. Sturtevant Hall and Beecher Hall are two locations where people have reported footsteps, strange noises and apparitions. According to talk around campus, Beecher Hall was once a medical building and the top floor was a space for storing cadavers. Another haunted spot is The Smith House, which is said to be haunted by its original owner’s daughter, Effie, around whom many campus legends have been told. Whipple Hall is known to be the home to a Gray Ghost who has no face. Crampton Hall, the McGaw building and the Rammelkamp Chapel are also on the long list of Illinois College’s haunted places.
JOLIET: CURSED THEATERS
Are you a fan of murder mystery? The Old Joliet Prison is steeped in tragedy. In 1915, the wife of the prison’s warden was murdered on-site. Beloved by the inmates and nicknamed the Angel of Joliet, her death led to riots as prisoners sought justice. However, the murderer was never
discovered. Due to its cryptic background, the prison is one of the top haunted attractions in Illinois for group visits. If you’re interested in ghost hunting in Illinois, your group has to stop at the nearby Rialto Square Theatre. Built in 1926, it’s said to be haunted by the spirits of former performers and tragic souls who died within the theatre’s walls. Some claim the theatre is one of the most haunted places in Illinois.
SPRINGFIELD: SHADOWS
The Land of Lincoln plays host to countless spirits—the most famous being the man who inspired the name. At Oak Ridge Cemetery, visitors have long reported sightings of a tall, shadowy figure believed to be Abraham Lincoln himself, silently watching over his tomb.
While the president is certainly the most famous, he’s not the only spirit who calls Springfield home. A governor’s wife haunts the Illinois Executive Mansion, a vindictive actor terrorizes visitors of the Legacy Theatre, and a family of ghosts still calls the Dana House home. With so many spooky destinations in Illinois, we’ve shared a few of the city’s spine-tingling tours to make ghost hunting easy.
• Springfield Ghosts: For a shorter tour with a more set schedule, take an hourlong visit to some of Springfield’s most chilling spirits.
• Springfield Hauntings: With 25 years of research, the hosts of Springfield Hauntings could be considered expert ghost hunters. This two-hour tour features surprise destinations and dark tales that will leave you petrified.
• Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Join this 90-minute lantern-lit 10 block walking tour that uses the Lincoln sites as the backdrop for strange and bizarre stories surrounding Lincoln’s life and his death. Among the stops include the Old Capitol Plaza, where you can learn about his final visit to his law office, the phantom footsteps and cigar smoke and his funeral in the old capitol.
Whether you’re a believer or not, it’s time to test your paranormal suspicions. Book a group tour of the haunted places in Illinois and see what you find. IL
Discover Champaign-Urbana’s unforgettable group experiences.
Rich Midwestern agriculture. Sprawling European estates. African American legacies. Amish Country heritage. Oh, and Alaskan reindeer kisses.
TRAILS TO ADVENTURE
WINERY AND CRAFT BEER TRAILS
Explore the best vineyards and breweries of Southern Illinois, from scenic wine trails to unique beer loops, for a flavorful adventure
By Billy Stampfl
Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda
Southern Illinois is a first-class destination for those who appreciate fine wine and craft beer. This region is home to an array of wineries and breweries that offer unique experiences, from scenic trails to vibrant tasting rooms. Whether you’re sipping wine by the lake or enjoying a cold brew after an outdoor adventure, Southern Illinois is the perfect destination for lovers of fine spirits.
SENSATIONAL SPIRITS
Southern Illinois is home to an array of wineries and breweries, and the Carlyle Lake region offers some of the most unique options for visitors. Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston, one of the largest wineries in the area, spans 92 acres and features guest cabins, event venues, and a banquet center. The winery sits on land known as “Silent Forest,” tied to local folklore about a bootlegger who produced whiskey there in the early 1900s. Guests can enjoy tastings and even bring their dogs.
Nearby Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery in Carlyle provides a distinctive experience inspired by South African lodges. Founded in 2008, it has grown from a small tasting room into a full-service establishment featuring fruit wines, an open-air bar, banquet facilities, sand volleyball courts, and live entertainment. Visitors can relax with handcrafted wines while enjoying beautiful sunsets.
