Plenty of alluring activities await your group in Northern Illinois
Forget the traditional tourist traps. The Chicagoland area and its surrounding suburbs hold a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered by your group. Whether you are history buffs yearning for museums, nature enthusiasts craving fresh air, foodies seeking culinary delights or thrill-seekers chasing adrenaline rushes, this region offers something for everyone.
Aurora for Travelers
Embark on a scavenger hunt to discover the vibrant murals hidden throughout the city, each with its own story to tell. Downtown Aurora has more than 50 public art installations, from the Aurora Transportation Center to the Santori Public Library. Highlights include Bunnie Reiss’ whimsical natural landscape painted on the west wall of the Fox River Trail underpass at New York Street, Ruben Aguirre’s abstract piece at Broadway and Benton, the streetscape on LaSalle by Joshua Schultz, and Sam Cervantes’ angelic wings on the wall of La France Bakery at Galena and Broadway.
Groups can also explore the scenic trails of Aurora’s parks and nature preserves. Blackberry Farm, Phillips Park and Aurora West Park offer diverse landscapes for hiking, biking or simply enjoying a peaceful moment surrounded by nature.
Check some gifts off your list with a visit to More Polish Pottery in Big Rock, 12 miles west of Aurora. At this family-run business, you’ll find an extensive selection of pottery stoneware and handmade products imported directly from Poland.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournaments for groups
Chicago Northwest Attractions
Located just outside of Chicago, the eight communities of Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood and Wood Dale call this region home. Be ready to discover hidden gems, bite into a diverse list of restaurants and submerge yourself in world-class shopping.
Delve into the rich history of Arlington Heights at the Arlington Historical Society Museum. Learn about the village’s founding, its development through the years and the interesting lives of its residents.
Enjoy a fun-filled dining experience at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Schaumburg. Watch jousting knights, skilled falconers and talented equestrians perform while you enjoy a delicious four-course meal.
DeKalb for Travel Groups
Add more Illinois architecture knowledge to your experience with a visit to the Ellwood House Museum. Located on 10 acres of parkland in the heart of DeKalb, the museum campus includes seven historic structures, including the 1879 Ellwood Mansion and 1899 Elwood-Nehring House, four gardens and 6,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Plano, IL
For an up-close view of an iconic home created by one of the world’s most influential architects, head 58 miles southwest of Chicago where you’ll find the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, the home represents the fullest expression of modernist ideals that had begun in Europe but was finished in Plano.
Drury Lane Theater
DuPage County Attractions
DuPage County offers a variety of hidden gems beyond The Morton Arboretum and Cantigny Park.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Lemont. Hike along scenic trails leading to a cascading waterfall, a hidden gem within the preserve. Breathe in the fresh air and lose yourself in the beauty of nature.
Step back in time to the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Tour Mayslake Hall, a Tudor revival-style mansion, once owned by coal baron F.S. Peabody. Witness restoration in progress at this nationally registered historic building by renowned architect B. Marshall.
Pay a visit to the gardens of Cantigny Park in Wheaton, which offer beauty and tranquility for all to enjoy. Experience them at your own pace and be sure to return throughout the seasons – the display gardens receive new plant material every spring, summer and fall.
Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace boasts a loyal following due to its excellence and status in the Chicagoland theatre scene. The proscenium style theatre is perfectly sized, so every seat is easily one of the best seats in the house, drawing you in to the performance and advancing your experience as a patron. Tickets are available for single purchase, groups, by subscription and via gift certificates.
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Elgin Museums
Nestled alongside the Fox River, Elgin boasts a blend of natural beauty and historic charm.
Visit the Elgin Public Museum and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history through interactive exhibits, artifacts and engaging storytelling. Explore Native American settlements, early pioneer life, and the city’s industrial development.
Housed in an 1856 landmark building, the Elgin History Museum features permanent exhibits including artifacts from the Elgin National Watch Co. and Elgin Road Race memorabilia. Explore Elgin’s rich heritage through two floors of interactive exhibits.
McHenry County
McHenry County Activities
McHenry County is full of recreational opportunities, from its family-friendly trails to festivals and live-entertainment spots.
Delve into the rich history of McHenry County at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum through interactive exhibits, artifacts and engaging storytelling. Discover the stories of Native American settlements, early pioneers and the region’s industrial development.
Located in Crystal Lake, the Raue Center for the Arts is a restored 1920s vaudeville theater with red stall seats holding a comedy club and kids’ workshops.
The Woodstock on Film and on the Stage Mural and Sculpture Garden features Woodstock’s cultural legends including Orson Welles, Chester Gould, Bill Murray, Geraldine Page, Paul Newman and many more. Visitors flock to Woodstock to revel in all things Groundhog Day the movie.
Northwest Illinois for Travel Groups
100 miles west of Chicago resides the rolling hills, old growth forests and pristine rivers of Northwest Illinois. With its quaint cabins and bed and breakfasts, it’s the perfect weekend getaway in Illinois. Every mile is steeped in history, surrounded by outdoor beauty and dotted with charming villages.
Step back in time at historic Lyons Public Library & Museum, which houses a unique collection of artifacts related to local history, including a Victorian dollhouse and a Civil War exhibit.
In the fall of 2014, 30 bison were relocated to the Nachusa Grasslands, where they safely roam thousands of fenced-in acres. Consisting of 4,100 acres of restored, remnant prairie, Nachusa Grasslands is home to 180 species of birds, more than 700 native plant species and the aforementioned herd of bison.
Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford is one of America’s top Japanese gardens.
Credit: Rockford CVB
Rockford Attractions
Another great option is to travel northwest to the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, one of the top Japanese gardens in North America. This 12-acre oasis features two gardens, a pond-strolling garden and a contemporary Garden of Reflection. Enjoy a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford. This iconic venue has hosted artists, shows and concerts since 1927. Discover contemporary and modern art from around the world at the Rockford Art Museum, featuring diverse exhibits and educational programs.
Continue west on Highway 20 and exit the interstate to discover the gems of Freeport. Little Cubs Field will bring out the kid in any age as you have the opportunity to hit one over the ivy. Take the short drive from the field to Krape Park to enjoy the new mini golf course, paddle boats, antique carousel, miles of hiking paths and ample equipment to play. If you enjoy learning about important events in U.S. History, check out the landmark change set in motion at Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square.
For more Illinois travel information and tips, be sure to Download the Illinois Tour Planner for FREE and Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel
