1. art and entertainment
2. shows and events
3. festival

T H E
O F F I C I A L
G U I D E
F O R
International Travelers
Enjoy
Illinois
T R AV E L G U I D E
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enjoyillinois.co.uk
Welcome to
BY THE NUMBERS
1 National Forest in Southern Illinois
7 National Scenic Byways
8 State Parks with lodging and dining
26 miles /42 km of shoreline along
Lake Michigan
33 beaches in Chicago
400 miles /644 km along Route 66
550 miles /885 km of shoreline along
the Mississippi River
Galena
Gurnee
Rockford
Skokie
Rosemont
DISTANCE CHART
(FROM CHICAGO)
Alton
Aurora
42 mi
67 km
Carbondale 332 mi 534 km
Champaign
138 mi 222 km
Galena
164 mi 264 km
Gurnee
40 mi
65 km
Joliet
47 mi
76 km
Metropolis
Oak Brook
Peoria
Pontiac
Quad Cities
19 mi
world-class museums to the fine-dining
Illinois, the Land of Lincoln. It’s where
and top-notch entertainment, Illinois is
famous firsts have been created, from
the center of it all. Go to enjoyillinois.co.uk
the skyscraper to the Ferris Wheel; even
to find inspiring photos and videos to
Americana hails from here in the form
help you plan a holiday to remember,
of Route 66. It’s where excitement and
and get ready for your Illinois experience
unexpected fun abounds in its many
in all its magnificent grandeur.
charming towns, state parks, and
friendly and inviting nature of the state
Pontiac
Peoria
can be seen expressed on the faces
of its people. From the abundance of
166 mi 267 km
98 mi 158 km
165 mi 266 km
89 mi 143 km
17 mi
28 km
15 mi
24 km
Utica
Chicago
In the heart of the United States is
vibrant cities. And, it’s where the
Utica
31 km
Rosemont
Springfield
Joliet
Quad Cities
367 mi 591 km
Rockford
Skokie
Oak Brook
Aurora
287 mi 462 km
Illinois
202 mi 325 km
Champaign
Springfield
Connect With Us
92 mi 148 km
Find complete trip planning information at enjoyillinois.co.uk
Alton
In-State Train Routes
Illinois Zephyr-Carl Sandburg Service
Chicago-Galesburg-Quincy
Lincoln Service
Chicago-Bloomington/NormalSpringfield-St. Louis
Carbondale
Illini-Saluki Service
Chicago-Champaign-Carbondale
Metropolis
enjoyillinois.co.uk
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism,
James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph Street, Suite 3-400, Chicago, Illinois 60601
enjoyillinois.co.uk| 3
Table of Contents
Pages 6-11
Must-See
Chicago
Pages 12-15
Beyond
Chicago
Block after block
of big-city adventure
awaits you
So much to explore
Pages 16-19
Route 66
Pages 20-23
Galena
Take a drive
through Americana
At the corner of
quaint and cozy
Pages 24-27
Great Rivers
Country
Pages 28-29
Outdoor
Adventure
The power and
beauty of the
Mighty Mississippi
There’s more to
Illinois than meets
the eye
Pages 30-31
Historic
Springfield
enjoyillinois.co.uk
Pages 32-33
Shopper’s
Paradise
The Land of Lincoln
Shop till you drop, and
then shop some more
Pages 34-35
Annual
Illinois Events
Pages 36
Illinois
Travel Tips
Don’t miss a minute
of fun and excitement
in Illinois
Helpful tips to make
the best of your
Illinois holiday
enjoyillinois.co.uk| 5
Must-See
Chicago
BLOCK AFTER BLOCK OF BIG-CITY
ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU
The Ledge at
Skydeck Chicago
The Chicago Theatre
Navy Pier
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago is truly a travelers
paradise, welcoming visitors
to an unique experience.
Shop among the many stores
that gives Chicago its fashion
forward feel. From name brand
retailers, corner boutiques
and much more. Then go from
shopping to dining in the snap
of a finger with endless culinary
choices to choose from. Select
from Chicago’s more iconic
dishes like deep dish pizza and
hot dogs, or check out the finedining from the many Michelin
starred restaurants satisfying
foodies nightly. Coupled with
world-class museums, topnotch theater, Chicago-style
comedy, live Chicago Blues
music, lush parks and serene
beaches – Chicago is the city for
the modern day traveler.
