The outpouring of arts in the culturally diverse state of Illinois is synonymous with its very own Chicago-based Second City, the comedy club/theater and school of improvisation that has churned out dozens of comedic stars, including Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Bill Murray and Jane Lynch.
While Illinois enjoys a good laugh, the arts and culture scene here is no laughing matter. The state is host to notable and numerous cultural draws that make for a standout Midwest meetings experience.
Chicagoland
Once attendees unpack in Chicago proper, they’ll find themselves surrounded by world-renowned museums, theater, nightlife and music for every taste, plus eateries ranging from award-winning fine dining to deep-dish pizza, according to Mark Tunney, senior vice president, sales and services at the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.
“A trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without our arts and culture scene,” he says.
Tunney says the Art Institute of Chicago is a popular group outing.
“There’s always something new to discover there, including the 264,000-square-foot Modern Wing, which is home to a collection of 20th and 21st century art,” he says. “Not only is the art breathtaking, but also the walk over the bridge connecting you with Millennium Park. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Chicago.”
Chicago’s suburbs are also filled with culturally diverse attractions.
In Chicago’s North Shore, Evanston’s Light Opera Works, a professional equity opera and musical theater company, is a group favorite that stages five productions per year, according to Gina Speckman, executive director of Chicago’s North Shore CVB.
“Any group leader that brings clients to Light Opera Works comes back,” she says. “Each show is brilliant.”
In Lake County, Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills is adorned with tapestries and classical sculpture, according to Maureen Riedy, president at Visit Lake County. Tours, summer concerts and theater performances are available, as is a 300-person banquet hall.
According to the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau, groups will find plenty of entertaining options in the region.
Corporate outings at Schaumburg’s Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, with fighting knights and a four-course meal, could also include a pre- or post-show reception, “knighting ceremonies” to recognize outstanding folks in the group and award ceremonies.
In Rosemont, the Allstate Arena and the Rosemont Theatre boast impressive performance lineups.
“Rosemont hosts everything from Broadway and family shows to hot ticket concerts,” says Christopher Stephens, executive director at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. “And with downtown Chicago only 20 minutes away, the cultural options are endless.”
The Park at Rosemont entertainment district will open next year.
The western suburbs of Chicago include Oak Park, where the world’s largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture—over 25 structures—can be found.
“Walking or guided tours are available to view the homes in the area,” says Thomas Lynch, president and CEO at the Oak Park Area CVB, adding that the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio attracts worldwide visitors.
Oak Park is also the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, and at the Ernest Hemingway Museum is another top attraction in town.
Farther west is DuPage County, home to event-ready cultural standouts such as the historic Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook; the Theatre Historical Society of America’s American Movie Palace Museum, located above the historic York Theater in Elmhurst; and the 1928 Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove, a restored French-Renaissance building.
St. Charles is another community that’s rich in arts and culture, according to Jenny O’Brien, spokesperson for the St. Charles CVB. Options include the Fine Line Creative Arts Center, which features art classes, and live performances at Pheasant Run Resort’s Fox Valley Repertory.
In addition to being home to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Southland boasts the nation’s largest outdoor sculpture park, according to Bob Lukens, spokesperson for the Chicago Southland CVB.
He says the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and the facilities of Governors State University are great for groups.
“Attendees can take a stroll through the park to view huge works by famous artists, then enjoy a reception overlooking the park,” he says.
Northern Illinois
The Quad Cities area, including Moline and Rock Island, offers a wealth of performing and visual arts opportunities, according to Jessica Waytenick, spokesperson for the Quad Cities CVB.
“According to a study, the Quad Cities as a region ranks above the national average with regard to things to do after 5 p.m.,” she says, adding that Experience Quad Cities is a new organization representing the area’s arts and cultural offerings.
Two fun options in Rock Island are Circa 21, a dinner theater production held in an old vaudeville venue, and ComedySportz Quad Cities, an improv comedy show.
“Circa 21 is one of only two dinner theaters left in the country with a performing wait staff,” Waytenick says, adding that every scene and game performed at ComedySportz is based on suggestions from the audience.
Arts play an integral role in Galena and Jo Daviess County as well, where the calendar of events includes the Galena Festival of Performing Arts, Willow Folk Festival and Fall Harvest & Art Festival at the [Galena Cellars] Vineyard.
Two memorable stage performances are John Carney’s comedy and magic show at the Galena Trolley Depot Theater and Mark Twain and the Laughing River show.
“By incorporating dinner theater into an evening, meeting planners are providing a chance for their guests to connect, learn and enjoy a destination,” says Celestino Ruffini, director of sales and marketing at the Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB.
Central Illinois
Centrally located Springfield offers numerous museums, theaters and art galleries.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum, according to Gina Gemberling, director of sales for the Springfield CVB, is an exquisite off-site venue.
“The state-of-the-art museum offers truly superb facilities for a one-of-a-kind reception attendees will never forget,” she says.
Springfield’s theaters also present great off-site options, including the Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois–Springfield and the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Peoria has everything from live art demonstrations and architectural tours to ballet and theater, according to Leslie Williams, spokesperson for the Peoria Area CVB.
“If groups can’t make it to that night’s performance, we work with the arts community to set up special previews or sneak peeks of current and upcoming shows,” Williams says.
Venues include Peoria Civic Center Theater, Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre and Eastlight Theatre.
Champaign County, says Libby Kacich, marketing and sales director at the Champaign County CVB, features big-city amenities like fine dining and an eclectic arts scene.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the nation’s premier university-based performing arts centers.
“We like to think of it as the Lincoln Center of the Midwest,” Kacich says, adding that the venue is host to the Mark Morris Dance Group, among other performance companies. “Behind-the-scenes tours make for the perfect end to any conference attendee’s day.”
The art gallery scene is a highlight in Bloomington, according to Megan Rolfs, conventions marketing manager at the Bloomington-Normal Area CVB.
“A tour of the galleries and special live performances would be an ideal evening activity for any size group,” she says.
Another option is the Bloomington Cultural District and its many venues.
Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois is home to meetings-friendly Carbondale. The city has long enjoyed the influence of the performing arts associated with Southern Illinois University. Groups can take in a concert of the Southern Illinois Symphony, which performs on campus at the historic Shryock Auditorium.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus Midamerica.
