TOUR ILLINOIS GUIDE
Welcome to Illinois Dear Group Travel Planner, Group travel continues to thrive in Illinois! Illinois is blessed with a network of group travel specialists located throughout the state waiting to help you create an incredible experience for your group. Our team of Convention and Visitor Bureaus and their sales staff that comprise Tour Illinois are ready to create remarkable experiences for your groups. Plan your trips through the pages ahead for agricultural tours, historic tours, great rivers adventures and outdoor beauty trips that can all be complemented with Illinois wine and tremendous foodie options. The group travel attractions and opportunities are endless from all regions of the state of Illinois. Here, you can discover fresh ideas for your next trip. Our teams of group travel experts are here to help make planning easy to ensure unforgettable trips for your groups. For additional trip ideas, check out our website enjoyillinois.com.
Your friend in Illinois tourism,
Cory M. Jobe Director Illinois Office of Tourism
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Galena
Rockford 94 39
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88
355
Aurora
294
Chicago
290
94 294
55
88
Moline
94
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57 180
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Kankakee 39 74 55
Peoria
Bloomington
155
Champaign
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74
55
Quincy
Springfield 72
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55 57
Effingham
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Chicago and Beyond
Great Rivers Country
Alton
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70
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Cover photo credits: Great Rivers Scenic Byway; Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Chicago; Choose Chicago, Lincoln at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum; BRC Imagination Arts, Garden of the Gods Hiker; Carbondale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Land of Lincoln Carbondale
Trails to Adventure © 2015 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, TTY: 1-800-785-6055 ® The Magnificent Mile is a registered trademark of the Magnificent Mile Association.
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Metropolis
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All TRAILS LEAD TO ILLINOIS
A message from your Illinois Convention and Visitor Bureaus.
BRC Imagination Arts
Let our Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureaus help plan the perfect Illinois getaway. We are only a phone call away. The 50+ members of Tour Illinois include destination marketing organizations throughout the state. We are dedicated tourism professionals who are ready to create exciting itineraries for you and your travelers. Our new Tour Illinois Group Tour Planner is organized by regions. There are four in Illinois, Chicago & Beyond (Chicago and northern Illinois), Great Rivers Country (Mississippi River 4
and western Illinois), Land of Lincoln (central Illinois) and Trails to Adventure (southern Illinois). We are here to answer all of your questions, assist you with trip planning and to create fascinating itineraries. Our Tour Illinois travel
For detailed information on more attractions and personalized itineraries, please contact the local CVB listed.
professionals are a one-stop shop for creating memories your travelers will cherish forever. We can take the hassle out of planning; let us make your group outing to Illinois as carefree as possible. Tour Illinois knows the meaning of teamwork and we stand ready to welcome your groups. Our members work together to showcase Illinois. If a destination can’t accommodate your dates or times, let us know and we will contact another region for you to make your next group outing stress free. Please contact CVBs directly or, for more information about Tour Illinois, visit our website www.tourillinois.org.
For detailed information on more attractions and personalized itineraries, please contact the local CVB listed.
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Table of Contents Chicago and Beyond
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Land of Lincoln
Great Rivers Country
Welcome To Illinois
3
All Trails Lead to Illinois
4
Chicago & Beyond
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Calendar of Events - Chicago & Beyond
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Trails to Adventure
Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau
20
Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau
21
Visit Lake County
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Lisle Convention and Visitors Bureau
23
Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
10
Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau
11
Visit McHenry County
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Choose Chicago
12
Visit Oak Park
25
Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau
13
Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
26
Meet Chicago Northwest
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Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Rosemont Convention and Tourism Bureau
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15
Visit DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau
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16
Picture Yourself in Illinois
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DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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For detailed information on more attractions and personalized itineraries, please contact the local CVB listed.
Land of LincolN
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Calendar of Events - Land of Lincoln
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Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County
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Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Visit Champaign County
Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Henry County Tourism Bureau
47
Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
48
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Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
49
Danville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Trails To Adventure
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Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Calendar of Events - Trails to Adventure
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38
Lake Shelbyville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Carbondale Convention & Tourism Bureau
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39
The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth
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Pontiac Tourism Bureau
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Springfield Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau
Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau
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41
Great Rivers Country
Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
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Calendar of Events - Great Rivers Country
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Williamson County Tourism Bureau
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Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau
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Picture Yourself in Illinois
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Presidential Trails
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Scenic Byways
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Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau
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For detailed information on more attractions and personalized itineraries, please contact the local CVB listed.
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CHICAGO & BEYOND
Chicagoland Speedway
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Magic Waters Waterpark
Chicago has earned its reputation as a world-class destination, but beyond the city limits lies a variety of attractions, such as zoos, gardens, amusement parks, shopping, malls and outlet centers. The Chicago & Beyond region is a vital center of culture, rich with the best elements of big city life, small town hospitality and natural beauty.
CHICAGO & BEYOND
CALENDAR January
Bald Eagle Trolley Tours at Starved Rock, Utica Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition, Rockford
February Chicago Auto Show, Chicago Chicago Restaurant Week, Chicago Chinese New Year Celebration, Chicago Groundhog Days, Woodstock
March Chicago Flower & Garden Show, Chicago Sock Monkey Madness, Rockford
May Gaelic Park Irish Festival, Oak Forest Grape Vines & Wines, Glencoe Lilac Time Festival, Lombard Long Grove Chocolate Festival, Long Grove
June Harvard Milk Days, Havard Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival, Lisle
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EVENTS
Long Grove Strawberry Festival, Long Grove Old Town Art Fair, Chicago Ottawa 2 Rivers Wine Fest, Ottawa
October Autumn on Parade, Oregon Chicago Architecture Biennial, Chicago Highwood Pumpkin Fest, Highwood
July
Six Flags Fright Fest, Gurnee
Taste of Chicago, Chicago
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival, St. Charles
Wright in Kankakee Fine Art Show, Kankakee
August Lollapalooza, Chicago Chicago Air & Water Show, Chicago Lincolnshire Art Festival, Lincolnshire
November Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Chicago Tea and Trains, North Barrington
December
Northalsted Market Days, Chicago
Chicago Botanic Garden Wonderland Express, Glencoe
Smallville Superfest, Plano
Christkindlmarket Chicago, Chicago
September
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Long Grove Apple Fest, Long Grove
Lincoln Park ZooLights, Chicago Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier, Chicago
The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival, Chicago NASCAR Sprint Cup Weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet Vintage Illinois at Starved Rock, Utica
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Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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enjoyaurora.com
Phone
630-256-3190
Fax
630-256-3190
Find Us • The second largest city in Illinois, is conveniently located off I-88 and just 37 miles from Chicago.
Services Offered • 5 itineraries • FAM Tours • FREE Bus Parking • Most Hotels Have FREE Breakfast • All Attractions Within 20 Miles
Attractions • Hollywood Casino • Farnsworth House
AACVB/Beacon News
• Paramount Theatre • Chicago Premium Outlets • Raging Waves Water Park
Chicago Premium Outlets
The Aurora Area consists of ten unique communities: Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Plano, Sandwich, Sugar Grove and Yorkville. Whether you plan to experience our holiday celebrations, indulge in a Broadway play, shop ‘til you drop, or discover our world renowned museums, please reach out to us with any questions you have. We are more than happy to assist with restaurant recommendations, hotel RFPs for your groups, attraction information, or what is new in Chicago. We can help you to create a unique experience for your group.
