Discover The Fabulous Fox River Valley!!            

Before planning your trip to the Elgin area, please contact the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to check on hotel availability and rates for your group!

DAY ONE

We begin our journey through Chicago's Northern Fox River Valley by meeting at one of its newest and largest shopping centers, Algonquin Commons. Featuring large national retailers, local boutiques and great restaurants, Algonquin Commons is a great place for your group to visit, dine, meet new friends and of course, shop.

We enjoy lunch at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano (located at Algonquin Commons), one of the many unique dining options the Northern Fox River Valley has to offer. Biaggi's is an outstanding Italian restaurant set in a fun, casual, comfortable white-tablecloth atmosphere. They offer an extensive menu featuring a full selection of house-made and imported pasta, soups & salads, pizza, fresh seafood, chicken, veal, steaks and desserts.

Our first stop after lunch is truly a one-of-its-kind attraction, the Illinois Railway Museum. The largest railway museum in the U.S., here you will find yourself traveling back in time as you wander past historic streetcars, interurbans, steam and diesel locomotives.

After an exciting visit to the IRM, we move on to the Elgin Historical Society, home to five permanent exhibits that tell the rich history of our city's beginnings, its architecture, the storied road race, and the Elgin National Watch Factory and industry.

The next stop includes a visit to and tour of The Hemmens Cultural Center. Offering the rare opportunity to experience legendary entertainers and world-class performing artists in an intimate setting, the Hemmens has an exciting upcoming season that is sure to please any theater groups.

A visit to State Street Market is next on our itinerary. A unique variety of quaint shops located in a 1920's millworks building, this charmingly transformed Shoppers' Delight holds over 35 shops and is a stop the shoppers in your groups will certainly love!

Following a fun-filled afternoon, check into the hotel of your choice to relax, freshen up, and prepare for an evening of great dining and wonderful entertainment!

Enjoy your evening's entertainment at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament! Enjoy a four-course feast and watch breathtaking Andalusian stallions perform! Cheer for your own knight in a tournament of skill and the action-packed joust!

(After tonight's festivities, return to your hotel for the night, or enjoy one of several optional evening attractions in our area, such as the Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin Lanes, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Thirsty Vine Cafe & Wine Bar or the Walnut Speakeasy Bar and Grill.)

DAY TWO

This morning enjoy a truly unique breakfast at Port Edward Restaurant. Named "One of Mid America's Most Unusual Restaurants" by AAA Motor Club and recipient of the Readers Choice Award for "Best Seafood Dining" by The Courier News, Port Ed's is the perfect place for fresh seafood and great views of the Fox River.

The first stop on today's busy schedule will be the Elgin Public Museum. Almost 100 years old, the Elgin Public Museum is the only natural history museum in the Elgin area. The museum offers exhibits and educational programs with natural history and cultural themes for anyone who wants to have fun while learning about Chicago's Northern Fox River Valley. A natural history and anthropology museum, The Elgin Public Museum is located in municipal Lords Park with a swimming pool, zoo, playground, and picnic area.

Next visit the very unique destination of the Huntley Prime Outlets, where groups will find striking Jeffersonian architecture, food court, playground and over 40 brand name outlet stores at 25-65% off create a wonderful shopping experience. A MUST-STOP for any visitor!

For the final stop, take a nostalgic trip back to an era when the electric trolley car was a vital part of American life. Board a genuine old-time trolley car at the Blackhawk Forest Preserve and enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique part of American history while it takes you over many tracks long since vanished during a two-mile trip to the Fox River Trolley Museum. The museum operates a variety of antique trolleys, many from lines long vanished, over trackage that once connected Carpentersville, Elgin, Aurora, and Yorkville.

Lunch on your own before departure.