Southernmost Illinois

The southern tip of Illinois is one of the most established wine regions in the Midwest, featuring award-winning wineries along a 40-mile trail through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is composed of eleven unique wineries, each offering their own individual style and winemaking techniques that make your journey a pleasant adventure through the hills of southern Illinois.

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

StarView is one of the premier destination wineries in the region.

StarView Vineyards is home to a family-owned-and operated winery and vineyard. Located in rural Southern Illinois in the Shawnee Hills American Viticulture area, the state’s only Federally designated wine-grape producing region, StarView grows and produces fine boutique wines.  We are open daily, year-round and look forward to meeting you. 

StarView Vineyards is operated by Brett and Regina Morrison and Ron and Susan Dalius. Brett has been in the wine industry for over 19 years and has been making wine for 12 years. Brett introduced Regina to the "wine lifestyle" and she has loved being involved in the tasting room operations.

StarView Vineyards was founded in 2006 when a new tasting room was built. Starview became the 6th winery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The Wine Trail has grown in popularity and currently, there are 11 member wineries.

StarView is one of the premier destination wineries in the region. They have entertained tens of thousands of guests and hosted weddings, parties and weekend music series. They are pet-friendly, so bring your four-legged family member along with you. The Morrison and Dalius families are excited to share their vineyard and wines with you and hope you come by to visit and become part of their story. too!

StarView Vineyards is located in the Shawnee Hills American Viticulture Area. The Shawnee Hills AVA is a specific area of southern Illinois, designated by the Federal Government, as a grape growing region. The grapes grown in this wine region have unique and distinct wine making properties. Wines that have “Shawnee Hills” on the label must have 85% or more of their volume derived from grapes grown within the A.V.A.

Our vineyards are continuing to expand and today we grow seven varieties of both Native American grapes and French American Hybrids. We have approximately 7.5 acres of vineyards. About 90% of the wine that we make here comes from grapes that we grow in our vineyards. We take great pride in growing our own grapes and making our own wine. We are members of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintner's Association.

Learn more about music & events happening at StarView Vineyards

Starview Vineyards

Three wonderful weekends of savory wine and food pairings.

First weekend in: March, August and November

11 wineries of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail have paired up to create three wonderful weekends of savory wine and food pairings.  We invite you to join us for a progressive tasting along the trail and enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of our wines paired with delicious samples.


Join us for a fun-filled weekend of cheese infused dishes that showcase how cheese can play the perfect supporting role to our award-winning wines.  This is a great weekend to explore different styles of Illinois wine with many different, delicious and comforting cheese/cheese infused dishes.

Enjoy delightful picnic style pairings with your favorite Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Wines.  With summer in full force, a relaxing outdoor picnic is just what the doctor ordered.  Grab a few friends and enjoy fresh, local foods of the season with award-winning reds, whites and rose's from your favorite wineries.

Celebrate the bountiful fall harvest with seasonally inspired dishes during a progressive tasting along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.  Our member wineries have created savory autumn inspired dishes and paired them with their award-winning wines to enhance the flavors of both the wine and the food.  

Pre-purchase your ticket online and select your starting point.  The first winery that you visit will give you a souvenir wine glass and your tasting ticket. Bring your ticket to each location along the trail to enjoy your pairings. Leave your completed/stamped tasting ticket at the last winery visited to be entered for a chance to win a great prize from one of our associate members.


Ticket Includes: One sample of wine and a sample dish that is chosen to pair perfectly with the selected wine at each of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail wineries, one souvenir Shawnee Hills Wine Trail logo wine glass and entry into a drawing for fabulous prizes along the trail.

Wine & Food Pairing Weekends

A winery and cidery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Owl Creek is an artisanal family winery focused on the production of wines grown in the Shawnee Hills. Owl Creek is also the maker of Apple Knocker Hard Cider.

We are a local winery and cidery based out of Cobden, Illinois. All wine and cider products are produced and bottled on site using as many local ingredients as are available.

