SixFlags.com – Buy Tickets Online and Save!

Check out Six Flags Theme Parks in Chicago.

Six Flags Great America Chicago.

Nationwide, check out:
Six Flags in California
Six Flags in Georgia
Six Flags in Illinois
Six Flags in Maryland
Six Flags in Massachusetts
Six Flags in Missouri
Six Flags in New Jersey
Six Flags in New York
Six Flags in Texas

Six Flags Seasonal Passes – Great America Chicago is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The Homestead Prairie Farm
Walk into the past to an exciting place where the days before the Civil War live on. Homestead Prairie Farm is built around the Trobaugh-Good House located at Rock Springs Conservation Area. It has been restored to let visitors explore rural life on the Grand Prairie of Illinois in 1860 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Follow in the footsteps of the Joseph Trobaugh family by visiting their home, an heirloom garden, woodworking shop, and the nearby restored Illinois prairie.

Originally constructed by an unknown builder around 1850 as a one room log house, its name comes from the first two families who lived there.

Joseph Trobaugh from Tennessee, his wife Elizabeth born in Illinois and their family were the first known occupants of the house and owned it from 1853 to 1866. Trobaugh was a farmer and sawmill operator. He changed the house by adding rooms and making other renovations.

Today the house is furnished to reflect the lifestyle of the Trobaughs, their boarders, hired hands, and neighbors in 1860, whose lives were being affected by the important changes sweeping the nation in the last years before the Civil War.

Many special events take place at the Prairie Homestead Farm including Festival of Spring, Independence Day 1860 and the Prairie Celebration. The Homestead Prairie Farm has many interpretive programs, complete with living history volunteers in period costume and 1860’s lifestyle demonstrations. Check the events schedule for dates and times or call Rock Springs at (217) 423-7708.

Hiking Trails
Rock Springs Conservation Area boasts nine different trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Most of these trails are suitable for cross-country skiing. You can view and print a map of Rock Springs Conservation Area, including the Hiking Trails, on or website.

Rock Springs Conservation Area is a post from: Illinois Tourism

To schedule a group tour please call 217-429-9422. To schedule a school group program please call 217-429-9422.

The Governor Oglesby Mansion is available to rent for special events such as receptions, dinners and weddings. Please call 217-423-7708 for more information.

Friend of Abraham Lincoln
Richard J. Oglesby is best known both as a friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln. Oglesby helped form the “Railsplitter Candidate” image which put Lincoln in the national spotlight during the 1860 presidential election. Oglesby was also with Lincoln when he died in 1865 and as Governor of Illinois he lead the effort to build Lincoln’s Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. In his later years Oglesby helped preserve Lincoln’s historical legacy and shape the heroic legend of Abraham Lincoln through his speeches and interviews.

Richard J. Oglesby came to Decatur as a young orphan from Kentucky and became one of the city’s most prominent and best loved citizens.

His life was filled with many accomplishments including being elected three times as Governor of Illinois and appointed a United States Senator. Oglesby made a small fortune in the California Gold Rush and also fought in both the Mexican War and Civil War eventually becoming a general.

In his family life Oglesby was a father and stepfather of several children and married again after the death of his first wife.

Read more about the life and history of Richard J. Oglesby and his family.

Governor Oglesby had the Mansion built around 1874. The highlight of the Mansion’s history is a visit by former Civil War General and United States President Ulysses S. Grant in 1880. From one of the Mansion’s verandas Grant spoke to a crowd of people during an encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War veterans’ association.

The Mansion possesses features of the Italianate style including brackets under the eaves, the low-pitched roof with belvedere (a flat deck area at the roof’s center with a balustrade), bay windows and verandas. The interior features vibrant parquet wood flooring, seven fireplaces and a walnut staircase. Throughout the house are furnishings of the era including several items owned by the Oglesby Family.

Governor Ogelsby Mansion – Decatur, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Patriarch
The Mueller family consisted of six sons and one daughter, born between 1858 and 1871. The sons played active roles in many facets of the growing company, including management, research and development. The children built fine homes in Decatur and two of the sons, having recognized the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright, hired his firm to design residences which still stand on Decatur’s Millikin Place. The museum has exhibits tracing the family history and genealogy.

Inventory
Hieronymus Mueller was named Decatur’s first “city plumber” in 1871 to oversee an emerging water system. The following year he patented his first major invention, the Mueller Water Tapper, which is still in use today. he and his direct descendants held a total of 501 patents including the first sanitary drinking fountain, a roller skate design, and bicycle kick-stands. In 1892 Hieronymus imported a Benz auto from Germany and he and his sons immediately began refining it with such features as a reverse gear, water cooled radiator, spark plugs and a distributor. The Mueller-Benz won the first unofficial road race in the country in 1895 and later finished second in the first official race held in Chicago. The museum has many exhibits related to the inventions and patents held by the Muellers.

Businessman
Hieronymus was a good business man, putting profits back into his enterprises and building a good relationship with his workers whom he considered “family.” His sons carried on those principles after his death in 1900 and the company continued to grow adding the manufacturers of vitreous ware and related fixtures (no longer made), fire hydrants (half of all American hydrants today are Mueller), a full line of water distribution products. Mueller Co. remained in family ownership until 1986, and the company is a thriving enterprise today. The museum traces the history of the company, its employees and its products and has an excellent display of the manufacturing process used in the Decatur facility.

Hieronymus Mueller Museum – Decatur, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Take a spin on Scovill Zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel. The carousel, specially designed for Scovill Zoo, is unique to Central Illinois. It features 30 colorful, hand-carved wooden animals, representing protected and endangered species from across the globe.

The Endangered Species Carousel offers a unique educational opportunity for visitors. It provides an innovative way to encourage kids of all ages to learn more about conservation. From the colorful puffin to the exotic Malayan sunbear, from the unusual capybara to the popular cheetah, a one-of-a-kind animal experience awaits you. The carousel is located at the entrance of Scovill Zoo. The ride is ADA accessible. Two chariots on the carousel can accommodate wheelchairs.

Climb aboard! The Z.O. & O. Express Train offers a 1 mile narrated tour, through a tunnel and along Lake Decatur to give you a unique view of our animals. Riders will have the opportunity to see animals from five different continents like the Emu from Australia and Toucans from South America. Be sure to watch for the two South African Cheetahs, Jafari and Runako!

One of Scovill Zoo’s most popular attractions, the Z.O. &O. Express has transported tens of thousands of visitors each year. Added to the zoo in 1984, the train is a scaled replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam Train. C.P. Huntington, a California merchant in the 1800s, built and operated the Central Pacific Railroad. The Z.O. & O. Express is ADA accessible. Passengers in wheelchairs have an accessible ramp with an area that locks in the wheelchair.

Project Playground, state-of-the-art play area is a marvel in engineering and kids of all ages enjoy climbing, swinging and balancing throughout the labyrinth. A community-built, ADA-accessible treasure in Scovill Park! The playground features a rock wall, hands-on music station, and colorful play structure that will accommodate children of all ages and ability levels.

Zoo Hours

Spring Hours (April 10 – May 22)
Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Summer Hours (May 23-August 16)
Open Daily 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Fall Hours (August 17 – October 12)
Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Scovill Zoo – Decatur, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Arrivée à Chicago.
Récupération de votre véhicule de location  ou transfert optionnel en véhicule privatif jusqu’à votre hôtel.

Situé en bordure du lac Michigan, Chicago est la plus grande ville de l’Illinois. Bordée de plages et de parcs, son architecture est exceptionnelle : dans les rues on peut y voir des œuvres d’art de Picasso, Chagall ou Calder ce qui en fait une capitale mondiale d’architecture moderne. Dans la « Wind City » comme on la surnomme, pas besoin de prendre de taxi ou de métro, la concentration des centres d’intérêts est telle que presque tout peut se visiter à pieds.
Chicago est aussi la ville d’adoption du 44e président des États-Unis, Barack Obama.
Pour vous plonger dans la culture américaine, nous vous suggérons de dîner au Hard Rock Café, « Love All Serve All » est leur devise, et de poursuivre avec une soirée jazz, dans les nombreux jazz bars de la ville.
Nuit à votre hôtel.

2ème Jour : Chicago / Springfield (324 km)
Matinée libre pour visiter Chicago.

Les nombreux quartiers de Chicago composés de 80 communautés différentes en font une ville melting-pot spectaculaire.
Nous vous suggérons un passage devant la prouesse architecturale qu’est l’Université de Chicago, une visite de musées dans le quartier de Grand Park ou du shopping dans les boutiques sur la Magnificient Mile.
Route pour Springfield : aujourd’hui débute votre grand périple sur la route 66.
Mythique, historique et très populaire, la route 66 est un rêve pour les aventuriers et les fans de l’histoire d’Amérique.
En effet, elle retrace les époques révolues : vous croiserez sur votre chemin des villages fantômes, des voitures des années 50, des villages western, de vastes paysages et des couchés de soleil…..comme dans les films!
Vous traverserez, par cette Mother Road, 8 états différents :
Arrivée à Springfield.

Ancien résident, Abraham Lincoln reste très présent dans la ville. Vous pourrez y visiter sa statue géante, le Lincoln Home National Historic Site, la maison du premier président républicain des États-Unis.  Si vous êtes en famille, nous vous conseillons le Route 66 Kicks Family Entertainment Center, parc d’amusement pour les enfants.
Nuit à votre hôtel.

3ème Jour : Springfield / Saint Louis (155 km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
Ce matin, départ pour Saint-Louis.

