SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois communities prepare to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, the Illinois America 250 Commission today unveiled the first ever Passport to Illinois, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the powerful places, people and events in Illinois that have shaped the nation’s history.
The limited-edition keepsake Passport to Illinois uplifts undertold stories of people and places that have contributed to making good on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
Among the 56 historic sites, museums and monuments featured in the passport are the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial and the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument in southern Illinois; the Western Illinois Museum in Macomb; the Project XV Voting Rights Museum in El Paso; the Ulysses S. Grant Home in Galena; the Jacksonville African American History Museum and Woodlawn Farm and the McLean County Museum of History in central Illinois; the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum and the Radium Girls Monument in northern Illinois; and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in Chicago.
“The first-ever Passport to Illinois transforms travel into a journey through the very ideals that built our nation. It is an invitation for visitors to Illinois and residents alike to explore history, heritage and the communities that define Illinois today,” said Gabrielle Lyon, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and executive director of Illinois Humanities. “We’re launching the passport just in time for families planning their spring break and summer vacations. It’s a perfect, hands-on way to connect with our country’s 250th milestone anniversary.”
Passports are free and will be available at public libraries, highway visitor centers, staffed passport sites and other locations throughout Illinois while supplies last. Pickup locations will be highlighted on the Illinois America 250 website. In addition, a digital version of the passport will be available to download from the site and print at home.
“Illinois America 250 is a wonderful opportunity to invite residents and travelers to experience all that our great state has to offer,” said Catie Sheehan, deputy director of the DCEO Illinois Office of Tourism. “The Passport to Illinois encourages everyone to explore communities across the state while celebrating the people, places and stories that have shaped our nation. More than a guide, this passport becomes a travel journal and keepsake, capturing memories, reflections, and connections, while supporting local destinations and tourism economies statewide.”
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is among the stops featured on the passport.
“The point of commemorating America’s 250th birthday is not simply to celebrate where we are today. It’s also to consider where we want to go tomorrow. That’s exactly what Abraham Lincoln did when he urged Americans to dedicate themselves to a freedom movement that had begun ‘four score and seven years ago’,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and a member of the Illinois America 250 Commission. “I hope everyone who uses this passport to explore history will also think about ways they can make America a better place for all.”
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) manages some of the state’s most meaningful historic sites, many of which are featured on the passport, including Lincoln’s New Salem in Menard County, the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, Cahokia Mounds near Collinsville, and the Vandalia Statehouse in Fayette County.
“The Passport to Illinois offers a trove of ideas for families and individuals who wish to explore our state and national history during this special anniversary year and beyond,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Our staff is excited to welcome new and returning visitors at the state historic sites and parks featured in the passport.”
The passport cover features a cardinal, a monarch and other state symbols. The artwork is by artist William Estrada, who grew up in California, Mexico and Chicago.
“As we near America’s 250th birthday, it’s important to remember Illinois’ role in the country’s foundation,” said State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield, who is also an Illinois America 250 Commission member. “The passports will share stories and highlight the many people, places and things that make Illinois what it is today.”
The passport was developed by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Office of Tourism, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Humanities, the Illinois Association of Museums, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Passport to Illinois is one of a series of signature initiatives organized by Illinois America 250 Commission to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The commission was established to lead an inclusive, statewide celebration that uplifts local stories, highlights significant places and programs, and showcases how Illinoisans bring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.
Other signature programs include:
- Illinois United in Service, an effort to encourage residents to volunteer with organizations of their choice and log their hours with Serve Illinois to foster community connection and build a legacy of giving back throughout 2026.
- Illinois Voices 250,a project to record and preserve Illinoisans’ reflections on the 250th anniversary in the Library of Congress. More information will be announced on this initiative soon.
Communities throughout Illinois are planning local and regional events to commemorate the anniversary.
The official hub for Illinois America 250 can be found online at il250.org. There, Illinoisans can sign up to be a 250th partner; browse or submit events; access free educational and planning resources for schools, libraries, families and organizations; learn about or join local 250th communities and partners; and get updates on news and volunteer opportunities connected to Illinois America 250. Illinoisans who want to get involved in events near them can visit the community calendar at il250.org/events.