Argosy’s Empress Casino
This Egyptian-themed riverboat casino is Chicagoland’s first casino, and today boasts more than 1,100 slots and 20 table games, as well as the Empress Hotel.
2300 Empress, Joliet 

Arlington Park
Watch some of the best thoroughbred racing in the nation from the elegant six-storey grandstand.
2200 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights - 874.358.7500

Chicagoland Speedway/Route 66 Raceway
Get ready for the excitement of NASCAR at the Chicagoland Speedway and championship drag car racing at Route 66 Raceway.
500 Speedway, Joliet 

Empress Casino
This Egyptian-themed riverboat casino is Chicagoland’s first casino, and today boasts more than 1,100 slots and 20 table games, as well as the Empress Hotel.
2300 Empress Dr., Joliet – 815.744.9400

Fox Valley Winery Tasting and Tour
You’ll find handcrafted, award-winning wines made from estate-grown, single-vineyard Illinois grapes at this full-service winery.
5600 Route 34, Oswego

Grand Victoria Casino
This casino, located on the scenic Fox River in Elgin, is more than just a place to play; it is a place to dine and entertain in style.
250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin – 847.468.7000

Harrah’s Joliet
Harrah’s Casino Hotel also offers Stage 151 featuring live bands, located along the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet.
151 N. Joliet, Joliet – 815.740.7800

Hollywood Casino
This is the largest Chicagoland casino and is decorated with real movie memorabilia.
49 W. Galena, Aurora – 630.801.7000

Lynfred Winery Tasting Room
Sample award-winning wines in an oak-panelled tasting room and peruse the gift shop, then stay at Lynfred’s lovely bed and breakfast, with suites themed according to world-renowned wine regions.
15 S. Roselle, Roselle – 630.529.9463

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Watch a lively jousting tournament with dueling knights on galloping horses as you dine in a replica castle at Medieval Times. 2001 N. Roselle, Schaumburg 

Ravinia
Pack a picnic and experience music under the stars at this leafy outdoor venue.
200 Ravinia Park Rd Highland Park

Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor
Take a spin on the daredevil rides at Six Flags Great America theme park, then dive into water park fun at the adjacent Hurricane Harbor.
542 N. Route 21, Gurnee 

Tempel Lipizzans
See graceful white Lipizzan stallions present ballet-like performances at Tempel Farms, the only place in the U.S. where these beauties are bred, trained and perform.
17000 Wadsworth, Wadsworth 

August Hill Winery Tasting Room
Make a stop at this charming tasting room in downtown Utica that features August Hill wines (try the Chardonel), artisan cheeses, gourmet chocolates, artwork and hand-blown glassware.
106 Mill, Utica – 815.667.5211

Illinois River Winery
Just an hour west of Chicago, you’ll discover this scenic vineyard where you can sample award-winning wines and take a guided tour of the winery.
723 Clark, Utica

Massbach Ridge Winery
This family-owned winery offers an intimate setting to taste Illinois wines and get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process.
8837 S. Massbach, Elizabeth

Jumer’s Casino & Hotel
The new Jumer’s Casino & Hotel in Rock Island features a 42,500-square-foot gaming floor, the Oculus Bar with live music nightly and a 205-room hotel connected to the casino.
1735 1st, Rock Island 309.793.4200

Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
The Par-A-Dice in East Peoria features a gaming facility docked on Peoria Lake that offers a variety of penny slot machines, table games and a 200-room hotel just steps away from the casino.
21 Blackjack, East Peoria - 309.699.7711

Argosy Alton
This riverboat casino docked on the Mississippi River features slots and table games, as well as Argosy’s Music Hall, showcasing music legends such as Chuck Berry, along with edgy comedians.
219 Piasa, Alton - 618.474.7500

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Wine lovers will want to linger on this trail made up of 10 award-winning wineries located along a 25-mile scenic drive through the Shawnee National Forest.
2865 Hickory Ridge, Pomona 

 

Popeye Statue
The town of Chester, home of the Popeye creator Elzie C. Segar, salutes the popular cartoon sailor with a whimsical bronze statue that stands in Segar Memorial Park.
Segar Memorial Park, Chester
618.826.2326

Robert Wadlow Statue
Take a picture with the life-size bronze statue of Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man (at nearly nine feet in height) and an Alton native who was affectionately known as the Gentle Giant.
2800 College Ave., Alton
618.465.6676

Superman Statue
Take a picture with the 15-foot-tall Superman statue that stands guard over Metropolis, the superhero’s adopted hometown, and visit the Super Museum, featuring rare Superman memorabilia.
611 Market St., Metropolis
618.524.5518

World’s Largest Catsup Bottle
This giant catsup bottle is actually a 170-foot-tall water tower that was built in 1949 by the bottlers of Brooks catsup, attracting fans ever since.
800 S. Morrison Ave., Collinsville
618.344.8775