En route, nous vous suggérons un arrêt dans la ville de Mitchell, et plus précisément au Luna Café : une légende raconte qu’Al Capone fréquentait cet établissement pour parier de l’argent dans le sous-sol.
Juste après cet arrêt, vous traverserez la frontière entre l’Illinois et le Missouri par le Chain of Rock Bridge, pont qui surplombe le Mississipi.
Arrivée à Saint-Louis, vous apercevrez l’arche emblématique de la ville, the Gateway Arch, haute de plus de 192 m, bâtie par un architecte Finlandais. Vous pourrez monter au sommet pour une vue imprenable.
Au gré de votre balade dans cette agréable  ville vous pourrez  visiter la Basilique de Saint Louis, la City garden, mélange dynamique de plantations luxuriantes et de sculpture de renommée, vous promener dans le Forest Park et visiter de nombreux musées comme le Cahokia Mounds, musée de la civilisation indienne (à quelques kilomètres de St Louis).
Et comme Tom Sawyer, vous pourrez également prendre un bateau roues pour une balade sur les bords du Mississipi !
L’immanquable de la soirée est l’Anheuser-Busch Brewery, la brasserie la plus grande du monde !
Nuit à votre hôtel.

4ème Jour : Saint Louis / Springfield (Missouri, 340 km)
Poursuivez aujourd’hui en directement d’un deuxième Springfield mais cette fois dans le Missouri.

Tout le long de la route, vous verrez d’énormes affiches publicitaires pour visiter le Meramec Caverns.
Refuge de l’un des plus grand hors la loi des États-Unis, Jesse James, Meramec Caverns est aussi est surtout un complexe de formations minérales, de couleurs rares et uniques,  sous les collines fertiles de la vallée de Meramec.
Springfield est une ville riche d’attractions familiales et diverses. Nous vous suggérons de visiter l’Askinosie Chocolat, bar chocolatier, les Jardins botaniques, le Candy House, les nombreux musées selon vos goûts…
Nuit à votre hôtel.

5ème Jour : Springfield / Oklahoma City (Oklahoma, 473km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
Au départ de Springfield, nous vous suggérons un premier arrêt dans la ville de Carthage, où le film Retour vers le futur a été tourné !
Vous reconnaitrez le décor du cinéma d’Hollywood !!

Après avoir traversé un petit bout du Kansas, vous arriverez dans l’état de l’Oklahoma. Nous vous suggérons un premier arrêt à Claremore, la ville du fameux Will Rogers. Cela ne vous dit rien ? Aux États-Unis il est un emblème : journaliste, humoritste, voyageur, champion de rodéo, maître du lasso, il a aussi joué dans 71 films comme acteur. Visitez le musée Will Rogers Museum où vous pourrez apprendre d’avantage sur cet époustouflant personnage.
Un autre musée à voir, et ce gratuitement, est le J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum qui porte sur les armes.
Des murs remplient de fusils, des épées et des couteaux. Il y a plus de 20 000 armes, très impressionnant !

Plus loin, vous pourrez faire un arrêt à Tulsa avec au choix :
-  Un détour au Harley Davidson shop
- Une visite du Philbrook Museum pour y voir la collection de chefs-d’œuvre italiens du XIVème
-  La maison du père de la route 66, Cyrus Avery
- Gilcrease institute of american history and art, consacré à l’artisanat indien et à l’histoire des pionniers.

A Oklahoma, nous vous proposons de découvrir la ville à votre rythme.
Visitez le Oklahoma State Capitol et voir le magnifique Dôme, le City Memorial Museum pour les victimes des attentats en 1995.
Nuit à votre hôtel.

6ème Jour : Oklahoma City / Amarillo (Texas, 475km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
Vous passerez aujourd’hui de l’état de l’Oklahoma, pays des Indiens, des bisons, des rassemblements de chevaux et de bétail, marqué par les traditions et la culture indienne, à l’état du Texas évoquant cowboys, pétrole et ranch.

En chemin, il ne faut pas rater le Rest Area. C’est un secteur de repos avec une vue superbe. Le paysage est magnifique, d’immenses plaines avec peu de végétations. Vous traverserez des petites villes typiques comme Shamrock, U-Drop Inn ou encore Jericho, avant d’arriver à Amarrilo.
Nous vous conseillons le fameux et très populaire restaurant The Big Texan Steak Ranch. Toujours bondé de monde, ce restaurant est une institution à Amarillo. Est-ce que vous êtes un gros mangeur ?  Si oui, un défi vous attend au The Big Texan Steak Ranch. Finissez-le en moins d’une heure, on vous le rembourse!
Nuit à votre hôtel.

7ème Jour : Amarillo / Las Vegas (Nouveau Mexique, 375 km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
Non loin d’Amarillo, le Cadillac Ranch est un passage obligatoire pour les aventuriers de la route 66. Plantées tête première dans un terrain désertique, 10 Cadillac ! Rien d’extraordinaire à première vue, mais il faut savoir qu’elles forment le même angle au sol que celui des pyramides d’Egypte, et qu’il est possible de les taguer ! N’oubliez donc pas de laisser trace de votre passage !

En direction de Las Vegas, celui du  Nouveau Mexique, vous passerez par le petit village d’Adrian situé à exactement 1139 miles de Chicago et 1139 miles de Los Angeles.
Vous êtes à l’exact milieu de votre parcours !
Sur la route vous pourrez faire un arrêt au Route 66 Auto Museum, pour y voir des voitures de collection très bien gardées.
Las Vegas est une ville calme et paisible ou vous pourrez vous promener dans de petites boutiques de vêtements à la mode cowboys. Profitez-en pour un peu de repos.
Nuit à votre hôtel.

8ème Jour : Las Vegas / Albuquerque (Nouveau Mexique, 200 km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
Étape immanquable de la journée : Santa Fe. Ville très artistique d’influence indienne, elle compte une dizaine de musées et 200 galeries.
Nous vous suggérons la visite du O’Keeffe Museum, pour découvrir les magnifiques tableaux de Georgia O’Keeffe, ou du History Museum,  le marché indien coloré en face du Palace des Gouverneurs, ou bien un moment de détente au café La Fonda, place mythique.

Cap ensuite vers Albuquerque. Sa situation est idéale car elle vous permet de découvrir une région Sud-Ouest authentique. La ville rassemble un mélange unique de cultures, de beautés naturelles, d’attractions historiques, de musées, de galeries marchandes, et constitue un lieu de visite diversifié et inoubliable pour tous ses visiteurs.
Nous pouvons vous proposer de visiter le Musée International de Montgolfière, Explora, ou des centres culturels comme celui du Pueblo Indien.
Si vous venez à l’automne, ne manquez pas la Balloon Fiesta, le plus grand évènement de Montgolfière de la planète !
De nombreux artisans proposent aussi des bijoux d’art du Sud-Ouest fait main. Profitez-en pour acheter des souvenirs!
Nuit à votre hôtel.

9ème Jour : Albuquerque / Holbrook (Arizona, 370 km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
Toujours sur la route 66, le périple continue vers Holbrook !

Premier stop de la journée se fera, sans conteste,  dans la petite ville de Gallup.
Le principal point d’intérêt de la ville est  le Rancho Hotel qui a accueilli des stars comme John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Errol Flynn, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck et Humphrey Bogart, quand il tournait un film dans la région. Plus récemment, Akon et l’équipe du film Natural Born Killers sont venus filmer dans cette ville importante pour les voyageurs de la Route 66.
Nous voici déjà en Arizona. Comme pour le Texas, il y a de nombreuses choses à voir et à visiter.
Dans ce nouvel état, un arrêt vous est suggéré : la Forêt Pétrifié. Il s’agit d’un grand parc que l’on peut faire en voiture ou à vélo. Cette forêt, autrefois recouverte de lave est aujourd’hui un phénomène de la nature troublant : les roches se trouvent prisonnières des troncs des arbres pétrifiés.
Nuit à votre hôtel.

10ème Jour : Holbrook / Grand Canyon (280 km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
La visite immanquable de ce jour est le mythique Grand Canyon.
Ce site naturel spectaculaire a été sculpté par la force du Colorado qui prend sa source dans les Rocheuses et se jette dans le Golfe de Californie. Il fait plus de 200 km de long, 20 km de large et 1.5 km de profondeur.

Ses strates horizontales retracent une histoire géologique s’étendant sur 2 milliards d’années. On y trouve aussi des vestiges préhistoriques, des gorges érodées : le jeu de lumière sur les couches sédimentaires multicolores offre un spectacle à couper le souffle.
Pour admirer cette merveille de la nature, nous vous suggérons d’emprunter le sentier de randonnée  « Bright Angel Trail », pour accéder à l’un des meilleurs points de vue.

En option nous pouvons vous proposer de survoler le Grand Canyon en hélicoptère. ( environ 150/170 $ le survol de 30 mn)
Durant environ 30 minutes survoler la partie la plus large et la plus profonde du Canyon, le corridor du Dragon, la rivière du Colorado pour faire des photos « amazing ! ».
Nuit à votre Hôtel à Grand Canyon.

11ème Jour : Grand Canyon / Las Vegas (Nevada, 450 km)
Petit-déjeuner à l’hôtel.
Quittez la verdure et la nature pour vous plonger dans le mythique Vegas.

Sur la route, nous vous suggérons de vous arrêter au fameux barrage de Hoover Dam, à 55 km de Las Vegas. Non loin, vous pourrez apercevoir le Lac Mead Nation Recreation Area. Une visite guidée de 35 minutes est possible.
La route menant ensuite a Vegas est magnifique, mais l’arrivée est encore plus surprenante. Vous passerez de paysages désertiques, à la grande ville de tous les excès au milieu de nulle part.
Nous vous suggérons pour la soirée, un tour de ville « by night ». Une visite en bus et à pied vous mettra dans une ambiance strass et paillette typiquement Vegas. Arrêt prévu : Madame Tussaud at the Venitian, le spectacle des fontaines de Bellagio….
Nuit à votre hôtel.

12ème Jour : Las Vegas
Journée libre pour visiter Las Vegas.

