2024 Illinois Group Planner

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Aquatic Adventures in Great Rivers Country Hit the rapids and hike the bluffs in picturesque Illinois

Route 66 to Turn 100

Illinois is gearing up to celebrate the centennial of America’s most famous highway

Group-Friendly ENJOYILLINOIS.COM

Tour Ideas

Uncover the

Possibilities 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.

• jacksonvilleil.org •

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 Great River Road. Meet a giant pink elephant, dine at historic roadside cafes, take a walk through haunted hotels and mansions and relax with a glass of locally crafted wine beside the Mighty Mississippi River.

Your one-of-a-kind road trip adventure begins at RiversandRoutes.com.

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Aquatic Adventures in Great Rivers Country Hit the rapids and hike the bluffs in picturesque Illinois

Route 66 to Turn 100

ON THE COVER

Illinois is gearing up to celebrate the centennial of America’s most famous highway

Even Honest Abe loves Springfield’s delicious dishes.

CONTENTS

(Photo courtesy of Visit Springfield Illinois)

Group-Friendly ENJOYILLINOIS.COM

Tour Ideas

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23 FEATURES

66 To Turn 100 • By Randy Mink 8 Route Illinois is gearing up to celebrate the centennial of America’s most famous highway

Made is an Art Form • By Heather Dale 11 Illinois Discover Illinois through its makers and shining

success stories as they continue to inspire the Land of Lincoln and far beyond

14 Wonderful Attractions in Chicago and Beyond • By Jason Paha

Plenty of alluring activities await your group

17 Beyond the Bean: Unexpected Surprises in Chicago and Beyond • By Jason Paha

Unleash your inner explorer in the Chicagoland area

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26 in Great 20 Excellent AquaticByAdventures Jason Paha Rivers Country •

Hit the rapids & hike the bluffs in this picturesque part of Illinois

23 The Best Small Group Adventures in Southern Illinois • By Sophia Divagno

These Trails to Adventure are full of great small group activities

26 Outstanding Agricultural Attractions in the Land of Lincoln • By Tinder Kiely

From pumpkin patches to petting zoos, there’s something for everyone in the agricultural heartland of Illinois

Photo courtesy of Riggs Farm

Photos courtesy of the illinois Office of Tourism

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Hello!

On behalf of the Illinois Office of Tourism, I look forward to welcoming you and your group to the Land of Lincoln! Whether you’re a repeat visitor or it’s your first time in Illinois, there’s always something new to discover.

As the Deputy Director of Tourism, I’m reminded daily that our state truly is the Middle of Everything. There’s something for everyone and so many incredible attractions for you and your group to experience. We have 64 State Parks, 7 Scenic Byways, 6 State Forests, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one National Forest all waiting to be explored. And that’s just the beginning!

Illinois rolled out the red carpet for more than 111 million visitors in 2022, with expenditures reaching $44 billion—an increase of $12 billion from 2021. A key industry for our great state, travelers generated a total economic impact of $78 billion in 2022 and supported 270,600 jobs. In the motorcoach industry, Illinois welcomes more than 4 million group tour visitors who generate over $3 billion in total economic impact each year.

We’re proud to showcase our many and varied offerings from all regions of the state. Chicago is a world-class city with award-winning restaurants, hotels, architecture, museums, and shopping, but the adventures don’t stop there. Illinois is also home to quaint small towns and unique communities, endless great outdoor experiences and scenic beauty, rich presidential history, classic Americana along historic Route 66, more than a hundred wineries and so much more.

Our Tour Illinois members are ready to assist as you plan a not-to-be-forgotten excursion. Visit TourIllinois.com to start your planning today. I would also invite you to get even more inspiration for your visit at EnjoyIllinois.com.

Yours in tourism partnership,

Learn more about Illinois group travel opportunities!

Daniel Thomas Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism

Illinois Group Tour Planner Editorial & Advertising Office

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede

Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com

lisa@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk

Published in Partnership with Tour Illinois, a committee of the Illinois Council of Convention & Visitors Bureaus

jeff@ptmgroups.com

Chief Editor

Jason Paha, jason@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Contributing Writers –

Heather Dale, heather@ptmgroups.com Tinder Kiely, Sophia Divagno

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2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com

Illinois Group Tour Planner is published by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

500 E. Monroe Springfield, IL 62701

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsi -bility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

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publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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ROUTE 66 TO TURN 100 Randy Mink photo

With eyes cast toward 2026, Illinois is gearing up to celebrate the centennial of America’s most famous highway

The restored Standard Oil service station in Odell dates from 1932.

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By Randy Mink Outdoors, visitors to the museum complex pose for photos in front of the giant Route 66 shield mural emblazoning the back wall of the 1900 building, once the city hall. Downtown Pontiac is decorated with 23 other artist-designed murals, including some dedicated to Route 66.

Classic car buffs in Pontiac will find much to their liking at the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum, which displays vintage Pontiac-brand cars and some of the Pontiac Buggy Company’s high-end Oakland models produced in the late 1920s and early ’30s.

The place of pilgrimage for Route 66 fans in Bloomington-Normal is Ryburn Place.

Formerly Sprague’s Super Service, the 1931 Tudor-Revival landmark survives as the largest of the few remaining two-story gas stations left on the old thoroughfare; the owner’s family and an attendant lived upstairs. The restored building functions today as a gift shop/information center.

In the Logan County town of Atlanta, the new American Giants Museum tells the story of the 20-foot-tall “Muffler Man” statues that once towered over automotive and other highway businesses. Exhibits in the replica of a 1960s Texaco gas station enlighten visitors about the California

company that made them, International Fiberglass. Outside, the museum is expected to have six of these rescued and restored advertising characters in time for the Route 66 centennial in 2026; at press time there was one in place.

Atlanta is the perfect place for the giants museum, as the town’s main landmark for many years has been the Bunyon Giant, a 19-foot-tall fiberglass man holding a hot dog. Known locally as Tall Paul, he once stood at Bunyon’s, a hot dog stand in Cicero, Illinois.

Lincoln, the seat of Logan County, hosts several photo-worthy Route 66 attractions. Railsplitter Covered Wagon is the largest covered wagon in the world, as recognized by the Guinness World Book of Records. Built in 2001, it typifies the kind of oversized attention-getters found on old Route 66. Sitting in the driver’s seat is a 12-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln as he might have appeared when traveling around the state as a circuit lawyer.

Photo opportunities in Lincoln also include the Tropics Restaurant Neon Sign, a magnificent replica complete with palm tree. Recalling a beloved institution that operated from 1950 until closing in 1997, the sign is best seen in the evening.

Randy Mink photo

ince its official commissioning on November 11, 1926, Route 66 has captured the imagination of adventureminded travelers. With the highway’s 100th anniversary coming up in two years, communities in Illinois and the other seven states along its path will be planning special events and polishing up their attractions for road trippers from around the world.

A pop culture icon immortalized in literature, music, TV shows, movies and other art forms, Route 66 symbolized freedom of the road for generations of travelers in the 20th century. Mom-andpop diners, drive-ins, kitschy roadside curiosities, cozy motels and friendly filling stations characterized this linear corridor that stretched some 2,400 miles between Lake Michigan in Chicago and the Pacific shores of California.