LAKE MICHIGAN
6 | Must-See Chicago
Shedd Aquarium
Tilt at 360 Chicago
Cloud Gate at
Millennium Park
So much more to SEE…
VISIT enjoyillinois.co.uk
“TRIP IDEAS” for
more information
Must-See Chicago | 7
Chicago
Chicago
Sports
Museums
ROOT! ROOT! ROOT!
FOR THE HOME TEAM
Cheer like a true Chicago sports fan
and catch a game when you’re in town.
United Center, Home of
the Chicago Blackhawks
United Center, Home of
the Chicago Bulls
Toyota Park, Home of the
Chicago Fire Soccer Club
U.S. Cellular Field, Home
of the Chicago White Sox
Soldier Field, Home of
the Chicago Bears
Wrigley Field, Home
of the Chicago Cubs
Museum of Science & Industry
Art Institute of Chicago
THE FIELD MUSEUM
8 | Must-See Chicago
Adler Planetarium
Must-See Chicago | 9
Chicago
Night Life
Guided
Tours
TAKE A GUIDED
CHICAGO TOUR
Jump on board for one
Broadway in Chicago
of the many guided
tours around the city,
and experience Chicago
like never before.
Local
Blue Man Group
Favorites
TASTE THE FLAVORS
OF CHICAGO
From hot dogs to deep dish
pizza and everything in between,
Chicago has a flavor all its own.
Visit the culinary section at
enjoyillinois.co.uk for more
Chicago favorites.
The Second City
Comedy Club
BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS
10 | Must-See Chicago
Must-See Chicago | 11
Beyond
Chicago
SO MUCH TO E XPLORE
Burpee Museum of
Natural History, Rockford
Chicagoland Speedway and
Route 66 Raceway, Joliet
KeyLime Cove Indoor
Waterpark Resort, Gurnee
Just outside the fast-paced
life of Chicago is where you will
find new adventures and fun
excursions for the whole family
to enjoy. Hit the water parks and
experience the cool slides and
family-togetherness. Check out
national acts as you lounge on
the grass under the stars, play
the ponies, catch a car race or
expand your knowledge and
appreciation for beauty at one
of the many cultural attractions,
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
museums, and stunning gardens
right outside your door. From
roller coasters to casinos and
more, life just beyond Chicago is
an experience to enjoy.
MB Financial Park at
Rosemont, Rosemont
12 | Beyond Chicago
Kegel Harley-Davidson,
Rockford
Six Flags Great America &
Hurricane Harbor, Gurnee
Ravinia Festival,
Highland Park
Historic Auto Attractions,
Roscoe
Arlington International
Racecourse, Arlington Heights
Beyond Chicago | 13
Beyond
Chicago
Architectural
Gems
HOME SWEET HOME
Some of the world’s best-known
architects have designed breathtaking
Frank Lloyd Wright Home
& Studio, Oak Park
pieces of work in Illinois. Come see their
creations and enjoy their dwellings.
Farnsworth House, Plano
Baha’i House of Worship,
Wilmette
ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS, ROCKFORD
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Frederick C.
Robie House, Chicago
Rivers Casino, Des Plaines
14 | Beyond Chicago
Zip Rockford at Alpine Hills,
Rockford
Skydive Chicago, Ottawa
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S LAURENT HOUSE, ROCKFORD
Beyond Chicago | 15
Route 66
TA K E A D R I V E T H R O U G H A M E R I C A N A
Paul Bunyon Hotdog Statue,
Atlanta
Historic Route 66
Route 66 is America’s
Mother Road. Beginning
in Chicago, it’s mile after
mile of Americana, friendly
THE PALMS GRILL CAFÉ, ATLANTA
people and fun roadside
attractions. Drive this
legendary road and catch
a glimpse of life from the
past. Visit landmark
drive-ins and diners. Enjoy
conversations with locals
over fresh pie, catch antique
car shows and experience
a slice of life that has
been well-preserved for
your enjoyment.
So much more to SEE
VISIT enjoyillinois.co.uk
“TRIP IDEAS” for
more information
Pontiac-Oakland Automobile
Museum & Resource Center,
Pontiac
16 |
Route 66
International Route 66 Mother
Road Festival, Springfield
World’s Largest Covered
Wagon, Lincoln
Gemini Giant,
Wilmington
World’s Largest Catsup
Bottle, Collinsville
Route 66 | 17
Route 66
The FLAVOR of the
MOTHER ROAD
Fill up on Route 66 with
drive-ins, diners, sodashops and nostalgic eats.