Web
Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
visitnorthwestillinois.com
Toll-Free 800-678-2108 Email
815-946-2277
[email protected]
Find Us • Located along Interstate 88 and 39, if you’re coming from the north take I-90.
Services Offered • Personalized Assistance • FAM Opportunities • Out of the Ordinary Experiences
• Site Visit Guides • Group Rate Discount
Attractions • John Deere Historic Site • De Immigrant Dutch Windmill • Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home & Visitor Center
• Barnacopia Farm Museum • Northwest Territory Historic Center
City of Fulton
The Blackhawk Waterways of northwest Illinois is an extraordinary escape destination for your groups. Take a luncheon cruise on the Rock River via an authentic paddle wheel boat or experience live theater while enjoying a luncheon buffet. A treasure trove of museums and historic stops, including the Reagan Boyhood Home & John Deere Historic Site which help re-tell stories of our rich heritage. We will customize individual itineraries for an unforgettable tour.
Fax
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Choose Chicago
Whether shopping along the Magnificent Mile, dining at some of the world’s greatest restaurants, rooting for your favorite sports teams or delving into an endless array of culture and architecture, there’s no place like Chicago. Please reach out to us with any questions you have for trips to Chicago. We are more than happy to help with restaurant recommendations, sending out hotel RFPs for your group, attraction information, or what’s new in Chicago.
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Web
choosechicago.com
Phone
312-567-8500
Fax
312-567-8472
Find Us • Two international airports, O’Hare and Midway, with easy access to Downtown Chicago. Reachable via several major interstates.
Services Offered • Hotel RFPs for Your Group • Resource for Trip Information • Motorcoach Parking Information • Collateral or Printed Brochures on • Contacts at Chicago Restaurants, Chicago Hotels and Attractions
Attractions • 360 Chicago • Chicago Architecture Foundation • Broadway in Chicago
• The Field Museum • Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau visitchicagonorthshore.com
Phone
847-763-0011 ext. 25
Fax
847-763-0022
Find Us • Bordering the city of Chicago — 20 minutes from downtown Chicago
Services Offered • Guide and Drive Complimentary • FAM Trip Opportunities Hotel and Meals • Regional Planning With • Themed Itineraries With Marketing Other CVB Areas Support
Attractions • Baha’i House of Worship • Chicago Botanic Garden • Northwestern University • Illinois Holocaust Museum • Charles Gates Dawes House Northwestern Athletic Media Services, Stephen J.C.
Bordering Chicago along Lake Michigan, Chicago’s North Shore features Northwestern University, Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia Music Festival, the only Baha’i House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere, the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the Charles Dawes Gates House and Architectural Walking Tours, and three premiere shopping centers, Westfield Old Orchard, Northbrook Court and the Glen Town Center. A quick 30 minute drive transports you from Chicago’s North Shore to Downtown Chicago.
Web
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Meet Chicago Northwest Web
ChicagoNorthwest.com
Toll-Free 800-847-4849 Fax Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs offer a dazzling array of hotels, unsurpassed shopping, nationally known attractions, and exceptional dining experiences at 400+ restaurants. The area features gigantic Woodfield Mall, the flagship IKEA store, outstanding outlet stores, and hundreds of unique boutiques just perfect for exploring. Entertainment and attraction options abound as well. Experience wine tasting at Lynfred Winery; jousting knights at Medieval Times; gaming at GameWorks; improvisation at Laugh Out Loud. Meet Chicago Northwest will help you create unforgettable itineraries for all groups!
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Phone 847-490-1010
847-490-1212
Find Us • On the edge of Chicago and O’Hare Airport – 30 minutes northwest of Downtown Chicago.
Services Offered • Complimentary Hotel & Venue sourcing • Visitor Guide
• Itinerary Planning • Area Map
Attractions • Woodfield Mall • Medieval Times • Laugh Out Loud
• Arlington International Racecourse • Lynfred Winery
Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
TourChicagoSouthland.com
Toll-Free 888-895-8233 Email Just minutes from downtown Chicago, the Chicago Southland offers group tour planners accessibility, affordability and versatility, all with a full complement of services. Conveniently accessible throughout the Chicago-area via Interstates 80, 90, 94, 294, 355, 55 and 57, the Chicago Southland is an ideal group tour location. Our region offers a variety of experiences for group tours and is a great and conveniently located stopover for Chicago tours.
Fax
708-895-8288
[email protected]
Find Us • The Chicago Southland includes the 62 south and southwest suburbs of Chicago and only 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.
Services Offered • Customized Itineraries • Complimentary Motorcoach Parking
• Group Incentives & Services
• Balmoral Park Race Track • First Midwest Bank Amphitheater • Chicago Fire Major League Soccer/ TOYOTA PARK
• Frankfort Historic Shopping District • Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens
Attractions
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Visit DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
dekalbcountycvb.com
Toll-Free 877-335-2521 Fax DeKalb County is an ideal destination for a group tour day trip or overnight stay. Our area is filled with historical shopping districts, museums, theaters, wineries, delicious eateries and a wide variety of agriculture attractions. We have a vibrant arts and cultural scene that includes both regional and national entertainment. There’s nothing we like more than opening our doors. We are ready to help plan your visit and look forward to welcoming you to DeKalb County!
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Phone
815-756-1336
815-756-5164
Find Us • Easily accessible from either I-88 or I-90. Conveniently located just 60 miles west of Chicago.
Services Offered • Venue Selection & Site Visit Assistance • Hotel Group Accommodations Assistance • Maps and Visitor Guides Provided
• Customized Itineraries • Event Planning: Entertainment, Local Contact for Services
Attractions • Ellwood House Museum • Midwest Museum of Natural History • Prairie State Winery
• Egyptian Theatre • Waterman Winery and Vineyard
DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
DiscoverDuPage.com
Toll-Free 800-232-0502
DuPage County is a favorite destination among groups for its variety, affordability and convenience. Amazingly rich in culture, heritage and landscape, DuPage is known for its world-class shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment. It is home to several popular attractions, like The Morton Arboretum, Billy Graham Center Museum, Lynfred Winery, Drury Lane Theatre, Cantigny Park and Naper Settlement. DuPage also offers over 100 hotels, all with free parking. Come and discover what awaits you beyond Chicago’s skyline!
Fax
630-575-8078
Find Us • 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. Close to O’Hare and Midway international airports. Accessible by Amtrak, Metra, Route 66 and major expressways I-55, I-80, I-88, I-90, I-94, I-290, I-294 & I-355.
