Looking to get away, but not ‘too’ far away? Illinois’ new tourism campaign, “Time for Me to Drive,” provides 60+ road trip itineraries hosted on EnjoyIllinois.com.
I love a good road trip! There is nothing better than packing up the car full of snacks, drinks, games and hitting the open road while the sun shines bright. It’s even more fun when you get to your destination ahead of time.
Governor Pritzker, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Acting Director Sylvia Garcia and other tourism leaders have announced a new tourism campaign, “Time for Me to Drive,” to jump-start tourism in Illinois.
What’s really cool, is they have put together 60+ different travel itineraries that will get you seeing some of Illinois’ best sights. Here are my Top 5 Favorite Road Trips from EnjoyIllinois.com that I can not wait to try!
(You can download each itinerary and enjoy!)
Safely tucked away, just 20 miles west of Chicago, enjoy picturesque main streets, legendary names in arts and culture, walk in the footsteps of giant trolls, carve your path along 500 miles of trails and indulge in the best dining and shopping experience in the Midwest. Let us immerse you in the DuPage area’s comfortable lifestyle with a harmonious blend of nature, recreation and small-town charm.
This 3 day adventure will show you what Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and more have to offer including the Morton Arboretum, Cantigny Park, Two Brothers Brewing Company and Tap House, Great Western Trail and more!
There’s plenty for pups and their humans to do in Chicago. You can feel the lake breeze on your nose while taking a dog-friendly cruise. Let loose at one of the city’s dog-friendly outdoor spots. Treat yourselves to some goodies from a doggie bakery, shop with your pup, and then put your paws up at a relaxing pet spa.
This 3 day fur baby adventure takes you to some of the best dog-friendly places like Montrose Dog Beach, Wiggly Field Dog Park, Giordano’s and Harry Caray’s Tavern. Plus take a cruise on Mercury Cruise’s Canine Cruise! Plus make sure to stop by Public House in River North, one of the best sports bars in Chicago.
A Real. Original. Experience in the Rockford Region
Discover the real, original Rockford region. Explore museums, visit unique shops, find outdoor adventures, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, take in some arts and culture, or relax at one of our hotels. There’s no wonder visitors from all over the world choose Rockford. You’re always in good company with locals who are passionate about their city and want you to love it as much as they do.
I could easily spend 3 days in Rockford. This trip will take you downtown to visit Rockford Art Deli, Minglewood and yummy treats at Crust & Crumbles bakery. You’ll also check out Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House, Midway Village Museum and the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens. No trip to Rockford would be complete without a stop at Anderson Japanese Gardens or Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens.
Things can get a little unusual in Illinois. White squirrels, pink elephants, sasquatches, giants, supermen—they all call our state home. So if you’re the type of traveler who thinks normal is boring and the quirkier the better, you’ll fit right in on this trip.
Take as much or as little time as you need visiting things like Cloud Gate (The Bean) at Millennium Park, the Gemini Giant, World’s Largest Covered Wagon, Lincoln Tomb, World’s Largest Catsup Bottle or the Giant Pink Elephant!
Stranger things are afoot in Illinois’ river towns. By day they’re quaint vacation spots with majestic state parks, charming orchards, wineries, and breweries. But when the moon is right, they become home to haunted mansions, cemeteries, churches, and things that go bump in the night.
This trip includes a stop at the Ruebel Hotel & Restaurant, one of the most famous haunted sites in Grafton and Alton’s famous McPike Mansion, one of the most haunted places in the country. Plus, support local small businesses at shops like Mississippi Mud Pottery and My Just Desserts.