Charting a diagonal course through the country’s heartland, Route 66 was called the “Mother Road” and “Main Street of America,” Though it was replaced by superhighways decades ago, Historic Route 66 signs on local roads remind today’s motorists of its allure. You’ll see these brown-and-white markers in urban and rural areas all along Illinois’ 300 miles of Route 66.

In Joliet, less than an hour from downtown Chicago, new Route 66 exhibits at the Joliet Area Historical Museum and The First Hundred Miles Welcome Center provide a good introduction to the Mother Road and its first 100 miles. Nearby is the Rialto Square Theatre, an architectural jewel designed in 1926 as a vaudeville and movie palace and now a popular performing arts center featuring nationally known acts. The museum arranges tours of the castle-like Old Joliet Prison, a widely photographed site along Route 66 and filming location of the classic movie The Blues Brothers.

In Pontiac, about 60 miles southwest of Joliet, Mother Road enthusiasts flock to the free-admission Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, a repository of memorabilia celebrating the people and businesses that served motorists on the historic highway.

Upstairs, visitors will find rooms with exhibits on 1940s nostalgia, Civil War music and the Titanic, plus the Livingston County War Museum.

One of the best photo ops on Route 66 is this monumental mural in Pontiac.

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Photo courtesy of Visit Springfield

Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience

Randy Mink photo

The Mill Museum and Gift Shop on 66, also in Lincoln, occupies a former restaurant that resembles a Dutch windmill. It has exhibits on the old Blue Mill restaurant, built in 1929, and two other bygone eateries that served Route 66 travelers.

Springfield, the state capital, also is gearing up for the Route 66 anniversary.

“Springfield has been preparing for the Route 66 Centennial since 2019, starting with a master interpretive plan and moving to action phases where we are completing projects like the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience and re-opening Shea’s Gas Station & Museum,” said Scott

Twistee Treat Diner in Livingston 10

2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

Dahl, director, Visit Springfield. “Tourism records will be shattered in 2026, led by international travelers exploring the Mother Road, North America hosting the FIFA World Cup and our nation turning 250 years old.”

Centennial festivities in Springfield will culminate with the 25th annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, set for September 25-27, 2026. It will feature a car show with hundreds of entries, music, food, celebrity guests and a Miss Route 66 Contest.

The capital city’s newest Mother Road attraction is the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience, an outdoor walkthrough exhibit with little red sheds highlighting businesses and attractions, past and present, in 92 Illinois communities.

The garden courtyard brims with replicas of billboards and neon signs that once advertised motels, a drive-in movie theater and other places along the fabled ribbon of roadway.

Nostalgia lovers also flock to Motorheads Bar & Grill, a restaurant that occupies a former Stuckey’s travel stop on four acres of land. Its dining area, entertainment dome and free indooroutdoor museum overflow with vintage advertising and automotive-themed memorabilia—irresistible eye candy for car guys, Route 66 fans and collectors of vintage signs. Motorheads’ biggest claim to fame is the world’s largest Route 66 shield, a 32-foot-tall sign fabricated and installed in 2020 by Ace Sign Company on Stuckey’s

original 60-foot-tall poles.

The Motorheads collection includes cars, motorcycles, gas pumps, Coke machines, restaurant menus, telephone booths, a soda fountain, barber shop, you name it. Some of the automotive-related items were bought at auction in 2015 from Shea’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, a Texaco and later Marathon filling station that owners Bill and Helen Shea transformed into a museum, a popular Springfield attraction from 1995 until Bill’s death in 2013.

Thanks to a Route 66 grant from the state, Shea’s museum, near the Illinois State Fairgrounds, is being reborn and will reopen in 2024.

Springfield’s best-known eatery from Route 66 days is Cozy Dog Drive In, a fastfood joint packed with mementos, articles clippings and old signs. It was founded in the late 1940s by Ed Waldmire Jr., who introduced the Cozy Dog, the name he gave his cornmeal-battered hot dog on a stick, and is still owned by the same family.

The final leg of Historic Route 66 meanders 100 or so miles through southwestern Illinois, ending at the Mississippi River.

History and architecture buffs will go crazy in Carlinville, notable for Carlinville Historic Square with its collection of specialty shops in painstakingly restored 19th century buildings.

Henry’s Ra66it Ranch in Staunton, though it didn’t exist before the mid-1990s, maintains the traditions of the Mother Road with a curious mix that includes live rabbits in pens, Volkswagen Rabbits, and other car and truck memorabilia.

Litchfield takes pride in the Ariston Cafe, a fine restaurant that’s been around since 1924.

The nearby Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center salutes local businesses that flourished the roadway’s heyday.

In Livingston, a giant pink elephant visible from I-55, plus other larger-than-life 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.

At the Mississippi River in Madison, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was built in 1929 as part of Route 66. Featuring a 30-degree turn midway across, the onemile span today serves as one of the world’s longest bicycle and pedestrian bridges. IL

ILLINOIS MADE IS AN ART FORM

Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co. in Galena

Discover Illinois through its makers and shining success stories as they continue to inspire the Land of Lincoln and far beyond

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By Heather Dale

reativity is in all of us, no matter the form it takes. But what drives people to let out their inner artists and share their passions with others? Some respond to craftiness as a callingan expression of their soul that provides joy and satisfaction.

The result? Brilliant makers produce, share and educate, all while bringing their communities closer.

The proven success of the Illinois Made—Discover Local program radiates through one-of-a-kind food and beverage products, artisanal crafts, and creations made by talented Illinoisians.

Photo cour tesy of Joy Hell

er

GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY

Sit down and have a cup of gourmet coffee at Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co. in Galena where “inspiration was and still is good coffee and good conversation!”

Owner/operators Joy and Corey Heller roast delicious, small-batch, flavorful brews using ethically sustained beans. They work closely with their importer to select high-quality and single-origin ingredients.

Joy explains, “We are not trying to make a commercial grade product, but rather focusing on amplifying the nuances of the region and growing conditions.” She adds, “We endeavor to educate our customers on the difference between commodity and specialty coffee and show how selecting better farming and production practices keeps the organic properties alive.”

Becoming an Illinois Maker in the winter of 2023, Joy and Corey continue inviting guests to experience a true social gathering space where the aromatic scents of java float through the air.

“People can sit and watch us roast while they enjoy bottomless brewed coffee. Most days, you’ll find us talking to customers, roasting, filling online orders, doing inventory and paying bills. Just typical business,” she assures.

When it comes to what makes T.D. Coffee & Tea Co. worthy of holding Illinois Made status, the pair says, “We aren’t trying to chase trends or make ourselves stand out. We just believe in an excellent product served in a loving way.”

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Photo courtesy of Kendall Karmanian

Scratch Brewing Company in the Southern Illinois town of Ava.

Harvesting elderberries in Glaciers End in Johnston City.

TRAILS TO ADVENTURE

The aptly named Scratch Brewing Company, located in the Southern Illinois town of Ava, is owned by Marika Josephson and her business partner Aaron Kleidon.