Las Vegas est une ville qui regorge d’effervescence et qui tient sa place de première dans le monde de la plus grande ville de jeux et de spectacles.
Pour la visiter librement, nous vous proposons en option un Power Pass vous donnant accès à :
- Adventuredome Theme Park
- Atomic Testing Museum
- Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA)
- Cloud Nine Las Vegas Balloon Ride
- Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
- King Putt Indoor Mini-Golf
- Las Vegas Fashion Outlets’ Shopping Tour
- Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum
- Las Vegas Zoo
- Liberace Museum
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
- Museum Experience
- Nevada State Museum
- Planet Hollywood Restaurant in Las Vegas
- Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
- Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
- Sky Zone Recreational Center Las Vegas
- Springs Preserve
- Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck
- The Putt Park Miniature Golf
- The Roller Coaster

Pour votre soirée, nous vous proposons quelques spectacles à ne pas manquer :
-Le Cirque du Soleil, spectacle Kà. Dans un paysage théâtral dynamique, défiant les lois de la gravité c’est un spectacle époustouflant, un voyage héroïque de  l’amour et du conflit.
-Le Cirque du Soleil, spectacle Zumanity. Avec une touche sensuelle, entre provocation ludique et interdit électrisant, ce spectacle s’adresse à un public averti.
-Le Cirque du Soleil, spectacle the Beatles LOVE. Célébrant l’héritage musical des Beatles, ce spectacle célèbre la poésie en explorant le contenu des chansons sous forme de scènes peuplées de personnages réels et imaginaires.
Bien entendu, il faut faire un détour en soirée par les différents casinos de Las Vegas, sur le boulevard principal Strip. Parmi les plus connus, le Bellagio, Le Venetian, le Casino de Paris, le César Palace…..vous aurez amplement le choix !!!!
Nuit à votre hôtel.

13ème Jour : Las Vegas / Santa Monica (Californie, 460 km)
Pour la fin de votre séjour, ne manquez pas l’incontournable Californie.

La route entre les deux villes, Las Vegas et Los Angeles,  les plus connues de l’Ouest est agréable et offre de beaux paysages, notamment la Death Valley National Park.
Séjourner à Santa Monica est bien plus reposant que dans la gigantesque Los Angeles.
Ville côtière, Santa Monica est une station balnéaire luxueuse, animée et décontractée. Son centre ville est piétonnier : vous y trouverez petites boutiques de surfeurs ou magasins de haute couture hollywoodienne. Se promener sur Third Street, c’est rencontrer des jongleurs, des clowns, des danseurs sur des pistes de danse improvisées. Vous pourrez également vous balader sur les longues plages notamment celle de Santa Monica et apercevoir des centres de fitness à ciel ouvert, typiquement californien !
Nuit à votre hôtel.

14ème Jour : Santa Monica / Los Angeles / Santa Monica (30 km)
Profitez de cette journée pour vous rendre à Los Angeles
La ville « des Anges », deuxième plus grande ville des États-Unis, réunit un nombre impressionnant de lieux célèbres et mythiques. Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Malibu, Santa Barbara….Los Angeles est l’incarnation du rêve américain.

Son climat paradisiaque en fait une destination des plus agréables. La métropole est aussi une ville de contraste avec d’un côté les quartiers somptueux de Beverly Hills, Malibu et Bel Air et les quartiers délabrés du dowtown.
Les aspects superficiels de la ville n’empêchent pas celle-ci de rayonner sur le plan culturel.
En effet, la ville compte de nombreux et superbes musées qui en font l’une des villes les plus riches sur ce plan.

Afin de profiter un maximum des différentes attractions, voici quelques manières originales de visiter Los Angeles :
- City pass vous donnant accès à 4 principales attractions de la ville : Starline movie stars homes tour (2h guidées ), Red Line Behind-The-Scene Tour (1h guidée), Madame Tussaud Hollywood, Kodak Theatre (30 min) ou The Hollywwod Museum.
- Le Shop & Dine dans le quartier de Beverly Hills : invitation spéciale pour les nouvelles collections de certains magasins, plus de 160 boutiques et restaurants; vous y trouverez votre bonheur !!
-Combiné découverte et shopping : Visite du Getty Museum, déjeuner au restaurant Bon Apetit, et shopping sur rodéo drive.
-Tour de Los Angeles et Hollywood : Passez par la fameuse Mann’s Chinese Theatre, célèbre pour ses mains et signatures de stars, Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Fisherman’a village et Venise Beach.
- Pass vous donnant accès à 45 attractions dans Los Angeles telles que : Tour VIP de Warner Bross, Tour Paramount Pictures Studio, Aquarium du Pacifique, Hollywood Museum, Queen Mary…..
Qui n’a jamais rêvé de passer derrière la caméra ! Visitez en VIP Universal Studios Hollywood, suivez les traces de la célébrité, entrez dans les coulisses : votre guide vous révèlera les secrets des réalisations de certains films les plus célèbres. Escortés durant la journée avec service de voiturier, vous pourrez dégustez un déjeuner gastronomique dans le Salon Vip des studios
Nous vous suggérons pour votre soirée le restaurant non moins connu : Le Hard Rock Café !
Nuit à votre hôtel.

15ème Jour : Santa Monica / Aéroport de Los Angeles (15 km)
Matinée libre pour profiter de la plage de Santa Monica avant le retour.
Restitution de votre véhicule de location à l’aéroport de Los Angeles.
Fin de nos services

Autotours et roadtrips | Etats-Unis : Autotour sur la Route 66, de …

Autotours et roadtrips | Etats-Unis : Autotour sur la Route 66, de … is a post from: Illinois Tourism

He was fleeing the law and breaking the law, according to authorities in three states.

Authorities said the suspect, Jacob W. Brodhead, 20, of 428 Barrington Hills Drive, has been on the run since the first weekend in May.

Plainfield, Ill., police Sgt. Troy Kivisto said authorities there caught him breaking into a home in the 25300 block of Wheat Drive at 2:48 a.m. Friday.

Officers responding to the burglary call apprehended him without incident, Kivisto said. Authorities there charged Brodhead with one count each of residential burglary, theft over $300 and obstructing justice by giving a false name. He is in the Will County (Ill.) Adult Detention Facility on $4,000 bail.

Before his capture, Brodhead was a suspect in home burglaries and vehicle thefts in Belle Mina, Madison and Indiana, said Madison police Lt. Jim Cooke and Limestone County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Stanley McNatt.

His encounter with local law enforcement occurred the first weekend in May when he became a suspect in burglaries and a vehicle theft in Madison. Police issued a “be-on-the-lookout” for Brodhead, and a Limestone deputy saw him in Belle Mina, McNatt said.

Brodhead fled on foot, McNatt said, and tracking dogs were unable to get his scent due to heavy rains. He is a suspect in two home burglaries on Humphrey Road and two home burglaries on Fennell Road that occurred while he was on the run, McNatt said. The suspect took keys to a vehicle at one Fennell Road home but got the vehicle stuck in a ditch, McNatt said.

The suspect successfully stole a Toyota Camry at the second Fennell Road home and drove it to Indiana, McNatt said. Clarksville, Ind., authorities said Brodhead left the Camry in a residential area and stole a Dodge Durango, McNatt said.

Relatives in Chicago

McNatt said Brodhead at one time had relatives in the Chicago area, which may be why he fled to Illinois.

Cooke said Madison will place a hold on him. It could take six months due to charges in Illinois before Madison and Limestone are able to extradite. Cooke said Brodhead can waive extradition or if he doesn’t, there will be an extradition hearing.

Limestone authorities are waiting to question him before issuing arrest warrants.

Fugitive a suspect in 3 states

Fugitive a suspect in 3 states is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The Makani Mobilizer mobile WAN optimization platform offers mobile wireless operators and enterprises the best-in-class, carrier-grade, commercial wireless infrastructure solution for optimized web browsing and video to their mobile subscribers.

Rajiv Chakravorty, CTO of Makani Networks, said, Mobile users want instant answers to their search queries: they want answers in real-time to queries that are based on their location, their preferences, their social connections, and their search behavior. Today’s horizontal search engine query cannot provide for a vertically-structured and contextually-relevant response meant for an on-the-go mobile user, although this could be possible in the future.

Cazoodle’s revolutionary structured data extraction technology/Vertical search engine suits the chief purpose of vertical mobile search. Cazoodle is a proven leader in data extraction in vertical markets as showcased in their breakthrough applications in Apartment Rentals, Electronics Shopping, Vacation Housing, and others, added the CTO of Makani Networks, Inc.

Professor Kevin Chang, CEO of Cazoodle, said, The partnership with Makani Networks is aimed at benefiting mobile users with Cazoodle’s technical leadership in vertically-structured information extraction on the Internet. The various search verticals showcases Cazoodle’s web search and extraction technology in offering deeper and broader choices to the mobile customers.” Cazoodle uses the intelligent crawling and indexing technologies developed at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, for building large scale search and integration services. The company also provides an end-to-end data crawling service for other enterprise customers to support their data gathering needs.

About CazoodleCazoodle (cazoodle.com) develops products and technologies for large scale integration of the structured data on the Web. A spin-off from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Cazoodle aims to enable “data-aware” search — to access the vast amount of structured information beyond the reach of current search engines. The company is co-founded by Prof. Kevin C. Chang and his research team of graduate and undergraduate students. Cazoodle also provides an end-to-end data crawling service as well as many consumer applications and enterprise solutions available online.

About Makani NetworksMakani Networks (makaninetwoks.com) offers high-performance, easy-to-use and technically innovative solutions for next generation wide-area networked data services. Makani Mobilizer appliances are deployed in the customers network for blazing-speed data access over a wide-range of access networks. Makani Enhancers are deployed for wide-area data acceleration and optimization. Founded in 2006, Makani Networks is headquartered in San Francisco USA.

Makani Networks Partners with Cazoodle for Vertical Mobile Search

Makani Networks Partners with Cazoodle for Vertical Mobile Search is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Did you realize that Illinois has some great vineyards that are waiting for you to visit and taste their products?  The Alto Vineyards is owned and operated by the Renzaglia family and is located at the foothills of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.  They have two tasting rooms for your convenience.  One here at the vineyard and another in Champaign, close to the University of Illinois campus.  The one in Champaign opened in 2001.