Enjoy guided tastings to help you find your favorite drink, live local music on the weekends, and a friendly & relaxing atmosphere.

Taste Owl Creek's Apple Knocker Hard Cider

Owl Creek Vineyard

January and February is a great time to enjoy the slower, quieter side of Southern Illinois wine country.

Each year in January and February, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail provides you with great incentives for a winter getaway.  Enjoy the excitement of visiting your favorite wineries, savoring their wines and SAVING BIG with great discounts on wine, merchandise, food and more during your visit.

Win prizes:  Wine Trail Merchandise / Overnight Stays / Wine Bucks / Event Tickets & More!

Purchase your passport at any Shawnee Hills Wine Trail winery for only $15.00 to begin your adventure, or purchase your passport online.

Bring your passport to each Shawnee Hills Wine Trail winery and have it stamped at each winery you visit.  Once your passport has been stamped/completed, leave it at the last winery that you visit.  Your passport acts as your ticket for entry into our drawing for great prizes along the trail.  Completed passports MUST be turned in by February 29 to be eligible for prize drawings.  

Guests who visit all wineries will receive a souvenir Shawnee Hills Wine Trail corkscrew. 

Learn more about the winter winery passport program

Winter Passport Program

Specializing in wine made from locally grown fruits

Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Shawnee National Forest, taste exceptional fruit wines, and savor the wooded setting from our covered decks or the garden picnic area. We look forward to welcoming you to our winery on your next trip to Southern Illinois' Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Specializing in wines made from locally grown fruits other than grapes, we offer seven table wines and three fortified dessert wines, each of which has received multiple awards and honors in regional, national, and international judgings. We received three gold, four silver and one bronze award from the Indy International Wine Competition in 2018. In 2017 and 2016, we were awarded the Illinois Governor's Cup, the state's highest honor for winemaking, for our Strawberry Dessert Wine.

After making wines for over a decade, we broke ground for the Pomona Winery in 1989, opening as a licensed winery in 1991. At that time, we were the second winery in the area and the sixth in the state.

We released our first two apple wines in 1993, and we opened our first tasting room (in our cellar) in 1995. In 1995 we also teamed up with Alto Vineyards, Owl Creek Vineyards and the Carbondale and Southernmost Illinois Tourism bureaus to create the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. In the fall of 2004 we expanded into our current tasting room.

We have been making wine for over 25 years, and we think you will enjoy the variety and quality of these exceptional non grape wines.

TASTING ROOM HOURS:

April 1 through Dec 31: Mon - Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

Jan 1 through Mar 31: Fri - Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

Pomona Winery

Family-owned vineyard and winery offers the unique flavors of Southern Illinois wine

The Renzaglia Family welcomes you to Alto Vineyards and invites you to taste some of the finest wines produced in the United States. Our family-owned winery and vineyard is located in the foothills of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.

Over 30 years ago, Paul Renzaglia never would have thought that a family venture would have such a profound effect on Southern Illinois and its community. From the very first plantings in 1982, the Renzaglia family and Alto Vineyards were committed to introducing a new industry to the region. Since then, Alto Vineyards has won over 500 National and International awards in wine competitions. 

In addition to wine, Alto Vineyards serves both domestic and craft beers (and beer bucket options, too), a non-alcoholic mocktail list, and a light lunch menu with a few appetizers, personal flatbread pizzas, and a few seasonal specialty plates during all open hours.

There are great deals on wine and pita pizzas for Happy Hour every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 2-5pm. Get $1 off the purchase of a glass of wine or bottle of beer and, if you buy a bottle of wine, you can get 1/2 off a pita pizza. And with free wifi, it’s perfect for study sessions or meetings. See you at Alto!

Find out what's happening at Alto Vineyards

Alto Vineyards

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery is located on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Southern Illinois. We have over 20 acres of apples and 15 acres of grapes coupled with the backdrop of the Shawnee National Forest, the views from our brick patio and decks are truly picturesque.