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame
Museum, Pontiac
• Lou Mitchell’s
• Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket
• Polk-a-Dot Drive In
• Palms Grill Café
• Cozy Dog Drive In
• Doc’s Soda Fountain
• The Ariston Cafe
• White Fence Farm
Buckingham Fountain,
Chicago
CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE, EDWARDSVILLE
VISIT enjoyillinois.co.uk
for more information
Lou Mitchell’s
Restaurant, Chicago
Cozy Dog Drive In,
Springfield
Joliet Area Historical
Museum, Joliet
18 |
Route 66
Rialto Square Theatre,
Joliet
Henry’s Ra66it Ranch,
Staunton
Original Brick Road,
Auburn
The Ariston Cafe,
Litchfield
Route 66 | 19
Galena
Walk among the vibrant
historic downtown Main
Street of Galena and
you’ll understand why so
AT THE COR NER OF QUA INT A N D COZ Y
many have bestowed it
with so many accolades:
One Eleven Main
Most recently it’s been
listed as one of the Top
10 Most Romantic Small
Towns in America. From its
historic red brick buildings
and boutique shops, art
galleries and restaurants;
everything about Galena is
charming. With all kinds of
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
accommodations from B&Bs
to resorts and hotels, there’s
something to suit everyone’s
needs. Enjoy activities
from shopping to hot-air
ballooning: for couples,
friends and families, Galena
has small-town charm
covered.
Galena On The Fly, Inc.
MAIN STREET, GALENA
So much more to SEE
VISIT enjoyillinois.co.uk
“TRIP IDEAS” for
more information
Galena Trolley Tours
20 |
Galena
Galena | 21
Galena
By the Glass
C H EC K O U T S O M E O F G A L E N A’ S TO P
V I N E YA R D S , D I S T I L L E R I E S A N D B A R S
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
Galena
ACCOLADES
• F odor’s– “America’s Best
Main Streets”
• Forbes Magazine’s–
“America’s Prettiest
Towns”
• Huffington Post’s–
“12 Awesome Midwestern
Summer Spots”
• Featured on the
TODAY show as one
of America’s 5 Iconic
Drives
• Trip Advisor’s – “Top Ten
Charming Small Towns”
• One of LIFE’s “Around
the World in 80 Places”
• Smithsonian Magazine’s –
“20 Best Small Towns to
Visit in 2013”
ROCKY WATERS VINEYARD & WINERY, HANOVER
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
22 |
Galena
Massbach Ridge Winery,
Elizabeth
Rocky Waters Vineyard
& Winery, Hanover
Fever River Outfitters
Galena Brewing Company
Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape
Galena | 23
Great Rivers
Country
THE P OW ER A N D BE AU T Y OF
THE MIGHT Y MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi River Bluffs,
Alton
Nauvoo Temple, Nauvoo
Illinois has an abundance
of beautiful scenic drives and
serene waterways. No place
Cahokia Mounds State
Historic Site, Collinsville
evidences this idea more than
Mississippi River Country:
where you can drive down
scenic byways as the powerful
waters of the storied Mississippi
follow you along your journey.
Here you can catch Bald Eagles
soar as they flock to this region
Grafton Zipline Adventures,
Grafton
annually. Bring the family and
tour museums that teach about
agriculture and the Illinois land.
Visit ancient Native-American
burial sites, hike gorgeous
bluffs, go on a thrilling zipline adventure and explore a
region of Illinois that will surely
Celebration River Cruises,
Moline
surprise and delight you.
So much more to SEE
VISIT enjoyillinois.co.uk
“TRIP IDEAS” for
more information
MISSISSIPPI RIVER, ALTON
Spirit of Peoria,
Peoria
24 |
Great Rivers Country
Great Rivers Country | 25
Great Rivers
Country
De Immigrant Dutch
Windmill, Fulton
Bald Eagle
Watching
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
Illinois boasts the largest concentration
of wintering American Bald Eagles in the
continental United States, and the Alton
Lewis & Clark Confluence
Tower, Hartford
area is a great place to see them. Mingle
with a live eagle at the National Great
Rivers Museum. Get a bird’s-eye view from
eight storeys high as majestic eagles soar
along the Mississippi River at the adjacent
Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Or drive along
on an exciting eagle-watching expedition
with a nature expert at Pere Marquette
State Park during Bald Eagle Days, held
GREAT RIVER ROAD
Caterpillar Visitors Center,
Peoria
26 |
Great Rivers Country
Lewis & Clark State
Historic Site, Hartford
John Deere Pavilion,
Moline
National Great Rivers
Museum, Alton
Captain Andy’s Parasail,
Grafton
from late December through early March.