Services Offered • Step-On Guide Support • Hotel & Venue Sourcing Assistance • Customized Itineraries
• Free Visitors Guides & Welcome Bags • Site Visits & Familiarization Tours
Attractions • Cantigny Park & Museums • Chicago Premium Outlets • Drury Lane Theatre • Oakbrook Center • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago
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Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
northernfoxrivervalley.com
Toll-Free 800-217-5362
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847-695-7668
Find Us • We are 45 minutes northwest from downtown Chicago and 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport.
Services Offered • Guide and Driver Complimentary Hotel and Meals • Itinerary Customization
• Complimentary Step-on Guide Services • Site Visit Assistance • FAM Opportunities
Attractions • Illinois Railway Museum • Santa’s Village Azoosment Park • The Grand Victoria Casino • Muirhead Farmhouse • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago
Grand Victoria Casino
The Elgin Area is a must-see stop for motor coach groups visiting the Chicagoland area! Home of the world-famous Elgin National Watch Company Observatory, the Elgin area also hosts such amazing, group-friendly sites such as the Frank Lloyd Wright Muirhead Farmhouse, the Illinois Railway Museum, the Fox River Trolley Museum, the Grand Victoria Casino, the Hemmens Cultural Centre and over 40 miles of bike and walking trails along the Fox River! We also have many great affordable hotels and world-class restaurants.
Fax
Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
Stephenson-county-il.org
Toll-Free 800-369-2955 Fax Freeport/Stephenson County, with centuries of charm and hospitality, offers quaint villages, scenic drives, interesting museums, historic sites, special events, unique shops and restaurants, and welcoming hotels. A sample of possible stops include Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square, a ride on an authentic antique steam train, relaxing at a local winery and vineyard, tours of an 1857 mansion, or enjoying a cone at a 100 year old ice cream parlor. We will customize an itinerary just for you.
Phone
815-233-1357
815-233-1358
Find Us • Located 2 hours west of Chicago on U.S. Highway 20 in the gently rolling hills of Northwest Illinois.
Services Offered • Group Rates and Discounts • Tour Planning - We’ll Do It ALL! • Complimentary Escort Policy for Accommodations, Admission, and Meals
• FAM Tours • Step-on Guides Available at No Charge
Attractions • Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square • Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad Antique Steam Train
• Stephenson County Historical Museum • Freeport Art Museum • Famous Fossil Vineyard and Winery
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Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
HeritageCorridorCVB.com
Toll-Free 800-535-5682 Fax
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815-588-7940
815-588-7945
Find Us • 14 miles south of Chicago to 100 miles southwest, the Heritage Corridor is accessible by 5 major interstates (including I-80 & I-55), Chicago airports, AMTRAK and Metra rail.
Services Offered • Receptive Services • Themed Tours • Customized Itineraries
• Step-on Guides • Marketing Materials
Attractions • Route 66 • Rialto Square Theatre • LaSalle Canal Boat
• Joliet Area Historical Museum • Starved Rock State Park
Chicagoland Speedway
Bring your group to play in the Nation’s first Heritage Corridor! Visit the quaint canal towns and communities along the Illinois and Michigan Canal filled with history, casinos, NASCAR, museums, minor league baseball, Route 66, boutique stores and malls, diners and fine cuisine restaurants and outdoor recreation adventures. Your group will have a fun, memorable experience in Chicagoland’s Largest Playground – the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor!
Phone
Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau Web
visitkankakeecounty.com
Toll-Free 800-747-4837
Kankakee County is home to many great attractions, festivals and activities like the Chicago Bears Training Camp, the Barn Quilt Tour, the B. Harley Bradley House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Historical Church Tour. Traditionally traveled for leisure activities, recent development in Kankakee County has attracted numerous organized group tours. Tour operators will appreciate Kankakee County for its affordability, accessibility and charm.
Fax
815-935-5169
Find Us • Located on I-57 and south of I-80. We are 50 miles south of Chicago.
Services Offered • Customized itineraries • Site Visits and Familiarizations Tours
• Hotel Leads for Rate Quotes • Personal “Meet and Greet” Service Provided by CVB
Attractions • Barn Quilt Tour • Historical Church Tour • Bennett-Curtis House Mystery • Strickler Planetarium Dinner Theater • B. Harley Bradley House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
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Visit Lake County Web
visitlakecounty.org
Toll-Free 800-Lake-Now
Home to Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills, Naval Station Great Lakes, Ravinia Festival concerts, world-famous Tempel Lipizzans, the unusual Gold Pyramid House, opulent Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, Volo Auto Museum plus the quaint Long Grove Historic Village. Neaby Sanfilippo Estate and Chicago Botanic Garden are both popular for group tours. Planners may choose from over 20-themed itineraries for adult and student groups or create a unique experience. We have many hidden treasures just north of Chicago!
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Fax
847-662-2702
Find Us • Conveniently located on I-94 between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Services Offered • Itinerary Building Assistance • Annual FAM Opportunity • Escort and Driver Welcome Gifts at Your Hotel
• Personalized Site Visit • Digital Photo Library and Online Videos
Attractions • Great Lakes Naval Museum • Six Flags Great America • Volo Auto Museum
• Ravinia Festival • Tempel Lipizzans
Lisle Convention and Visitors Bureau Web
stayinlisle.com
Toll-Free 800-733-9811
Home to outstanding hotels including, Hilton, Hyatt and Sheraton Lisle, specializing in group tour services. Lisle promises extraordinary experiences like exceptional shopping and dining options, enriching cultural activities and naturebased outings. Discover Lisle’s refreshing recreational amenities including: the popular annual Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival and The Morton Arboretum, an internationally recognized 1,700acre outdoor museum that provides group workshops and educational opportunities for unique group outings.
Fax
630-769-1006
Find Us • Only 25 miles from both O’Hare and Midway Airports and 25 miles west of Chicago’s Loop, Lisle is located at the intersection of I-88 and I-355.
Services Offered • Welcome Bags • Customized Itinerary Assistance • Complimentary Hotel Room for Guide/Driver
• Complimentary Bus Parking • Site Inspections for Lisle Hotels and Venues
Attractions • The Morton Arboretum • Cantigny Park • Billy Graham Center Museum • ClaySpaces Ceramic Arts Center • Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival
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Visit McHenry County Web
visitmchenrycounty.com
Toll-free 888-363-6177
Outstanding dining, quaint shopping and unique attractions, along with proximity to Chicago and Rockford, make McHenry County an ideal destination or base for hub-andspoke tours. Experience acoustical perfection at Sanfilippo Estate’s “Place de la Musique.” Explore a one-room schoolhouse at McHenry County Historical Museum or hop aboard an historic train at the Illinois Railway Museum. We offer groupfriendly attractions for history, arts, entertainment and more.
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Phone
815-893-6280
Find Us • Located in the heart of the Chicago/Rockford/Milwaukee triangle, 50 miles northwest of Chicago with easy access from I-90 and is traversed by Routes 20, 31, 47, 120, 173 and 176.