The vineyard first got its start in 1985.  In 1986 they sold the first vintage of grapes to the Lynfred Winery in the Chicago area.  Back in those days there were only 38 acres of commercial grapes being grown in the entire state of Illinois.  Two years later Alto Vineyards released its first 1,500 gallons of Illinois wine.  It was such a delight that it sold out in just 3 days.  With only 6 other wineries in the entire state the desire for Illinois grown and produced wine was running high.

The winemaker for the Alto Vineyards and Winery is Paul Renzaglia.  Mr. Renzaglia has been awarded the "Life Time Achievement Award" in 2009.  This award is given to someone who exemplifies excellence within the wine industry in all aspects of the grape and wine business.  With 20 years of experience and a continued devotion to the art of winemaking you can count on getting a great product from the winery.

The wines available from Alto are:
Shelf Talkers
•Alto Festa
•Chambourcin
•Chancellor
•Chardonel
•Cherry Berry
•Cherry Wine
•Dawg House Red
•Heartland Blush
•Heartland Port
•Heartland Red
•Heartland White
•Late harvest Reserve Gold
•Norton
•Porto Di Guido
•Rocko Red
•Rosso Classico
•Shawnee Gold
•Traminette
•Vidal Blanc
•Villard Blanc
•Wiener Dog White

The winery has two major festivals for those that enjoy great wine and great music.  One is the SpringFest and the other ColorFest.  As well as the two major festivals for the celebration of wine they offer free music at the vineyards from June through September.  Stop over; enjoy some great wine and music!

In Champaign there is the Music Among the Vines where you can listen to great music, whether it is a local band or a nationally known one, they come to share their talents with you as you enjoy the wines available.  So, regardless of which location you are closest to you will be able to enjoy great wine and entertainment provided by the Alto Vineyards.

Locations:
Alto Vineyards
P.O. Box 51
Highway 127
Alto Pass, IL 62905

Phone: 618-893-4898

Alto Vineyards
4210 North Duncan Road
Champaign, IL 61822

Phone: 217-356-4784
 

Alto Vineyards – Alto Pass, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Blues by Night Tour of Chicago To inspire the Blues artist in all of us, after a delicious dinner at Buddy Guy’s "Ledgends", the stage is set for a true jam session by some of Chicago’s finest Blues masters. For the perfect nightcap, it’s off to Rosa’s Lounge, another legendary Blues joint.

Blues by Night Tour of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The Amish families came to central Illinois in 1865.  They had become dissatisfied with the worldliness of the Mennonite Church and desired to live a more strict and simple life.  The Amish in this area are "House Amish" which means they favor holding services in a home rather than a church building.

There are 25 Amish church districts in central Illinois which cover approximately 12 miles East and West and 5 miles North and 10 miles South.  The heart of the settlement is Arthur.

With a population of approximately 4,500 in three countries in East Central Illinois this group of people have greatly influenced the culture of the area.

The Amish are known for their farming skills using horses on their farms, usually consisting of approximately 80 acres.  But, with the lack of land the buy the Amish have branched out into other areas as part of their way of life.  They have embraced woodworking of excellent quality, like furniture and cabinetry, quilting, retail sotres such as bike shops and grocery stores and some are even employed at various manufacturing jobs in the area.

The homes of the Amish are usually large with several rooms opening into one large room in which they hold church.  The services rotate from one home to another.

The simplicity of the homes is consistent with their belief of keeping things basic, avoiding the traps of worldliness.  The floors are bare, the windows covered with plain colored cloth and the table has benches on which to sit for meals.

The food prepared is from their own gardens and livestock and exceptionally good.

Visit the visitor centers to get the latest information on events going on in the area and a map to help you get around.

If you are planning to come to the area on Sunday you will find the shops closed as the Amish observe the Sabbath day as a day of rest.

Please respect their privacy and do not try to take pictures of them.  If you want to take pictures of their homes, buggies or the like you can do that but please don’t include the people in your shots.

In Arcola you can visit the Amish Interpretive Center Museum in Downtown Arcola which presents the heritage of the Amish through exhibits and artifacts. The museum is the first of its kind in Illinois. The Interpretive Center also provides guided tours of the Amish community and will arrange meals in an Amish home.

Arthur is a mix of the Old Order Amish and the English community where the use of horse and buggy blends with cars and trucks.  You will find thriving shops that are the central shopping area for the Amish reminding you of the wonderful old fashioned country downtown.  The area surrounding Arthur is full of small Amish owned shops and things to see and do.

Arthur hosts several festivals during the year, Arthur Days starts off the summer and the Arthur Cheese festival ends it on Labor Day weekend where over 600 pounds of cheese is given away in three days. The Central Illinois Braggin’ Rights KCBS BBQ Competition caps off the fall. But you don’t want to miss the one of the largest downstate fireworks displays, usually held the Saturday before July 4th in Jurgens Park. Several benefit auctions are also held on a yearly basis along with horse and pony auctions. The annual quilt auction in April draws hundreds from across the country.

Tuscola is in the Amish area too with more of the traditional shopping available with the factory outlet mall to specialty shops.

In Sullivan you will be greeted with things like hitching posts downtown to provide parking for the Amish as well as the traditional parking for cars.  The community has a professional play The Little Theater on the Square which will offer a delightful change to the standard offerings of a community.

Contact: Amish Country of Central Illinois CVB

PO Box 151

Tuscola, IL 61953

Phone: 1-877-368-4527

Amish Country of Central Illinois – Arcola, Arthur, Tuscola, Sullivan, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

When it is hot out and the summer sun is beating down upon your brow, there are few better ways to beat that heat than by heading out to a water park. One of the most well-known and most often visited water parks in Illinois is Raging Rivers, located in Grafton.

You will find many great rides at Raging Rivers; there is a place for everyone in the family to cool off and have fun in the sun.

Breaker Beach

Breaker Beach is a giant wave pool where you can ride the waves that get up to four feet in height. It is better than the ocean, because the waves never end here! The wave pool has no height restrictions, so everyone can enjoy the fun.

Cascade Body Flumes

You will find two great twisting and turning body flumes that will send you down more than 500 feet of slide. Even the small children are allowed on this ride as long as they ride on their parents laps.

Itty Bitty Surf City

Here is a place that is fun and safe, made just for the kids. They can have fun on small slides, pools, a rain tree, a family fountain area, and in a tunnel. You can be sure that they will have a ton of fun here.

Treehouse Harbor

The whole family will have fun here. You can watch as the kids explore a tunnel, zoom down the tunnel slides, and then get drenched by a bucket filled with 1500 gallons of cool water.

Endless River

This is one of the most popular and relaxing places in the whole park. You, the family, and your friends can float along this trail on your tubes and just enjoy the scenery.

Shark Slide

In this flume, you travel through a shark’s gullet straight down a 45 ft slide and into a pool. It is good fun!

Runaway Rafts

This is another hugely popular ride at Raging Rivers. You travel down more than 600 feet of slide and through several catch pools before you finally reach the bottom.

Swirlpool

This is the only slide of its kind in the United States. You slide down the tunnel, spin around and into a vortex, and then are dropped into seven feet of water. This one is a real crowd pleaser.

You will also find a great gift shop, as well as plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and a cool drink.

Admission to the park is $18.95 for those over 48" tall, and $15.95 for those under 48". Children under 2 years old are free. If you arrive after 3 PM, you get $4 discounted from the admission price. It is a fun place to visit and a great way to cool down.

Make a splash in your getaway itinerary with an afternoon staying cool at Raging Rivers Water Park. Choose from four winding waterslides, brave the waves at the Breaker Beach wave pool or just spend the afternoon floating along the Lazy River. Located just outside Grafton on the Great River Road.
 

100 Palisades Pkwy.
Grafton, IL 62037

Phone: (618) 786-2345

Raging Rivers Water Park is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Travelers to the Chicago area have a variety of attractions from which they can choose. The great thing about Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor is that you can always count on the parks to deliver a good time for everyone in the family.

The rides and attractions offer something that everyone will love.

Great America Rides

Great America is known for its incredible thrill rides. It has some of the best roller coasters in the nation, and is the perfect place for the thrill seeker to get their fill. Some of the most popular thrill rides include The Dark Knight Coaster, Superman: Ultimate Flight, and Iron Wolf, the world’s tallest, fastest, stand-up looping roller coaster. Other great coasters include Demon and the wooden coaster American Eagle.

The park offers some rides that are perfect for those who don’t want the screaming thrills the coasters provide. Loggers Run, River Rocker, and the Scenic Railway are all fun.

You will find many more great rides in Great America as well. You can keep busy there for day.

Hurricane Harbor Rides

The water park is no slouch when it comes to providing great rides. The six-story Tornado provides thrills for the whole family, as do the Vortex and Typhoon. Hurricane Bay is a huge wave pool filled with half a million gallons of water that is great fun for everyone.

The smaller children will also find fun in Hurricane Harbor as well. Buccaneer Bay Provides a fun and safe place to play.

For the Kids

Many of the attractions at the parks are geared specifically for the small children so they don’t feel left out of riding the big rides, such as the roller coasters, with their older siblings. The little ones can find plenty to keep them busy at the park.

Bugs Bunny National Park has some great rides for the kids, including the Looney Tooter Train, and Yosemite Sam’s National Park Tour. Camp Cartoon also has some great rides and attractions for the younger crowd. Both of these themed areas are located in the Yukon section of the park.

Kids will also enjoy Skull Island in Hurricane Harbor. They can play on a waterslides, and "erupting volcano," and get soaked by huge water-filled buckets.

Most kids will also want to see Wiggles World, a themed area dedicated to the popular singing and dancing Wiggles.

General admission to the park for adults is $54.99, and kids less than 48" tall are $34.99. Kids 2 and under are free.

Six Flags Great America
542 N Route 21
Gurnee, IL 60031
FROM CHICAGO

Take I-94 or I-294 West. Exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located immediately on the right.
Approximate driving time: 45 minutes.
FROM MILWAUKEE

Take I-94 East. Exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located immediately on the right.
Approximate driving time: 45 minutes.
FROM WESTERN ILLINOIS AND IOWA

Take I-88 East to I-294 North in Illinois. Take I-294 North until it becomes I-94 West. Continue on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located on the right.
Approximate driving time: 3 hours.
FROM INDIANA AND MICHIGAN

Take Tri-State Hwy. 80/94 West. Continue into Illinois and take I-294 West. Stay on I-294 West until it becomes I-94 West. Continue on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located on the right.
Approximate driving time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.