At Von Jakob, we take great pride in our wines. Many of them have received medals in national and international competitions.  On average you will find around 20 styles wines available in our Tasting Room for tasting and purchasing. Our wines range from dry complex reds to sweet fruity dessert wines.

 The brewery boasts eight styles of handcrafted beers as well as seasonal batches. With a variety of styles ranging from crisp, clean, lightly-hopped German Pilsner to a rich, dark Chocolate Milk Stout, you are sure to find a beer that delights.

Join us every weekend to listen to some of the best southern Illinois music in the area. With indoor and outdoor facilities, we have the ability to host great live music throughout the year, rain or shine. We love to support our local southern Illinois musicians but also have acts come from all over the country.

There is never a cover charge unless noted on the event date.

Enjoy Von Jakob Winery & Brewery entertainment

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

The romance of Italy in the hills of Southern Illinois

The grapevines that we grow are mostly hybrid vines. This means that at least two varieties of grapes have been cross-bred to form a different grape variety. Our Cabernet Franc and our Chardonnay are vinifera or European grape varieties. The elevation at Blue Sky Vineyard (600ft) combined with other factors like climate, soil and drainage, allows us to grow the vinifera vines here.

We are open year-round, 7 days a week, to provide award-winning Illinois wine. Please join us for wine tasting, a variety of hearty sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and snacks, as well as wine-alternatives such as beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy our large indoor seating area and two beautiful outdoor terraces that overlook our vineyard and the rolling countryside. The scenery of the Shawnee National Forest is beautiful year-round. What better way to enjoy it than with a glass of wine.

Stay in our distinctive bed & breakfast nestled in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest. Located just above our winery tasting room, you will enjoy spectacular views of our 12-acre vineyard from your own private balcony or simply sipping a glass of Illinois wine from the patio overlooking our waterfall. Experience a “Taste of Tuscany” in the heart of wine country and appreciate the ever-changing panorama of Southern Illinois.

Blue Sky Vineyard

“A little bit of heaven off Route 127."

Take a complete tasting tour of award-winning wines, or sample just those you like. The tasting room staff will be happy to tailor the experience to fit your palate from a wide selection of dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines in red, white, and blush. On a hot day, the Grape Vine Ice and Peach Bellini slushies are the perfect refreshment and the hot version of the Grape Vine Ice is perfect for cooler fall and winter weather.

The B&B is the perfect place for your stay in Southern Illinois. Located on the northwest corner of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Kite Hill Vineyards is an easy drive from Carbondale, Murphysboro, and the rest of the Shawnee Hills wine trail, the Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour, and local hiking attractions such as Little Grand Canyon, and the Pomona Natural Bridge. Southern Illinois University is also nearby.

Book a stay at the Kite Hill Bed & Breakfast

HOURS:
March-November: 
Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 12-5pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 
Friday: 12-6pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm

December-February:
Saturday, Sunday: 12-5pm 

Call 618-684-5072 to schedule other days and times.

Kite Hill Vineyards & Winery

Scenic fruit and wine country among the rolling hills of Southern Illinois.

Welcome to the Peach Barn Winery & Cafe, located in the scenic fruit and wine country among the rolling hills of southern Illinois, in the small town of Alto Pass. We are 16 miles south of Carbondale within the Shawnee National Forest.

Many different activities are available while you visit—antiquing, walking the trails in the Shawnee National Forest, eating sun-ripened peaches just picked from our orchard, visiting downtown Alto Pass, or sitting on the deck, sipping a glass of wine while watching the humming birds and barnswallows.

Browse through our Scandinavian gift shop while tasting our estate wines from grapes grown in our vineyard. Dine at our Peach Barn Café, open Wednesday - Sunday, and savor authentic Swedish cuisine. 

Ander's and Gerd Hedman moved to southern Illinois from Stockholm, Sweden 22 years ago for what was supposed to be a one-year adventure. After falling in love with the area, both agreed to stay and spread their wings from their day-to-day physical therapist (Gerd) and construction (Anders) jobs and bought a peach farm in Alto Pass, Illinois.  Both being avid wine drinkers, adding a vineyard seemed to be a natural expansion of their farm.

