A legacy of amazing experiences
From the World's Fair in 1893 to the wonderful museums, boutiques and restaurants of today, amazing Illinois experiences have a long legacy of attracting visitors to our great state. They come to experience vintage American charm on Route 66, soak up history in the Land of Lincoln and explore classic architecture in Chicago. In fact, these "legacy experiences" are one of the biggest contributors to our growing travel industry in Illinois.
It's a good time for Illinois tourism. Both international and domestic visitor expenditures are up year-over-year, and in the past 10 years alone, domestic travelers visiting Illinois have increased by 19 million. That's millions more visitors staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and shopping at local small businesses, which in turn, generates more needed tax revenue and jobs for Illinois communities. What's more, tourism generated 8,200 new jobs for Illinois residents in 2016 alone. That's something we can all be proud of.
Tourism's Far-Reaching Impact
Of course, tourism isn't just important to Illinois - it's important to all 50 of our United States. According to the US Travel Association, tourism is a 2.1-trillion-dollar industry, supporting 1 in 9 jobs across the nation. With National Travel and Tourism Week on the horizon May 6-12, it's a great time to remember tourism's contributions to so many of our nation's wealth-drivers - from hospitality to retail to transport.
National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the accomplishments of the US travel community and asks our industry to consider the broad impact of tourism nationwide. This year's theme, "Travel: Then and Now," encourages industry leaders to remember the achievements of US tourism through the years, as well as how we can use our history to continue to drive future growth - bringing the "Then" into the "Now."
Reflecting on our successes is particularly poignant for Illinois, as we gear up to celebrate our state's Bicentennial this year. Through a myriad of efforts organized by our state's Bicentennial Commission and the Illinois Office of Tourism, we're showcasing the best of what's been born, built and grown in Illinois, and celebrating some of Illinois' illustrious heritage. Illinois being what it is, we have an amazing array of attractions to celebrate the past today.
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
Soon, visitors will be able to explore the history of one of Illinois' favorite architects with a new Frank Lloyd Wright trail. Considered by many as one of the greatest American architects, Frank Lloyd Wright began his career right here in Illinois at his studio in Oak Park.
Today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park offers an immersive look at the famed architect's life. But of course, that's not all we have to enjoy. Illinois is home to more Frank Lloyd Wright homes than anywhere in the world. Throughout Illinois, there are thirteen Wright buildings open to the public, including the Robie House in Chicago, the Dana Thomas House in Springfield, the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee and the Laurent Home in Rockford.
Illinois' Presidential History
There's a wealth of presidential history to explore in Illinois - Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama have all called our great state home at one point or another. Immerse yourself in Lincoln history at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, travel back in time to the 1860s at the Ulysses S. Grant Home in Galena, follow the Ronald Reagan Trail to his boyhood home in Dixon or follow in the footsteps of Obama on a walking tour of his Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.
Executive Mansion
What better way to celebrate Illinois history than exploring the home of Illinois governors and their families since 1855. As the third oldest continuously occupied governor's mansion in the United States, the Illinois Executive Mansion has played host to US presidents, ambassadors and other notable figures throughout history.
The extensive renovations to the mansion will be revealed this summer when it reopens to the public on July 14th. Complete with dedicated art spaces, an all-new visitor center and exhibitions on important events in the state's history, the renovated Mansion will offer visitors a breathtaking look into Illinois' heritage.
Bicentennial Plaza Springfield
Springfield will unveil its new Bicentennial Plaza this Aug. 26 with a special dedication ceremony. The Plaza will connect Lincoln's Home, the Illinois Executive Mansion and the Illinois State Capitol via a pedestrian walkway, for a truly historical experience. Dedicated to Abraham Lincoln's vision of equality for all Americans, the plaza will also feature interactive panels showcasing the people who worked to advance Lincoln's vision in Springfield.
Illinois Bicentennial Celebrations
Illinois is really going all out to honor the state's 200th anniversary with a yearlong calendar of amazing events and celebrations. Constitution Day on Aug. 26 is a particularly great day for Bicentennial celebrations, with East St. Louis' celebration at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center, and the Bicentennial motorcycle ride down Route 66, led by Governor Rauner, culminating at the Bicentennial Plaza dedication in Springfield. Other great Bicentennial events include the Memorial Day Parade in Freeport, the Summer Family Festival in Galena, and of course, the biggest bash of them all - the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party at the United Center in Chicago on December 3rd. There's certainly no shortage of opportunities to celebrate Illinois' 200th birthday.
Make it a goal to learn something new about Illinois' history and to celebrate the Bicentennial throughout the year. I know I will. For inspiration and more ideas to celebrate Illinois, please visit enjoyillinois.com.
• Cory Jobe is director at Illinois Office of Tourism.