OR Take the Skyway (I-90 West) through Chicago to the Dan Ryan Expwy.
(I-90/94 West). Continue on I-90/94 West; it will become the Kennedy Expressway. 90/94 West near downtown Chicago. When 90/94 splits, continue on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois.
Six Flags Great America is located on the right.
Approximate driving time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.
FROM PEORIA/BLOOMINGTON

Take I-55 North to I-294 West. Take I-294 West until it becomes I-94 West. Continue on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located on the right.
Approximate driving time: 3 hours.
 

Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor – Gurnee, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

With a population of under 20,000 this Illinois community hosts a number of exciting opportunities for entertainment and historic rememberances.  The Woodstock Opera House is a classic example of Victorian construction with it’s interior stencils setting of a fabulous background for the concerts held there now and in the past.  Built in 1889 the theater has run continuously since it opened, quite a statement for any theater!

Walk down the sidewalks of the downtown area and you will understand why, with it’s cobblestone streets and beautifully restored 19th century buidlings, the downtown was named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to its annual list of a "Dozen Distinctive Destinations."

The county courthouse sits on the edge of the city square allowing the square itself to be used for social gatherings such as the farmers market, ice cream socials and band concerts.  During the summer months there is live entertainment on the square every Saturday night.  What a fabulous way to bring back the community feeling and pride in a community than to share this with the visitors that come to the area.

Woodstock Folk Festival is another celebration in town on an annual basis, this celebration is usually the end of July but check with the city to make sure of the date.  It runs from noon until 6 PM, what a delightful day!

Fanciers of folk music, storytelling and sing-alongs gather on the first Saturday of each month at the Masthouse (actually a private home in downtown Woodstock). Entrance is $4 per person (or what you can afford) and visitors are invited to join in the conversation and refreshments at a "sharing table" and are requested to bring a snack or treat to share.

Another music event is the Off Square Music, with several folk-music concerts each month and open mic night twice a month, attracting performers from Chicago and Milwaukee. 

Being just 60 miles northwest of Chicago gives this community a wonderful opportunity to attract some very talented entertainers for the enjoyment of everyone.  Visit the community and enjoy the hospitality and warmth offered in conjunction with some great music!

Information: McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (888) 363-6177

Woodstock Events – Woodstock, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The lake has great boating, a marina, some of the best hunting in the region and a great place to study nature.  Check out this on 6000 acres of mixed habitat from forests to swamplands.   All of it is located on the 34,000 acres  of the Lake Shelbyville project area.

When you need to "take a hike" you should head for Lake Shelbyville and enjoy their hiking trails, or maybe you feel like enjoying the beach, the lake has that too along with numerous other outdoor activities for the whole family.   There are 1,500 campsites for your enjoyment if you want to "rough it."

There is a native prarie that is nearly totally restored to it’s original splendor with over 50 plants for you to learn about while on your hike.  Located near the most extreme southeast corner of the Kaskaskia Unit of the park you will throughly enjoy this experience.

For the horse rider the horse camp area also offers a large day ride parking lot with conveniently located hitching posts.  What a wonderful way to explore the park and enjoy nature!

Lake Shelbyville is a favorite destination for fishermen seeking largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, and muskie. The lake offers hunting opportunities for whitetail deer, squirrel, quail, pheasant, rabbit, mourning dove, and waterfowl.

Phone: 217-774-2244 for more information.

Lake Shelbyville – Decatur, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The college is one of the top ranked in the country.  With over 150 undergraduate programs, 100 graduate and professional programs the college has turned out, and continues to turn out the best and brightest to impact the nation and the world.

Illinois alumni have earned Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes and Olympic medals, have orbited the earth, and lead international corporations. The campus offers rich experiences beyond the classroom, from the best performing arts to Big Ten sports.

The Visitor Center at the college would be pleased to give you information about the campus.  Just stop in and look around, you will be most pleased with this lovely campus in Central Illinois.

Location: 1401 W. Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801

Phone: 217-333-4666

University of Illinois – Urbana, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Just 15 miles north of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, IL. you will find this delightful ranch filled with Santa’s friends!  There are 16 Reindeer and 5 acres of Christmas trees just waiting for you to come out and enjoy them both. 

Along with the deer there is a 5 to 10 acre maze that will take you approximately 1 hour (if you are really lucky) to 3 hours to get through.  There are stop for you along the way to get your ticket punched, when you get all 6 you have survived the maze challenge. 

There are pedal race cars for you to enjoy, tours of the Reindeer, cookouts (if you call ahead for reservations) and hay rides.

The costs for these activities are so reasonable you won’t want to miss anything.  The maze is just $6 each with those under 4 free; hay ride just $3 each person; pedal car races $3 and the reindeer tour is also $3.  There is also a gift shop for you to browse through and drink a cup of wassel and have fudge.  It doesn’t get much better than that.

Directions from I-57 – Exit the interstate at Rantoul, Exit 250. You’ll stop at RT. 136. Turn left and proceed left for 1/2 mile to the stop light on Evans Rd. Make a left turn and go south on Evans Rd. Go 1 mile and then turn right onto County Road 2900. We’re just a quarter of a mile on the right.

August &  September
Wed – Sat   10 AM – 8 PM
Sun  1 PM – 8 PM
October
Mon – Sat   10 AM – 8 PM
Sun  1 PM – 8 PM
November & December
Open Daily 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday 1 PM – 7 PM

Owners: Mark and Julie Hardy

Address1356 County Rd. 2900 N. – Rantoul, IL 61866

Phone: 217-893-3407

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch – Rantoul, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Being the only college to have the name of Lincoln from the time he was alive this college has worked to provide a quality display of Lincoln artifacts and other displays to showcases of the rich local and college history, to a significant Presidential display and tribute and the September 11th exhibit which includes a three foot beam from Tower One.

The Lincoln College Museum proudly displays an original 1865 William Cogswell oil canvas portrait of Abraham Lincoln.  Outside the entrance to the main exhibit area of the Lincoln College Museum is the Hall of Presidents. It boasts a rare collection of original, hand-written signed letters and documents from every chief executive and some first ladies, as well as photographs, prints, biographical information, and commemorative medals of the Presidents.

"Brief History of the City of Lincoln and Logan County

Lincoln, Illinois, established in 1853, was the only town named for Abraham Lincoln before he became President of the United States. Lincoln came to the new town site on August 27, 1853 at which time lots were to be sold. At this time he was regionally well known as a one-term Congressman and popular trial lawyer, though not yet nationally known. He had been asked prior to this to christen the town, and that he did on that day. Taking juice from a pile of watermelons stacked nearby, he poured the juiced on the ground, after which the town lots were sold.

Lincoln was no stranger to the area which would later become Logan County. In 1834 he surveyed the Samuel Musick Salt Creek Ferry Road through Middletown to New Salem and on towards Jacksonville, IL. Two years later he surveyed the site of Albany approximately 5 miles south of Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln assisted in establishing Logan as a county in 1839, in honor of friend Dr. John Logan, a southern Illinois Democrat whose support Lincoln needed in moving the capitol of Illinois from Vandalia to its current location in Springfield. Lincoln rode the Eighth Judicial Circuit in which Logan County was a part, from 1840 to 1860.

It was a in a letter dated March 4, 1864 to President Abraham Lincoln, in which one of the town’s proprietors Robert Latham wrote to the President informing him that a university had been established in Lincoln, IL in his honor. Latham wrote, "…the greatest difficulty will be to … build a house that will do justice to the name and place." We believe we have succeeded." (This section on the county was copied from the museum website)

Location: The Lincoln College Museum
300 Keokuk St.
Lincoln, IL 62656

Phone: 217-735-5050

Hours: Sunday 1-4; Mon – Fri 9 – 4 and Sat. 1 – 4.  Closed all major holidays except Lincoln’s Birthday.

Lincoln College Museum – Lincoln, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The museum opened to the public in 1904 with an array of presidential papers and other items from the time.    Currently there are over 18,000 items on display showing the life of central Illinois from the beginning of the state history to today.  There are 10,000 volumns of information along with 1,500 feet of archives to provide information to you.

The museum has events throughout the year for the education and enjoyment of those visiting.  Unless their site says differently all events are held at the museum.

On permenant exhibit are:  Encounter the Prairie.  This The People Gallery provides the opportunity to learn about the customs settlers brought to Illinois. Meet the Native Americans of the area and the African Americans, Irish, Upland Southerners, and Germans who settled in McLean County.

You can also view kitchens from these various cultural groups and take home authentic recipes to try in your own kitchen. 

Politics Gallery:  Here you will be able to test your political thoughts and see where you actually stand on issues.  You will be able to "meet" Abraham Lincoln, David Davis, and Adlai Stevenson, as well as the common people who have called McLean County home.

Work Gallery: You will be able to see the different types of employment and manufacturing that have been part of the history of the area and try your hand at working in the "Wheel Shop" of the Chicago and Alton train shops.  You can also enter a holding cell (jail) and see what that felt like, you probably will know you want to follow the law rather than have to experience that in real life!

Farming Gallery: You will see the prairie grass that once covered the area (and see how hard it was for the farmers to break through this to be able to plant their crops . . especially with the tools they had to work with and remember, they had to do it by hand.  Relive the days when the town of Normal was famous for its horses and experience the pride of McLean County.

There are displays of the American Indians living in the area when it was settled.

The staff at the museum will help you find the materials you need for your research and suggest ways to preserve your precious papers, although they will not do it for you, they can suggest the items you will need.

Location: 200 Main, Bloomington, Illinois 61701

Phone: 309-827-0428

MCLEAN COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY – Bloomington, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The center fountain is complemented by four auxiliary fountains, which represent the four rivers that converge in the St. Louis area. The fountain was completed in 1995 at a cost of $4 million. Powered by three 800-horsepower pumps and discharging 8,000 gallons of water per minute at 250 feet per second.

