A- Overview:
Just beyond the bustling activity of Chicago lies Rosemont, Illinois. Rosemont is conveniently located adjacent to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and 17 miles from downtown Chicago. Rosemont is easily accessible to numerous highways, interstates and public transportation and offers its visitors both the convenience to the airport and the city as well as a lifestyle all its own.
There is plenty to see and do in Rosemont and nearby. It has a population of only 4,000, yet the village excels as a top meeting, convention, and trade show center, and hosts an average of 50,000 visitors a day!
Within its two square mile boundary, visitors will find a thriving village equipped for business. There are state of the art office developments, headquarters of leading international companies, and a full spectrum of vital service businesses.
Rosemont is the home of one of the country’s largest meeting and convention centers, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont. Whether it’s a sporting event at the 19,000-seat Allstate arena or a Broadway play at the 4,200 seat Rosemont performing arts theater, or enjoying a meal at one of the city’s fine restaurants, there is always something of interest.
One unique Rosemont attraction is the Donald E. Stephens Museum of Hummels. Here, visitors can take a close look at more than 1,000 rare M.I. Hummel figurines and ANRI woodcarvings.
A visit to Rosemont will no doubt include a side trip to the great city of Chicago. There, the Navy Pier is a must see destination. Opened in 1916 as a shipping facility and recreation spot, it has evolved into one of Chicago’s top family and tourist destinations. Other attractions include the three-story Chicago Children’s Museum and live entertainment on the Skyline Stage. Amazing Chicago is a life-sized maze that’s part history and mostly fun, with mirrored corridors and twisted tunnels that depict Chicago scenes. When visitors are ready for refueling, they’ll find everything from fine dining to food-court fare. No visit to the Pier is complete without a spin on the 150-foot-high Ferris wheel with its great views of the skyline and lake. Speaking of height, visitors can also visit the Sears Tower and Skydeck. Chicago’s tallest building boasts the city’s longest view–50 miles in any direction on a clear day. The Sears Tower stands 1,454 feet tall, 110 floors high. On a clear day, viewers can see four states. The average sway is six inches from the center.
For the sports-minded visitor, the area is famous for its professional sports teams. Visiting landmark Wrigley Field, provides a look back into sports history. A Chicago landmark since 1914, this classic ballpark is a monument to the national pastime. From the ivy clinging to the outfield wall to the manually operated scoreboard, Wrigley Field is the real deal. There isn’t a bad seat in the intimate, 39,000-seat house, save for a few behind the supporting beams. The usually rowdy crowd keeps Wrigley lively with sacred traditions like throwing the opposing team’s home run balls back onto the field and traditional outfield chants. Why not make it a family day?
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, located in nearby Oak Park, gives an opportunity for visitors to take a walk through the residence of Chicago’s famous, groundbreaking architect. In the living room, sofas sit underneath bay windows, which are built into the wall, creating an illusion of light and roominess. Each room seems to flow into the next.
Whether visiting for business or pleasure; spring, summer, fall, or winter, the village of Rosemont offers convenience to O’Hare airport and proximity to downtown Chicago. As the residents of Rosemont say of their village, “All roads lead to Rosemont”.
B- City Information:
Population: 4,224
Elevation: 666 feet above sea level
Land Area: 1.7 square miles
Location: Rosemont is conveniently located adjacent to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and 17 miles from downtown Chicago. Rosemont offers easy access to numerous highways, interstates and public transportation.
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (when it’s noon in Rosemont, it’s 1pm in New York City and 10am in Los Angeles). Rosemont observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
22.0
27.0
37.3
47.8
58.7
68.2
73.3
71.7
63.8
52.1
39.3
27.4
High temperature (°F)
29.6
34.7
46.1
58.0
69.9
79.2
83.5
81.2
74.0
62.2
47.2
34.5
Low temperature (°F)
14.3
19.2
28.5
37.6
47.5
57.2
63.2
62.2
53.7
42.1
31.6
20.4
Precipitation (in)
1.8
1.6
2.6
3.7
3.4
3.6
3.5
4.6
3.3
2.7
3.0
2.4
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
11
9
12
13
11
10
10
9
9
9
11
11
Wind speed (mph)
11.6
11.4
11.8
11.9
10.5
9.3
8.4
8.2
8.9
10.1
11.1
11.0
Morning humidity (%)
78
78
79
77
77
79
82
86
85
81
80
80
Afternoon humidity (%)
70
67
63
58
57
58
60
61
61
59
66
71
Sunshine (%)
44
49
51
50
58
67
66
62
59
55
38
43
Snowfall (in)
11.2
7.9
6.9
1.6
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
2.0
8.4
Local Seasons:
Due to its proximity to bustling Chicago, the quieter, yet energetic city of Rosemont enjoys year round activity. The city has four distinct seasons. Summers are quite enjoyable with the temperature reaching the low 80’s F on many days during the day and dropping to the comfortable 60’s in the evening. Fall is quite beautiful as the temperature, and leaves, begin to drop. Winters can be cold and there is snow, making Spring a welcome event.