Services Offered • Full Itinerary Planning Assistance • Consumer Brochures and Local Photos • Fam Tour Opportunities
• One Stop for Housing Quotes • Site Visit Assistance
Attractions • Sanfilippo’s Place de la Musique • Historic Woodstock Square • Richardson Adventure Farm
• Illinois Railway Museum • Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Visit Oak Park Web
visitoakpark.com
Toll-Free 888-OAK-PARK
Oak Park is home to the most Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings in the world, including Wright’s Home & Studio. Home to another great mind, Nobel Laureate & Pulitzer Prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway’s birth home and museum are also located in Oak Park. Among the attractions, you will also find great shopping, from boutiques to antiques, and a diverse selection of restaurants for any taste. Visit Oak Park, Step Out of Line!
Fax
708-524-7473
Find Us • The Oak Park Area is just nine miles due west of downtown Chicago, easily accessible by both CTA Green and Blue Lines and Metra rail.
Services Offered • FAM Opportunities • Site Visit Assistance • Trip Planning Assistance
• Visitor Guide Distribution • Informational Materials
Attractions • Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio • Pleasant Home • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple • Berwyn Route 66 Museum • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace & Museum
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Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Web
gorockford.com
Toll-Free 800-521-0849
Bring that bus to Rockford, Illinois – one of the most accessible, affordable destinations in the Midwest! Visit our seven Great Gardens of Rockford; take a historical tour of our theaters and museums; and grab a bite to eat at one of our many Real, Original, Rockford restaurants. Call for more information on bringing your motorcoach to Rockford!
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Fax
815-963-4298
Find Us • Centrally located at the intersection of I-90 and I-39. Easy access from major Midwest hub, 90 miles from Chicago.
Services Offered • Hotel contract and rate negotiations • Event planning
• Marketing assistance • FAM opportunities
Attractions • Discovery Center • Midway Village and Museum • Alpine Hills Adventure Park
• Anderson Japanese Gardens • Laurent House
Rosemont Convention and Tourism Bureau
When it comes to group opportunities, Rosemont has it all. Our tempting restaurants and private event spaces cater to any size group. Enjoy live performances at the Allstate Arena and Rosemont Theatre or shop ‘til you drop at Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s 130+ designer outlets. From indoor skydiving and comedy, your group will find fun in our vibrant entertainment venues. Everything you love is wrapped up in one exciting mini metropolis. Visit Rosemont.com.
Web
rosemont.com
Phone
847-823-2100
Fax
847-696-9700
Find Us • Rosemont is located at the crossroads of I-294, I-90 and I-94, minutes from O’Hare Airport and downtown Chicago, and has CTA and Metra train stops as well PACE bus service serving the suburbs.
Services Offered • Complimentary Hotel & Venue Sourcing • Visitor Guide Distribution • Free Shuttle Bus From Cta Station to Stops at the Mall, Mb Financial Park and Convention Center
• Itinerary Planning • Site Visit Assistance
Attractions • MB Financial Park’s Summer Concerts in the Park • Fashion Outlets of Chicago Outlet Mall • Winter Lights Display Around the Village
• MB Financial Park’s Winter Skating Rink • Allstate Arena Year-Round Concerts and Family Events
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®
Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
visitstcharles.com
Toll-Free 800-777-4373
Hop aboard your motor coach... to charming St. Charles, Illinois! St. Charles is the quintessential Midwest Community and the PERFECT group tour destination! Spend the day exploring the wonders of the Fox River Valley, with the sights of the Windy City just an hour east of here. Discover the many unique and natural charms of St. Charles...and see why we continue to be a favorite among group tour planners.
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Fax
630-513-0566
Find Us • Easily accessible to three interstates I-88; I-355 & I-90.
Services Offered • FAM Opportunities • Step-on Welcome and Guide Services
• Full Itinerary Planning Assistance • Site Visit Assistance
Attractions • Paddlewheel River Boats • Historic Hotel Baker • Theater & Entertainment including the Historic Arcada Theatre and Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort
• Annual Scarecrow Festival • Fine Line Creative Arts Center
Picture Yourself in Illinois
“
I went on an Illinois Fam tour and even though I live in the Chicago area, this tour gave me some great ideas. I have already incorporated 2 of the places in tours that I offer and am planning many more. One phone call and email and my tours were set. What a great experience. Lavonne Campbell Burr Ridge Park District
Caryn at Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau has a tremendous amount of knowledge about her area and beyond. She is always available to help you with new ideas and planning to make sure groups have a fantastic time while in Chicago’s North Shore. Kris Hoff
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LAND OF LINCOLN This is the region that President Abraham Lincoln made his home. Explore his legacy at Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Get your kicks along Route 66, cruise the Illinois stretch to see unique roadside attractions. The Land of Lincoln has it all.
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CALENDAR
of
EVENTS
February
MidAmerica Funfest, Air-Cooled VWs, Effingham
Maple Sirup Time, Shirley
July
Central Illinois Jazz Festival, Decatur
March Funks Grove Maple Syrup Experience, McLean The Original American Passion Play, Bloomington
April
Springfield Illinois CVB
LAND OF LINCOLN
Cheeseburgers in Paradise with Wine Margaritas, Oakford
September
I & I Historic Farm Days, Penfield
Arts in Central Park, Decatur
Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bloomington
Broom Corn Festival, Arcola
Mattoon Bagelfest, Mattoon
Clinton’s Apple & Pork Festival, Clinton
Tour De Donut & Ribfest, Staunton
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, Springfield
Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, Champaign
Palestine Labor Day Festival & Rodeo, Palestine
May
Traditional Music Festival, New Salem, Petersburg Springfield Illinois CVB
Annual Music & Wine Festival, Hill Prairie Winery, Oakford Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival, Arcola Homer Soda Festival, Homer Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival, Joliet to Towanda Old Capitol Art Fair, Springfield
August Decatur Celebration, Decatur Illinois State Fair, Springfield
20th General Grierson Days & All Veterans Celebration, Jacksonville
Lincoln Balloon Festival, Lincoln
Blues, Brews & BBQ, Urbana
Ghost Train at Monticello Railway Museum, Monticello Balloon Fest, Shelbyville
June
International Carillon Festival, Springfield
October
Wabash Valley Wine and Art Festival, Palestine
November Festival of Trees, Danville
Taste of Champaign-Urbana, Champaign
December
Urbana Sweetcorn Festival, Urbana
Christmas at the Dana-Thomas House, Springfield
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Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County
Welcome to the City of Lincoln and Logan County, a rural area where you can walk in the early footsteps of Abraham Lincoln or hop in your car and ride on historic Route 66, America’s most talked-about road. Logan County is proud to offer historic sites, attractions, unique shops and delicious eateries. Enjoy a casual stay, or come for one of the many festivals, sports tournaments or events throughout the year. Logan County offers something for everyone!