Meanwhile, Twelve Oaks Vineyard in Carlyle, established in 2015, carries a family legacy spanning four generations. Known for its award-winning wines, the vineyard provides an intimate setting for tastings. Crooked Creek Winery is similarly intimate: situated in Centralia, it is a first-generation winery and horse farm that embraces community and adventure.
TOP-OF-THE-LINE WINERIES
What started with just three wineries in 1995 has grown to a trail of 12 individual wineries showcasing a variety of awardwinning wine styles and unique experiences.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a mustsee in Southern Illinois, offering a delightful journey through 12 award-winning wineries. Stretching across a 35-mile scenic drive along highways 127 and 51, this trail winds through the stunning Shawnee National Forest. Along the way, visitors can enjoy picturesque picnic spots, peaceful hikes,
charming shops, and inviting B&Bs or cabins for a perfect overnight stay.
All 12 award-winning wineries are just a few minutes from each other. Enjoy 12 unique and different wineries on a day trip or spread out over a long weekend. Several of the wineries serve sandwiches to full meals. Most wineries offer picnic areas for you to bring along picnic baskets and enjoy your lunch or snacks with an award-winning southern Illinois wine. Many wineries host special events during the summer and fall, and the winter passport program offers exciting incentives to visit during January and February.
As you make your way from winery to winery, take time to explore the nearby small towns, local eateries, unique shops, and various outdoor adventures that await. Each winery along the trail offers its own character and charm, inviting you to cozy up in their tasting rooms and savor the local wines that are produced with pride.
At Blue Sky Vineyards, enjoy several wine festivals and other events every year and enjoy a visit with alpacas at nearby Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch. The deck at StarView Vineyard has views of the vineyards, Southern Illinois hills and a pond filled with Koi & turtles visitors can feed; and the tasting room has a gift shop and art gallery that
displays a collection of photographs and mosaics by local artists.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, in Southern Illinois is home to even more fantastic wineries, such as Alto Vineyards, Von Jakob Winery, Honker Hill and Owl Creek Vineyard— all along the trail. For those looking to go off the beaten path, Hogg Hollow Winery, Walker’s Bluff, and Cache River Basin Winery provide additional exceptional wine experiences. There are also several antique shops and orchards along the way, and lodging is available at Blue Sky, the Peach Barn Winery as well as several other inns, cottages and cabin rentals.
BREWERIES GALORE
The Southern Illinois Beer Trail is a mustvisit for craft beer enthusiasts, featuring 21 breweries stretching from Alton to Cobden. The trail is divided into three scenic loops, each offering a unique experience. The Red loop includes popular stops like The Old Bakery Beer, Recess Brewing, Excel Brewing, Peel Brewing Co., 4204 Main Street Brewing, and Old Herald Brewery & Distillery. The Blue loop brings you to Stumpy’s Spirits Distillery, Stubborn German Brewing, Hopskeller Brewing, Lieferbrau Brewery, White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery, and Millpond Brewing.
Enjoy some of the finest wines in the state on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Finally, the Green loop showcases Route 51 Brewing, The Hop Brewery, Big Muddy Brewing, Molly’s Pint Brewpub, Apple Knocker Hard Cider, St. Nicholas Brewing, and St. Nicholas Landmark. With so many fantastic breweries to explore, you’ll want to plan your route and see how many you can visit.
The town of Carbondale, home to Southern Illinois University, is another beer lover’s haven. Nearby boasts a range of top-notch breweries, including Route 51 Brewery, St. Nicholas Brewing Company , and Big Muddy Brewing , each putting forth a distinct take on craft beer and a welcoming atmosphere.
And for a unique beer experience, don’t miss Scratch Brewing Company , a farmhouse brewery located just five miles from the Shawnee National Forest in Ava, Illinois. Recognized by Outside Magazine as one of the top four breweries for foraged beer, Scratch Brewing Company specializes in farmhouse ales brewed with homegrown, locally foraged ingredients. With an ever-rotating selection of flavors enhanced by nettle, elderberry, ginger,
dandelion, and more, it’s a perfect stop for those seeking innovation and a beautiful place to enjoy a beer.
