Just in time for National Road Trip Day (May 28), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism (IOT) is showcasing more than 60 new road trip itineraries, as part of the State of Illinois’s summer tourism campaign, “Time For Me to Drive,” to promote the return of travel across Illinois, encouraging both residents and visitors to safely explore the state’s diverse communities. More than 1.7 million Illinois residents are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA. New road trip itineraries serve as the perfect trip planning guide, including museums, cultural attractions, outdoor family adventures, local culinary and winery experiences.
o Family Fun
• Instant Childhood Memories – Chicago’s surrounding cities, from Gurnee to Rockford, offer amusement park thrills, captivating museums, gorgeous gardens and splash-filled stays to create lasting memories for the whole family.
• Best of Springfield – Learn about Abraham Lincoln and explore Route 66 in Springfield. Dive into family fun, outdoor adventure, experience a drive-in movie theater and taste the “original” corn dog on a stick.
• Family Field Trip to Chicago – Chicago is a favorite destination for every generation. Visit world-class museums and attractions including the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, explore the wildlife at Lincoln Park Zoo or Brookfield Zoo and go ziplining at Go Ape Adventures in Western Springs.
o Outdoors & Regional
• Destination Shawnee – From ziplining and horseback riding adventures to hiking surrounded by majestic rock formations, there’s no better place to explore the outdoors than the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.
• Girls Trip to Galena – From hot air balloon rides and wine tastings, to strolling down Historic Main Street and even trekking with goats, a girls trip to Galena is one to remember.
• Chicago’s Greatest Hits – This itinerary features the top things to do in the Second City. Experience the Chicago Riverwalk, soak in the skyline with an architecture river cruise, bike the lakefront, shop the Mag Mile, and enjoy countless places to get Chicago-style pizza, hot dogs, and many other local favorites.
For more information on the road trip itineraries, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.