“We started on a shoestring budget, building the brewery ourselves by hand on a slightly flat, slightly cleared piece of land in the middle of the woods,” Marika recalls. Starting out as home brewers with a passion for local resources and tradition, they continued to build slowly in hopes of reaching a wider audience.

Appealing to an array of palates, Marika and Aaron knew they had to utilize natural amenities to craft supremely Southern Illinois brews.

“Our beer seems unusual to a modern palate but a lot of the ingredients we use have a long history in beer making – a history that has largely been forgotten.”

Continuing to highlight the unique flavors of Southern Illinois is Glaciers End comprised of a farm in Johnston City and a specialty food store in downtown Marion. Owners Derek and Libby Ervin grow everything they make, and what they don’t grow they source from local farmers.

“We are a farm-to-shelf, specialty food operation. We grow and utilize domestic as well as wild ingredients (Elderberry, Sumac, Blackberry, Mulberry, Goji, Aronia, Shagbark Hickory, Honeysuckle, flowers, herbs, hot peppers and vegetables for pickling).”

Libby explains, “We draw heavily from past traditions and techniques. We grow and make things the way our grandparents made them.

“They did it with care for the land, attention to detail and without using harmful chemicals and ingredients.”

Photo courtesy of Loren Buchmeier

LAKE COUNTY, CHICAGO & BEYOND

Photo courtesy of Marissa Rademaker

Crozehead Cooperage Co. in Monee

Lambs Farm in Lake County 12

2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

Loren Buchmeier, owner of Crozehead Cooperage Co. in Monee, recounts the moment that changed his life path from an urban police officer and Iraq combat veteran suffering from PTSD to a craft cooper.

“One day, between domestic violence calls, as I sped across the city with lights and sirens and intense anxiety, I recalled the tour guide at the Jameson Distillery when I was on leave from Bosnia in January ’08.” According to the guide, coopers were few and far between in the art that dates back to ancient Celt and Hallstatt cultures in Southern Germany. Intrigue grabbed hold, and Loren was on the path to a new career.

Crozehead Cooperage Co. has been on the coveted Illinois Made list since 2023 and, unbeknownst to Loren, he was surprised to be honored by Scott Rude of the Chicago Southland CVB. Today, Loren continues to craft the absolute best in spirits using ancient and time-honored European techniques and tools. Guests can have a Celtic experience with delicious flavors seasoned in white oak barrels and made with the highest standards.

A visit to Lambs Farm in Lake County will not disappoint.

This nonprofit organization, located in Libertyville, continues to help people with disabilities meaningfully connect with others around them.

Marisa Rademaker is the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, and she shares how Lambs Farm went from a small pet shop in Chicago in 1961 to the thriving, equal-opportunity establishment it is today.

Starting with just 12 employees and moving locations in 1965, Lambs Farm now serves more than 280 adults with developmental disabilities and hosts several small businesses.

LAND OF LINCOLN

Out of necessity, Matt Riggs, owner of Riggs Beer Company in Urbana, began utilizing the family farm to grow specialty crops in order to survive another generation of family farming in Eastern Illinois. Steering away from traditional soy crops, it was time to try their hands at growing ingredients to produce beer. In fact, during their first eight years in business, they used more than 120 tons of homegrown brewing grains making them one of Illinois’ leading farm-to-glass breweries.

Matt explains, “We brew our beers in an all-natural, slow, traditional way. We use old-world techniques and ingredients because we take pride in the fact that by using only grain, water, hops, and yeast we can make great beer.” He adds, “We’re proud to brew with barley, wheat, and corn that we grow on our family’s 5th-generation farm.”

Visitors are invited to the tap room and outdoor beer garden where mature trees shade traditional beer garden tables and benches. Feel the connection between the landscape of swaying wheat fields and the glass of beer it ultimately became, all while supporting local agricultural workers and growers.

Although Matt’s success is visible when you step through the doors, he advises, “It very well might take all of your effort, focus, and money to start your own business. Be prepared to make sacrifices in other areas of your life in order to achieve your goal.” He adds, “But if you work hard and have a bit of luck, you might be able to build something that’s extremely fulfilling.”

In Downtown Springfield, Illinois, maker Josh Flanders knows a thing or two about bringing communities and their businesses

together for the better. He also knows a lot about brewing delicious beer. As the co-owner of Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., a microbrewery and taproom, he says it’s all about reaching out to your neighbors and working collectively for the good of the community and its visitors. A surefire way to make the Illinois Makers list is by providing unique, locally crafted goods that speak to the region they come from while building a closer community.

Josh recalls, “We were added in November of 2023 and to say we were ecstatic is an understatement. We take great pride in the beer we make and to be highlighted as an Illinois Maker worth knowing and visiting, it was just wow!”

As part of a historical reenactment group, Josh says he and his partners dabbled in mead-making realizing it wasn’t their forte.

After attempting to brew their own beer at home, success struck, and they continued their journey into the local homebrew club.

At first, they laughed off people’s praises about their great-tasting home brews.

He reminisces, “That changed when we attended the local Springfield Oyster & Beer Festival with the Prairie Schooners group, and people we didn’t know were telling us how great our beer was.

After that, we reached out to the local Small Business Development Center, wrote up a business plan, and the rest is history!”

There are a number of other Illinois Makers who grace this list and give groups more reasons to plan a trip here. On your next visit to Illinois, be sure to check out these amazing artists, creators and makers who carry on the state’s culture. You can find the Illinois Made Guide on the Illinois Made website. IL

Get Lost Find yourself in Quincy, IL

GET YOUR GUIDES + MAKE YOUR PLANS

JR URJXH

Kayak Quincy Rentals

Architecture Tours a 800.978.4748 6( a a 48,1&< &20 Summer Flavor Tours

2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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WONDERFUL ATTRACTIONS IN CHICAGO AND BEYOND Plenty of alluring activities await your group in Northern Illinois

By Jason Paha

Enjoy a musical performance at the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford.

Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois

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2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois

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The Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford has hosted artists, shows and concerts since 1927. orget the traditional tourist traps. The Chicagoland area and its surrounding suburbs hold a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered by your group. Whether you are history buffs yearning for museums, nature enthusiasts craving fresh air, foodies seeking culinary delights or thrill-seekers chasing adrenaline rushes, this region offers something for everyone.

Delve into the rich history of Arlington Heights at the Arlington Historical Society Museum. Learn about the village’s founding, its development through the years and the interesting lives of its residents.

Enjoy a fun-filled dining experience at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Schaumburg. Watch jousting knights, skilled falconers and talented equestrians perform while you enjoy a delicious four-course meal.

