What’s New in Illinois for 2025 and Beyond

Whether a history enthusiast, adventure seeker, or culinary fanatic, Illinois offers something for everyone.

Major Anniversaries & Events Illinois is set to celebrate major milestones and host globally recognized events in 2025:

●       Shawnee Hills Wine Trail: Marking its 30th anniversary, this celebrated wine trail offers visitors a chance to explore 12 award-winning wineries nestled near the breathtaking Shawnee National Forest. Special events, tastings, and guided tours will commemorate the anniversary throughout the year.

●       IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon: Rockford welcomes the prestigious IRONMAN 70.3 in June 2025, featuring a challenging course that showcases the city’s scenic landscapes and vibrant community spirit. This event is expected to attract elite athletes and spectators from across the globe.

●       NASCAR Racing: Motorsport enthusiasts can enjoy two thrilling races: the NASCAR Chicago Street Race 5-6 July 2025, which takes drivers through the heart of Chicago, and the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs 5-7 September 2025, offering adrenaline-pumping action in the Madison area in Southern Illinois.

●       Quincy: Located along the southern end of the Great River Road in Quincy, Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025.

New Route 66 Experiences

America’s most iconic road trip destination has never been more exciting:

●       The It’s Electric Neon Sign Park in Granite City showcases vibrant neon signs celebrating Route 66’s history, creating a retro experience for visitors.

●       Visitors can now tour the historic Old Cannonball Jail in Carlinville, an architectural gem opened to the public in 2024.

●       Springfield boasts new attractions like Shea’s Gas Station Museum and the Route 66 Motorheads Motor Museum, providing unique insights into the Mother Road’s culture.

●       Following a makeover, the infamous Gemini Giant Muffler Man, has returned to Route 66 and a new home at South Island Park in Wilmington.

●       The Route 66 Mural Trail in Southern Illinois adds a colourful touch, with murals spanning 11 towns that narrate the stories of Route 66. In Chicago, a revamped program highlights the city’s deep connections to the route with updated signage and neighbourhood tours.    

New Lodgings Outside Chicago

Travellers can look forward to an array of new accommodations:

●       Sunrise Cabins in Makanda offers cozy stays close to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, perfect for a weekend getaway.

●       DragonFly Lakes in Dahinda features 16 luxury cabins nestled near historic Galesburg, providing a peaceful lakeside retreat.

●       Urban Collective, a boutique hotel in Edwardsville, combines modern elegance with Route 66 nostalgia.

●       Opening in Spring 2025, the Treehouses at Starved Rock provide year-round luxury stays in the heart of one of Illinois’ most beloved state parks.

●       Camp Aramoni in Tonica brings safari-style tents and glamping near Starved Rock State Park, open seasonally from May to October.

Dark Sky Places & Trails

For stargazers and nature lovers, Illinois enhances its dark-sky offerings:

●       The new Dark Sky Park Trail in Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, a designated International Dark Sky Park, opens in Spring 2025, connecting visitors to serene, light-pollution-free landscapes perfect for stargazing.

●       Palos Preserves Dark Sky Place near Willow Springs, recognized as the largest Urban Night Sky Place in Illinois, invites visitors to experience the beauty of the cosmos just minutes from Chicago.

AI-Enhanced Travel

●       The BIG Lincoln Chatbot on EnjoyIllinois.co.uk provides an interactive, AI-powered tool to help travellers plan their perfect trip, offering customised recommendations and insights.

EV-Friendly Adventures

Sustainable travel takes centre stage in Illinois:

●       Four state parks—Frank Holten State Park, Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Washington County State Recreation Area, and Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area—now feature EV charging stations.

●       Two new EV-friendly travel itineraries cater to eco-conscious adventurers:

o   Zero Emissions on Route 66 highlights the Mother Road’s historic charm with a sustainable angle.

o   Zero Emissions on Great River Road offers a sustainable journey along the mighty Mississippi River.  

Wellness

Prioritising wellness and innovation for travellers:

●       Soul Farm Yoga Retreats in Amboy, recently ranked #4 for Best Yoga Retreats in the U.S. by USA TODAY, combines serene farm settings with restorative yoga practices.

●       Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford offers several opportunities to combine wellness and nature. Use sensory prompts and visual clues on self-guided awareness walks through the gardens, which are the backdrop for drop-in yoga and Tai Chi classes.

●       Galena Goat Yoga has 45-minute classes with its adorable creatures and 45-minutes of goat play at the family-run Silver Linings Farm in Galena.

Culinary Delights & Agritourism

Illinois’ culinary scene continues to flourish:

●       Chicago’s newest MICHELIN-starred restaurant, Cariño, and guide additions like Anelya, Bayan Ko, and Beity highlight the city’s dynamic food culture.

●       At Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign, guests can enjoy a newly opened restaurant and cafe, as well as an immersive farm stay experience.

Great Lakes Cruises & Navy Pier Marina

Waterfront attractions enhance Illinois’ appeal:

●       Victory Cruise Lines returns to Chicago in April 2025, offering 10-day luxury cruises from Chicago to Toronto. With 36 trips scheduled, these cruises promise unforgettable Great Lakes experiences.

●       The new Navy Pier Marina, set to open in Summer 2025, will enhance Chicago’s iconic waterfront with additional boating and leisure activities.

Looking Ahead to 2026

2026 promises even more exciting milestones:

●       Route 66 Centennial Anniversary on April 30, 2026, celebrates 100 years of America’s most famous road.

●       The Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago’s Jackson Park will open in Spring/Summer 2026, offering an inspiring look into the legacy of America’s 44th President.

●       The United States of America’s 250th Anniversary on July 4, 2026, will see nationwide celebrations, with Illinois playing a central role.

●       Golf enthusiasts can anticipate the President’s Cup at Medinah Country Club in September 2026.

Travelbag (www.travelbag.co.uk / 0207 0015250) offer a 10-day trip to Illinois including stays in Chicago and along Route 66 from £1,649pp include return flights and seven-days car hire.