How to Get There:
By Air:
O’Hare International Airport
773-686-2200
The airport is conveniently located adjacent to Rosemont and handles more passengers than any other airport in the world. For visitors needing information or directions, airport information booths are located on the lower levels of the domestic terminals and on the upper and lower levels of the International Terminal. A foreign currency exchange is located on the lower level of the International Terminal.
Midway Airport
773-838-0600
The airport is located at 5700 Cicero Avenue in Chicago. The airport is served by many of the nationally known airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.
Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus service are available at both of the airports as well as throughout the city.
By Car:
Rosemont is easily accessible by car via various Interstate Highways. From the east, Interstate 90 becomes Interstate 190 just east of the city, from the north and south, Interstate 294 transects the city. From the west, the best route is via Interstate 90, connecting to Interstate 294 south.
By Train:
Amtrak
The nearest Amtrak station is located in nearby Chicago.
225 South Canal St.
Chicago, IL 60606
800-USA-RAIL
How to Get Around:
Most visitors find the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day, 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day, 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Allstate Arena
6920 N. Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-635-6601
Hours: Mon.- Fri. 11am – 7pm, Sat. 12 – 5pm; Closed Sunday, unless there is a scheduled event
Admission Charged for events
The Arena hosts more than 150 events annually, attracting an average of 1.5 million audience members to witness some of the world’s top musical performers, exciting sporting events and fun-for-everyone family entertainment.
Chicago Attractions:
Chicago Museum Campus
1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605
312-409-9696
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged for certain attractions
Ten acres of parkland and pedestrian paths link the Field Museum, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. The aquarium houses an enormous collection of aquatic creatures, while the adjacent Oceanarium is the world’s largest marine mammal pavilion. Visit the planetarium for a celestial experience or go backward in time at the Field Museum, which showcases more than 16 million artifacts of anthropology, botany, geology and zoology. The green expanse between the museums is a great place to stretch your legs, have an afternoon picnic or just gaze at the Chicago skyline.
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
312-791-7000
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Opened in 1916 as a shipping facility and recreation spot, Navy Pier has evolved into one of Chicago’s top family and tourist destinations. Some of the attractions include the three-story Chicago Children’s Museum and live entertainment on the Skyline Stage. Amazing Chicago is a life-sized maze that’s part history and mostly fun, with mirrored corridors and twisted tunnels that depict Chicago scenes. When visitors are ready for refueling, they’ll find everything from fine dining to food-court fare. And no visit to the Pier is complete without a spin on the 150-foot-high Ferris wheel with its great views of the skyline and lake.
Sears Tower and Skydeck
233 S Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606
312-875-9696
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged to Skydeck
Chicago’s tallest building boasts the city’s longest view–50 miles in any direction on a clear day. The Sears Tower stands 1,454 feet tall, 110 floors high. On a clear day, viewers can see four states. Don’t get dizzy–the average sway is six inches from the center.
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60613
773-404-2827
Hours: Call for game and event schedule
Admission Charged
A Chicago landmark since 1914, this classic ballpark is a monument to the national pastime. From the ivy clinging to the outfield wall to the manually operated scoreboard, Wrigley Field is the real deal. There isn’t a bad seat in the intimate, 39,000-seat house, save for a few behind the supporting beams. The usually rowdy crowd keeps Wrigley lively with sacred traditions like throwing the opposing team’s home run balls back onto the field and traditional outfield chants.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment
January
Gingerbread Fantasy Factory
Held through early January
Location: Chicago Children’s Museum
312-527-1000
Call for additional information
Join in as children of all ages “make”, “bake” and decorate pretend gingerbread creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2004
Held through early January
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
773-684-3323
Call for additional information
Experience a Chicago tradition more than six decades old. Christmas Around the World features an enchanted forest of glimmering trees, each decorated with meticulous care by one of Chicago’s ethnic communities.
Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition
Held through early January
Location: Lincoln Park Conservatory
312-742-7736
Call for additional information
Several model trains, including an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink and white poinsettias.
Winter Wedding Faire & Fashion Show
Held in early January
Location: Oak Lawn
708-229-8850
Call for additional information
Plan every detail of the perfect wedding and see the latest in bridal fashions presented during a fabulous runway show.
SoxFest Annual White Sox Fan Convention
Held in mid January
Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago
312-674-1000
SoxFest offers fans the opportunity to meet their favorite current and former Sox players. These players participate in skills clinics, question-and-answer sessions and autograph signings throughout the weekend.
The Chicagoland Outdoors Show
Held in mid January
Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Call for additional information
The Chicagoland Outdoors Show is the largest consumer event of its kind in the greater Chicago area. People come from Midwest states to view and purchase fishing and hunting products, plan outdoor vacations, shop for boats, RV’s, ATV’s and 4WD’s.
Winter Fest
Held in late January
Location: Centennial Ice Arena
847-433-6901
Call for additional information
Cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, dog sled & ice sculpting demos. Food and fun for all to celebrate winter!
The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show featuring Travel Show
Held in mid January
Location: McCormick Place
312-791-7000
Call for additional information
One of the largest events in the Midwest for recreational and leisure activities featuring more than 600 boats, 300 RVs and hundreds of booths filled with outfitters, charter boats, personal watercraft, fishing equipment, wakeboarding & marine accessories.
Annual Chicago Snow Sculpting Competition
Held in late January
Location: Rolling Meadows
847-394-8500
Call for additional information
At the Atrium Corporate Center located on the north side of Golf Road and about a mile east of Woodfield Mall. Enjoy viewing the work of a three person team that carves a six-foot by six-foot by ten feet block of snow into a masterpiece.
Chicago Winter Delights
Held early January – late February
Location: Chicago Cultural Center
312-744-6630
Call for additional information
This winter festival offers the best in culture and entertainment, as well as special hotel rates, themed weekends and hospitality packages.
February
Strictly Sail Show
Held in early February
Location: Navy Pier
312-595-PIER
Call for additional information
This annual show features accessories and equipment dealers to sailing schools, associations/clubs and exhibitors from every aspect of the world of sailing.
Chinese New Year Parade
Held in mid February
Location: Wentworth from Cermak to 24th Street
312-225-0303
Call for additional information
This Chinatown celebration welcomes the Lunar New Year. The parade includes marching bands, floats, lion teams, 100′ Mystical Dragon, Miss Chinatown and Miss Friendship Ambassador along with “fire Crackers” at individual stores.
Winter Carnival
Held in mid February
Location: Redmond Recreational Complex
630-594-1190
Call for additional information
Weekend of fun on & off the ice. Star studded ice skating show, with top talent at an affordable price! Carvers compete for the National Ice Carver National Championship trophy. Hockey games, ice games, chili cook-off, open skating and more.
The Chicago International Motorcycle Show
Held in mid February
Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont
847-692-2220
Powersports enthusiasts from across the country can see the latest and greatest innovations, products and services, aftermarket products, as well as the hottest new motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and more.
Annual Mardi Gras Competition
Held in mid February
Location: The Edge Ice Arena, Bensenville
630-766-8888
Call for additional information
Figure skating competition for individual skaters and synchronized skating teams from the Chicago area.
Chicago Auto Show
Held in mid February
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago
312-791-7000
Call for additional information
Chicago showcases the entire spectrum of automobile manufacturer offerings on a single show floor in the magnificent McCormick Place. This show features more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs and the always-ready-to-steal-the-show concepts.
Chicago Winter Delights
Held early January – late February
Location: Chicago Cultural Center
312-744-6630
Call for additional information
This winter festival offers both culture and entertainment.
March
Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Held on March 17
Location: Spring Street in Naperville
630-305-7701
Call for additional information
Featuring approximately 50 entries including Irish dancers, pipe bands and local politicians and a color guard. Celebrate the day of the Irish in Naperville.
Annual Storytelling Festival
Held in mid March
Location: Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg
847-895-3600
Call for additional information
Bringing together nationally renowned artists, this is a day of celebrating one of the most enduring art forms.
Annual Fox Valley Spring Antique Show
Held in mid March
Location: Kane County Fairgrounds
815-838-0606
Call for additional information
Features antique dealers from 14 states.
