City in a Garden. Blues Capital of the World. Birthplace of the Skyscraper. City of Big Shoulders. Throughout its colorful history, Chicago has meant many things to many people. As a result, it owes its distinctive nicknames to a long list of attributes: the beautiful lakefront and parks, spectacular architecture, a rich museum culture and sports teams.  From a geographical perspective, Chicago is bordered by a picturesque lakefront stretching an impressive 29 miles. With public beaches such as the popular Oak Street Beach and numerous harbors, lagoons, parks and recreation paths along the way, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy on land or water. 

Chicago is also a business capital. Settled initially by Jean Baptiste Point DuSable around 1779, Chicago grew from a humble trading post by 1781 into the third-largest city in the United States, home to the world’s largest futures and options exchanges—the Chicago Board of Trade. Its Magnificent Mile is a glitzy mecca of boutiques and vertical malls, restaurants and hotels along North Michigan Avenue.

When it comes to entertainment, your choices run the gamut from the Lyric Opera and Chicago Symphony Orchestra to at least 140 professional theaters, including the 1920s Chicago Theatre, a historic landmark that now hosts a variety of performances. The Loop Theater District encompasses a range of venues, including the Goodman, Cadillac Palace, Ford Center for the Performing Arts and LaSalle Bank theaters, plus the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, all of which bring big-name shows to town.

Chicago is also a world-renowned blues center, hosting one of the largest blues festivals in the world and boasting blues clubs owned by greats such as Buddy Guy and Eddie Clearwater, among others. And don’t miss the dance companies, comedy clubs and live music venues. For families, Navy Pier always has something to offer whatever the season, from a spin on the 15-story Ferris wheel to boat rides during the summer and ice skating during the winter.

If you’re looking for culture, you’ll find scores of museums and art galleries to explore, including the mammoth Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Adler Planetarium, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium. Be sure not to miss the Lincoln Park Zoo, the nation’s oldest free public zoo and one of the last free zoos in the country. For more free fun, keep tabs on the city-sponsored festivals throughout the year at Grant Park.

Chicago’s latest attraction is Millennium Park, a 24.5-acre park showcasing world-class art, music, architecture and landscape design. Chicago’s many architectural distinctions are due in part to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the city.  Afterward, Chicago was rebuilt by master architects, and is considered the birthplace of modern architecture. Tours of its landmarks and outdoor sculptures are popular year round. Look down on the city’s architectural gems from the sky-high windows of the Hancock Observatory or the Sears Tower, the world’s tallest office building. Register for a tour at the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s ArchiCenter.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, there are more than 7,000 restaurants in the city’s 77 community areas, serving everything from haute cuisine to Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. Whether you find yourself in Chinatown or Lakeview, or somewhere in between, you’re always welcome in Sweet Home Chicago.

112 North Sixth Street

A museum unlike any other, enabling visitors to experience the entire Lincoln story for themselves under one roof. Visitors can experience a modern television control room on election night, 1860; the Blue Room of the White House and an Indiana log cabin. Also, don’t miss Ford’s Theatre and the twin special effects theaters featuring multi-screen, state-of-the-art projection technology that uses 21st century advancements to immerse visitors in the 19th century.

5063 Camp Butler Road, Old Route 36 East

Once the site of a Civil War training camp and Confederate prison, this cemetery is one of 14 established by Lincoln.

2935 South Sixth Street

This traditional Route 66 diner is a part of the history of the Mother Road. The original owner, Ed Waldmire, was the inventor of the Cozy Dog, or corn dog. Inside the diner, you’ll find an amusing selection of Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs.

State Historic Site

301 East Lawrence Avenue

This house, built in 1902 for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana, exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright’s early architecture, art glass and furniture style.

503 South Walnut Street

The war that helped shape a country is remembered here in a complete set of the War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. The museum also contains medals, photos, currency, drums and uniforms.

629 South Seventh Street

Tin types by Civil War photographer Matthew Brady are among the highlights of this large assortment of Civil War memorabilia.

1500 Monument Avenue

On the striking black and gray granite walls, row after row of names are carved in tribute to the state’s Vietnam veterans, KIAs, POWs and MIAs.

1700 Recreation Drive

In this 60-acre family fun park, you can splash down the giant water slide, let the kids loose in the children’s water sprayground, or test your skills on the 30-tee golf driving range or the two 18-hole miniature golf courses. The water park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day; the dry park is open March through October.

Eighth And Jackson Streets

Abraham Lincoln owned only one home in his life—a simple, comfortable frame house that has been meticulously restored. Built in 1839 the home is now located at the center of a four block historic site, which includes a visitors center and the homes of Lincoln’s neighbors.

2075 Peoria Road

A favorite photo stop for Route 66 travelers from around the world, Shea’s has a charming and eclectic collection of more than half a century of gas station memorabilia. Bill Shea is always happy to share stories about his collection and his more than 50 years alongside Route 66.

522 East Monroe Street

217-528-4100

Ride the trolley to Lincoln historic sites, museums, the Dana-Thomas House and the State Capitol building

[ News & Updates ] [ Contact Us ] [ Flyer ]

[ Fairgrounds ] [ Altamont & Effingham ] [ Things to Do Within 100 Miles ] [ Things to Do Further Away ]

[ Dates & Prices ] [ Pre-eVANt Camping ] [ Covered/Premium Parking ] [ Vendor Information ] [ Who is Pre-Registered ] [ Whats Scheduled ]