Since America's first 18-hole golf course was sculpted from Chicago-land soil in 1893, the sport of golf has evolved into one of the country's greatest traditions. For generations since, Chicago has laid claim to being one of North America's great golf destinations. That tradition continues today at The Glen Club, Tom Fazio's North Shore masterpiece, which has become Chicago's premier golf address for strengthening corporate relationships. Located at the former site of the Glenview Naval Air Station, The Glen Club sits at the heart of a 195-acre refuge that features rolling terrain, dramat. . .

Hungry for an authentic Chicago culinary and cultural experience? Chicago Food Planet specializes in Food Tours through Chicago's most historic, delicious neighborhoods. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, these 3-hour experiences are enjoyed by native Chicagoans and visitors alike. Eat your way through the beautiful Gold Coast, Old Town, and Lincoln Park neighborhoods with our signature Near North Food Tour. Discover the artists' colony that evolved into a hidden foodie paradise on our Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour. Explore the remarkable ethnicity, history and foods that defi. . .

The “McLean County Children's Discovery Museum,” was founded in 1988 in answer to a need in our community. Six years of planning resulted in an 1,100 square foot preview museum space donated by College Hills Mall. Innovative, hands-on exhibits dealing in the arts, sciences and communications greeted our visitors on opening day, March 27, 1994. On November 27, 2004, the Children's Discovery Museum welcomed its first visitors in its new three-story home. In Normal, Illinois. The larger space offers unique hands on exhibits, classes and programs to stimulate imagination and curiosity. The museum . . .

Grosse Point Lighthouse was built by the United States Government in 1873 as the lead lighthouse marking the approach to Chicago after several shipwrecks demonstrated its need. As lake traffic increased over the years, so did the size and importance of Chicago. In fact, during the late 1800s Chicago many times had more arrivals and departures in a typical 8-month shipping season than did the year-round ocean ports of New York City and San Francisco. Mariners had to be particularly careful when following the shoreline into Chicago's harbor, as there were shallow water areas (shoals) off Grosse . . .

Fred Koehler has made an unlikely success of a winery in the middle of west suburban Chicago. What seems an unusual choice was a natural path for the son of a Des Plaines truck farmer who turned grapes and other fruit into wine. Koehler tasted watered wine as a 5-year-old at the family table, where he also learned moderation. “It was a different generation. We were brought up to respect the beverage, more like Eurpoeans.” But the birth of Lynfred is an American venture, a home winemaking hobby that got out of hand. It was a creation of the love and ingenuity of “two crazy people” – Fred . . .

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is the premier repository for materials relating to the history of the Prairie State. The Illinois State Historical Library was created in 1889 by the Illinois General Assembly, which charged the new library with collecting and preserving "books, pamphlets, manuscripts, monographs, writings, and other materials of historical interest and useful to the historian, bearing upon the political, religious, or social history of the State of Illinois from the earliest known period of time." More than a century later the mission is continued at the new Abraha. . .

The Brookfield Zoo is located in the Chicago suburb of Brookfield, Illinois. The zoo covers an area of 216 acres and houses around 450 species of animals. Brookfield Zoo, also known as Chicago Zoological Park opened on July 1, 1934, and quickly gained international recognition for using moats and ditches, instead of cages, to separate animals from visitors and from other animals. The zoo was also the first in America to exhibit giant pandas, one of which (Su Lin) has been taxidermied and put on display in Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. In 1960, Brookfield Zoo built the nation's . . .

The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico are preserved at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. According to archaeological finds, the city of Cahokia was inhabited from about A.D. 700 to 1400. At its peak, from A.D. 1050 to 1200, the city covered nearly six square miles and 10,000 to 20,000 people lived here. Over 120 mounds were built over time, and most of the mounds were enlarged several times. Houses were arranged in rows and around open plazas, and vast agricultural fields lay outside the city. The site is named for the Cahokia subtribe o. . .

One of the nation's largest facilities devoted to the art of our time, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) offers exhibitions of the most thought-provoking art created since 1945. The MCA documents contemporary visual culture through painting, sculpture, photography, video and film, and performance. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the MCA boasts a gift store, bookstore, restaurant, 300-seat theater, and a terraced sculpture garden with a great view of Lake Michigan. At the time of its 1996 opening, the Museum claimed 7,000 objects, including works by Marcel Duchamp, Bruce Nauman,. . .

Magic Waters is a family-friendly waterpark. A good value, so you can spend an enjoyable day together at an affordable vacation destination! Operated by the Rockford Park District, this 48-acre park has 14 attractions and reasonable prices. Rated the #4 publicly-owned waterpark in the country by Aquatics International, this park has a wide range of activities. From attractions like the Little Lagoon for small children to big thrill rides like Splash Blaster, there is a water activity for everyone's level. The park also offers many options for food so you can spend the whole day right inside. . .

Experience the beautiful and historic city of Galena with a narrated tour aboard open-air replicas of the original Cable Car as well as an air-conditioned executive coach. A popular destination for tourists and locals alike you will be sure to enjoy beautiful views as well as wonderful photo opportunities from you trolley cars seat. The Depot Theater seats 135 people in an attractive inside setting of an old-fashioned riverboat. Offering regular scheduled shows that are entertaining and fun for all ages. While in Galena, visit the home of former Civil War President Ulysses S. Grant, s. . .