Maple Sugaring Days
Held in mid March
Location: Naper Settlement, Naperville
630-420-6010
Call for additional information
Observe costumed villages tapping maple trees to collect the sap, which is boiled down to make maple syrup and sugar.
Chicago Golf and Backyard Show
Held in mid March
Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont
847-692-2222
Call for additional information
One of the oldest and largest consumer golf show in the Midwest, and each year it attracts almost 20,000 avid golfers who come to see what’s new in golf.
Chicago Flower and Garden Show
Held in mid March
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago
312-595-PIER
Call for additional information
Heralding the promise of spring with a burst of welcome color, warmth and cheer, the more than 25 themed gardens brim over, featuring hourly educational lectures, hundreds of gardening products, ongoing demonstrations and workshops.
April
Chicago Bike Show
Held in early April
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago
312-595-PIER
Call for additional information
From extreme stunt shows to the latest products in the bicycling industry, this show brings together major manufacturers, tour operators, local stores, clubs and other bike-related organizations.
Greater Woodfield Annual “Original” Chefs’ Fest
Held in mid April
Location: Arlington Park, Arlington Heights
847-490-1010
Call for additional information
Over 40 of the area’s most succulent restaurants all in one place! Cooking demonstrations, games & prizes, silent auction. One low admission price lets visitors eat and drink all night long.
Country Folk Art Festival
Held in mid April
Location: Kane County Fairgrounds
630-858-1568
The country’s top artisans and craftsmen offer for sale exacting reproductions of antique American country and formal furniture and accessories, contemporary folk art, and spectacular crafts.
Illinois State Scramble
Held in mid April
Location: Village Greens of Woodridge Golf Course, Woodridge
630-985-3610
Call for additional information
The Annual Illinois State Scramble is a two person scramble format played at scratch. Any amateur golfer is eligible to enter.
Antique Collectible Toy and Doll World Show
Held in late April
Location: Kane County Fairgrounds
773-736-5140
Call for additional information
1500 tables of antique and collectible toys, dolls, playthings, and childhood memorabilia.
Annual Chicago Improv Festival at Cultural Center
Held in late April
Location: Chicago Cultural Center
312-744-6630
Call for additional information
The Chicago Cultural Center hosts special events including a week of free performances from Chicago’s top improv troupes during the Lunchbreak series and Family Day events.
May
Annual REACH Duck Race
Held in early May
Location: Naperville Riverwalk
630-848-5000
Call for additional information
This event features plastic ducks in a “float” race in the DuPage River along the Naperville Riverwalk, beginning near the Riverwalk Rotary Hill. A pet parade is held in conjunction with the event.
Bike Chicago
Held early May – late July
Location: Varies within Chicago
312-744-3315
Call for additional information
A three-month long celebration. Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of biking.
Blooming Fest
Held in mid May
Location: Wayne & Helen Fox Community Center, West Chicago
630-593-0141
Call for additional information
West Chicago is blooming in Spring! Held in conjunction with the Garden Club plant sale, Blooming Fest is an outdoor gallery of children’s art. Come see what the little Picasso’s are creating. An outdoor craft fair features Chicago artisans.
Railroad Daze in Franklin Park
Held in mid May
Location: Franklin Park
847-671-4800
Call for additional information
Exhibits of trains, engines, and sleeping cars are featured. Additionally, there is great music (2 bands each night – Country-Western & Contemporary Rock) as well as children’s rides, food vendors and more!
Civil War Days
Held in mid May
Location: Naper Settlement, Naperville
630-420-6010
Call for additional information
Gun powder clouds the grounds, shots ring out in the distance and the Civil War re-enactors have set up camp once again.
June
Annual Matteson Festival
Held in mid June
Location: Memorial Park, Matteson
708-748-1080
Call for additional information
Outdoor community festival featuring live entertainment daily. Carnival rides, arts & crafts, food/beer garden and much more. Free parking and admission to festival.
Naper Days Celebration
Held in mid June
Location: Naper Settlement, Naperville
630-420-6010
Call for additional information
Celebrate the best Naperville has to offer, from its past, present and future! Including multiple stages featuring local musical entertainment, a “Taste of Naperville” hosting local restaurants, a wide variety of family entertainment and much more.
Bike Chicago
Held early May – late July
Location: Varies within Chicago
312-744-3315
Call for additional information
A three-month long celebration. Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of biking.