Always great hosts, The Peach Barn Cafe began as a small café where guests could enjoy fresh peaches from their orchard and delicious Swedish cuisine cooked by Anders and Gerd. After a little push from customers who wanted to enjoy wines with their meal and the Hedman's love for fine wines, the Winery opened its doors in 2005.

We house our winery and café in the renovated barn that was originally built in the 1940s. Back in those days the property and the barn were used to harvest peaches from these lands. Staying true to our local roots, we refer to our café as The Peach Barn Café.

Despite the age of this unique barn, built in 1945, we realized that there is a special charm and classic structure that should be cherished. Being handy with a hammer, we both sought to restore and preserve this historic barn.  Beginning in the late '90s and doing much of the work ourselves, we opened our doors to the public in 2005.

During your visit to the Peach Barn Café, please notice our many unique Scandinavian touches throughout the building. From traditional "kurbits" (designs) painted on overhead beams to the enticing aromas of Swedish cuisine and a gift shop featuring one-of-a-kind, authentic items from Sweden, we are proud to display a bit of our Swedish heritage right here in beautiful southern Illinois.

We hope you will take a moment during your southern Illinois travels to "kom och besök oss" or "Come Visit with Us." - Gerd and Anders, Hedman Vineyards founders

Peach Barn Winery & Cafe

Things to do in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois

With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park is sure to delight visitors of all ages. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rappelling, it's an outdoor lover's paradise. Visitors will marvel at the many hiking trails. Especially popular is the Giant City Nature Trail, home of the "Giant City Streets" - huge bluffs of sandstone formed 12,000 years ago.

Makanda, Gateway to Giant City and Outdoor Adventure

Explore the Shawnee National Forest and enjoy the largest, most diverse natural treasure in Illinois. Major highways head to southern Illinois where you will find some of the most beautiful scenery in the midwest, if you are willing to explore the backroads!  This adventure is just the 'tip of the rock formation' to get you started in Shawnee Forest Country!

Hike Near Harrisburg: Gateway to Shawnee National Forest

Hidden away in Southern Illinois is one of nature's masterpieces. Stroll the boardwalks, hike or take a canoe or kayak through  the mysterious Cache River Wetlands, one of only 15 "Wetlands of International Importance."

The Cache River Wetlands: Illinois' Hidden Bayou

No need to stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to!    These Waterfall sites are best when there has been a lot of rain in the area.  So, don't be afraid of getting a little wet, just be prepared and be careful!

Go Chasing Waterfalls – Shawnee Forest Country

Take a driving/walking/sampling tour of the Eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest.

Shawnee  Forest - Eastern Loop Tour

Barbecue aficionados have long known the trip to Murphysboro, Illinois, is more than worth it. The small town hosts a barbecue cook-off every year and is perhaps the only town in the country with two Barbecue Hall of Famers. In addition to the BBQ history, experience a booming craft beer movement that is vibrant and exciting.

Beer & BBQ: Murphysboro, BBQ Capital of Illinois

Well, what to we have beer?  Fancy a pint, a stein or a mug?  Explore your options in craft breweries in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. Hop to it, and explore the tastes of the region.

Southern Illinois Beer Here!

Take a 188 mile scenic drive along the Ohio River Scenic Byway in southern Illinois.  Stop at sites with rich historic heritage and enjoy the spectacular Shawnee National Forest, and the beautiful Ohio River. The scenic drive meanders along the Ohio River in Southernmost Illinois.  The Byway winds from the Wabash Bridge at the Indiana border south along the Ohio River before it reaches the Mississippi River at Cairo.  A unique travel experience awaits you along the byway’s 188 miles.

Ohio River Scenic Byway - Shawnee Forest Country

Stop and smell the roses, or in this case, the zinnias, sunflowers, lavender and peonies and enjoy the summer and fall harvests along the way!

Flowers, Farms and Fun!

Small town fun with some pretty unique finds and great places for #SuperSelfie Stops!

