Illinois, located in the heart of America’s Midwest, offers a rich tapestry of experiences from its award-winning gateway city of Chicago to its many state parks, scenic byways, historical connections, and unique small-town charm.
Start your journey in Chicago where history and modernity meet. Dive into the city’s dynamic culture with its 77 vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class dining, renowned museums and galleries and pulsating live music scene. The iconic Magnificent Mile is a paradise, offering everything from luxury brands to flagship stores and exceptional dining experiences. Sports enthusiasts can catch thrilling games from the city’s iconic teams like the Bears, Cubs, and White Sox while Illinois hockey brings intensity and teamwork to the ice and the electric atmosphere surrounding the world-famous Chicago Bulls continue to inspire fans. Illinois offers sports fans truly unforgettable moments.
Take in a sky-high view from one of Chicago’s towering observation decks – Skydeck Chicago or 360 CHICAGO. Snap a selfie at artist Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture, located in Millennium Park, commonly referred to as “The Bean”, and stroll down Chicago’s Riverwalk, stopping for a drink or a bite to eat along the way. Soak in the city’s spectacular skyline and inspiring architecture from an unmissable river architecture boat tour, or from an entirely new perspective at Navy Pier’s latest addition – the Flyover Chicago experience. The best places to eat in Illinois offer everything from delicious deep dish pizza and Chicago style hot dogs to Michelin star dining and truly international takes on different flavours and types of food. No matter the season, Chicago’s festivals, markets, and events ensure there’s always something exciting happening.
Legendary Route 66 starts in Chicago, with Illinois proudly claiming the first 300-miles of roadside attractions and Americana along ‘The Mother Road’. Illinois is also the only state where Route 66 and The Great River Road meet in Alton along the mighty Mississippi River – just two of seven scenic byways waiting to welcome road trip enthusiasts.
One of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, called Illinois home and filled it with some of his best works. Enjoy the Illinois Frank Lloyd Wright Trail – a self-guided architectural adventure featuring 12 Wright-designed buildings, two of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, many of which are open to the public for tours.
While Illinois’ attractions characterise the best of the authentic American experience, chances are that if you ask someone who has visited what they remember the most, they will say the warm, friendly people. This Midwestern hospitality is something that is felt throughout the state and in the people who are waiting to welcome you.