AURORA

Add more Illinois architecture knowledge to your experience with a visit to the Ellwood House Museum. Located on 10 acres of parkland in the heart of DeKalb, the museum campus includes seven historic structures, including the 1879 Ellwood Mansion and 1899 Ellwood-Nehring House, four gardens and 6,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Embark on a scavenger hunt to discover the vibrant murals hidden throughout the city, each with its own story to tell. Downtown Aurora has more than 50 public art installations, from the Aurora Transportation Center to the Santori Public Library. Highlights include Bunnie Reiss’ whimsical natural landscape painted on the west wall of the Fox River Trail underpass at New York Street, Ruben Aguirre’s abstract piece at Broadway and Benton, the streetscape on LaSalle by Joshua Schultz, and Sam Cervantes’ angelic wings on the wall of La France Bakery at Galena and Broadway.

Groups can also explore the scenic trails of Aurora’s parks and nature preserves.

Blackberry Farm, Phillips Park and Aurora West Park offer diverse landscapes for hiking, biking or simply enjoying a peaceful moment surrounded by nature.

CHICAGO NORTHWEST

Located just outside of Chicago, the eight communities of Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood and Wood Dale call this region home. Be ready to discover hidden gems, bite into a diverse list of restaurants and submerge yourself in worldclass shopping.

seasons – the display gardens receive new plant material every spring, summer and fall.

Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace boasts a loyal following due to its excellence and status in the Chicagoland theatre scene.

The proscenium-style theatre is perfectly sized, so every seat is easily one of the best seats in the house, drawing you in to the performance and advancing your experience as a patron.

ELGIN

Nestled alongside the Fox River, Elgin boasts a blend of natural beauty and historic charm.

Visit the Elgin Public Museum and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history through interactive exhibits, artifacts and engaging storytelling. Explore Native American settlements, early pioneer life, and the city’s industrial development.

Housed in an 1856 landmark building, the Elgin History Museum features permanent exhibits including artifacts from the Elgin National Watch Co. and Elgin Road Race memorabilia.

DEKALB

DUPAGE COUNTY

DuPage County offers a variety of hidden gems beyond The Morton Arboretum and Cantigny.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Lemont.

Hike along scenic trails leading to a cascading waterfall, a hidden gem within the preserve. Breathe in the fresh air and lose yourself in the beauty of nature.

Step back in time to the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Tour Mayslake Hall, a Tudor revival-style mansion, once owned by coal baron F.S. Peabody. Witness restoration in progress at this nationally registered historic building by renowned architect Benjamin Marshall.

Pay a visit to the gardens of Cantigny in Wheaton, which offer beauty and tranquility for all to enjoy. Experience them at your own pace and be sure to return throughout the

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MCHENRY COUNTY

McHenry County is full of recreational opportunities, from its family-friendly trails to festivals and live-entertainment spots.

Delve into the rich history of McHenry County at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum through interactive exhibits, artifacts and engaging storytelling.

Discover the stories of Native American settlements, early pioneers and the region’s industrial development.

Located in Crystal Lake, the Raue Center for the Arts is a restored 1920s vaudeville theater with red stall seats holding a comedy club and kids’ workshops.

The Woodstock on Film and on the Stage Mural and Sculpture Garden features Woodstock’s cultural legends including Orson Welles, Chester Gould, Bill Murray, Geraldine Page, Paul Newman and many more. Visitors flock to Woodstock to revel in all things Groundhog Day the movie.

NORTHWEST ILLINOIS

100 miles west of Chicago resides the rolling hills, old growth forests and pristine rivers of Northwest Illinois. With its quaint

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2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

cabins and bed and breakfasts, it’s the perfect weekend getaway in Illinois. Every mile is steeped in history, surrounded by outdoor beauty and dotted with charming villages.

Step back in time at historic Lyons Public Library & Museum, which houses a unique collection of artifacts related to local history, including a Victorian dollhouse and a Civil War exhibit.

In the fall of 2014, 30 bison were relocated to the Nachusa Grasslands, where they safely roam thousands of fenced-in acres.

Consisting of 4,100 acres of restored, remnant prairie, Nachusa Grasslands is home to 180 species of birds, more than 700 native plant species and the aforementioned herd of bison.

PLANO

For an up-close view of an iconic home created by one of the world’s most influential architects, head 58 miles southwest of Chicago where you’ll find the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, the home represents the fullest expression of modernist ideals that had begun in Europe but was finished in Plano.

ROCKFORD AND FREEPORT

Another great option is to travel northwest to the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, one of the top Japanese gardens in North America. This 12-acre oasis features two gardens, a pond-strolling garden and a contemporary Garden of Reflection. Enjoy a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

This iconic venue has hosted artists, shows and concerts since 1927. Discover contemporary and modern art from around the world at the Rockford Art Museum, featuring diverse exhibits and educational programs. Continue west on Highway 20 and exit the interstate to discover the gems of Freeport. Little Cubs Field will bring out the kid in any age as you have the opportunity to hit one over the ivy. Take the short drive from the field to Krape Park to enjoy the new mini golf course, paddle boats, antique carousel, miles of hiking paths and ample equipment to play. If you enjoy learning about important events in U.S. history, check out the landmark change set in motion at Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square. IL

BEYOND THE BEAN: UNEXPECTED SURPRISES IN CHICAGO AND BEYOND Unleash your inner explorer

By Jason Paha

Chicago, and its surrounding cities, offers something for everyone in your group. History buffs can delve into museums, nature enthusiasts can explore parks and gardens, foodies can indulge in diverse cuisines and thrill-seekers can find heartpounding activities. Here are some lesser-known attractions that groups of all ages will love.

A summer evening overlooking the Chicago River Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois

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Photo courtesy of the Chicago Southland

CHICAGO

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Southland

Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios in Crete creates hand-blown, one-of-a-kind works of fine glass art.

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Southland

Homewood Bat Co. manufactures and sells professional-grade wood baseball bats made from ash, yellow birch and maple.

Crozehead Cooperage in Monee is one of 26 cooperages in the United States.

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2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile path that runs alongside the famous Chicago River. The Riverwalk is filled with excellent establishments offering stunning views of the city and fabulous food and beverages.

Some of the standouts include Beat Kitchen, City Winery and The Northman.

Constructed more than 100 years ago, the Chicago Cultural Center reflects the best of Chicago. Hundreds of thousands of visitors enter the center every year, making it one of the most visited attractions in the city.

The stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, as well as free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events.

Embark on a vibrant adventure with Chicago Detours, a tour operator whose mural tours delve into the city’s diverse neighborhoods and artistic expressions.

CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE

Bordering Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago, Chicago’s North Shore features a lakefront full of treasures and hidden gems.

The only Baha’i House of Worship in North America in Wilmette is an architectural marvel and symbol of unity.

The Charles Gates Dawes House in Evanston is a National Historic Landmark and home to the 30th Vice President of the United States and showcases life in a lakefront mansion at the turn of the century.

Unique to the North Shore is the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, boasting 27 display gardens situated on 385-acres.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie is the largest in the Midwest and features an interactive Survivor Experience. The Halim Time and Glass Museum in Skokie houses over 1,100-time pieces and over 80 stained glass pieces of art in a one-of-akind collection.

While in Skokie, visit the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park. This picturesque park runs for two miles and displays more than 60 sculptures by artists of local, national, and international reputation.

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

Just 30 minutes beyond the city limits of Chicago rests the 60 south/southwest suburbs known as the Chicago Southland.

