From big cities and road side attractions to nature and rural vineyards, Illinois has attracted record breaking tourism in 2024. Illinois’ Office of Tourism has announced over 113 million domestic and international visitors entered the state, spending a record $48.5 billion. This data represents an increase of half a million visitors and $1.3 billion more in spending than 2023.
The record follows significant investment in the travel and tourism industry in Fiscal Year 2025. Over $7 million were invested into 47 entities in the state through Route 66 grants ahead of the Route 66 centennial in 2026. Other types of grants include Tourism Private Sector, International Tourism and Tourism Attractions – each of these funding events, festivals and attractions in their respective setting.
Here are some popular tourist highlights you can check out from across the state:
Best fishing spots in Illinois
Southern Illinois Gem – Shawnee National Forest
Exploring the Prehistoric and Underground: Illinois’ Caves and Mounds
Great River Road: Limestone Cliffs in Alton and Grafton
Illinois has nearly limitless offerings and folks across the world are taking notice.