Starved Rock State Park, located just near I-80 and I-39 in Utica, IL, is the major tourist attraction in north central Illinois. The Park is free to all visitors and parking is free also. The park attendance for 2009 was 2,058,966. Surround yourself with nature at Starved Rock State Park. The waterfalls and canyons are unexpected wonders, nestled within 2,630 acres of lush forests. Whether you choose the river trail or the bluff trail, you will enjoy spectacular views along the Illinois River. From picnicking to fishing to boating, from horseback riding to camping to enjoying winter sport. . .

The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was founded in 1966. Bulls home games are held at the United Center. The team is well known for having one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history during the 1990s, winning six championships in 8 years with two three-peats. All six of those championship teams were led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson. The first three championship teams included the likes of Bill Ca. . .

The Art Institute has one of the world's most notable collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in its permanent collection. Its diverse holdings also include significant Old Master works, American art, European and American decorative arts, Asian art and modern and contemporary art. The collection of the Art Institute of Chicago encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world and contains more than 260,000 works of art. The art institute holds works of art ranging from as early as the Japanese prints to the most updated American art. At. . .

The Twilight Captain brings the history and stories of the river to life. You may even be invited up to the pilot house to experience the river the same way Mark Twain did over 150 years ago. Each afternoon on board features a variety of folk musicians, humorists. Destination Dubuque activities include Museums, an Aquarium, Trolley Tours, Art Galleries, Historical Architecture and much, much more.. We see an average of 20-30 bald eagles on each cruise. In addition, we typically encounter 300-400 pelicans plus numerous egrets, and blue herons. This is a wonderful opportunity to get up clo. . .

Consistently ranked one of the finest Japanese Gardens in the world, this 12-acre Japanese garden includes a Guest House and Tea House as well as the other buildings, sculptures and strolling paths. Anderson Japanese Gardens is an authentic Japanese Garden maintained by the highest of standards that touches the soul of those who visit. With grace, elegance, and gentle awareness the Japanese cultural heritage of respectful humility in service to people of all cultures is exemplified in every touch. May 2011 Mary's Market Café will be opening inside the gardens. Known for excellent food and . . .

Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. The result of a unique partnership between the City of Chicago and the philanthropic community, the 24.5-acre Park features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers. Among Millennium Park's prominent features are the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States; the interactive Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa; the contemporary Lurie Garden designed by the team of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd, . . .

Nationally ranked since it opened in 1964, Course #4 has acquired the nickname, "DUBSDREAD." A natural style championship golf course, DUBSDREAD places a demand on shot making by providing tight landing areas combined with heavily bunkered, large undulating greens. From September 2007 to September 2008, renowned golf course architect Rees Jones oversaw a renovation project to update the challenges envisioned in the original design of Dick Wilson and Joe Lee. Golfers now face 18 new greens with Sub-Air Systems, redesigned and repositioned sand bunkers, a risk-reward pond on Hole 7, addition. . .

What is perhaps Illinois' most spectacular Championship golf course is set in rolling hills and forested valleys, surrounded by the beautiful homes of WeaverRidge. This is a community unrivaled anywhere in Central Illinois, planned for gracious living and challenging golf for players of all ages and abilities. Masterfully created by Hurdzan-Fry to balance nature with design, WeaverRidge features multiple bent grass tees and fairways, fast and true greens, challenging and dramatic elevations and excellent practice facilities for those wishing to improve their game or just get warmed up befor. . .

The Renzaglia Family welcomes all guests to Alto Vineyards and invites you to taste some of the finest wines produced in the United States. This family owned winery and vineyard is located in the foothills of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. If you are unable to make it out to the vineyard they have a second tasting room in Champaign, Illinois, not far from the University of Illinois campus, opened in December of 2001. Since their first vintage in 1988, their wines have won numerous medals in National and International wine competitions. This family run vineyard and . . .

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, one of the largest science museums in the world, is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and nearly 14 acres of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. The museum has welcomed more than 175 million guests in its 75 years, with the ongoing mission to inspire the inventive genius in all visitors. The Museum is housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. It was built as the fair's Palace of Fine Arts by Burnham & Root architect Charles Atwood and is now the largest science center in th. . .

Willis Tower, formerly named Sears Tower, is a 108-story, skyscraper. At the time of its completion in 1974, it was the tallest building in the world, surpassing the World Trade Center towers in New York, and it held this rank for nearly 25 years. The Willis Tower is the tallest building in the United States and the fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world, as well as the fifth tallest building in the world to the roof. Although Sears' naming rights expired in 2003, the building continued to be called Sears Tower for several years. In March 2009 London-based insurance broker Willis. . .

Whether you want to enjoy a business-related round of golf or just a leisurely game with friends, Harborside delivers the best that Chicago has to offer in golf. Elevated tees and greens, offering stunning views of Chicago's skyline, will remind you how close you are to the office and to home, yet you will feel like you are across the pond at St. Andrews or Carnoustie. . . .

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The Illini Country Club golf course enjoys a reputation as one of the best in the state. The par 71 Tom Bendelow design is host to an annual U.S. Open Qualifier and a three-day XPS Regional Qualifier. The course offers four different tee options, ranging from 5,515 to 6,617 yards, along with a practice facility featuring a driving range, a chipping and short game area, and a putting green. Head PGA Professional John Gilchrist and his staff offer a full array of golf services, including member tournaments and events, a summer junior golf program, lessons, a fully-stocked golf shop, and corporat. . .