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Web
abe66.com
Phone
217-732-8687
Fax
217-735-9205
Find Us • Located off I-55; 30 minutes from Bloomington and Springfield, IL
Services Offered • Visitor Guides • Customized Itineraries
• Calendar of Events
Attractions • Railsplitter Covered Wagon • Postville Courthouse • Mt. Pulaski Courthouse
• Paul Bunyon Statue • Lincoln Heritage Museum
Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
visitbn.org
Toll-Free 800-433-8226
The Bloomington-Normal Area has something to offer everyone! Our charming communities offer premier entertainment, historical tours, outstanding theatre performances, agricultural tours, garden walks, winery events, Abraham Lincoln sites, Route 66 stops, unique restaurants and much more! Our newest attraction is the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center in the McLean County Museum of History. Our celebrated hospitality continues to make our area a remarkable place to visit.
Fax 309-661-0743
Find Us • Centrally located in the heart of Illinois at the crossroads of I-74, I-39, and I-55, and Route 66 just a few hours from Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis.
Services Offered • Welcome Bags • Customized Itineraries • Assistance With Hotel and Restaurant Reservation
• FAM Tours • Visitor Guides, Event Calendar, Brochures, Coupons, Area Maps and More
Attractions • David Davis Mansion • McLean County Museum of History • Route 66
• Ewing Cultural Center • U.S. Cellular Coliseum
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Visit Champaign County
In the mood for a thrilling mystery trip or a two-day agricultural adventure? How about a stop at our group friendly hotels and locallyowned restaurants? Our adult, student and international groups can attest to the many hidden wonders of Champaign County—rich agriculture, delectable cuisine, vibrant arts and culture, cutting-edge technology and much more. Get a taste of Midwest hospitality when you visit our diverse and entertaining community! We guarantee you will be back!
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Web
visitchampaigncounty.org
Phone
217-351-4133
Find Us • Located at the crossroads of I-57, I-74 and I-72. We are 135 miles south of Chicago, linking Indianapolis, St. Louis and Peoria.
Services Offered • Personalized Itinerary Planning • Complimentary Policy for Guide and Driver
• Site Visit Assistance • Motorcoach Servicing Upon Request • Photograph & PowerPoint Presentation
Attractions • Japan House • Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery • Curtis Orchard
• Virginia Theatre • Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
Danville Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau Web
danvilleareainfo.com
Toll-Free 800-383-4386
Something for everyone! The Danville Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau is here to assist you in your planning process and will help you design a tour each of your travelers will enjoy. During breaks, guests will be busy exploring over 15,000 acres of park land in Vermilion County or shopping at one of the 50+ locally owned shops that offer “Everything But Ordinary” to ensure a trip they will never forget!
Fax
217-442-2137
Find Us • Located in East Central Illinois.
Services Offered • Customized Itinerary Planning • Step-on Guide
• Guide and Driver Complimentary Hotel and Meals • Welcome Bags
Attractions • Kickapoo State Park • Vermilion County War Museum • The Walldogs
• Sleepy Creek Vineyards • Vermilion County Museum
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Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
decaturcvb.com
Toll-Free 800-331-4479
Decatur/Forsyth is the ideal hub from which to explore all of central Illinois. We offer attractions for all, a quaint downtown, Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits, several antique centers, and quality restaurants which are distinctly Decatur. Events like the Central Illinois Jazz Festival, the renowned Decatur Celebration and the hugely attended Farm Progress Show™, are hosted in Decatur. We invite you to discover all there is to see and do, and let us help you customize your visit. Visit our website to discover why we should be your next call for tour planning.
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Fax
217-423-7455
Find Us • At the crossroads of I-72 at US 51 and US 36. We are an easy 2 1/2 hour drive south of the Chicago area or 2 hours from St. Louis.
Services Offered • Customized Coupons and Discounts
• Complimentary Step-on Guide
Attractions • Macon County History Museum • Rock Springs Conservation Area • Mari Mann Herb Co. & Farm
• Wabash Depot Antique Center • Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum
Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
visiteffinghamil.com
Toll-Free 800-772-0750 Fax Spend a few days exploring our unique city. With 18 hotels, over 65 restaurants and wonderful attractions, Effingham provides the very best in service and hospitality. Firefly Grill, Tuscan Hills Winery, the Effingham Performance Center, MY Garage Museum, Cross at the Crossroads and John Boos & Co. Outlet Showroom are just a few of the many attractions that make Effingham a tourism destination for thousands of travelers each year.
Phone
217-342-5310
217-342-4939
Find Us • Located in Central Illinois at the crossroads of I-57 and I-70. We are 210 miles south of Chicago.
Services Offered • Site Visit Assistance • Welcome Bags • Customized Help as Needed
• FAM Opportunities • Itinerary Building and/or Assistance
Attractions • Firefly Grill • Effingham Performance Center • Cross at the Crossroads
• Tuscan Hills Winery • John Boos Co. Outlet Showroom
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Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
To the first-time visitor, Jacksonville is full of the unexpected. From our Civil War and Abraham Lincoln sites, to the modern businesses of today, the area offers something for everyone. Jacksonville is a community rich in historical treasures, thriving arts, education, and culture all wrapped up in Midwest hospitality. Jacksonville is an excellent place to live, work, and play!
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Web
jacksonvilleil.org
Phone
217-243-5678
Fax
217-243-5862
Find Us • Centrally located between St. Louis and Chicago, near Springfield.
Services Offered • Customized Itineraries • Welcome Bags • Special Room Rates • Free Wine and Cheese Reception at • Visitor Discount Card Participating Hotels
Attractions • Underground Railroad • Strawn Art Gallery • Walldog Murals
• Governor Duncan Mansion • Looking For Lincoln Sites
Lake Shelbyville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
lakeshelbyville.com
Toll-Free 800-874-3529
Small town charm with a world class landscape! Lake Shelbyville offers 11,100 acres of water, 172 miles of shoreline, five federal campgrounds, two state parks, 65 miles of trails, and beaches. The lake also provides for plentiful wildlife viewing, including Bald Eagles. Unique attractions include a goat tower, covered bridge, Looking for Lincoln exhibits and more to entertain visitors. Our quaint downtowns offer restaurants, specialty and craft shops and even a working potter. For more information on recreational opportunities and local attractions, go to lakeshelbyville.com.
Find Us • Located 3 hours south of Chicago, 35 minutes south of Decatur, 35 minutes north of I-57 & I-70 junction, 2 hours from St. Louis.
Services Offered • Customized Itineraries
• Welcome Bags
Attractions • Lake Shelbyville • Lake Interpretive Center • Boarman’s Chevy Bel-Air Museum
• Historical Chautauqua Auditorium • 3 Wineries
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Pontiac Tourism Bureau Web
Pontiac.org
Toll-Free 800-835-2055 Phone
The City of Pontiac, located 100 miles south of Chicago along I-55 and Historic Route 66, offers the traveler a variety of interesting things to see and places to go. There are four wonderful museums - all within walking distance of each other, - twenty-three colorful, outdoor murals, three unique swinging pedestrian bridges, nine Looking for Lincoln sites, historic homes, a vibrant, turn-of-the-century downtown shopping district, great restaurants, and more. Come see Pontiac for yourself.
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815-844-5847
Find Us • Located on Historic Route 66 and modern I-55 about 100 miles south of Chicago.