Annual Auto Show
Held in late June
Location: 4101 West 183rd Street, Country Club Hills
708-798-2616
One of the most popular auto shows in the south suburbs featuring old cars, not-so-old cars, today’s special cars and motorcycles of all kinds
July
Tennisfest
Held in mid July
Location: 2920 West 183rd Street, Homewood
708-799-1323
Call for additional information
A 12-day festival with free tennis clinics, free USA 1-2-3 tennis lessons, tennis sculpture contest, famous player pet contest, tournaments and much more.
Gospel Fest
Held in late July
Location: Sesto Park, Chicago Heights
708-755-1351
Call for additional information
Annual Gospel Fest following parade beginning at 10:30am at Wilson Elementary School. Singers, food, games and fellowship.
Ridgefest
Held in late July
Location: Freedom Park, Chicago Ridge
708-425-7700
Call for additional information
Annual festival with national bands / acts. Diverse ethnic food vendors, huge carnival, arts/ crafts, special guests and children’s entertainment.
Bike Chicago
Held early May – late July
Location: Varies within Chicago
312-744-3315
Call for additional information
A three-month long celebration. Various events include Bike to Work Day, LATE Ride and Bike Along Lake Shore Drive and numerous workshops to promote health and the environmental benefits of biking.
September
Frankfort Fall Festival
Held in early September
Location: Frankfort
815-469-3356
Call for additional information
An outdoor show of over 300 crafters and artisans offer an unmatched array of the finest handmade creations.
South Holland Heritage Festival
Held in early September
Location: South Holland
708-210-2900
Call for additional information
5 days of different events you can’t miss. Gallery of Art, Annual Car Show/Swap Meet, One Book One Body Church & Community, Heritage Paarlberg Fest and so much to see each day for all to enjoy.
Lake Katherine’s Monarch Butterfly Festival
Held in mid September
Location: Palos Heights
708-361-1873
Call for additional information
Lake Katherine has one of the oldest butterfly events in North America. Walk through the butterfly house. Spider tent, insect exhibitors, crafters, canoes and hay rides, flood.
November
Gingerbread Fantasy Factory
Held November – early January
Location: Chicago Children’s Museum
312-527-1000
Call for additional information
Join in as children of all ages “make”, “bake” and decorate pretend gingerbread creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Held through early January
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
773-684-3323
Call for additional information
Experience a Chicago tradition more than six decades old. Christmas Around the World features an enchanted forest of glimmering trees, each decorated with meticulous care by one of Chicago’s ethnic communities.
Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition
Held November – early January
Location: Lincoln Park Conservatory
312-742-7736
Call for additional information
Several model trains, including an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink and white poinsettias.
December
Gingerbread Fantasy Factory
Held November – early January
Location: Chicago Children’s Museum
312-527-1000
Call for additional information
Join in as children of all ages “make”, “bake” and decorate pretend gingerbread creations as well as dress up to reenact the Gingerbread Man, catch their breath to read the original story, or create scented gingerbread sculptures.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Held through early January
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
773-684-3323
Call for additional information
Experience a Chicago tradition more than six decades old. Christmas Around the World features an enchanted forest of glimmering trees, each decorated with meticulous care by one of Chicago’s ethnic communities.
Winter Flower Show and Holiday Garden Railway Exhibition
Held November – early January
Location: Lincoln Park Conservatory
312-742-7736
Call for additional information
Several model trains, including an old fashioned steam engine, circus train, freight train and trolley, will wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant red, pink and white poinsettias.
Entertainment:
Allstate Arena
6920 N. Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-635-6601
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11am – 7pm, Sat. 12 – 5pm; Closed Sunday, unless there is a scheduled event
Admission Charged for events
The Arena hosts more than 150 events annually, attracting an average of 1.5 million audience members to witness some of the world’s top musical performers, exciting sporting events and fun-for-everyone family entertainment.
Rosemont Theatre
5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-671-5100
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11am – 7pm, Sat. 12 – 5pm, closed Sunday, unless there is a scheduled event
Admission Charged
The plush Rosemont Theatre is the ticket to lavish Broadway musicals, full-scale productions and world class entertainment.
Chicagoland Pops Orchestra
5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-825-7677
Performances held at the Rosemont Theatre, call for schedule
The Chicagoland Pops Orchestra, established by the Village of Rosemont, is a full symphonic ensemble which calls the magnificent Rosemont Theatre home. The CPO presents an innovative blend of popular music to give audiences a unique entertainment experience.