FOR DISTRIBUTION                                                CONTACT:  Elisa Marcus, (312) 814-3285

Iconic American experiences reach international visitors

Chicago – Illinois has long been a place for visitors to discover the heart of America, from the world-class destination of Chicago to the friendly faces on Route 66, to exploration along the Great River Road, and to learning about our nation's great presidents.

Experience Illinois and the American way of life in this seven-night, eight-day fly-drive package.

A Sample Itinerary

Beginning in Stunning Chicago

Starting in Chicago, visitors will find a stunning, architecturally rich metropolis with a charming Midwestern atmosphere. A true shopper's paradise and foodie favorite, it is also the start of Historic Route 66.

Bring history to life by taking the Chicago Architecture Foundation's boat tour of the city. Take in all of the wonders of the Museum Campus with a City Pass and explore the Magnificent Mile, a veritable heaven for shoppers.

The Mother Road and the Land of Lincoln

Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our nation's history, and it lives on today in Illinois' many roadside attractions, museums, restaurants and the shining ribbon of blacktop we call The Mother Road.

Route 66 reveals gems like Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum or the Cozy Dog Drive-In, the birthplace of the corn dog on a stick. In Atlanta, the town recently revived a historic diner, the Palm's Grill, and now visitors come from all over to enjoy the award-winning pie.

Traveling south along The Mother Road, travelers will find Springfield, the state capital and home of 16th President Abraham Lincoln. Explore Lincoln's home, his law office, the state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb, the legendary president's final resting place.

Exploration and Industry in Great Rivers Country

The trip continues in Hartford, the site marking the start of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's historic expedition west. Get a bird's eye view of the meeting of three great rivers – the Missouri, the Mississippi and the Illinois – at the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower. Nearby in Alton, stand in awe of the Mississippi River at the National Great Rivers Museumat the Melvin Price Locks and Dam that is the center of commerce and transportation along the Mississippi.

Head back north to Peoria where visitors can explore the vibrant riverfront and visit both the brand new Peoria Riverfront Museum and the new Caterpillar Visitors Center featuring a 24-foot tall replica of a 797 mining truck.

Before leaving Peoria, take a cruise on the Spirit of Peoria paddleboat and enjoy scenic views of the Illinois River.

Adventure and Charm along the Great River Road

Travel back up the Great River Road, along the mighty Mississippi River, to charming and quaint Galena. This quiet town is filled with cozy bed & breakfasts, lavish resorts and a historic main street that was featured in the movie “Field of Dreams.”

Galena has been noted time and again as one of America's best small towns, with more than 85 percent of the town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take in the scenic countryside and enjoy a glass of wine at one of the award-winning wineries around the town.

Last stop: Rockford. This family-friendly town features the impressive Burpee Museum of Natural History with “Jane,” a rarely found, juvenile T-Rex skeleton. Finally, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the renowned Anderson Japanese Gardens, before heading for Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

To learn more about how you can offer this or similar Illinois packages to clients, stop by the Illinois Office of Tourism aisle at Booth 836 or visit discoverillinois.org.

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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.

CONTACT: 

Elisa Marcus, (312) 814-3285

elisa.marcus@illinois.gov

Kate Murphy, (312) 729-3605

kate.murphy@fleishman.com