This area offers hundreds of festivals and

events, 40,000 acres of luscious forestry, 600 holes of top-rated golf, iconic historic downtown shopping districts and some of the best restaurants, breweries and distilleries in the Chicagoland area.

Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios in Crete creates hand-blown, one-of-akind works of fine glass art. They create hand-blown vases, bowls, sculptures, paperweights, perfume bottles, lamps, pendant lighting and chandeliers. Meet the world famous Lotton family and tour the gallery and studio.

Homewood Bat Co. manufactures and sells professional-grade wood baseball bats made from ash, yellow birch and maple.

Homewood Bat Co. welcomes visitors to witness its commitment to crafting exceptional bats with advanced technology and unsurpassed attention to detail at its state-of-the-art facility.

Established in 2015, Crozehead Cooperage in Monee is one of 26 cooperages in the United States and the only cooperage in Illinois. Crozehead offers tours of the cooperage where guests can witness traditional hand coopering demonstrations.

Stellwagen Farm showcases the agricultural heritage of Orland Park and includes a farmhouse and outbuildings.

Programs, events and history tours are offered throughout the year.

HERITAGE CORRIDOR

Heritage Corridor Destinations is the home of The First Hundred Miles of Route 66, the charming I&M Canal Towns and the magnificent Starved Rock Country.

There are many great stops on Route 66, from the Route 66 Welcome Center at the Joliet Area Historical Museum to the 20 Walldog murals that embrace the city of Pontiac. Don’t miss local favorites like the two-cell jail in Gardner and the Polk-a-Dot Drive-in in Braidwood.

A mid-1800s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today, the 96mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru. This “highway” allowed for many cities along the Canal to come to life. W ith restaurants like Tallgrass Restaurant in Lockport and Nick’s Tavern in Lemont, boutique shops like Betty’s in Morris and Weeta’s Boutique in Ottawa, a visit to the I&M Canal is certainly an experience to remember.

JOLIET

Thirty-five miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet is a city steeped in history, including the Old Joliet Prison, which once housed famous criminals and now offers tours of its castle-guard towers.

Groups can visit the Joliet Historical Society to learn about the prison’s history.

Groups can also pay a visit to Sue Regis Glass Art, where you can get a hands-on experience of the centuries-old craft.

The quaint Kankakee County Museum complex features a historic schoolhouse and exhibits dedicated to local heritage.

Learn about the region’s rich history, from its Native American roots to its industrial boom. Enjoy live performances, from musicals and plays to dance recitals and concerts, at the historic Kankakee Theatre.

LAKE COUNTY

Fifty-six miles northwest of downtown Chicago lies Volo Bog State Natural Area, home to the only open water quaking bog in Illinois. Formed in an ancient glacial kettle hole lake, Volo Bog features a floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails and sedges surrounding the open pool of water in the center of the bog.

Embark on a self-guided brewery tour along the Lake County Libations Trail.

Sample beers from local breweries and enjoy the camaraderie of the craft beer scene.

OAK PARK

Frank Lloyd Wright’s first home and studio (1889-1909) was the birthplace of an architectural revolution. Over a century old, the National Historic Landmark is nestled on a beautiful tree-lined street in the heart of Oak Park. Wright used his home to explore design concepts that contained the seeds of his architectural philosophy. In his adjacent studio, Wright and his associates developed a new American architecture – the Prairie style.

After visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, look at more of Wrightdesigned structures within the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District, a federally designated historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Place. The district is something of a treasure trove of modern architecture, boasting 23 buildings designed or remodeled by Wright.

Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois

KANKAKEE

Frank Lloyd Wright’s first home and studio (1889-1909) was the birthplace of an architectural revolution.

Commissioned by the congregation of Oak Park Unity Church in 1905, Wright’s Unity Temple is the greatest public building of the architect’s Chicago years. The last surviving Wright-designed Prairie style public building, Unity Temple is both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ROSEMONT

Experience the thrill of skydiving without ever leaving the ground at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. This state-of-the-art facility uses powerful wind tunnels to simulate the feeling of freefall, perfect for both beginners and experienced skydivers.

Learn about the history of aviation at the Rosemont Aviation Museum. Explore a collection of vintage aircraft, learn about the pioneers of flight, and even climb aboard a real Boeing 727.

WILLOW SPRINGS

An excellent outdoor destination is the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs. This interpretive center features sustainable design, a sensory garden, live native animals, exhibits about local natural history, a nature play area and an accessible trail. Over 3 1/2 miles of walking trails are available. IL 2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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EXCELLENT AQUATIC ADVENTURES IN

GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY Hit the rapids & hike the bluffs in this picturesque part of Illinois

By Jason Paha

Kayaking in the Quad Cities

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Photo courtesy of Galena Country Tourism

ew destinations in the Midwest can rival the beauty of Illinois’ Great Rivers Country.

This picturesque region is named for the Mississippi and Illinois rivers that carve through its rolling hills and bluffs, creating stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive along the Great River Road, hike or bike through lush forests or go kayaking or canoeing on the rivers for a truly immersive experience.

Great Rivers Country is dotted with charming small towns, each with its own unique character and appeal. Great Rivers Country is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best water adventures you can find in this region:

ALTON

Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, Alton stretches into the surrounding bluffs with restaurants and shops offering incredible views of the river. The downtown shopping district offers a wide range of retail delights from artistic hand-thrown pottery to antiques, clothing shops and more.

GALENA

Nestled along the majestic Mississippi and the serene Galena River, Galena Country offers an aquatic escape for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. At Chestnut Mountain Resort, embrace the thrill of snow sports with a river view that takes your breath away.

For a gentler pace, Nuts Outdoors provides kayak and paddleboard rentals for a tranquil journey on the Galena River or ride electric bikes along the scenic trail to the Mississippi.

Dock and dine at Millennium Bar & Grill in East Dubuque, where the marina meets mouthwatering river fare and refreshing drinks to enjoy.

GALESBURG

With 23 city parks, visitors can enjoy a public beach, water park, and miles of wooded biking, walking, and even horse trails. Lake Storey Beach offers a slew of opportunities to have fun on the water as visitors can rent a kayak, paddleboat, canoe, or john boat right at the beach.

Groups can also enjoy a leisurely stroll (or a brisk run or ride) on the Lake Storey biking, walking, and hiking trails.

GREAT RIVERS AND ROUTES

This 33-mile stretch of roadway is the

At Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, embrace the thrill of snow sports with a river view that takes your breath away. only place in the country where the mighty Mississippi comes together with the historic Missouri and Illinois rivers. And it happens to also be one of the most scenic road trips around, offering amazing yearround views from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to the newly opened Grafton SkyTour. Few sights in the Great Rivers & Routes region, or anywhere, are as majestic as the stretch of the Great River Road between Alton and Grafton.

On one side is the powerful and everchanging Mississippi River, a reminder of the region’s history as a riverboat hub. On the other are the limestone bluffs draped with a curtain of trees.

Pay a visit to Pere Marquette State Park, the largest state park in Illinois.