The GEYSER Fountain runs from Mid April thru Mid October. It usually runs twice a day; 12:00 and 1:00 daily, but only for 15 minutes. FAA has placed time restrictions on the Geyser.

185 W Trendley Ave, E Saint Louis, IL 

The Gateway Geyser – East St. Louis, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The Interpretation of the Cahokia site focuses on its uniqueness as an urban center, or a city. It is the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico and was a religious, political, economic and cultural center.

Interpretive Center Information
The Interpretive Center Gallery is self-guided.
Volunteers are available to answer visitor questions.

Open Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 5, 2007 – April 13, 2008;
closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Open 7 Days a Week, April 14 – September 1, 2008
Closed New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, General Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission

There is no admission fee, but the suggested donation is
$2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.

This U.N. World Heritage Site shelters the remains of an ancient city where a Mississippian Indian culture once flourished from 700 to 1400 A.D. before mysteriously disappearing. Sixty-eight of the original 120 earthen mounds have been preserved on the 4,000-acre site. Stop at the interpretive center before tackling the 100-foot-tall Monks Mound, which is the largest pre-historic earthen mound in the New World.

Location: 30 Ramey St., Collinsville, IL

Phone: 618-346-5160

Cahokia Mounds – Collinsville, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

More than 140,000 international fans pack the stands at the Gateway International Raceway in Madison to watch the world’s leading racecar drivers compete in the NASCAR Busch and Craftsman Truck Series, as well as the NHRA Sears Craftsman Nationals. The Gateway complex includes a lighted, 1.25-mile oval and a championship drag racing facility.

Directions
Just minutes from downtown St. Louis and in the shadow of the arch, Gateway International Raceway’s multi-purpose motorsports facility is located at the intersection of Interstate 55-70 and Route 203 in Madison, Illinois.

Physical/Shipping Address:
700 Raceway Blvd
Madison, IL

Tickets: 866-35-SPEED
Phone (618) 482-2400 

Gateway International Raceway – Madison, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The oldest building in Illinois, a massive stone fort called Fort de Chartres, which was built by French colonists in 1753. The fort served as the seat of government during the French rule. After viewing Fort de Chartres, tour the nearby well-preserved sites that were established from Chester to Cahokia by Illinois’ earliest European settlers.

Fort de Chartres is the last of three eighteenth-century forts by that name erected near the Mississippi River by France’s colonial government. From 1720 to 1763 French administration of the Illinois Country was centered at the forts, built successively over a 40-year period on or near the same site. The stone fort, built in the 1750s and abandoned in 1771, has been partially reconstructed to provide a glimpse of life in Illinois under the French regime. Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, which also preserves the archaeological remains of the earlier wooden forts, is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Open: Monday – Sunday 9 – 5
Closed New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Columbus Day, General Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Location: 1350 State Rte. 155, Prairie du Rocher

Phone: (618) 284-7230 

Fort de Chartres – Prairie du Rocher, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Pere Marquette State Park comprises 8,050 acres making it Illinois’ largest state park.

The Park is famous for the beauty of its fall colors and as a home for bald eagles in the winter. In addition to the spectacular views of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers from several scenic overlooks, visitors can take advantage of a variety of year-round recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, and taking part in interpretative programs.

The Park is dotted with over 150 small Native American burial mounds and the Illini Confederacy occupied the area when the Joliet and Marquette made their journey. A number of archaeological studies have been conducted here, most notably at the location of the Pere Marquette Lodge. Prior to its construction in the 1930’s and again during the lodge’s expansion in 1985, evidence that the location was a prehistoric habitation site was uncovered.

The new Visitors Center provides displays that cover the region’s history and the types of environments the visitor can encounter as well as housing informative interpretative programs. The Lodge consists of both new facilities as well as those constructed by the CCC. All this and more makes Pere Marquette State Park a great place to explore!

Directions: FROM St. Louis (Forest Park)
Take I-64 West to I-170
Take I-170 North to I-270
Take I-270 East to MO-367
Take MO-367 North to IL-100 in Alton
Take IL-100 North to Pere Marquette

FROM St. Louis County (Kirkwood)
Take I-270 North and then East to MO-367
Take MO-367 North to IL-100 in Alton
Take IL-100 North to Pere Marquette

FROM Chicago, Peoria, Springfield and points north

Take I-55 South toward St. Louis
Take Route 140 West to IL-3
Take IL-3 to Clifton Terrace Road
Take Clifton Terrace Road South to IL-100
Take IL-100 North to Pere Marquette State Park

FROM Effingham, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and points east

Take I-70 West toward St. Louis
Take IL-143 West to IL-100 in Alton
Take IL-100 North to Pere Marquette State Park

FROM Cairo, Memphis and points south

Take I-55 North to I-255 near St. Louis
Take I-255 North to I-270
Take I-270 West to IL-111
Take IL-111 North to IL-143
Take IL-143 West to IL-100 in Alton
Take IL-100 North to Pere Marquette State Park

FROM Columbia, Springfield, Kansas City and points west

Take I-70 or I-64 or I-44 East toward St. Louis to I-270
Take I-270 East to MO-367
Take MO-367 North to IL-100 in Alton
Take IL-100 North to Pere Marquette State Park

Location: Grafton, IL 62037

Phone: 618-786-3323

Pere Marquette State Park – Grafton, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The Bald Eagle was adopted as the national symbol of the United States in 1782 because of its independence and strength. Measuring about 30 inches (76 cm) in length and possessing a wingspan of 72-84 inches (1.8-2.1 m), the adult eagle is easily identified by its unmistakable brown body set off by a white head and tail and bright yellow bill.

In Illinois, Bald eagles are seen primarily near large rivers, reservoirs and waterfowl refuges. They spend their days perched in large trees along shorelines, riding chunks of river ice, searching for fish churned up by river vessels or dams, and kettling (soaring) the thermals. In the late afternoons and at night they usually retreat into sheltered valleys and ravines. In the winter, eagles will roost communally in contrast to the territorial nature they exhibit during the breeding season. If an eagle builds a nest, it will stay in the area and won’t migrate back north. Currently in Illinois there are approximately 40 active nests compared to 6 in 1990. There is one known active nest the the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area which is located in the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge.

Bald Eagles are also known as "baseballs" by experienced eagle watchers because from a distance that’s what the eagle’s white head looks like. It’s amazing how an experienced eagle watcher can spot eagles from a distance. When searching for Bald Eagles look for the white "baseballs" in the trees along the river.

With more than 40 miles of pristine shoreline, the Middle Mississippi River Valley is a picturesque spot in which to view bald eagles. Beginning in December, more than 2,000 eagles migrate to the region, returning to their winter home along the bluffs of the Great River Road. Good places to view the proud birds include the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the Alton Lake section of the Mississippi River and Pere Marquette State Park. Several towns and state parks host special eagle observation programs and exhibits throughout the prime winter viewing season.

Location: Route 100, Alton, IL 62002

Phone: 800-258-6645

Eagle Watching in Alton – Alton, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Popeye Statue is in Elzie C. Segar Park in Chester, Illinois.

This 6 foot tall, 900 pound, bronze-metallic statue of Popeye was inspired by the fact that Segar, Popeye’s creator, was born in Chester and that many of the Popeye characters were modeled after real residents of the town. It is reported that Segar’s old boss at the Opera House, J. William Schuchert, was the model for J. Wellington Wimpy and had a fondness for hamburgers. Olive Oyl’s real-life persona was Dora Paskel, who was the proprietor of a general store and was tall, lanky and wore her hair rolled tightly in a bun. Popeye was based on Frank "Rocky" Fiegel who was a local tough guy. Each year the city of Chester organizes the Popeye Picnic to celebrate its famous citizens.

There is no charge to visit the Popeye Statue.

Directions: The Popeye Statue is located at the foot of the Chester Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River in Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park. From the Illinois side take IL-150 to the Mississippi river and from the Missouri side take MO-51 to the Mississippi river. 

Popeye Statue – Chester, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The Jarrot Mansion was completed in the year 1810 for Nicholas Jarrot, a native Frenchman who achieved prosperity through trade, land, and law in frontier Cahokia. The Jarrot Mansion is the oldest brick home in the state of Illinois.

The Jarrot Mansion is the former home of Nicholas Jarrot, a French-born entrepreneur who was a wealthy landowner and slave owner. One of his slaves sued for his freedom and won the mansion, plus $5 in back pay. This case was instrumental in the final abolition of slavery in Illinois.

Location: 124 E. First St., Cahokia, Illinois

Phone: 618-332-1782 

Jarrot Mansion – Cahokia, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Originally constructed as a dwelling, the Cahokia Courthouse served as the center of political activity in the Old Northwest Territory. The courthouse also served as a U.S. territorial courthouse and the county seat for several years. Additional information about the courthouse can be found on the History page.

Cahokia officially became a part of the United States on July 5, 1778. 30 mounted Virginia Rangers and a like number of French militiamen under Captain Joseph Bowman took Cahokia without resistance. Soon after, the 105 Cahokia "heads of household" swore allegiance to the Continental Congress of the United States.

Cahokia was later named the county seat of St. Clair County following the passage of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. For the next 24 years, the Cahokia Courthouse served as a United States territorial courthouse and an important center of political activity in the region.

When St. Clair County was enlarged in 1801, William Henry Harrison named the Cahokia Courthouse the judicial and administrative center of a vast area extending to the Canadian border. By 1814, however, St. Clair County had decreased to its present size and the county seat was moved to the city.

Cahokia Court House – Cahokia, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

George Reeves’ original "flying pan" from 1951-53 is suspended from the ceiling — the torso-molded special effects device that allowed Superman to fly on TV. The pan was attached under his costume, then he was lifted by crane, and hurled by cityscape sets and landscapes.

There are many rare pieces from the Superman films, including the Kryptonian crystal that helped Christopher Reeve create the Fortress of Solitude. There are also sections devoted to the side players — Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White.

