Experience
DeKalb County is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene that features both regional and national entertainment. Regional theatre groups combined with Northern Illinois University provide a wide variety of cultural experiences. DeKalb County’s roots run deep in the rich farmland that is part of the landscape of our heritage and history. Our wide-open spaces provide visitors with endless exploration and recreation.
We are located 60 minutes west of Chicago. Our hotels and attractions are family-friendly and affordable. Shopping, dining, wineries, festivals, apple orchards, pumpkin patches and NCAA Division 1 sports are just a small sampling of what attracts visitors to our area.
Dining is diverse and farm-to-table options are bountiful. Shop ‘til you drop for vintage treasures and antiques. Enjoy a tour at our local wineries, microbreweries, or seed-to-spirit estate distillery. Our local brewing artisans are eager to share with you on our Bold Spirits tour across DeKalb County.
Our Destination
WEBSITE:
www.experiencedekalbcounty.com
CONTACT:
Katherine McLaughlin
Marketing Director
- kmclaughlin@dekalbcountycvb.com
- 815-756-1336
- 2500 N Annie Glidden Rd., Suite F, DeKalb, IL 60115
DESTINATION SERVICE AREA:
DeKalb County, IL
Top Attractions
- Whiskey Acres
- Egyptian Theatre
- Northern Illinois University
- Shabbona Lake State Park
- Ellwood House Museum
- Jonamac Orchard
- Prairie State Winery
- Sycamore Pumpkin Festival
- DeKalb Corn Fest
- Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee
- Sandwich Fair
- Afton Forest Preserve (Certified Dark Sky Area)
Accomplishments
- UMCVB Innovation Award for Out and About app,
- 2022 Excellence in Tourism – Best Cooperative Partnership – Out and About App
- Northern Illinois University Esports Arena opened in 2022
- Egyptian Theatre – 2022 Best of the Bests ABA Group Tours, 2023
- Awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, Named a Top 20 Illinois Architectural Treasure
News Articles
Info & Stats
IL House Legislative District
70, 74, 75, 76, 89
IL Senate Legislative Districts
35, 37, 38, 45
Largest Meeting Facility
NIU Convocation Center – 215,000 square feet, 10,000 seats, 3,000 parking spaces
Number of Hotel Rooms
700
Primary Source of Local Funding
City of DeKalb, City of Sandwich, DeKalb County Government
Total Tourism Jobs Supported
1,118
Regional Tourism Expenditures
123.4 million in 2022
Lodging Taxes
3%-7.5%
Local Sales Taxes
8%