Pere Marquette State
Park, Grafton
Melvin Price Locks & Dam,
Alton
Great Rivers Country | 27
Outdoor
Adventure
Get ready for a side of
Illinois with unexpected
qualities. Where thousand-
THER E’ S M OR E TO ILLINOIS
TH A N MEE T S THE E Y E
year-old cypress trees grow
untouched by civilization,
and rock formations create
thrilling monuments of
limestone. Kayak down
rivers that wind through
nature preserves with lush
foliage, hike trails to cliffs
with breathtaking views and
awe-inspiring stories, and
celebrate a side of Illinois
that will surely bring out the
adventurer in you.
7 Scenic
ILLINOIS Byways
See another side of Illinois
• Great River Road
• Historic National Road
• Meeting of the
Great Rivers
• Historic Route 66
• Illinois Lincoln Highway
• Ohio River Scenic Byway
• Illinois River Road
GARDEN OF THE GODS, SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST
VISIT enjoyillinois.co.uk
for more information
I&M Canal State Trail,
Channahon
28 |
Outdoor Adventure
Cache River State Natural
Area, Belknap
Mattheissen State Park,
Utica
Starved Rock State Park,
Utica
Mississippi Palisades State
Park, Savanna
Outdoor Adventure | 29
Historic
Springfield
Abraham Lincoln
is one of the most respected
presidents in U.S. history.
Lincoln spent 30 years
THE L A N D OF LINCOLN
building a political career
in the rural courthouses of
Illinois before heading off
to the White House as the
16th U.S. president in 1861.
Springfield was the city
where he lived and raised
his family. Come explore the
courthouse where he worked
as a young man before
heading to Washington,
D.C., visit his home and The
Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Library and Museum, where
you can learn about the
man behind the legend,
and, for good luck, rub the
OLD STATE CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE
bronze nose of this beloved
President at The Lincoln
Tomb State Historic Site.
History comes
ALIVE
Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Library and Museum
30 |
Historic Springfield
Lincoln Home National
Historic Site
Lincoln Tomb State
Historic Site
Lincoln’s New Salem State
Historic Site, Petersburg
Horseshoe Sandwich
Throughout the summer,
history comes alive in
Springfield. Experience the
past with storytelling and
reenactments with historical
figures, and learn how the
people of Springfield lived
during Abraham Lincoln’s
days. To learn more, see the
Lincoln’s Living Legacy page
on enjoyillinois.co.uk
Historic Springfield | 31
Shopper’s
Paradise
SHOP TILL YOU DROP, A N D
THEN SHOP SO ME M OR E
Woodfield Mall,
Schaumburg
Oakbrook Shopping
Center, Oak Brook
Gurnee Mills, Gurnee
Your shopping
options are covered in
Illinois. With an array of
stores from name brand
retailers, to exclusive
boutiques, outlet malls,
and everything in between.
Chicago and its surrounding
suburbs are known for great
MAGNIFICENT MILE SHOPPING, CHICAGO
Shopping Chicago’s
NEIGHBORHOODS
Head off the beaten path to find
unique shops and stores among
Chicago’s eclectic neighborhoods.
VISIT enjoyillinois.co.uk
for more information.
shopping opportunities.
Experience the urban rush
of retail along Chicago’s
Magnificent Mile. Or head
out to the suburbs and find
incredible deals on designer
fashions at one of the many
outlet centers. Then again,
why not do both?
Fashion Outlets of Chicago,
Rosemont
32 |
Shopper’s Paradise
Chicago Premium Outlets,
Aurora
900 North Michigan Shops,
Chicago
The Shops at North
Bridge, Chicago
Water Tower Place,
Chicago
State Street Shopping,
Chicago
Shopper’s Paradise | 33
Annual
Illinois Events
DON’ T MISS A MINU TE OF FU N
A N D E XCITEMENT IN ILLINOIS.
Put these annual events, which celebrate everything from music
and Chicago cuisine to Route 66, on your calendar. Want to see more?
Go to enjoyillinois.co.uk “Festivals & Events”.
