ILLINOIS SHOWCASES THE HEART OF AMERICA AT IPW 2015

Iconic American experiences and new attractions entice international visitors

Chicago – Illinois is showcasing new and classic attractions from the heart of America following a successful IPW 2014 hosted in Chicago. New museums, adventures and quintessential American experiences create a journey worth exploring in Illinois.

In the Illinois aisle, starting at Booth 1567, IPW attendees will hear from destination partners throughout the state, including Alton, Aurora, Champaign, Chicago, Chicago's North Shore, DuPage County, Lake County, Quad Cities, Springfield, AgriTours Illinois, Heritage Corridor, Illinois Route 66 and Great Rivers Country.

“Since IPW 2014, we have celebrated the news of several new attractions and events that will be coming to Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “We are looking forward to seeing some familiar faces from Chicago last year, and continuing to welcome visitors to Illinois with exciting things to do.”

Make No Little Plans in Chicago

Major additions to Chicago will soon tantalize travelers as the city continues to expand its diverse tourism offering. In May, plans to build the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago were made official by the President himself.

In May 2015 the James Beard Awards Foundation (JBAF) held their annual awards dinner in Chicago for the first time in their 25 year history. Recognizing Chicago's already glimmering status as an international culinary destination, JBAF announced it would return for the awards in 2016 and 2017.

Lincoln's Legacy in Springfield

When the Barack Obama Presidential Center opens, it will become the second of its kind in Illinois, building on a rich heritage established by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in Springfield, located 200 miles (321 kilometers) from Chicago.

Coinciding with the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln's funeral, the ALPLM is highlighting its 10th anniversary in 2015 with new exhibits and theatrical pieces like Undying Words. It explores Lincoln's speeches and The Battle Hymn Story, which dissects the origins of a Civil War hymnal “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

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.

Stretching more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) across Illinois, Route 66 reveals gems like the Original Brick Road in Auburn or the Cozy Dog Drive-In, 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 strictly for the award-winning pie.

Scenic Views of the Mississippi River

Alton is nestled nearly 300 miles (483 kilometers) southwest of Chicago at the meeting of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers. There visitors can stand in awe of the waterways' mighty power from the National Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, which is the center of commerce and transportation along the Mississippi.

In nearby Grafton, adventure-junkies can take in the sights from above with a Captain Andy's Parasailing excursion. A thrill-ride of this kind is rare to find on any river worldwide, and the season runs May-October.

Scenic Gems in Great Rivers Country

Along the western edge of Illinois, following the mighty Mississippi River, the Great River Road National Scenic Bywaymeanders along quaint towns and sites of great exploration, both past and present.

Quad Cities, located 200 miles (321 kilometers) north of Alton, is home to John Deere, longtime creator of heavy farming machinery. Explore the John Deere Pavilion, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the huge factory and visit the historic site to see where the company got its start.

Let Time Stand Still in Galena

Galena, a picturesque and quaint small town in Northwestern Illinois, is home to a renowned Main Street with cozy shops and eateries, named one of the greatest Main Street's in America by Travel + Leisure. Scour the boutiques for that special item or sip on wine made from grapes grown within this established viticulture region.

Galena brings together history and modernity through any number of welcoming experiences such as a visit to the President Ulysses S. Grant State Historic Site or a tasting at the recently opened Blaum Brother's Distillery.

Excitement just Beyond Chicago

Escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago and enjoy world-class golfing, shopping and family-friendly attractions in the greater Chicago area. In Aurora, the already impressive Chicago Premium Outlets have recently added 80 more stores to its collection including Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Coach and Michael Kors.

In Chicago's North Shore, the Baha'i House of Worship is the largest and oldest surviving temple of its kind as well as one of only seven in the world. Its lace-like ornamentation and rising dome inspire visitors and worshippers alike.

A visit to Lynfred Winery in DuPage County offers a chance to experience the oldest and largest continuously operating winery in Illinois. Go for a tour and tasting, then consider an overnight stay at a nearby B&B.

Transport yourself into nature with a visit to Starved Rock State Park in Heritage Corridor. There you'll find stunning seasonal waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and a historic rustic lodge with plenty of modern comforts.

For thrill seekers, the world's fastest wooden roller coaster was recently crowned at Six Flags Great Americain Lake County. 'Goliath' also features the world's tallest and steepest drop, plunging riders down 180 feet (55 meters) and rocketing through twists and turns at 72 miles per hour (116 km/h).

Find Your Zen Rockford

Just 73 miles (117 kilometers) from O'Hare International Airport is Rockford. This vibrant town combines family fun, a historic village and outdoor activities like the renowned and peaceful Anderson Japanese Gardens, voted the top Japanese garden in North America by Sukiya Living Magazine.

After a relaxing stroll through the gardens, engage your wild side with dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Jane, the world's most complete and best preserved juvenile T. rex, stands watch over the museum as interactive exhibits imagine what life was like in the region millions of years ago.

Enjoy More from Illinois

Visit the Illinois aisle and Booth 1567 to learn more about Illinois. The latest brochures are offered in five languages and can all be downloaded from enjoyillinois.com.

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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.