Services Offered • Welcome Bags • Trolley Tours • Friendly staff to assistant
• Guided Walking Tours • Site Visits
Attractions • Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum • Murals on Main Street Trolley Tours
• Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum • Historic Downtown Shopping District • Bob Waldmire’s Road Yacht
Springfield Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
visitspringfieldillinois.com
Toll-Free 800-545-7300
217-544-8711
Find Us • Located along I-55 and I-72. We are 200 miles from Chicago, IL and 100 miles from St. Louis.
Services Offered • Complementary Customized itinerary Planning Service
• FAM Tour Opportunities • Group Tour Manual and a Resource Database
Attractions • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum • Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright Design
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site • Lincoln Tomb • Old State Capitol
BRC Imagination Arts
Each year, thousands of groups travel to Springfield to visit our legendary historic sites and attractions – whether for a time travel adventure in the city Lincoln loved or to take part in any of our hundreds of special events happening all year long. Let us make your job easy with our free group planning services. We’ll plan your group’s itinerary and make sure they have a legendary time in Springfield!
Fax
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Great Rivers Country Along the western edge of Illinois lies Great Rivers Country, where the Mississippi and Illinois rivers run through this region of picturesque small towns, rural landscapes and scenic drives. Whether you’re looking for the simple charm of Main Street towns or stunning views along Great River Road, you’ll find this and more.
Replace eagle image with people eagle watching (eagle in shot) - HAVING TROUBLE FINDING REPLACEMENT ON ibotimages.com
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GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY
CALENDAR
of
EVENTS
May
July
Art on the Square, Belleville
Heart of Illinois Fair at Peoria Expo Gardens, Peoria
Fulton Dutch Days Festival, Fulton
Nauvoo Pageant, Nauvoo Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle Festival, Collinsville
June
AUGUST
Galesburg Railroad Days, Galesburg
Galesburg Heritage Days, Galesburg
International Horseradish Festival, Collinsville
September
Rendezvous at Fort De Chartres, Prairie du Rocher
Morton Pumpkin Festival, Morton
Route 66 festival, Edwardsville
October
January Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette, Grafton Bald Eagle Days QCCA Expo Center, Rock Island
March Central Illinois Auto Show, Peoria Wine Lovers’ Weekend, Galena
April
Michael Bork
Steamboat Festival, Peoria
Galena Oktoberfest, Galena Knox County Scenic Drive, Galesburg
November East Peoria Festival of Lights, East Peoria Nouveau Wine Weekend, Galena Way of Lights at Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville
December
President Grant’s Birthday Celebration, Galena
Julmarknad Christmas Market & Chocolate Walk, Bishop Hill
Sandburg Days, Galesburg
Festival of Lights, East Peoria
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Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau Web
visitalton.com
Toll-Free 800-ALTON-IL
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618-465-6151
Find Us • Just 25 miles north of St. Louis, the Alton Region is accessible from six major interstates, an international airport and an Amtrak station.
Services Offered • Group Rates/Discounts • Sample Itineraries • FAM Tours or Site Visit Opportunities
• Group Tour Planner • Reservation Assistance
Attractions • Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center/Tower • Legendary Nightlife & Wineries • Lincoln & Civil War Living History Tour • Mississippi River Cruises • National Great Rivers Museum/Melvin Price Locks & Dam
Bill Ash
The Alton region is located along a breathtaking portion of the Great River Road. Here the Mighty Mississippi River converges with both the Illinois & Missouri Rivers. It is a majestic place known for its historic qualities, recreation and miles of scenic beauty during every season of the year. Your group will enjoy historic sites, state-of-the-art museums, shopping, dining, casino, antiquing and watchable wildlife.
Fax
Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
galena.org
Toll-Free 877-464-2536
815-777-3566
Find Us • Galena/Jo Daviess County is located in the northwest corner of Illinois along U.S. Highway 20. We are three hours west of Chicago.
Services Offered • Welcome Greeting, Promotional Images/Video, RFP Assistance
• Step-on Guide and Business Referral • Welcome Bags with Brochures
Attractions • Galena’s historic Main Street • Four Vineyards, One Brewery & One Distillery • Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
• Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site • Chestnut Mountain Resort
Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB
Tucked away in the unglaciated hills of northwest Illinois, this area is home to quintessential towns that exude what America looked like in the 1800s. Notably, Galena’s Main Street has been honored repeatedly as one of the best in the country. Discover more than 100 shops, restaurants and attractions on this landmark street alone. Destination wide, motor coaches take the back roads to offer a glimpse at the best of what Illinois has to offer.
Fax
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Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
All roads lead to Galesburg. Conveniently located on Interstate 74 & US Highway 34, Galesburg is a wonderful destination for leisure. Whether you are a motorcoach trip planner or a sightseeing group, the Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau offers complimentary assistance in planning your group visit to the Galesburg area. Our staff can arrange tours of local sites, museums, attractions and agricultural venues, as well as schedule time for meals at our distinctive restaurants.
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Web
visitgalesburg.com
Phone
309-343-2485
Fax
309-343-2521
Find Us • Located on I-74 and US-34 just 200 miles from Chicago in West Central Illinois and just 45 miles from the Quad Cities and Peoria.
Services Offered • Complementary Planning • Free Step-on Guides
• Free Welcome Bags
Attractions • The Orpheum Theatre • Galesburg Railroad Museum • Seminary Street Historic Shopping District
• Discovery Depot Children’s Museum • Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
Henry County Tourism Bureau Web
visithenrycounty.com
Toll-Free 877-436-7926
Reconnect along our back roads! Bright sunny days and cool, crisp evenings beckon you to enjoy Henry County’s countryside. We extend an invitation for your next group escape to northwest Illinois. Experience our rural heritage; explore our natural beauty, grand traditions and surprises. Discover our restaurants and specialty shops and our warm, friendly hello! The welcome mat is out; the back roads beckon you to visit. www.VisitHenryCounty.com or call 877-436-7926.
Fax
847.763.0022
Find Us • Located at the intersection of Interstate 74 and 80 in Northwestern Illinois, just 16 miles from the Mississippi River.
Services Offered • Single Point of Contact Tour Assistance • Local Flavor Step on Assistance Available • Group Accommodation Booking Assistance
Attractions • National Historic Landmark Bishop Hill • Geneseo Historic State Street Shopping District, Geneseo • Country Corner Farmer Market, Alpha
• Lavender Crest Winery, Colona • Woodland Palace at Francis Park and History in the Paint Public Art Tour, Kewanee
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Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Macomb, located in the west central part of the state, is rich in cultural history and home to Western Illinois University. It’s a thriving town surrounded by rich farmland creating a strong agricultural center. There is also an industrial/manufacturing component with several factories in the area. Macomb also features a 19th century courthouse and historic downtown. Contact the MACVB for more information about agritours, manufacturing and history tours.
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Web
makeitmacomb.com
Phone
309-833-1315
Fax
309-833-3575
Find Us • Located 45 miles from the Mississippi River and 240 miles from Chicago at the intersection of Route 67 and Route 136.