The Coolest collection of Superman Memorabilia in the World

Downtown Metropolis
Superman Square
Metropolis, IL
618 – 524 – 5518
Hours of Operation 9:00am- 6:00pm

Superman Museum – Metropolis Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Bell Smith Springs is a an essential destination for anyone interested in native ecology and local history. It is designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Park Service, a Natural Area by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, and a recreation area by the U. S. Forest Service.

Although some of the animals that once lived in the area are gone the bobcat, turkey, deer, fox, a plethora of songbirds and other animals are still glimpsed at Bell Smith Springs.

Hiking, photography, swimming, picnicking, and a host of other low impact activities are enjoyed by visitors to Bell Smith Springs. Camping is leisurely in Red Bud Campground, situated just above the canyon. Hunting and fishing are allowed in season with a license.

Location: located just outside the village of Eddyville 

Bell Smith Springs – Eddyville, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

A natural formation, the bluff is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Millstone Bluff is one of numerous sites natiowide to have its "address restricted" by the Register. These sites are often sensitive to attention and visits from the public for various reasons. It is one of two Registered Historic Places in Pope County.

The bluff is home to a prehistoric Native American settlement used in by Mississippian cultures during the Woodland period. The settlement site is little more than depressions sitting atop the bluff which lies within the Shawnee National Forest. The United States Forest Service controls an interpretive trail to the site. There isn’t a great deal to see other than the natural remains of the Mississippian settlement but the bluff contains a stonebox cemetery, a rock art site and a Late Woodland stone fort.

Millstone Bluff National Register Site – Eddyville, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Lusk Creek Area – Eddyville, Illinois is a National Scenic Designation which can only be reached by trail, but hiking or horseback.

Indian Kitchen is a trail on the south end of the Indian Wall at the hairpin turn in Lusk Creek and is only for the daring and agile. Beginners will want to avoid this area.

Salt Petre Cave (a series of rock shelters) is in the northern section and can be reached from the parking lot which is two miles morth of Eddyville. This area has waterfalls, clear water, beaver, bobcat, dense foliage and beautiful rock formations.

Lusk Creek Area – Eddyville, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Thier mission is to preserve and display the history of Rock Island Arsenal and Arsenal Island. The secondary mission is to preserve and display the history of small arms development.

Arsenal Island was home to a Confederate prison camp, the Rock Island Prison Barracks. The camp was operational from December 1863 to July 1865. Incomplete records exist concerning the 12,192 prisoners that were held here. The records can be searched for Civil War ancestors held at the prison camp. Please contact the museum staff for additional information at (309) 782-502.

Rock Island Arsenal was established by Act of Congress in 1862. The arsenal has been an active manufacturer of military equipment and ordnance since the 1880s. Our diverse products have included leather horse equipment, meat cans and canteens, paper targets, artillery recoil mechanisms and carriages, and the Model 1903 rifle.

Today, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum has exhibits that reflect Rock Island Arsenal’s unique history. Early island history is portrayed with scale models of Fort Armstrong and the Colonel George Davenport house. One exhibit features photographs, documents, and a violin from the Rock Island Prison Barracks, one of 21 Union prison camps for Confederate prisoners of war. “Meet the People of Rock Island Arsenal” is an exhibit that focuses on the diversity of employees at Rock Island Arsenal and uses photographs, documents, and artifacts to illustrate the story of individual employees. Examples of Rock Island Arsenal products are on exhibit, and include artillery, leather equipment, mess equipment, a paracrate, machine guns, and the Model 1903 rifle.

They have a significant small arms collection that includes rare examples. They have serial number 1 of the Model 1903 rifle and serial number 2 of the M1 Garand rifle. They have 5 weapons that have been positively identified as Sioux or Cheyenne owned weapons used at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. They have one of five Rappahannock Forge wall guns known to exist. They have serial number 1 of the basic issue M9 pistol and of the General Officers M9 pistol, as well as examples of the eight XM9 test candidates.

Hours 1000-1600
Tuesday – Sunday
Closed: Mondays
All Federal Holidays
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve

Phone: (309) 782-5021 

Rock Island Arsenal Museum – Rock Island, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The area was first called McNeil’s Landing after Henry McNeil who settled here around 1827. Later Joel Thompson came and requested a post office with the name of Milan. He learned there was already a Milan and the post office department assigned the name of Hampton on February 1, 1838. 

Heritage Interpretive Center – Hamilton, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

John Deere Collectors Center – Moline, Illinois
Inside a living-history exhibit of a 1950s-era John Deere dealership. Inside, visitors can watch tractors being repaired and restored, browse the retail shop, and tour a display room filled with antique tractors and equipment. Children can enjoy an interactive play area with scale-model farm toys, computer games, or a classic game of checkers.

Collectors Center History
The historic Italianate style building that is home to the John Deere Collectors Center was originally built in 1885 by the Davis brothers.

You will be able to visit the Center’s customer service counter for information about parts, repairs and restorations, and reference materials.

Address
Collectors Center
320 16th Street
Moline, Illinois

Ph. (309)748-7944
Ph. (800)240-5265

Fee
Free of charge

Hours*
Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday
Noon – 4:00 p.m.

John Deere Collectors Center – Moline, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The theater was opened as a dinner theater in June 1977with the interior being remodeled into Las Vegas styled seating and currently seats 334 on the main floor.

In 1978, following the opening of Circa ‘21, the Fort Armstrong Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is also improvisational comedy at its very best every Friday and Saturday night located next to Circa ‘21. All ComedySportz performances are completely different because they’re based on audience participation. ComedySportz serves up family comedy for all ages, just the way you like it! If you like ABC’s "Whose Line is It Anyway" you’ll love ComedySportz! Tickets start at only $10.00 per-person!!

Come to the theater and enjoy quality entertainment with truly talented performers.

Tickets are available at the window, by phone or on the net.
Ticket Booth Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – 10-5
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 10-6 Sunday – 12-4.

Prices
Wednesday Matinee $38.48
Wednesday Evening $41.60
Fri., Sat. & Sun. Evening $44.20
Student (18 and under) $24.96
Senior (60 and over) $2.00 off above rates
Prices include a professional production, a six entree buffet and tax. For the matinee performances there is a plated lunch served at your table with your choice of three entree’s.
No cancellations or refunds. Group rates are available for parties of 12 or more.

Location: 1828 3rd. Avenue Rock Island, IL

Parking: There is parking available on the street or in the parking ramp approximately 1 block from the theater. During the day there is a 2 hour limit on the parking meters so it may be wise to park in the ramp.

Phone: (309) 786-7733 ext. 2

Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse – Rock Island, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The museum boasts over 2,000 rock, mineral and fossil specimens including a complete skeleton of the dinosaur Cryolophosaurus and a large fluorescent mineral exhibit.

The museum began in the late 1880’s with a modest natural history collection. Used originally and primarily as a teaching resource for Augustana geology students, it now serves a large and varied audience including students of biology, geology, community school groups and other tour groups. The museum also attracts those who are curious about early life, the development of life-forms or the formation of rocks and minerals.

Located in the Swenson Hall of Geosciences (near the Admissions Office) the Fryxell Geology Museum can be reached by turning west off 38th Street, at the eastern campus entrance. The Fryxell Geology Museum is located on the Augustana College campus in Rock Island, Illinois.

Phone: (309) 794-7318

open to the public, free of charge, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and on weekend afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the academic school year. 

Augustana’s Fryxell Geology Museum – Rock Island, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Memorial hosta bed, pond with water lilies and tadpoles, butterfly garden, memorial rose garden, Peter Rabbit’s Children’s Garden, Doctor’s Garden, day lily and peony collections, ornamental grass and perennial beds. All these are waiting (in the spring, summer and fall) for you to enjoy while relaxing in this wonderful environment.

Open Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Free admission. 

City of Moline Park and Recreation Garden Center – Moline, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Offering 6,444 square foot tropical Sun Garden conservatory, the outdoor Scott County Regional Authority Conifer and Perennial Gardens, a beautiful Butterfly Garden, a colorful Physically Challenged Garden, and a Children’s Scrambled Alphabet Garden there will be so much to do and see you will need to come back often.

Each season brings a change in the garden scenery – thousands of colorful flowers in the summer, rainbows of hardy mums in the fall, tropical blooms and twinkling lights in the winter. The "Sprout House" greenhouse is utilized for educational programming and plant care all year.

Throughout the year a wide variety of special events are offered to further enhance learning about the world as a global garden. Changing art exhibitions by artists of national acclaim are offered in the lobby and gardens.

Location: 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL

Phone: (309) 794-0991

Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm

Sundays, 12 – 5 pm

Quad City Botanical Center – Rock Island, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The facility is filled with antiques and statues to stained glass ceilings. Not only will you enjoy the gaming but you will spend time walking through and looking at all the artwork, antiques and the decor’ packages that make Jumers different from all the other casinos.

The casino has five floors of fun on two permanently docked riverside structures, the action never stops.

The casino has over 700 of the newest and best slot games in the country, in addition to your favorite table games.

Directions:From the North:
Highway 61 in Iowa, South to I-80 West. I-80 West to I-280 East and I-280 East to Hwy 92 East. Hwy 92 East will take you straight to the foot of 18th Street and the Mississippi River.

From the South:
In Illinois, travel Interstate 74 North to Moline, Illinois. From I-74, take I-280 West to 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

From the East:
In Illinois, travel West on Interstate 80 to I-280 West. From I-280 West, take 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

In Illinois, travel West on Interstate 88 to I-80 East. Take I-80 East to I-280 West. From I-280 West, take 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

From the West:
In Iowa, travel Interstate 80 East to I-280 East. Take I-280 East to 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

From the North:
Highway 61 in Iowa, South to I-80 West. I-80 West to I-280 East and I-280 East to Hwy 92 East. Hwy 92 East will take you straight to the foot of 18th Street and the Mississippi River.