Miles of trails ranging from beginner to advanced weave through the park offering scenic views and glimpses of wildlife. With nearly 8,000 acres of scenic beauty, Pere Marquette is one of the most picturesque and beautiful locations on the Illinois River.

Enjoy the river up-close on the Hakuna Matata, a 49-passenger tour boat that takes groups on an adventure on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

QUAD CITIES

The Quad Cities straddles the Mississippi River and features a host of lakes, ponds,

dams, and more. Here are some of the top water activities in the Quad Cities: The 750-passenger Celebration Belle Riverboat offers guided tours, lunch and dinner options all while taking in the scenic views along the Mississippi River.

You have a lot of options to choose from: themed excursions, musical entertainment, overnight packages, narrated tours. The choices run as short as an hour or two to multi-day adventures.

The Tiki Tavern is launching from Princeton, Iowa, for the first time this summer.

Made in the QC, the tiki-bar boat looks exactly like a floating tiki bar and comes with a host, state of the art sound system, and troughs filled with ice for your drinks.

You can books seats on an existing public cruise or rent the boat for your party.

Travel on the open-air Channel Cat Water Taxi around the Quad Cities via the river.

The Channel Cat docks at Ben Butterworth Parkway—Celebration Pier and John Deere Commons Landing in Moline, Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa, and at Foot of Mound Street near the Village of East Davenport in Davenport, Iowa. The daily ticket is for unlimited use on the day of purchase.

Another great Quad Cities option is the Riverboat Twilight, which offers

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Photo courtesy of Visit Quad Cities

Travel on the open-air Channel Cat Water Taxi around the Quad Cities. sightseeing and one and two-day cruises.

The two-day trip includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (both days), overnight lodging, entry to the National Mississippi River Museum and live entertainment onboard.

The beauty and accessibility of Lake George in Rock Island County in Illinois City should not be missed. And it’s easy to get on the water. You can rent a variety of watercrafts: small two-person pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes and party barges.

We recommend camping in the area and making a fun multi-day adventure.

Backwater Gamblers in Rock Island is a free waterski show presented twice weekly on the Rock River.

QUINCY

The Quincy Park District consists of 28 parks, a 27-hole golf course, 12 playgrounds and two swimming pools, encompassing more than 900 acres.

Moorman Park features a lake for fishing and paddle boats as well as baseball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course, an archery range and a one-mile path for walking/jogging. Paddleboat rentals are located in this same area on Moorman Lake.

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RANDOLPH COUNTY

Chester, a historic city lying beside the Mississippi River, has a plethora of thrilling opportunities for exploration across the area.

Take pictures with your favorite Popeye characters as you explore the city on the Popeye Character Trail. Once you’ve finished the 21-character route, head to The St. Nicholas Landmark and drink a freshly brewed craft beer while taking in the view of the Mississippi River If you have anyone in your life who is interested in history, make the trip to Illinois’ first capital, Kaskaskia Island.

Visit the historic Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial.

This monument covers the brick building that houses the bell from 1741 gifted by King Louis XV, of France, for the Catholic Church of the Illinois Country.

Fort de Chartres historic monument lies five miles outside of Prairie Du Rocher, right along the Mississippi. At this historical site, the final four French forts known as “de Chartres” were located.

You can’t go wrong with Fort de Chartres whether you’re a history buff or just want to spend an interesting day out with your family or friends. IL

THE BEST SMALL GROUP

ADVENTURES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS These Trails to Adventure are full of great small group activities

S

By Sophia Divagno

outhern Illinois is full of fine local experiences, thrilling outdoor activities, exceptional shopping and fascinating art and history. making it an ideal destination for small group trips and girlfriend getaways. Here are some of the best small group adventures in the Trails to Adventure region.

FOLLOW THE SHAWNEE HILLS WINE TRAIL

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is an enjoyable expedition through the hills of Southern Illinois. Consisting of 11 wineries scattered along a clearly mapped 40-mile trail, each one presents its unique style and methods of winemaking. Renovated golf courses, scenic walks and elegant lodging options are just a few of the additional benefits available nearby. Plus, not far from the trail lie specialty shops, eateries and art galleries. Grab your girlfriends and unwind in

the hills of Southern Illinois. For January and February, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail provides great incentives to visit, with its passport program. Enjoy savoring wines and saving big with great discounts on wine, merchandise, food and more.

With your purchase of a winery passport, you will receive discounts at each of the member wineries and a chance to win wonderful prizes along the trail. Passports are available for sale at www.shawneewinetrail.com.

STOP BY SCRATCH BREWING COMPANY

Right outside Shawnee Hills National Forest is the beloved Scratch Brewing Company in Ava. Nestled in the woods and known for its great atmosphere and noteworthy homemade beer, the farmhouse brewery also offers guests menu food items made from local

Photo courtesy of the Illinois Office of Tourism

Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest

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Enjoy fabulous wine and incredible views in Southern Illinois. ingredients. Bring cash as credit cards are not accepted here and check their website for opening hours.

SPEND TIME AT THE KOKOPELLI GOLF COURSE

An excellent location for an outing with friends is the nationally recognized Kokopelli Golf Course in Marion. The property prides itself on a prestigious 18-hole course, interactive golf simulator, and fancy restaurant and lounge called The Turn. Just a short drive away is Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, featuring 650 slot machines, table games, a hotel and a restaurant.

GO BACK IN TIME IN KINMUNDY

Because of its enthralling log cabin village, Kinmundy provides a delightful trip back in time. Wandering around the village’s winding roads, visitors may examine each restored building and learn about pioneer life in rural Illinois.

Kinmundy’s log cabin town, with its nostalgic atmosphere and rich history, makes an ideal backdrop for a short trip, with opportunities for exploration and a sense of connection to the area’s past around every turn.

THRILLING OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Swing through Bluffs on a Canopy Tour. Partake in a thrilling outdoor and eco24

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friendly adventure during your time in the Shawnee Hills region. Book a canopy tour through Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour in Makanda and soar through the sky like the bald eagles that call this area home. Choose between one of their two tours offering a mix of zip line runs, suspension bridges, short hikes and aerial bridges.

to a variety of species and terrains, the forest consists of 15 campgrounds perfect for small groups. A popular site includes the Pharaoh Campground because of its proximity to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, which features an hourlong hike through old sandstone cliffs and formations.

Go Horseback Riding in Grafton. Allow seasoned guides from Pere Marquette Stables to accompany you on a 45-minute journey through two-and-a-half miles of picturesque river and hilly landscapes, with the chance to see typical Midwest wildlife such as white-tailed deer, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, songbirds and more. 35-minute hayrides are also available.

Glamp in the Shawnee Hills National Forest. Groups looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors should check out Shawnee Hills Glamping Dome for a memorable retreat in the National Forest.

Designed for comfort and tranquility, this dome offers guests a luxurious camping experience while maintaining a connection with nature through unmatchable panoramic views.

