From street level, the Chicago Riverwalk forms a new series of public footpaths and seating areas connected along the Chicago River. For those looking to see the Windy City from a new angle, Chicago's first helicopter rides are now available to the public from the Chicago Helicopter Experience. These experiences join the iconic views from 360 Chicago/The TILT and Skydeck Chicago/The Ledge, which have opened in recent years.

Enjoy classic Americana on Illinois Route 66

The classic American road trip along Route 66 begins in Chicago, drawing international visitors to Illinois' quirky road-side attractions. To begin the journey, a new sign marks the start of the route in Chicago on Adams Street at Wabash Avenue. 

Pontiac, representing the Mother Road in Illinois, was recently chosen as the cover of National Geographic's 2016 Route 66-themed calendar. The featured mural on the façade of The Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum is a must-see photo opp for anyone traveling the road. 

Celebrate Illinois history in Springfield

The epicenter of all things President Lincoln has a lot to look forward to in 2016. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. There are more than 400 National Parks in the United States – from national historical trails to national monuments – including Springfield's Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Abraham National Heritage Area and more. Throughout the year, the Lincoln Home will host anniversary activities, culminating on August 25, 2016, with a 100th-year birthday celebration.

Bike the Great River Road along the mighty Mississippi River

Whether you want to take a relaxing ride along a short trail, explore a rugged route or tour along 585 miles of the Mississippi River, Illinois' Great Rivers Country offers a variety of bicycle trails to fit every traveler's interests. 

When planning a trip, the updated Great Rivers Country Bicycle Trails Guide is a resource for information about competitive biking, trail location, surface, trail length, and degree of difficulty.

Sample Illinois' craft breweries and distilleries

In Illinois, the craft spirits industry is booming. Visitors to the Land of Lincoln have the opportunity to tour local breweries and distilleries to experience the artisan sprits produced here.

FEW Spirits in the northern Chicago suburb of Evanston, Blaum Brothers Distilling Co. in Galena and Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. in DeKalb are just three of the craft spirit producers that make Illinois a haven for artisan spirits. All offer on-site tours and tasting rooms.

For more information on what's new in Illinois, stop by the Illinois Office of Tourism booth #NA305-H at WTM or visit enjoyillinois.co.uk. 

New hotels roundup

Chicago

• The Gwen (formerly the Conrad). 300 rooms on The Magnificent Mile.

• Kimpton Hotel. Opening Spring 2016. 281 rooms on South LaSalle Street.

• Marriott Autograph Hotel. Opening November 2016. 21-story hotel on East Ontario

  Street.

• Ace Hotel. Opening early 2016. 150 rooms in the West Loop.

• Nobu Hotel & Restaurant. Opening early 2016. 12-story hotel in the West Loop.

• LondonHouse. Opening Spring 2016. 452 rooms on North Michigan Avenue.

• Marriott Marquis. Opening 2017. 39-story hotel in the South Loop.

  Springfield

• Wyndham City Centre (formerly The Hilton Springfield). Completed Summer 2016. The hotel will feature a new ground floor restaurant.

•  Driftwood Hospitality Management is undertaking $12M worth of renovations to the Crowne Plaza Springfield and the Holiday Inn Express Suites Springfield, after which guests can expect completely restored guestrooms and public areas.

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