Tourism

During the previous solar eclipse, an estimated 200,000 people came to southern Illinois, creating a spending impact between $15 and $18 million for the state.

Francine Bellson, a Silicon Valley physicist and engineer at the time, met Louie on a jazz cruise, “A Salute to Duke Ellington,” where Louie was performing as one of the “Ellington Alumni.”

From 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. June 8, several bands, as well as former Journey drummer Steve Smith, will perform in RB&W District Park in Rock Falls during a centennial celebration in honor of Rock Falls native Louie Bellson’s 100th birthday.

The City of Wilmington announced in a news release that the Gemini Giant, an iconic Route 66 landmark, will remain in Wilmington along its portion of the historic road.

Meramec Caverns barn signs have become a rare and nostalgic sightseeing opportunity along Historic Route 66.

Wilmington VFW Post 5422 teams up with Ryan Jandura as iconic statue goes to auction.

VisitNW Illinois in partnership with TDG Agency in the Black Hills of South Dakota has announced that its website won the Silver ADDY for Best Online/Interactive Website at the 2024 Black Hills American Advertising Awards Federation Gala.

Opinion: March has arrived, and you don’t have to be a college or high school basketball fan to enjoy the “madness” of fun activities and events the month has in store here in DeKalb County, writes Brad Hoey of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The annual inside guide published by Naturally McHenry County is out now in print and digital editions.

National Trust for Historic Preservation wants public to share personal experiences about the famed Route 66.

The state has awarded a $1.2 million grant to Heritage Corridor Destinations for Route 66 projects, most of them in Will County.

As we usher in 2024, DeKalb County is brimming with new opportunities for both residents and visitors alike, writes Cortney Strohacker of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In her latest PBS series, “Places To Love,” Samantha Brown spotlights Route 66 attractions along The First Hundred Miles.

Woodstock businesses Casting Whimsy and Hempstock Pharms, as well as Huntley business The Irie Cup recently were inducted into the Illinois Made program, according to a recent news release from the county.

Travel and tourism are back in a big way in DeKalb County and throughout the state, the local tourism bureau announced, citing data recently released by the Illinois Office of Tourism.