TAKING IN NATURE

Rent a Boat on the Lake of Egypt. Grab your sunscreen and spend the day out of the beautiful Lake of Egypt, located six miles south of Marion. With over 90 miles of shoreline, this activity is perfect for groups of up to 12 who want to sit back and have the freedom to explore the lake on their own. Located down the road from Marion, Weiner Rides makes renting pontoon boats easy.

Camp in Shawnee Hills National Forest.

Fully immerse yourself in Shawnee Hills National Forest through camping. Home

Participate in a Petting Zoo. Adventurers are drawn to Nashville, Illinois’ Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo. This 170-year-old family farm spans acres of gorgeous countryside.

With a wide variety of animals housed on the expansive grounds, guests may get an up close and personal tour of the animal kingdom. There are more than 200 animals that live at Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo. Savor the Carlyle Lake Wine Trail.

Carlyle invites adventurers with its unique blend of natural beauty and culinary delights. Nestled along the shores of

Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a myriad of water activities, from boating and fishing to kayaking and swimming. After a day of exploration, the nearby Carlyle Lake Wine Trail offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the flavors of local wineries.

Kayak or Paddleboard around Cedar Lake. Located in Jackson County sits Cedar Lake, a lovable lake within the Shawnee Hills National Forest. Self-serve kayak and paddleboard rentals can be found near the Cedar Lake boat ramp. All guests need to do is download the rent.fun app, select what they want to rent, enjoy their time on the water and then return the rentals.

arts to large sculptures. The 80-acre property also highlights a stunning outdoor environment and exciting special events.

MUSEUMS

Visit the Jefferson County Historical Village in Mount Vernon. Step back in time with a visit to the Jefferson County Historical Village, an outdoor museum portraying life from the inception of the county. A 19th-century log house, church, jail, school, print shop and more can be toured.

Discover Metropolis. In the selfproclaimed hometown of Superman, the Super Museum showcases a vast collection of Superman-themed items, including over 20,000 comics, toys and shirts. Down the block on Market Street stands the World’s Largest Superman Statue at 15 feet tall. While in the area, groups can also go scuba diving at Mermet Springs, walk around Fort Massac State Park, Illinois’ first state park and eat delicious peaches at Remer’s Orchard. IL

SHOPPING

Shop on Main Street in Anna. Grab your girlfriends and head to Main Street. The street is home to a considerable number of superb boutiques including Kenz Boutique, Farmer’s Daughter Boutique and Enchanted Gardens. At the heart of it all is Annabelle Market, which features more than 10,000 square feet filled with striking boutique, antique and handcrafted items. Home to over 40 individual vendors, the market caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something special for everyone.

Head to the Makanda Boardwalk.

The Makanda Boardwalk is a sequence of shops sitting along a charmingly rustic boardwalk, famous for their homemade goods and relaxed atmosphere. The Makanda Trading Company and the Day Shift are just two of the many stores to visit.

THE ARTS

Explore Murals in Marion. Crafted by both local and internationally recognized artists, the Marion Mural District has dozens of beautiful murals scattered throughout the compact city. Take a stroll while learning about the themes and significance of these remarkable pieces of art found on buildings and in alleyways.

In the mural district, groups will discover a diverse array of restaurants, vibrant nightlife and distinctive shops.

Roam around Cedarhurst Center For the Arts. This stellar art institute in Mount Vernon is open year-round, applauding everything from visual and performing

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Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul allows visitors a unique experience: visit a herd of authentic Alaskan reindeer.

OUTSTANDING AGRICULTURAL

ATTRACTIONS IN THE LAND OF LINCOLN

From pumpkin patches to petting zoos, there’s something for everyone in the agricultural heartland of Illinois.

By Tinder Kiely

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he Land of Lincoln boasts more than just its political legacy; it offers rural landscapes and experiences waiting to be discovered. One such facet of Illinois’ charm is its growing agritourism scene, where farms open their gates to visitors, inviting them to immerse themselves in the agricultural lifestyle and enjoy farm-fresh produce, scenic backdrops and genuine hospitality.

ARTHUR

The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur is a family-owned farm with over 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from over 20 countries around the world.

Visitors can experience the harvest season with beautiful surroundings in the heart of Amish Country. Pumpkins aren’t all this place has to offer as guests can experience detailed mum displays known as “quilts,” corn mazes, farm animals, scenic wagon rides and numerous places to eat and drink.

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normal, Illinois, Rader Family Farms is a sprawling agritourism destination that offers an array of seasonal activities for visitors of all ages. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the fall to sunflower fields and baby animals in the summer, the farm provides a year-round escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Just a short drive from Rader Family Farms lies another gem of Illinois’ agritourism landscape: Ropp Cheese. Situated in the quaint town of Normal, this familyowned creamery has been producing artisanal cheeses since 1863, using timehonored techniques passed down through generations. At Ropp Cheese, visitors can witness the cheesemaking process firsthand—from milking the cows to aging the cheeses in temperature-controlled caves.

Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into each batch of cheese.

Epiphany Farms feels strongly about the value of understanding the source of your food, which is why the team offers tours of their 70-acre working farm during the growing season. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the regenerative and chemical-free agricultural practices

that Epiphany Farms uses to provide food to local restaurants and its CSA members.

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY

Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is a family-run farm that’s been feeding people since 1873, and now grows dozens of varieties of apples alongside a pumpkin patch just waiting to be picked in the fall. If you don’t have time to pick your own, their large country store offers the opportunity to shop for these and much more, including specialty food and gift items, fresh apple cider, baked goods and delicious homemade honey. A visit here would not be complete if you didn’t also stop at their corn maze, goat petting zoo and the Monkey Cafe.

Visit Illinois’ first farmstead cheesemaking facility located just north of Champaign, at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery. Here, you can learn about their “Animal Welfare Approved” goat dairy, sample awardwinning varieties of artisan goat cheese and their unique goat milk gelato. During open hours, you can roam the grounds, meet the goats and visit the farm store. Group tours and tastings are also available.

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul allows visitors a totally unique experience: visit a herd of authentic Alaskan reindeer.

Take a tour and get the opportunity to meet these friendly animals and if you’re brave, you can even give one a kiss.

DANVILLE

Just a 15-minute drive west from Danville is Sleepy Creek Vineyards. The folks at Sleepy Creek grow their own grapes on 10-acres of vineyard and ferment all 13 of their wine varieties on site. Schedule a tour or come by for a tasting, and leave with a bottle.

Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is a family-run farm that’s been open since 1873.

DECATUR

Explore rural farm life on the Illinois Grand Prairie in 1860 when you visit Homestead Prairie Farm, located in southwest Decatur. Free weekend tours are available June-October at this living museum. After you immerse yourself in the history of the farmhouse, you can tour the beautiful trails and ponds located in the nearby Rock Springs Conservation Area.

EFFINGHAM

Try some wine when in Effingham at Tuscan Hills Winery, a romantic setting designed to give an old-world Tuscan feel.

The European-esque winery offers daily tastings, frequent live music shows and a comfortable on-site restaurant serving artisan pizzas, flatbreads and more.