A PLACE FOR ENTHUSIASTS
Southern Illinois is an incredible blend of wine and beer experiences, making it a prime destination for beverage enthusiasts. From
the scenic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail to the diverse Southern Illinois Beer Trail, the region showcases unique local flavors and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine at a charming winery or savoring a craft beer at a local brewery, Southern Illinois promises unforgettable moments and a taste of the region’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. IL
Moccasin Creek Festival
Southern Illinois’ many wineries and breweries are perfect destinations for group tours.
LEGACY ILLINOIS’ UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Illuminating historic sites and stories of courage from the Land of Lincoln’s role in the fight for freedom
By Billy Stampfl
The Underground Railroad—the resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, lasting through the end of the Civil War—refers to the efforts of enslaved African Americans to gain their freedom by escaping bondage. Wherever slavery existed, there were efforts to escape. Initially, many fled to communities in remote or rugged terrain, but over time, these routes extended across state and international borders.
These acts of self-emancipation labeled slaves as “fugitives,” “escapees,” or “runaways,” but in retrospect, “freedom seeker” is a more
Cheney Mansion in Jerseyville featured a basement with a false cistern where slaves were hidden.
accurate description. While many began their journey unaided and completed their self-emancipation without assistance, each subsequent decade of legal slavery in the U.S. saw an increase in organized efforts to help escapees.
This piece explores Illinois’ significant role in this collective process—the Underground Railroad—from early routes in the state’s southern regions to key stops in cities like Alton, Galesburg, and Peoria. Historic sites, museums, and monuments stand today as powerful reminders of these daring journeys and the individuals who risked everything for liberty.
HISTORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN ILLINOIS
The Underground Railroad in Illinois played a vital role in the network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Illinois and Mississippi Rivers provided natural pathways, with the secret network
stretching from the southern part of the state up to Chicago and beyond.
One of the most important routes followed the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which traces the Mississippi River. Freedom seekers traveled along the river, using its bends and hidden pockets as cover. Many early Underground Railroad locations were established in Southern Illinois, where abolitionists and free Black communities provided refuge.
DEEP-ROOTED DESTINATIONS
Throughout Illinois, numerous historic sites provide a glimpse into the Underground Railroad’s legacy. These destinations preserve the stories of those who risked everything in the fight for freedom.
ALTON
The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau offers Underground Railroad shuttle tours, highlighting Alton’s key role. Visitors can explore sites such as Rocky
Fork Church and Alton Cemetery, learning about abolitionists and civil rights leaders who helped shape the region’s history. Tours incorporate storytelling and music to bring the past to life. Groups can also visit the Lovejoy Memorial in Alton City Cemetery. This commemorates the life and contributions of abolitionist newspaper editor Elijah P. Lovejoy, who was killed by a mob while defending his printing press at Alton on November 7, 1837.
JERSEYVILLE
Historic Cheney Mansion is a place where escaping slaves would wait for passage further north. In the basement, there is a false cistern where slaves were hidden, which served as a station for the Underground Railroad.
GALESBURG
At Knox College’s Alumni Hall, the Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a testament to Galesburg’s abolitionist history. Founded in 1837 by
Photo courtesy of Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois
The Hamilton Primary School in Otterville, built in 1835, was the first free and integrated school in the United States.
anti-slavery advocate George Washington Gale, the town was notable for its widespread opposition to slavery. The Galesburg Colony Underground Railroad Freedom Station at Knox College is recognized by the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program and features exhibits documenting the region’s role in the movement. Additionally, the city played a key role in the Lincoln-Douglas debates, where issues of slavery and freedom were hotly contested. Visitors can also explore Hope Cemetery, where notable abolitionists are buried, further connecting the city’s historical significance to the antislavery movement.
PEORIA
Elmwood, near Peoria, was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad. The Phelps barn, a well-documented refuge, still stands as a symbol of hope. In downtown Peoria, Preston Jackson’s sculpture Knockin’ on Freedom’s Door commemorates the city’s Underground Railroad history, marking the site of the former Pettengill House, an essential station in the network.