From the South:
In Illinois, travel Interstate 74 North to Moline, Illinois. From I-74, take I-280 West to 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

From the East:
In Illinois, travel West on Interstate 80 to I-280 West. From I-280 West, take 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

In Illinois, travel West on Interstate 88 to I-80 East. Take I-80 East to I-280 West. From I-280 West, take 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

From the West:
In Iowa, travel Interstate 80 East to I-280 East. Take I-280East to 92 East. Take 92 East to Rock Island. Casino Rock Island is located at the foot of 18th Street and 92.

Phone: 309-793-4200 ext 107
Phone 2: 800-477-8946

Jumers Casino Rock Island – Rock Island, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

This family owned and operated business has set it’s goal to make sure you enjoy good food, a smooth ride on the river and memories to share for years to come.

In 1998, the Schadler’s purchased the Celebration Belle, the largest luxury excursion river boat in the Upper Mississippi River. The 800 passenger Celebration Belle will offer you a fabulous experience.

Take the 100 Mile Day Long Cruise or any of the other cruises such as the Big Band Cruises and Prime Rib Dinner Cruises along with it’s privately chartered cruises and enjoy the beauty of the river.

Directions:
From The East: In Illinois – Take I-74 West to the 7th avenue exit. At the light, turn right on to 7th Avenue. Get into the left lane; the road will curve to the left and become 23rd Street. Follow 23rd Street across the railroad tracks to the stoplight at River Drive. Turn right on to River Drive, the Celebration Belle is 3 blocks down on the left side.

From The West: In Iowa – Take I-80 East to I-74 East cross the river into Illinois take theRiver Drive exit. The ramp curves around to a stop light on River Driver. Turn right onto River Drive, the Celebration Belle is 3 blocks down on the left side.

Location: 2501 River Drive

Phone: (309) 764-1952 -or- (800) 297-0034 

Celebration River Cruises – Moline, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Now the 2-day cruises travel to Dubuque, IA. There you will overnight at the Grand Harbor Resort with tours of the National Mississippi River Museum, Cable Car Square Shopping area, Diamond Jo Casino, and the 4th Street Elevator, also available to the passengers the second morning of the trip. The cruise will still depart from LeClaire, IA on Sunday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays starting Memorial Day Weekend and running through Mid-October.

Reservations are needed. To reserve you cruise, call (800) 331-1467. 

email: info@riverboattwilight.com

RiverboatTwilight – Galena, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Explore the majestic Mississippi, one of the five top recognized attractions in the world, aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi! Experience the power and mystique of the river that captivated Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn as it sweeps around the great riverbend and flows east to west for one of only a few times over its length. Get a taste of the area once known as the Rock River Rapids, considered the most dangerous section of the upper Mississippi. Today, with the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the river has been dredged and a channel created to slow the flow of water. So, sit back and enjoy your journey on the Channel Cat.

Sightseeing with four shore stops at Leach Park, Bettendorf, IA (:15 every hour); Village of East Davenport, IA (:30) every hour); John Deere Commons, Moline, IL (:45 every hour); and Celebration Belle Landing, Moline (:00 every hour).

Hours: Seven days a week, Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Bicyclists welcome.

Fare charged.

Phone: (800) 297-0034 or (309) 764-1952

Channel Cat Water Taxi – MetroLINK – Moline, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Accommodations

The Riversong is certified for 24 passengers plus crew, but for your comfort, they try to limit the number to 16. Every seat is a window seat and what you don’t see departing, you will see on the return. There is a snack counter running down both sides of the boat. As they do not sell food and beverages, passengers are welcome to bring their own. Alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Though not technically handicapped accessible, they make every effort to accommodate and assist everyone aboard.

There is a restroom on the boat.

Your Captain

Captain John Vize is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, having received a personal letter of commendation from the Commandant. Captain Vize is also licensed by the Coast Guard as Master of Great Lakes and Inland Steam and Motor Vessels, with over 40 years experience on ocean, Great Lakes, and river vessels, having carried millions of passengers.

Located just downstream from the foot of Wisconsin Street on the levee in historic LeClaire, Iowa just above Interstate 80.

Phone: (309) 792-5388

Great River Tours, Inc. – East Moline, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

This National Register Historic District was once a training camp for Civil War soldiers, and now includes a variety of art galleries, small shops, restaurants, local pubs and parks. Enjoy the vista from Lindsay or Prospect Parks, or take a cruise aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi, which docks just east of the Lindsay Harbor Boat Club. View the RiverWay gateway and art project "Architechtural Park" while awaiting your water taxi ride (bicycles welcome). Just downstream from the boat club is the bronze sculpture "Watching the Ferry," based on a drawing of the same name by John Bloom, a long-time local artist and student of Grant Wood. Further downstream is the Lake Davenport Sailing Club.

Phone: 563-324-6137 

Village of East Davenport – Davenport, Iowa is a post from: Illinois Tourism

The league built 38 chapter houses for its members in 16 states while hundreds more were planned. The St. Louis architectural firm of Helfensteller, Hirsch and Watson designed the five prototypes, which were scaled to accommodate different-sized communities. All were cruciform in plan and combined stylistic characteristics of the prairie school and arts and crafts movement in both their exterior massing and exterior and interior detailing. All came fully furnished with mission-style furniture, fixtures and carpets for the meeting rooms and included a salesroom for the Woman’s Exchange" where members’ handicrafts were sold together with the AWL publications and products from the Art Academy. The chapter houses became social, educational, and cultural centers for their members and were meant to enable women to acquire some business skills as well. However, bas reliefs above the fireplaces were entitled ‘Woman’s Mission" and idealized woman’s role of homemaker and nurturing mother.

While the university. the postal library, and the Women’s Exchange were intended to ready women for the workplace and the vote, the reorganization of the league in 1911 into the American Women’s Republic was to prepare them for an expanded role in government. The republic was modeled after the United States government. At its first congress held in University City in 1912, Mrs. Belva Lockwood, the republic’s attorney general, who had been the first woman to run for president of the United States in the election of 1884, swore Mrs. Mabel Lewis in as its president. E. G. Lewis planned for the American Women’s Republic to continue as a separate but equal organization until women’s suffrage was granted and it could merge with the republic of the United States.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, 1980

Open June-August 1st Sunday of each month, 1-4pm – other times by appointment. Group tours by appointment only.

Location: West side of Locust Street, north of Fifth Street, Andover, Illinois

American Woman’s League Chapter House – Andover, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Location: 6th St & Oak St, Andover, IL

Phone: (309) 521-8501

Jenny Lind Chapel – Andover, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Want a peaceful, relaxing day of picnicking, hiking, fishing and good old fashioned family fun? Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is just the place you’re looking for. Spend the day and bring a picnic lunch along. There are plenty of picnic tables at the 104.5-mile linear park which spans five counties (Rock Island, Bureau, Henry, Lee and Whiteside).

The Hennepin Canal is listed in the National Register of Historic Places joins the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Communities in Henry County include Annawan, Atkinson, Colona and Geneseo. The engineering innovations used in its construction were also used to build the Panama Canal. There are 32 of the original 33 locks still visible on the canal. Current activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. Fully watered it is habitat for bass, walleye, crappie and catfish.

Directions to the Visitor Center: The Hennepin Canal Parkway basically parallels I-80 in Bureau and Henry counties in west central Illinois. The Parkway’s Visitor Center is one mile south of I-80, just west of Route 40. East or westbound travelers on I-80 should take Exit 45, turn right (south) on Route 40. They almost immediately cross the Canal and in about 1 mile is the brown sign directing them to the Parkway Visitors Center. Turn right (west) and proceed to the Center.

While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park’s facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.

Phone: 815-454-2328  

Hennepin Canal Parkway – Recreational Trail – Annawan, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

Join them for Friday Night Wine Down where visitors are invited to listen to music, have a light meal, and let the cares of the week disappear! Guests can join a wine tour for $2 per person.

The winery offers: Red wines, White wines, Blush wines and Fruit wines for your pleasure. Join them for samples to see which is the right wine for you and while there enjoy the entertainment or lunch. Meet new friends and begin the journey of a love affair with Illinois/Midwest wines.

Location: 5401 U.S. HWY 6. Colona, IL

Phone: 309-949-2565

Hours: Mondays – Thursday
Saturday -Sunday
10:30am – 7pm
Friday 10:30am – 10:30pm  

Lavender Crest Winery – Colona Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism

This historic village was founded by Swedish immegrants in 1846 which has retained it’s unique quality to share with the world.

These Janssonists built a successful communal society based on economic and religious principals. Many of the structures erected during this building campaign still exist. The colony grew and flourished for fifteen years before disbanding in 1861.

Bishop Hill is a National Landmark Village, listed in the National Register of Historic Places and it is an Illinois State Historic Site.

They invite you to taste the history of this once-bustling 19th century settlement. Sample their fascinating museums, quaint eateries, unique gift shops, and art galleries.

Museums
BISHOP HILL COLONY CHURCH, STATE HISTORIC SITE,
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Martha Downey, Site Superintendant
PO Box 104 • Bishop Hill, IL 61419
309-927-3345
BISHOP HILL COLONY HOTEL, STATE HISTORIC SITE,
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Martha Downey, Site Superintendent
PO Box 104 • Bishop Hill, IL 61419
309-927-3345

BISHOP HILL MUSEUM, STATE HISTORIC SITE,
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Martha Downey, Site Superintendant
PO Box 104 • Bishop Hill, IL 61419
309-927-3345

COLONY STEEPLE BUILDING,
Bishop Hill Heritage Association Mike Wendel, Administrator
103 North Bishop Hill Street • PO Box 92 • Bishop Hill, IL 61419
309-927-3899

HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Henry County Historical Society
202 South Park St. • PO Box 48 • Bishop Hill, IL 61419
309-927-3528

NATIONAL ARCHIVES BUILDING Vasa Order of America
109 South Bishop Hill Street • PO Box 101 • Bishop Hill, IL 61419

They say: Enchantment awaits you behind every door; be renewed by the ageless wisdom of their utopia!
309-927-3898

Historic Village – Bishop Hill, Illinois is a post from: Illinois Tourism