Illinois doesn't turn 200 until December 3, 2018, but the Land of Lincoln is celebrating all year long. From famous architecture to Route 66 and unique Illinois history, there are so many reasons to visit Illinois in 2018.  Illinois will host several major Bicentennial events, including a Bicentennial Route 66 Motorcycle ride on August 26, 2018—plus a gala at the United Center in Chicago on the state's official birthday. 

Chicago

Architecture
With more than 70 buildings topping 500 feet, Chicago is a hotbed of skyscrapers and midcentury modern architecture. Stand above it all inside a glass-enclosed Ledge at Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower (the tallest building in the world when it opened in 1973). 

Deep-dish pizza
The Chicago-style pie was born in 1943, when The Pizzeria downtown “inverted” the toppings (sauce on top) in a deep-dish pan. Today, you'll find dozens of variations at places like Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, Pizzeria Uno and Gino's East.

Improv comedy
The art of improvisation may not have been born at The Second City, but the Chicago comedy club (opened in 1959) helped make it an A-list event. Famous alums include Tina Fey, John Belushi and Bill Murray.

Route 66
The Mother Road symbolically begins at Chicago's Buckingham Fountain and continues for 300 miles southwest through the state. Meet fellow road trippers at the Joliet Area Historical Museum's Route 66 Welcome Center.

World's Columbian Exposition
Also known as the World's Fair, Chicago's 1893 spectacle featured the debut of the Ferris wheel and Juicy Fruit gum. Daniel Burnham, lead architect of the event, drafted blueprints in The Rookery, which he also designed. Visit the building's skylighted lobby, redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. 

Lewis and Clark, Hartford
William Clark and his men spent the winter of 1803 at Camp River Dubois before beginning their voyage of discovery. See a replica of the expedition's keelboat at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center near Hartford (7 miles southeast of Alton).

Highland Park
Music festivals
Launched in 1904, Highland Park's Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America. The 2017 lineup includes John Mellencamp, Stevie Nicks  and Smokey Robinson.

Illinois and Michigan Canal, La Salle, Ill
Built in the mid-1800s, the canal connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi by way of the Illinois River. Take an I&M Canal mule-pulled boat ride to relive the 19th-century journey.

John Deere, Moline
John Deere's 1837 invention of the plow has exploded into a global ag industry. Interact with the signature machinery at the John Deere Pavilion.    

Springfield
Presidential History
Four U.S. presidents were either born in Illinois or spent a significant portion of their lives here: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Take a journey through Lincoln's early life and presidency at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. A new exhibit featuring the four U.S. Presidents who call Illinois home opens March 23, 2018.

In addition, the signature legacy project of the bicentennial is the #illinoisproud Awards. Everyday heroes throughout the state can share their stories and dreams through video submissions for a chance to win an award. As part of the bicentennial celebration, the newly restored 1855 governor's mansion in Springfield will be unveiled, and a new Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Springfield will be dedicated.

Illinois Bicentennial Plaza Dedication
August 26, 2018

On August 26, 2018 – the 200th Birthday of the Illinois Constitution – the City of Springfield and Illinois REALTORS® plan to dedicate the new Bicentennial Plaza as part of the Illinois Bicentennial celebration. The new Bicentennial Plaza will be a pedestrian walkway that connects Lincoln's Home, the Illinois Executive Mansion (which is currently being restored), and the State Capitol in Springfield.

Illinois Bicentennial Route 66 Motorcycle Ride

August 26, 2018

Governor Rauner will lead a motorcycle ride on Route 66, featuring stops at Illinois' Route 66 roadside attractions, museums, and restaurants.

Illinois Bicentennial Celebration At Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center
August 26, 2018

In East St. Louis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center and Radio One will host an Illinois Bicentennial Celebration to include community vendors, musical entertainment, and a focus on St. Claire County's rich history.

Illinois Bicentennial Community Rock Concert In Madison County
August 26, 2018

In Edwardsville, radio station KSHE95 will sponsor a Madison County Community Rock Concert. 

Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party
December 3, 2018

Illinois will celebrate its 200th birthday with a gala party at the United Center in Chicago. For 200 years Illinoisans have made exceptional contributions to their communities, to the State, to the country and to society.  Throughout 2018, municipalities across the state, communities, colleges, museums, organizations and many others will share those names and stories. The Bicentennial Birthday Gala will be the culmination of a yearlong engagement to commemorate and archive the Illinois Bicentennial Hall of Fame. Via video and live presentation, we will introduce and celebrate the Bicentennial Hall of Famers, interspersed with musical entertainment (Illinois artists of different genres; jazz, blues, hip hop, rock, etc.).  Celebrity hosts will present the honorees in a variety of segments. Additionally, the organizations and communities will be able to invite their nominees to the United Center and their names will be registered as part of the Bicentennial Honor Roll.