Services Offered • Itinerary Planning • Affordable Accommodations • Complimentary Accommodations and Food for Guide and Driver
• Customized Site Visit Assistance • Local on Board Guide
Attractions • McDonough County Courthouse-Historic Downtown • Western Illinois Museum
• WIU Sherman Hall • The Old Bailey House • Agriculture-farms
Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
enjoypeoria.com
Toll-free 800-747-0302 Fax: Peoria, is rooted in industry, built on Midwestern values and highlighted by a spirit for adventure! Discover a city that celebrates its everexpanding metropolitan hubs while proudly preserving its breathtaking, expansive landscapes. Experience boutique shopping and awardwinning restaurants alongside worldclass art, museums, golf courses and local attractions. Located between Chicago and the Mississippi River, nestled along the Illinois River, the Peoria Area gives you big city amenities with the flavor of small town hospitality.
Fax
309-676-0303
309-676-8470
Find Us • Conveniently located in the heart of Illinois – Accessible by major highways or our National Scenic Byway. 150 miles south of Chicago – 140 miles north of St. Louis.
Services Offered • Local & Regional Themed Itineraries • Group Rates • Photo, Brochures and Maps • Guide and Driver Complimentary • Personal FAM Options for Tour Planners Hotel and Meals
Attractions • Spirit of Peoria • Wildlife Prairie Park • Par-A-Dice Casino
• East Peoria Festival of Lights • Caterpillar Visitors Center
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Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
visitquadcities.com
Toll-free 800-747-7800 ext. 104
Discover marvels on the Mississippi River! Fun-filled river cruises, amazing John Deere attractions, agricultural adventures and live entertainment await you. And, you’re sure to love our “Made in the Quad Cities” tours! See mustard being made and bottled and watch a sculpture designed from beginning to end. Learn about the process of making gin and vodka, and watch as delectable chocolates are made right before your eyes. Discover your marvel in the Quad Cities!
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Fax
309-764-9443
Find Us • Located on I-74, I-80, I-88 & I-280, we are just 2 1/2 hours west of Chicago.
Services Offered • Itinerary Building Assistance • Step-on Guides • Professional/Leisure Agricultural Tours • Local & Regional Themed • Personal FAM Options for Tour Operator Itineraries
Attractions • Celebration Belle • Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse • Rock Island Arsenal
• John Deere Pavilion • Lagomarcino’s
Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
seequincy.com
Toll-Free 800-978-4748 Fax The Quincy Area is located on the Mississippi River banks along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Quincy’s architecture represents 3,664 buildings on the National Register. Groups rave about the custom Private Home Tours available year-round in the East End Historic District. Seventy chefs await to compliment the harvest of the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail cellars with local cuisine. To the north, Historic Nauvoo brings over 45 free historic sites to life year-round.
Phone
217-214-3700
217-214-2721
Find Us • located on the National Great River Road (Highway 96) with crossroads of I-72, and Hwy 24. Quincy is 110 miles west of Springfield.
Services Offered • Guide & Driver Complimentary • FAM opportunities • And a Whole PIE! to Operators Booking a Tour.
• Site Visit Assistance • Tour Route Planning
Attractions • Historic Nauvoo • Villa Kathrine • Governor John Wood Mansion • Siloam Springs State park • East End Historic District and Maine Street.
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Mark Palmer Michael Seroni
Thrilling outdoor adventures in the southern region of Illinois include Shawnee National Forest and CaveIn-Rock State Park, providing the perfect natural setting. Taste your way along the winding roads of the wine trail, where you can sip renowned wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Howard Schwartz
TRAILS TO ADVENTURE
of
EVENTS
Mark Palmer
CALENDAR
Jason Lindsey
TRAILS TO ADVENTURE
March
June
October
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Vintage Arts Month, Carbondale
Southern Illinois Music Festival, Carbondale
Fall Fest, Mt. Vernon
Superman Celebration, Metropolis
Fort Massac Encampment, Metropolis
April Mid-America Morel Mushroom Fest & Hunt, Jonesboro
Union County Colorfest, Anna
August Centralia Balloon Fest, Centralia
November
Du Quoin State Fair, Du Quoin
Du Quoin Holiday Lights Fair, Du Quoin
Chache River Nature Fest, Cypress
September
December
Red, White & Blues Fest, Makanda
Art and Wine Festival at Rend Lake, Whittington
Lights Fantastic Parade, Carbondale
May
Golconda Shrimp Fest, Golconda Murphysboro Apple Festival, Murphysboro
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Carbondale Convention & Tourism Bureau Web
carbondaletourism.org
Toll-Free 800-526-1500
Located on the edge of Shawnee National Forest and within close proximity to major highways, Carbondale has great opportunities for any and all ages and is ideal for any weekend getaway. With over eight different lodging options, 50 plus dining options, and more attractions than you can imagine, Carbondale really is the perfect destination.
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Fax
618-529-5590
Find Us • Carbondale is located just 15 miles east of scenic Illinois Rt. 3, part of the Illinois Great River Road, and 25 miles west of Interstate 57. Interstate 24 and 64 can also be easily accessed from Carbondale.
Services Offered • Complimentary Meals for the Tour • Site Visit Assistant Guide and Driver • FAM Opportunities • Complimentary Hotel for Guide or Driver • Assistance with Marketing
Attractions • Old Train Depot Museum • Giant City State Park • Varsity Center for the Arts
• University Mall • Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth Web
thetourismbureau.org
Toll-Free 800-442-1488
Come experience our treasures, historic sites, entertainment venues and culture in ILLINOISouth! With over 7,300 guest rooms throughout the territory, you’re sure to find the perfect location for your next visit. ILLINOISouth has many nearby unique attractions, wineries, golf courses, museums and antique shops…something for everyone. We are just a short drive away so come to experience a big-city fun, with a small-town feel.
Fax
618-257-3403
Find Us • Located east of downtown St. Louis, with easy access to five Interstates: I-55, I-64, I-70, I-57 and I-255
Services Offered • Media Kits/Area Literature Assistance • Group Tours • Site Inspections
• Central Housing Registration • Transportation Services
Attractions • Vandalia Statehouse • Popeye Character Trail • National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows • White Squirrels, Olney, IL • Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Interpretive Center
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Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau Web
enjoymtvernon.com
Toll-Free 800-252-5464 Fax With over thirteen hotels in every price range, and a bed and breakfast, Mt. Vernon is built for every kind of trip. You can explore local art at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, treat yourself to fine dining at RARE Chop House, or attend one of our many festivals from the Midwest Herb & Garden Show to the Cedarhurst Craft Fair to our annual Fall Fest! So, indulge and take time to Enjoy Mt. Vernon!
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Phone
618-242-3151
618-242-6849
Find Us • Known as the “Festival Arts City”, located at the intersection of 1-57 & I-64 in beautiful Southern Illinois.
