Interactive Map

Jacksonville, Illinois is a community rich in historical treasures, with thriving arts, education, and culture, and all wrapped in Midwest hospitality. Centrally located between St. Louis and Chicago, and near Springfield, Jacksonville offers an excellent place to live, work, and visit.

To the first time visitor, Jacksonville is full of the unexpected. From their Civil War and Abraham Lincoln connections, to the modern businesses of today, the area offers something for everyone. There is a small-town friendliness mixed with a vibrancy from a richness of natural sites, intellectual institutions, and businesses.

Visitor information is available at the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 310 East State Street in downtown Jacksonville. You can also call (217) 243-5678, or (800) 593-5678, if you have questions about planning your trip.

The Logan County Tourism Bureau/Visitor Center is uniquely positioned in Downtown Lincoln, at the Historic Train Depot. The Depot was built in 1911 by the Chicago and Alton Railroad. Back in the mid-late 19th Century the City of Lincoln was a hub for the train. This depot replaced the original one that was built in 1853. It acted as a train station until most of the building was closed to the public in 1972.

Today, when you visit the Bureau office and Visitor Center, you can learn about all that Logan County has to offer and see. Also on display in the Depot is a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln christening the town with a watermelon in 1853, as well as replica lifecastings of his hands. Head outside on the South lawn, to the Lincoln Christening Site, where you can read more about Abraham Lincoln, his connection to the City of Lincoln, and this historic event for the City of Lincoln.

The Macomb Area Conventions and Vistitors Bureau welcomes you to our historic and vibrant city, sometimes known as 'Forgottonia.' As a tourist destination, Forgottonia, IL is hard to beat with it's vibrant mix of unique shopping, arts & entertainment, casual & fine dining, events & attractions and sports & leisure, coupled with fertile fields, historic landmarks, Amish country and rustic small-town charm. All this is set against a backdrop of rural splendor and panoramic pastoral beauty.

If you're considering a family trip, planning an event, or just looking for a perfect weekend getaway, we're the place to Relax, Explore & Enjoy. That's what makes Forgottonia unforgettable.

What is "Forgottonia?"

Variously described as a new U.S. state or an independent republic, Forgottonia is the name given to a 16 county region in West Central Illinois in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  The Republic of Forgottonia eventually became a fictional political secession movement in the early 1970s conceived by McDonough County residents because of a lack of support for transportation and infrastructure projects in the area.  

According to a 2010 article in the McDonough County Voice, “The idea is that we would secede from the Union, immediately declare war, surrender, then apply for foreign aid.” 

Forgottonia never did secede, but the movement succeeded. It drew national attention to the region’s transportation and infrastructure plight. Amtrak brought trains back to the area in 1972 and highways have seen some improvement since Forgottonia put itself on the map.

A great first stop is the Mt.Pulaski Historical Museum and Visitor Center. The museum has a variety of displays that tell the town's history from 1836 till today. As you walk through the first floor you will see items such as a 19th-century buggy, military uniforms that date back to the Civil War, and even the guestbook from the Mt. Pulaski House Hotel when William McKinley, Grover Cleveland, Teddy Roosevelt, and John D. Rockefeller stayed for the 1900 Republican Rally. One of the rooms used to be home to the First National Bank and still has the original teller booths and bank vault. This building is also home to the Genealogical Center of Mt. Pulaski. 

The place to get your information, brochures and your questions about Nauvoo answered. 

The Ottawa Visitors Center was established to serve the traveling public with information on lodging, attractions, events and tourism amenities.

The Ottawa Visitors Center provides the opportunity for many historical tours. On our mural tour you will see locations as well as hear stories about Abraham Lincoln during his many visits to Ottawa. Contact us to learn more!

Start your visit with a stop at the Quincy CVB to get all the local information on where to visit and great local places to eat and stay.

Pickup brochures for driving tours of the Fr. Tolton sites and the Mormon refuge sites.  Fr. Tolton, the first African-American priest in the United States, escaped slavery as a child during the Civil War and came with his mother and siblings to Quincy.  During the winter of 1838-39, Quincy provided a haven for the Mormons escaping Missouri before they settled in Nauvoo.  

Get your visitor information at the Lake Area Shelbyville visitor center in downtown Shelbyville.

Stop by to find all the information you need to help create your legendary experience in Springfield. One of our travel experts is available to help you with any of your questions. Parking passes are available for metered parking spaces – just ask! While you are there, be sure to see the installation of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office as well as the U.S. Post Office, which was located in the building from 1841-1849. Located on the first floor of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office across from the Old State Capitol.

Our mission is to provide the best hospitality service to visitors and residents and help them find the destination they are seeking in Stephenson County and beyond.