Chicago – Illinois is showcasing new and classic attractions and experiences to create a journey worth exploring in the Land of Lincoln.

In the Illinois aisle, starting at Booth 437, IPW attendees can meet with destination partners throughout the state, including Alton/Great Rivers Country, Champaign/Quad Cities (AgriTours Illinois), Chicago, DuPage County, Heritage Corridor/Illinois Route 66 and Springfield.

“We're eager to show off some of the new attractions and events coming to Illinois at this year's IPW,” said Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “We look forward to reconnecting with those we met last year and welcoming first-time visitors to Illinois with new adventures and exciting things to do. And as you'll see in our booth, we've debuted a new brand campaign to show off all of the amazing things there are to experience in our state.”

As an extension of the new brand campaign – 'Illinois. Are You Up for Amazing?' – the state is rolling out a new program featuring makers, creators and artisans from across Illinois. Throughout the summer, the Illinois Office of Tourism will feature a series of in-depth videos, exclusive web content and Illinois Made-inspired travel ideas.

Make No Little Plans in Chicago

New streetscaping, public art and interactive water features will all help mark Navy Pier's 100th anniversary, as well as a taller, more modern Ferris wheel. Navy Pier also recently revealed plans for a boutique hotel, to provide visitors a comfy place to stay in the Midwest's most visited tourist attraction.

In May 2016 the James Beard Awards Foundation (JBAF) held their annual awards dinner in Chicago for the second time in their 25 year history, awarding three Chicago restaurants. Recognizing Chicago's already glimmering status as an international culinary destination, JBAF will be returning for a third year in a row in 2017.

Lincoln's Legacy in Springfield

2016 is the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and Illinois is home to seven National Parks Service-affiliated sites, including Springfield's Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Throughout the year, sites around Illinois, such as the Lincoln Home, will host centennial activities, culminating on August 25, 2016 – the official 100-year anniversary.

Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Route 66 in Illinois

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.

While you're on the road, make sure to spend time in Pontiac, a city dedicated to preserving the history of Route 66. This quaint town is home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, the Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum, a series of vintage-inspired murals, and more.

And this year marks the 90th anniversary of The Mother Road, which means celebrations around the state to honor this iconic destination.  Now in its 15th year, the annual International Mother Road Festival in Springfield has become a mainstay of Route 66. Illinois' capital city will welcome more than 80,000 visitors and 1,000 classic cars for the three-day festival filled with automotive eye-candy, live music and fresh eats.

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.

Explore Great Rivers Country

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

At the very northwest corner of the state, you'll find Galena, a quiet town brimming with charm, history and beautiful scenic views of the rolling countryside. The Historic Main Street shopping district boasts 100 merchants, including restaurants and boutique shops. For the history buffs, don't miss President Ulysses S. Grant's home, a State Historic Site.

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.

Excitement just Beyond Chicago

Escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago and enjoy world-class golfing, shopping and family-friendly attractions in DuPage County.

A shopping trip is always in order when enjoying a relaxing vacation. Spend the day browsing a wide variety of shopping at Oakbrook Center, Chicago Premium Outlets, Yorktown Center, The Promenade Bolingbrook and more.

Learn about Agriculture in the Heart of America

AgriTours Illinois showcases the heart of the Midwest from Chicago to the Mississippi River, specifically Chicago, Champaign County and the Quad Cities all in the state of Illinois. This award-winning professional agricultural tour program is a cooperative partnership that highlights the strong agricultural industry in the state.

Experience everything from the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange to University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer & Environmental Sciences in Urbana to the John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, and much more.

Enjoy More from Illinois

Visit the Illinois aisle and Booth 437 to learn more about Illinois. Be sure to pick up a copy of the spring/summer issue of Travel Illinois, the new biannual travel magazine that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season.

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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.