PRINCETON
The Lovejoy Homestead, a National Historic Landmark, was a sanctuary for escapees in the 1800s. Princeton’s rich Underground Railroad history extends along the Illinois River Scenic Byway, offering visitors a glimpse into the landscapes that provided safe passage for many freedom seekers. The Owen Lovejoy Homestead, named after the abolitionist minister and congressman, features a hidden compartment used to shelter freedom seekers. Visitors can tour the house and hear accounts of Lovejoy’s defiant stance against pro-slavery forces. Additionally, Princeton’s location along major migration routes allowed it to serve as a crucial midpoint, linking southern Illinois to northern destinations along the Underground Railroad.
QUAD CITIES
In the Quad Cities area, the Geneseo Historical Museum tells the story of Geneseo’s meaningful role in the Underground Railroad. This storied 1855 Italianate mansion served as a “safe house”
for enslaved individuals en route to Canada. Visitors can explore hidden passageways and secret rooms that once provided refuge to freedom seekers.
QUINCY
The Quincy Underground Railroad Museum, housed in the Dr. Richard Eells House, is one of the most significant documented sites in the country. Dr. Eells, a white physician and abolitionist, attempted to help an escapee named Charles but was prosecuted under Illinois law. The museum provides visitors with an opportunity to stand on the threshold where Charles once sought refuge.
Illinois played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, providing safe passage for freedom seekers and serving as a hub for abolitionist activity. From the river routes of Southern Illinois to the historic sites in Alton, Galesburg, Peoria, and beyond, the state’s legacy is preserved through museums, landmarks, and guided tours. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of those who bravely sought freedom, learning about the resilience and courage that defined this chapter in American history. Exploring these destinations offers a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of those who risked everything in pursuit of liberty. IL
Photo courtesy of Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois
The Elijah Lovejoy Monument in Alton commemorates the abolitionist, Elijah Lovejoy, who was killed by a pro-slavery mob in 1837.
Three Days on the Great River Road in Southwest Illinois
Hartford, Alton, Elsah, Dow, Grafton, Brussels
DAY 1
Begin your journey in Hartford, where you can step back in time at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site . This attraction commemorates the 1804 expedition and allows visitors to learn about the challenges the explorers faced as they set off to chart the western territories of the United States. The museum offers a variety of exhibits that detail the history of the expedition, including the role of local Native American tribes, the wildlife they encountered, and the tools they used. After exploring the historic site, enhance your knowledge even further at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower , located nearby. The tower stands at 180 feet tall and offers sweeping views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. On a clear day, you can
see for miles in every direction, making it a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.
Next, make your way to Alton, a charming city with a rich history tied to the Mississippi River. Once there, visit the National Great Rivers Museum , where you can hear about the river’s importance to the development of the region and the country. The museum is housed adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks & Dam , and you can take a guided tour to learn how the locks help manage river traffic and prevent flooding. More good news: a short drive away is the Robert Wadlow Statue , dedicated to the world’s tallest man. Standing at 8 feet 11 inches and born in Alton, Wadlow remains an iconic figure in the town. For dinner, head to Alton’s Bluff City Grill . This local favorite is known for its delicious chicken stingers and
Grafton Winery at The Vineyards
The Great River Road is one of the best rides in the country.
home-style cooking, offering a great introduction to the area’s hearty cuisine. Castelli’s at 255 is renowned for serving scrumptious fried chicken while also featuring a bar and patio.
DAY 2
Start your second day with a visit to Elsah , a charming village tucked along the Mississippi River. This small town is known for its well-preserved 19thcentury buildings and picturesque river views. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, and you can stop by the local shops or simply enjoy the scenery. If you’re interested in local craftsmanship, head to David Stine Furniture in Dow, where you can watch artisans create custom wood furniture. The showroom is filled with beautiful, handcrafted pieces, making it a great stop for those interested in craftsmanship and design.
Continue your journey to Grafton, a riverside town known for its wineries and outdoor beauty. At Grafton Winery at The Vineyards , you will enjoy a tour of the winery while learning about the wine-making process and sampling some of the region’s best options. The tasting room is a cozy environment with views of the vineyard and the river beyond, making it an ideal stop for wine enthusiasts. Afterward, trek over to Pere Marquette State Park , one of Illinois’ largest state parks, where you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River from the park’s scenic overlooks. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers to explore.