SUMMER
AUTUMN
WINTER
SPRING
CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL (Chicago)
CHICAGO GOURMET (Chicago)
CHRISTKINDLMARKET (Chicago)
CHICAGO PRIDE FEST (Chicago)
INTERNATIONAL ROUTE 66 MOTHER
ROAD FESTIVAL (Springfield)
BALD EAGLE TROLLEY TOURS AT
STARVED ROCK (Utica)
SOCK MONKEY MADNESS AT
MIDWAY VILLAGE MUSEUM
(Rockford)
MORTON PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
(Morton)
BALD EAGLE DAYS AT PERE
MARQUETTE STATE PARK (Grafton)
NASCAR SPRINT CUP WEEKEND AT
CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY (Joliet)
ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING
COMPETITION (Rockford)
THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE FESTIVAL
(Chicago)
CHINESE NEW YEAR (Chicago)
(June – July – August)
SUPERMAN CELEBRATION
(Metropolis)
BLUES ON THE FOX (Aurora)
TASTE OF CHICAGO (Chicago)
WORLD’S LARGEST CATSUP
BOTTLE FESTIVAL (Collinsville)
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR (Springfield)
LOLLAPALOOZA (Chicago)
IN-FASHION: THE MAGNIFICENT
MILE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (Chicago)
CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW
(Chicago)
CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL (Chicago)
(September – October – November)
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO
MARATHON (Chicago)
(December – January – February)
CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK
(Chicago)
(March – April – May)
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE (Chicago)
WINE LOVERS’ WEEKEND (Galena)
DUTCH DAYS FESTIVAL (Fulton)
ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 RED CARPET
CORRIDOR FESTIVAL
(Joliet to Towanda)
FUNKS GROVE MAPLE SIRUP
EXPERIENCE (McLean)
NOUVEAU WINE WEEKEND (Galena)
MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL
(Chicago)
EAST PEORIA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
(East Peoria)
CHRISTKINDLMARKET, CHICAGO
34 |
Annual Illinois Events
Annual Illinois Events | 35
Illinois Travel Tips
CURRENCY
The dollar is the basic unit of American
currency. Foreign currency is not
accepted. You can exchange currency
at both O’Hare International Airport
and Chicago Midway International
Airport, as well as at large commercial
banks throughout Chicago.
DRIVING REGULATIONS
• Legal driving age is 16
• Legal
car rental age is typically
21-25, but varies by rental company
ELECTRICITY
The United States uses 110–120 volts.
Sixty cycles is standard. If your small
appliance uses 220–240 volts, you’ll
need a voltage converter and a plug
adapter with two flat parallel pins.
LIQUOR, GAMING & SMOKING
REGULATIONS
(Photo ID with birth date or a
passport is required)
•L
egal drinking and gaming age is 21
• Legal smoking age is 18
TIME ZONE
Illinois is in the Central Standard Time
Zone (six hours earlier than GMT). CST
is also one hour behind the East Coast
and two hours ahead of the West Coast.
TIPPING
The custom of tipping is common
practice in Illinois.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Call 911 toll-free from any public
telephone for police, fire or medical
assistance.
DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
• For local numbers, dial 411
• For long-distance numbers, dial
1 + AREA CODE + 555-1212
• For toll-free numbers, dial 1 + 800 +
555-1212
LOCAL CALLS
There are multiple area codes in Illinois.
When making a local call, dial
1 + AREA CODE + PHONE NUMBER.
GO TO ENJOYILLINOIS.CO.UK
“TRAVEL TIPS” FOR DETAILED
INFORMATION ON:
Air, Ground & Public Transportation,
Downloadable Maps/Guides, Visas
(application process and requirements
for traveling to the United States)
WEATHER
Illinois experiences a wide range of
temps through the year.
SEASON
AVG TEMP
(°F/°C)
RAINFALL
AVG. INCHES
SNOWFALL
AVG. INCHES
WINTER
29/-1
1.8
8.5
SPRING
52/11
3.5
0.6
SUMMER
73/23
3.6
—
AUTUMN
54 /12
3
0.8
•1
5%–20% is the norm for restaurant
waitstaff, bartenders and taxi drivers.
•$
1–$2 is the typical tip for hotel
doormen and valet parking staff.
•$
1–$2 per bag is an acceptable
tip for bellhops.
Start planning your Illinois
experience today
Find complete trip planning information
at enjoyillinois.co.uk