Services Offered • Site Visit Assistance • Welcome Bags with Brochures
• Trip Itineraries Tailored to Your Group
Attractions • Cedarhurst Center for the Arts • Aquatic Zoo Water Park • Broadway Market
• Jefferson County Historical Village • Hall of Honor and Military Museum
Southernmost Illinois TB OU UR RE I AS MU Seeing is Believing
Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Southernmost T OU RI S M Illinois B U R E A U Seeing is Believing
Web
Southernmost T OU RI S M Illinois B U R E A U Seeing is Believing
Fax
We offer an abundance of outdoor recreation. Enjoy the all new T O U R I SM B UR E A U Harrah’s Casino,Shistoric e e i n g i ssites, Believing wineries, orchards and farm markets. Spectacular views from atop Bald Knob Mountain and Garden of the Gods. Enjoy mouth-watering meals in park lodges surrounded by picturesque scenery of the Shawnee National Forest.
Southernmost Illinois
southernmostillinois.com
Toll-Free 800-248-4373
Phone
618-833-9928
618-833-9928
Find Us • Located in the southern tip of Illinois and The Shawnee National Forest.
Services Offered • Customized Itinerary Planning • Local Guides
• FAM Opportunities
Attractions • Shawnee Hills Wine Trail • Metropolis, Home of Superman • Cave In Rock
• Orchards & Farm Markets • Harrah’s Metropolis Casino
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Williamson County Tourism Bureau Web
Explore. Discover. Unwind. In the heart of Southern Illinois, outdoor recreation enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities centered around sports, outdoor leisure and family-oriented events. With the largest collection of shopping, lodging, wineries and dining establishments in the region, we are sure you will find that our destination is the perfect fit for you.
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VisitSI.com
Toll-Free 800-433-7399
Fax
618-997-1874
Find Us • Located at the crossroads of I-57, I-24 and Illinois Route 13.
Services Offered • Site Visit Assistance • Itinerary Assistance
• FAM Opportunities • Group Hotel Arrangements
Attractions • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge • Williamson County Historical Museum • Southern Illinois Miners Rent One Park
• John A. Logan College Historical Village • Marion Cultural and Civic Center
Picture Yourself in Illinois
“
I have been in the travel and tourism business for over 20 years and Tour Illinois is one of the Premier State Group Tour Organizations I have ever worked with. They have spirit and personality that is so contagious that it makes planning a trip to Illinois fun and exciting. They are always there for you as a tour operator, and are working for you to make the best itinerary for your clients. Tour Illinois has an energy between its members that makes things run so easy. If one Tour Illinois member does not have what I need, they find another member that does! When planning a trip to Illinois, I always go to their CVBs in assisting with my planning. What a marvelous group of people!! Annette Trotter, CTIS Terre Haute, Indiana
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Presidential Trails Walk in the footsteps of an American President! Illinois is affectionately known at the Land of Lincoln, but Abraham Lincoln’s legacy marks only the beginning of the presidential history you’ll find here. You can also explore the Land of Grant, Reagan, and Obama—three American presidents who also made their home in Illinois. Experience history first-hand through the well-preserved homes, offices, and town squares that helped shape their view of the world. It’s a rare chance to follow in the paths of four men who would go on to change the change the course of a nation.
ULYSSES S. GRANT
Meet one of America’s most cherished presidents. Nowhere gets you closer to Abraham Lincoln than Springfield, Illinois. Touch a piece of history at Lincoln’s Tomb. See the spot where he hung his stovepipe hat. Walk through the reconstructed village of New Salem from his youth. And explore the complexities of his life at one of the largest presidential museums of its kind.
Take a historic journey to Galena. In August of 1865, the folks of Galena celebrated the return of its Civil War hero by presenting General Ulysses S. Grant with a fully furnished house on Bouthillier Street. Today, you can tour this fully restored home and other notable Grant landmarks while taking in the charm and hospitality of this riverfront town. Ulysses S. Grant emerged from the Civil War a hero, having led his Union Army to victory under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln. Before going on to become our nation’s 18th president, Grant made his home in the rolling hills of Galena. It’s just one of the sites here that offer a rare glimpse of 19th century America.
BRC Imagination Arts
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
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Nobody embodies Illinois quite like Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln loved Illinois. And Illinois loved him. You’ll discover this in everything from the remarkable presidential library and hallowed halls of the Old State Capitol to the meticulously reconstructed log cabin and village that defined his humble upbringing.
RONALD REAGAN From small town America to the world’s stage, tour the towns where Ronald Reagan spent his youth before becoming a Hollywood leading man and an American president. Visit his birthplace in Tampico. See his childhood school and church in Dixon. Then reflect on his presidency and Hollywood career at the Ronald Reagan Museum & Peace Garden in Eureka. Few American presidents have left a more enduring legacy than Ronald Reagan. It’s a legacy perhaps most strongly felt in small town America—especially in the three Illinois towns he once called home.
BARACK OBAMA Experience the living history of a sitting president. Journey from Chicago to Springfield, exploring everything from President Obama’s favorite restaurants to where he taught law. In Springfield, visit the Old State Capitol where he announced his presidential candidacy, forever linking his destiny to the legacy of President Lincoln, who delivered his “House Divided” speech at the same historic Capitol. Witness the living history of President Barack Obama in the place he still calls home. Explore his favorite spots in Chicago. And discover the historic sites where he announced his candidacy for president and later gave his victory speech on election night.
Galena
Dixon
Chicago
Springfield
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Scenic Byways of Illinois
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3
Take off on one of Illinois’ seven spectacular scenic byways, where sights along the way include Route 66 roadside attractions, stunning state parks and even a superhero.
Great River Road World-class heritage sites, noteworthy historic towns, the magnificent river and its wildlife, and secluded natural areas provide the traveler with a one-of-a-kind getaway. Greatriverroad-illinois.org
2
Illinois Lincoln Highway Illinois Lincoln Highway invites you to enjoy the history, culture, charm, beauty, and, most of all, fun, as you travel through the communities that line the historic Lincoln Highway. Drivelincolnhighway.com
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5
6
City of Fulton
1
2
7
3
Illinois River Road Experience the seasonal colors and rhythms of the forests, wetlands, bluffs, and prairies on your own or follow one of 7 different nature activity guides. Illinoisriverroad.org
4
Historic Route 66 Route 66 defined a remarkable era in the growth of our nation. No other road symbolizes optimism, freedom and the American Dream quite like Route 66. Illinoisroute66.org
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6
Historic National Road
The Historic National Road is America’s first federal highway. Explore Victorian architecture, prehistoric mounds, friendly towns, festivals, and great shopping on the “Road That Built the Nation.” Nationalroad.org
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Ohio River Scenic Byway
Travel 33 miles of historic, natural, cultural and down-right breathtaking treasures along this very special section of the Great River Road.
The Ohio River Scenic Byway invites you to meander along its country roads and state highways, from the Wabash River, through the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, dotted by quaint river towns chock full of Civil War history.
GreatRiversByway.com
Ohioriverscenicbyway.net
Meeting of the Great Rivers
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tourillinois.org For detailed information on group tours and personalized itineraries, please contact the local CVB listed within this guide.
tourillinois.org