For dinner, try Aerie’s Resort , a Grafton gem where you can dine on the patio with a stunning view of the river. The resort boasts a diverse menu with options ranging from sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads, making it a great place for a relaxing meal after a day of exploration. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the view
DAY 3
The final day should begin with a relaxing Hakuna Matata Boat Cruise at Grafton Harbor. The 49-passenger boat offers open-air seating on the upper deck and enclosed seating on the middeck, perfect for a peaceful tour of the Mississippi River. Enjoy River Rambler cruises or themed Sunset and Wine cruises available in the spring, summer, and fall.
Next, head to the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge via Brussels Ferry. This wildlife haven sits at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, attracting over 200,000 waterfowl during migration. Take a walk on the levee trail or simply enjoy birdwatching from scenic overlooks. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and seasonal activities like canoeing.
Interested in nature-focused fun?
Visit TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow to explore this wildlife rehabilitation center. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this premier attraction offers a chance to learn about local animals and their rehabilitation efforts.
Finish your nature-filled day at the Audubon Center at Riverlands , a sanctuary along the Mississippi River Flyway. The center is an excellent spot for birdwatching, where you can observe over 60 percent of North America’s migratory bird species.
For a scrumptious meal to conclude
your Land of Lincoln travel experience, enjoy family-style dining at Wittmond Hotel in Brussels, where hearty, homecooked dishes are always on the menu. Alternatively, some prefer to indulge in fried chicken and comfort food at Pere Marquette Lodge Restaurant in Grafton.
Lincoln-Douglas Square in Alton.
WHERE THE MOTHER ROAD
Meetsthe River Road
Take a road trip like no other through the only place in America where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the scenic beauty of the Great River Road. Explore an electric Neon Sign Park, dine at historic roadside cafes, take a walk through the river bluffs and prairies and relax with a glass of locally crafted wine beside the Mighty Mississippi River. Your one-of-a-kind adventure begins at RiversandRoutes.com.
LAND OF LINCOLN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUS
CHICAGO & BEYOND
Aurora Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau
43 West Galena Blvd. Aurora, IL 60506-4129
630-256-3190 enjoyaurora.com
Chicago’s North Shore
Convention and Visitors Bureau
8833 Gross Point Road, Suite 307 Skokie, IL 60077
847-763-0011 visitchicagonorthshore.com
Choose Chicago
301 E. Cermak Road Chicago, IL 60616 312-567-8500 choosechicago.com
DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau 2500 N Annie Glidden Road Community Outreach Building Suite F DeKalb, IL 60115
815-756-1336 dekalbcountycvb.com
DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau
915 Harger Road, Suite 120 Oak Brook, IL 60523
630-575-8070 or 800-232-0502 discoverdupage.com
Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
60 S. Grove Avenue, 1st Floor Elgin, IL 60120
847-695-7540 or 855-515-7926 exploreelginarea.com
Greater Freeport Partnership (serves Stephenson County) 110 West Main St. Freeport, IL 61032
815-233-1350 greaterfreeport.com
Heritage Corridor Destinations
701 Essington Road, Suite 100 Joliet, IL 60435
844-944-2282 hcdestinations.com
Kankakee County
Convention and Visitors Bureau
275 E Court St. #102 Kankakee, IL 60901
815-935-7390 or 800-747-4837 visitkankakeecounty.com
Lake County, Illinois
Convention and Visitors Bureau 5465 W. Grand Avenue, Suite 100 Gurnee, IL 60031
847-662-2700 800-525-3699 visitlakecounty.org
Meet Chicago Northwest 1933 N. Meacham Road, Suite 210 Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-490-1010 or 800-847-4849 chicagonorthwest.com
Naturally McHenry County, Illinois 11879 E. Main Street Huntley, IL 60142
815-893-6280 naturallymchenrycounty.com
Rockford Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau
102 N. Main Street Rockford, IL 61101
815-963-8111 800-521-0849 gorockford.com
Rosemont Convention Bureau
9301 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Rosemont, IL 60018-5201