Metropolis, IL - #SuperSelfie places to visit

History buffs will love a visit to Old Shawneetown!

Walk down the sidewalks and see parts of old foundations of buildings that no longer stand. See the old hitching posts along Main Street that are still waiting for horses to be tied up. You will also see landmarks where General John A Logan was married as well as the first newspaper in the state, also located on Main Street.  Old Shawneetown is no ordinary town, the town is saturated in the history of its flood waters, historic politicians, banking history, and many other stories that have never been told.

Travel down to Old Shawneetown

Explore all of our guides 

Things to do

A must-see location featured on the Illinois quarter.

Garden of the Gods Recreation area

Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and a life-size bronze statue of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh

Glen O Jones Lake and Tecumseh Statue

Deep inside the Shawnee National forest, southeast of Harrisburg, you'll come face-to-face with this face

Stone Face Trail

A favorite for photographers, this fall is 35 feet from top to bottom, but in beautiful surroundings.

Burden Falls Wilderness

Explore the wonders of Shawnee Forest Country

The Great Outdoors 

Local craft brew, serving what is made onsite

Molly's Pint Brewpub

Uncork the good life at Von Jakob Winery & Brewery, Southern Illinois' only Winery and Brewery

Big Muddy Brewing

House-brewed beers served with tavern eats & growlers to go at this historic St. Nicholas Hotel spot.

St. Nicholas Brewing Company

Come experience beer in the woods at one of the world’s greatest places to drink beer outside

Scratch Brewing Company

A legend in the barbecue world, pitmaster Mike Mills is in the Barbecue Hall of Fame.

17th Street BBQ

BBQ doesn't get any better than this; you don't want to miss this place!

Pat's BBQ and Catering

Local culinary gems 

Food & Drink 

U-pick lavender farm offers several varieties from late May to early June.

Shawnee Hills Lavender Farm

Metropolis is nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, a wealth of fun and exciting things to do.

Metropolis: Home of Illinois' first park

13,000 Cherokees crossed the Ohio River at Golconda by ferry as part of the 'Trail of Tears' to Oklahoma

Golconda: River Crossing point-Trail of Tears

Outstanding peony farm grows 10 different varieties on 12 acres.  Blooms and flowers in April to May.

Peony Hill Farm

Open daily, mid June to October 31, family fun activities on the farm, flower fields and fresh produce

Rendleman Orchards

A Fun And Fuzzy Adventure. Get up close and personal with these adorable creatures

Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch

Saddle up for trail rides with experienced wranglers through private trails

Giant City Stables

Come learn about our tupelo-cypress swamps, hardwood forests, limestone glades and sandstone bluff.

The Cache River Wetlands Center

Hike Wildcat Bluff for the soaring views, natural beauty, and up-close-and-personal bird watching.

Wildcat Bluff

One of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer.

Bell Smith Springs

Enjoy the breeze zipping through the trees!

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour

Over the river and through the woods to the cypress swamp we go.

Heron Pond Trail

For more than 100 years, this park has been known as an outstanding natural scenic spot.

Bork’s Waterfall at Ferne Clyffe State Park

An abundance of waterfalls, But this area is rugged and requires very special attention

Bulge Hole Ecological Area

A wilderness with many trails, bluffs and sights worth exploring

Burden Falls

Looking for ATV/OHV trails?  Williams Hill Pass is the place for you!

Williams Hill Pass

Find the best experiences near you

Explore Nearby

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Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Choose Chicago

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

CAC Open House

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of 10 iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Starview Vineyards

Starview Vineyards

Wine & Food Pairing Weekends

Wine & Food Pairing Weekends

Owl Creek Vineyard

Owl Creek Vineyard

Winter Passport Program

Winter Passport Program

Pomona Winery

Pomona Winery

Alto Vineyards

Alto Vineyards

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

Blue Sky Vineyard

Blue Sky Vineyard

Kite Hill Vineyards & Winery

Kite Hill Vineyards & Winery

Peach Barn Winery & Cafe

Peach Barn Winery & Cafe

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