Outdoor Adventures
Offering great ways to get the family off the sofa and into the Great Outdoors with adventures including hiking, biking, and interacting with wildlife
Route 66
300-mile stretch of American roadway, steeped in legend and packed full with eccentric lifers, nostalgic eats, quirky museums and more kitsch than you can shake a restored 1940’s gas pump at. This is the Mother Road. There is no better way to relive America’s golden age than along its most legendary highway, Route 66. The historic highway starts in Chicago and continues throughout the state. It is this iconic stretch where classic diners, drive-in theaters and quirky roadside attractions continue to wind their way through history and into the hearts of visitors to this very day. In fact, mile for mile you can discover more of Route 66 in Illinois than anywhere else.
Illinois Shopping
Shop the Magnificent Mile, score some designer deals, and explore the delightful boutiques and galleries of historic Galena.
Family Fun
Things to do with kids with Illinois, including rollercoasters, waterslides, and all the tasty treats your picky eater could ask for. Just beyond the city lies Chicagoland, known for everything from Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning architecture to exotic Anderson Japanese Gardens. Some of the biggest and best shopping outlets in America also reside here, many taking shopping to a whole new level with beautiful indoor and outdoor malls that seemingly go on for as far as the eye can see.
Historical
Illinois will always be the Land of Lincoln. With good reason, too. Abraham Lincoln spent the majority of his life in Illinois, fondly referring to it as home. Here, you can discover everything from his log cabin in the historic village of New Salem to his home in Springfield. Plus visit one of the most celebrated presidential museums in the world. Lincoln’s legacy marked the beginning of a long history of presidents, including Grant, Reagan and Obama.
The Mississippi River defines the entire western side of Illinois and if it’s the great wide-open outdoors you’re looking, then you must explore Great Rivers Country. Charming river towns, steamboats, sprawling vineyards, and quaint bed and breakfasts are just of few discoveries that await visitors. This remarkable region is also home to Lewis & Clark’s historic point of departure, the Shawnee National Forest, and the appropriately named Garden of the Gods.
But while Illinois’ attractions characterize the best of the authentic American experience, chances are, if you ask someone who has visited what they remember the most, they will say the warm, friendly people. This hospitality is something that is felt throughout the state and in the people who are waiting to welcome you. Are you up for Amazing!
Chicago
The perfect ‘Hang Out’ City!
Chicago is a city of world-class status and unparalleled beauty. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of Midwest. Chicago is home of the jazz and blues, world-championship sports teams, an internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra, reowned architechture, award-winning theatre and much more.
The biggest city of the Great Lakes region, Chicago sits on more than 26 miles of uninterrupted lakefront, offering 15 miles of sandy beaches and hundreds of beautiful parks, all nestled within a skyline of architectural wonders. You’ll find world-renowned museums, theatre, nightlife and music of every style, and some of the best foodie hot spots in the States.
One of America’s most fascinating cities, with a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is home to some of the city’s tallest buildings, such as the John Hancock Center and Trump International Hotel & Tower. Close to the downtown area, hotels on the Magnificent Mile range from intimate boutique-style spots to some of the most luxurious in the city.
Purchase a Chicago CityPass for entry to five of Chicago’s must see attractions. With CityPass, you can save an amazing 50% off regular admissions and skip most ticket lines.
Bordering the Magnificent Mile, the area known as River North is the place to go for trendy bars and fine art galleries.
The Loop is one of the most iconic parts of Chicago, located at the heart of the downtown area. The Loop is packed with skyscrapers, including Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings on the planet. Hotels here land you in striking distance of Millennium Park, the Planetarium and the Art Institute and the city’s renowned theatre scene can be found here too. Cloud Gate is a public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, that is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in the Loop community area.
Rockford
Go back in time, or to the other side of the world.
The Rockford region is set in the rolling, beautiful hills of Northern Illinois and only a 90 minute drive from the world class city of Chicago. Whether you want to explore the rich culture, exquisite Japanese gardens, visit the nature museum featuring Sue the T.Rex, or stroll through the Midway Village Museum which transports visitors 100 years back in time with 26 historical structures typical in a rural Northern Illinois town, including a general store, schoolhouse, town hall and police station. The Museum also celebrates Rockford’s link with the infamous sock monkey.
Kegel Harley-Davidson Motorcycles is the world’s oldest family owned Harley Davidson dealership. Complete with an expanded Harley-Davidson showroom, fashion & riding gear, collectables, H-D rentals and an on-site restaurant, Kegel’s is a must see.
Starved Rock, Utica
Explore bluffs and waterfalls along miles of trails.
The lush forest of Starved Rock State Park, with its serene waterfalls and beautiful lodge, offers a quiet retreat for visitors. Naturalist-led programs draw you farther into this hilly wonderland, located just minutes from the wineries, quaint shops and restaurants in Utica.
Gurnee
A playground of coasters, water slides and shopping.
Just north of Chicago, you’ll find a nirvana of theme parks and endless shopping called Gurnee. Here, you can race down a roller coaster, splash through a water park, and shop the largest outlet mall in Illinois, packed with more than 200 stores.
Don’t miss out!! Make sure to see all the great attractions the city has to offer. Call travelplanners now for the best deals on flights, hotels and attraction tickets, everything you need for your dream city break.