GREENVILLE

Marcoot Creamery in Greenville invites guests to experience the true spirit of farming and is a shining example of agricultural excellence. This family-run creamery provides a special chance to

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LET THE MOTHER ROAD LEAD YOU TO YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE IN

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL

observe the craftsmanship that goes into making artisan cheeses and farm-fresh dairy products. A visit to Marcoot Creamery, which offers guided tours, interactive experiences, and a quaint farm store with its delicious creations, is sure to be an informative tribute to the rich tradition of American agriculture.

Just 10 minutes from Marcoot Creamery, The Rolling Lawns Farm creation of The Milk House entices guests with a blend of rustic charm and mouthwatering delicacies.

This family-run farm, tucked away among lush pastures, is a haven of expansive pastures. When visiting, make sure to stop by the Milk House which serves delicious, freshly made ice cream and dairy products.

JACKSONVILLE

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU VisitBN.org / 309.665.0033

Visit Woodlawn Farm, located just five miles east of Jacksonville, and learn about its significant history. This farm was an important stop on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves seeking shelter. Woodlawn Farm is now a living history museum complete with its own farm and allows guests to immerse themselves in mid-1800s farm life.

Another quality stop is Bland Family Farm, a regenerative farm in Jacksonville, that serves high quality organic meat, eggs, and produce.

LOGAN COUNTY

Logan County’s own Gail’s Pumpkin Patch offers a seasonal pumpkin paradise with over 60 species of gourds, squash and pumpkins— many are even edible! For only a quarter, children can enjoy feeding the goats, watching the chickens and petting the rabbits. After you’re done, grab some homemade apple cider donuts for the drive back.

PARIS

Southfork Homestead Pumpkin Patch is a beautiful place for anyone looking for the ultimate fall experience. This familyrun pumpkin patch can be found away within the natural charm of the countryside in Paris and has plenty to offer guests of all ages. Harvest season enriches every moment, from riding hayrides through beautiful scenery to navigating the vast fields of pumpkins in search of the ideal pumpkin. Southfork Homestead Pumpkin Patch, with its attractions including corn mazes, petting zoos, and seasonal delights, promises a day full of fun, adventure, and treasured memories set against the backdrop of rustic beauty.

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PEORIA

Fon Du Lac Farm Park is a wonderful destination in East Peoria for families with young children. The Farm Park includes a 1920’s farm museum, a petting zoo with farm animals that you can feed and a red barn with a silo slide for kids to play in.

SHELBYVILLE

If you find yourself in Shelbyville, consider taking a stop at the Tower of Baa. This peculiar tower may look like a standalone castle turret, but no humans live here; instead the tower is inhabited by goats! The Tower of Baa the largest goat tower in the world and gives Dave Johnsons’ Saneen goats shade and a place to climb like they would normally get in their native home of Switzerland.

SPRINGFIELD

Springfield’s premier equine experience, Riverside Stables, invites groups of all skill levels to take a riding lesson on one of their majestic horses. Or you can simply take a trail ride with an experienced guide and

leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a while.

Jubilee Farm is located just west of Springfield, on a stunning 164-acre piece of land. Explore the grounds and visit the llamas and alpacas or sit on a bench and watch things grow at their gardens and orchard. Since 1853, Springfield has been home to the Illinois State Fair, one of the oldest state fairs in the country. Each year, the Illinois Department of Agriculture showcases the Land of Lincoln’s diverse and extensive farm culture with animal shows and other exhibits.

The 2024 Illinois State Fair takes place August 8-18, but you can visit the fairground year-round at the The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience, a self-guided tour highlighting businesses in 92 communities along the Illinois stretch of historic Route 66.

Vintage billboards, a drive-in movie theater, Legends Neon Sign Park and a tribute to Illinois’s muffler men make up a large part of the experience.

STEPHENSON COUNTY

When sustainability is as important as production, alternative energy sources are top priority. In the northwest corner of Illinois, Stephenson County is home to several opportunities to learn about several forms of alternative energy. Tour Adkins Energy to learn about the uses of biodiesel and methanol and then travel 10 miles north to learn about and view the 100-megawatt High Point Solar Farm and 67-turbine EcoGrove Wind Farm that are co-located on the same property.

SUMNER

Discover the lovely world of flowers and botanical marvels at Wild Child Flower Farm in Sumner. This charming farm is nestled in the hills of Illinois, producing an array of colors and scents while preserving heirloom varieties and an array of wildflowers. In addition to taking part in interactive activities such as picking your own bouquet, visitors are welcome to stroll across the fields and take in the beauty of nature’s abundance. IL

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LAND OF LINCOLN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUS Greater Freeport Partnership (serves Stephenson County) 110 West Main St. Freeport, IL 61032 815-233-1357 greaterfreeport.com Heritage Corridor Destinations 2701 Black Road, Ste. 201 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

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

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

Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau 19900 Governors Drive, Suite 200 Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1057 708-895-8200 or 888-895-8233 visitchicagosouthland. com

Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 102 N. Main Street Rockford, IL 61101 815-963-8111 800-521-0849 gorockford.com

Choose Chicago 301 E. Cermak Road Chicago, IL 60616 312-567-8500 choosechicago.com

Rosemont Convention Bureau 9301 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Rosemont, IL 60018-5201 847-823-2100 rosemont.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

VisitNW Illinois 201 N. Franklin Avenue Polo, Illinois 61064 815-946-2108 visitnorthwestillinois.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 800-217-5362 exploreelginarea.com

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2024 ILLINOIS GROUP TOUR PLANNER

Visit Oak Park 1033 South Blvd Oak Park, IL 60302 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

Discover Downstate Illinois 4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, IL 62226 618-257-1488 www.downstateil.org

Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau 2163 E. Main St. Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-2485 experiencegalesburg.com

Experience Champaign Urbana 17 E. Taylor St. Champaign, IL 61820 217-351-4133 or 800-369-6151 experiencecu.org

Great Rivers & Routes 111 4th Street, Suite 115 Alton, IL 62002 618-465-6676 Riversandroutes.com

Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 310 E. State St. Jacksonville, IL 62650-2030 217-243-5678 or 800-593-5678 jacksonvilleil.org

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 309-736-6820 800-747-7800 visitquadcities.com Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia Macomb 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 or 800-331-4479 decaturcvb.com

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

TRAILS TO ADVENTURE Discover Downstate Illinois 4387 N. Illinois St., Suite 200 Swansea, IL 62226 618-257-1488 www.downstateil.org Explore Carbondale 200 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-5302 explorecarbondale.com Mt. Vernon, IL Tourism 123 S. 10th St. Suite 503 Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0049 618-242-3151 enjoymtvernon.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

Seasons change.

The fun never stops.

Richardson Adventure Farm’s Tulip Fest

In Lake County, you find four spectacular seasons of beauty, history, refreshment and joy.

And we’ll partner with you to create the perfect tour your customers will be talking about long after they get home. Contact our group tour specialist, Jayne Nordstrom at Jayne@LakeCounty.org or call 847-662-2700. Find helpful planning resources at VisitLakeCounty.org/touritineraries-list.

Lake County

Lake Michigan

Milwaukee

Chicago

Lake County Libation Trail

Chicago Botanic Garden

Sock Monkey Museum