847-823-2100 rosemont.com
VisitNW Illinois
201 N. Franklin Avenue Polo, Illinois 61064 815-946-2108 visitnorthwestillinois.com
Visit Chicago Southland 19900 Governors Drive, Suite 200 Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1057
708-895-8200 or 888-895-8233 visitchicagosouthland. com
Visit Oak Park
1010 Lake Street, #104 Oak Park, IL 60301
708-524-7800 visitoakpark.com
GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY
Discover Downstate Illinois 4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, IL 62226
618-257-1488 www.downstateil.org
Galena Country Tourism 101 Bouthillier St. Galena, IL 61036 815-776-9200 visitgalena.org
Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau 2163 E. Main St. Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-2485 experiencegalesburg.com
Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau 200 Piasa St. Alton, IL 62002 618-465-6676 Riversandroutes.com
Henry County Tourism Bureau 224 W. Third Street Kewanee, IL 61443 309-761-8473 https://visithenryil.com/
Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 456 Fulton, Suite 300 Peoria, IL 61602 309-676-0303 or 800-747-0302 enjoypeoria.com
Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 532 Gardner Expressway Quincy, IL 62301 217-214-3700 or 800-978-4748 seequincy.com
Visit Quad Cities - Moline Visitor Center 1601 River Drive, Suite 110 Moline, IL 61265-1472 309-736-6828 800-747-7800 visitquadcities.com
Visit Unforgettable ForgottoniaMacomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 120 E. Calhoun St. Macomb, IL 61455 309-833-1315 visitforgottonia.com
LAND OF LINCOLN
Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 101 S. Madison St. Bloomington, IL 61701 309-665-0033 visitbn.org
Danville Area Visitors’ Bureau 100 W Main Street, Room 146 Danville, IL 61832 217-442-2096 or 800-383-4286 visitdanvillearea.com
Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 202 E. North Street Decatur, IL 62523-1129 217-423-7000 decaturcvb.com
Discover Downstate Illinois 4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, IL 62226 618-257-1488 www.downstateil.org
Experience Champaign Urbana 17 E. Taylor St. Champaign, IL 61820 217-351-4133 or 800-369-6151 experiencecu.org
Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 310 E. State St. Jacksonville, IL 62650-2030 217-243-5678 or 800-593-5678 jacksonvilleil.org
Logan County Tourism Bureau 101 N. Chicago St. Lincoln, IL 62656 217-732-8687 destinationlogancountyil.com
Shelbyville Illinois 315 E. Main Street Shelbyville, IL 62565 217-774-2244 or 800-874-3529 shelbyvilleillinois.net
Visit Effingham 201 E. Jefferson Ave. Effingham, IL 62401 217-342-5310 or 800-772-0750 visiteffinghamil.com
Visit Springfield Illinois 109 N. 7th Street Springfield, IL 62701 217-789-2360 or 800-545-7300 visitspringfieldillinois.com
Discover Downstate Illinois 4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, IL 62226 618-257-1488 www.downstateil.org
Mt. Vernon, IL Tourism 123 S. 10th St. Suite 503 Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0049 618-242-3151 enjoymtvernon.com
Rend Lake Area Tourism Council Campbell Government Building 901 Public Square PO Box 1544 Benton, Illinois 62812 630-360-1701 rendlake.com
Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Cottage #1 1000 N Main St. Anna, IL 62906-0378 618-833-9928 or 800-248-4373 southernmostillinois.com
visitSI
1602 Sioux Drive Marion, IL 62959 618-997-3690 or 800-433-7399 visitsi.com
Possibilities Uncov
TOUR CENTRAL ILLINOIS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS.
Central Illinois is brimming with a storied past waiting to be discovered — and in the Jacksonville area, these legends are more than just tall tales. Hear harrowing accounts of those escaping slavery on the Underground Railroad at sites like Woodlawn Farm and the ongoing fight for equality at the African American History Museum. Stand in the presence of our frontier origins at the Governor Duncan Mansion. Step through our history at the Jacksonville Area Museum and see how our most creative minds blossom under a Second Empire-style roof at the David Strawn Art Gallery. Plus, shop and nosh your way through shops, boutiques, and restaurants full of uncommon finds and delectable flavors. No matter how you define a successful trip for your group, creating new experiences comes as easily as discovering a bit of the past.
