See What’s Great in the Prairie State!
Illinois is a BIG state. Or maybe "tall" is a better word. It's easy to forget that, when many just visit the upper slice that is Chicago.
In addition to the incredible amount of excitement the Windy City offers groups, there's a whole lot to do and see throughout the rest of the state, as well. Let's take a look at some favorite places and activities that are ideal for groups!
Starting out your Illinois excursion in Chicago makes sense for a number of reasons. But, figuring out how to get the most of your time can be challenging. That's where Big Bus Tours Chicago comes in. As the largest operator of open-top, sightseeing bus tours, they hit all the highlights, including Grant Park, Millennium Park, The Magnificent Mile, the Loop, the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. And, they provide a great vantage point for snapping photos of all these landmarks and more.
They offer two options for groups. The private tour accommodates up to 75 passengers and has discounted rates for off-peak dates. They can also arrange pick-ups and drop-offs downtown to align with your itinerary. For public tours, which have a discount for 20 or more, groups can start at any of the 11 stops on their tour route. At the end of the day, take in a show at Lyric Opera, which promises thrilling music, compelling stories, stunning spectacle and an unforgettable group trip.
Before leaving the city center, make Chicago Crime Tours & Experiences your next stop. On this one-and-a-half to two-hour outing, your group will hear stories of the city's most famous criminals, mobsters and gangsters. Their expert guides are trained actors and comedians who have all graduated from different curricula, from Second City to Comedy Sportz to iO Theater. Witty and engaging, guides keep their audience amused, while also maintaining a respectful tone and presenting a riveting, historically accurate perspective. All group sizes and welcome, though larger groups are staggered to create a more intimate experience.
Now, time to head to the burbs! Just beyond the city limits is Chicago Southland, which is overflowing with entertainment, shopping, dining, parks, immersive adventures and year-round special events. For those interested in the arts, there are two musts: Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios and Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. At the gallery, guests can view and shop exquisite blown glass creations, as well as watch a demonstration. The sculpture park, which is free and open to the public 365 days a year, displays 34 sculptures over 100-acres.
Pullman National Historical Park is another "not to miss," with several attractions within the district, all surrounding the history of the Pullman Palace Car Company, as well as the urban planning of the town, the architecture, the American labor movement and more. If shopping is more your group's speed, you'll find an abundance of indoor malls, antiquing communities and specialty shops throughout the region.
About two and a half hours west of Southland, near the Iowa border along the Mississippi, is Celebration River Cruises. Open April through November, this family-owned and -operated riverboat offers several different cruises, with dinner cruises, day cruises, and four-hour, themed lunch cruises being among the most popular with groups. Themes currently available are Classic Oldies, Hits of the Decades, Tribute to the Rat Pack, Christian Music, Oktoberfest, Tribute to Piano Men and Fall Foliage.
All-day cruises include three full meals and live entertainment, plus a Captain's narration spotlighting the history of the river, the river towns and area wildlife. On these day trips, depending on which direction the Celebration Belle is headed, your group will also have the opportunity to pass through either two or three locks and dams.
Onward to Galesburg, which is about an hour south of the riverboat. Once again, area experts have weighed in on their favorite spots for groups, from shopping and dining to arts and museums. Historic Seminary Street is the go-to for charming restaurants and specialty shops. It's also home to the Knox-Galesburg Symphony and the Prairie Players Civic Theatre, along with the Galesburg Railroad Museum and Galesburg Community Arts Center.
At the museum, groups can see restored locomotives, vintage railcars and immersive exhibits that explore the history of railroads in the Midwest. The art center serves as a creative and cultural hub in the region and features diverse exhibitions, workshops and events. Experts also suggest visiting The Orpheum Theatre, a historic landmark and cultural gem dating back to 1916 that hosts a range of shows, from stage to screen.
Yet another hour's motorcoach ride south is Macomb, the seat of McDonough County and heart of Forgottonia. You'll have to go to visitforgottonia.com to get the details on this unusual name! But, there's more to it than just a bygone, satirical secession movement. Today's Forgottonia is teeming with sights and activities. Most exciting right now is the launching of the world's largest Monopoly game, Macombopoly, situated in Macomb's Historic Courthouse Square. Also of interest is the Living Lincoln Topiary Monument, which serves as a centerpiece of the Looking for Lincoln Self-Guided Tour.
Take in more at Lakeview Nature Center, which is home to the nation's largest seven-circuit Prairie Labyrinth, open for public touring every day of the year from dawn until dusk. Groups are also encouraged to check out the Macomb Murals Tour.
Last stop, Effingham! This Central Illinois destination has a little bit of everything, whether it's wine tasting at Tuscan Hills Winery, strolling Sculptures on the Avenues in downtown Effingham, or dining at Firefly Grill, where groups can also walk the gardens, enjoy a cooking demonstration or take a facility tour.
You'll also want to check out the nearly 200-foot-tall Cross at the Crossroads, nestled at the junction of Interstates 57 and 70. On site there's a welcome center and a newly expanded campus with statues of biblical scenes. Other stops to add to your itinerary are MY Garage Museum & Retail Store, which houses thousands of pieces of automotive collectibles and memorabilia, and John Boos & Co. Factory Showroom & Outlet, known for Boos Blocks cutting boards, which have been seen on major cooking shows. And, finally, step into the Effingham County Courthouse Museum, an icon of the city and a symbol of architectural and historical importance.
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Jul/Aug '24 issue of Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
