Libertyville Joins Montgomery, Rosemont, Skokie, Hoffman Estates, Warrensburg and More Illinois Villages Receiving More Tourism and Arts Grants, Supercharging Rural Economy, You Won’t Believe Who Are Receiving Millions

Published on December 17, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Libertyville joins Montgomery, Rosemont, Skokie, Hoffman Estates, and Warrensburg in receiving substantial tourism and arts grants. These grants are playing a pivotal role in supercharging the rural economy, providing small villages with the resources to boost their local economies, attract more tourists, and support arts and cultural initiatives.

With villages like Libertyville and Montgomery receiving millions in funding, the state’s focus on rural development is becoming increasingly clear. These financial investments enable villages to enhance their marketing, improve public spaces, and host cultural events, thereby fostering growth.

The results are astonishing, with millions of dollars flowing into communities that were once overlooked. Read on to discover which other Illinois villages are benefiting from these game-changing grants and how they are transforming the rural landscape.

Illinois is experiencing a tourism and cultural renaissance, with small villages from Libertyville to Warrensburg driving the Sunshine State’s latest growth spurt. Thanks to targeted investments from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Arts Council (IAC), several villages are receiving substantial support to boost tourism, promote arts, and elevate local experiences.

These grants are vital, with financial backing going directly into tourism marketing, infrastructure development, and arts programming, helping Illinois cultivate vibrant, attractive destinations that benefit both locals and visitors. The full scope of this initiative highlights a comprehensive, county‑by‑county breakdown that illustrates how each community is capitalising on these opportunities. Read on to see how grants are transforming Illinois villages and providing substantial economic benefits.

Illinois Tourism Grants: Powering Small Villages into the Spotlight

Illinois’ Travel & Tourism Grant Programme is one of the cornerstones of the state’s tourism strategy. This programme, administered by the DCEO, offers critical support for villages like Libertyville, Rosemont, and Montgomery to increase their tourism presence. Grants of up to US$100,000 allow these small communities to market their unique offerings. Libertyville, for instance, uses the funds to promote its historic downtown and annual events, drawing attention to its rich culture and heritage. The financial backing also helps villages invest in digital advertising, brochures, and travel guides to attract tourists, offering resources that would otherwise be beyond their budgets.

Fox Lake and Skokie: Funding Infrastructure and Cultural Development to Attract Tourists

In Lake County, Fox Lake and Skokie are capitalising on tourism grants to boost local tourism infrastructure. Fox Lake secured an incredible US$498,968 for the revitalisation of its Lakefront Park, a popular destination for boaters and water-based events. The grant will enhance green spaces, improve paths, and upgrade event infrastructure. The project aims to attract more visitors and establish Fox Lake as a must-visit spot for outdoor recreation and lakeside activities. On the other hand, Skokie, located just outside Chicago, received US$24,100 for tourism marketing to promote its performing arts centre, science museum, and the Northshore Sculpture Park. These investments allow villages to harness their cultural attractions to lure visitors who are eager to explore local arts, history, and natural beauty.

Montgomery and Peoria Heights: How Small Towns Are Making a Big Impact with State Funding

Montgomery, a village nestled in Kane and Kendall counties, exemplifies the power of state tourism grants in a small community. With US$61,250 from the Travel & Tourism Grant Programme, Montgomery is improving marketing to attract tourists to its historic downtown and riverfront. These efforts focus on raising awareness of Montgomery’s attractions, including its historic sites, outdoor spaces, and local events. Furthermore, Peoria Heights in Peoria County received US$16,572 to enhance its Taste of Peoria Heights, Fine Arts Fair, and Christmas market. The village uses this funding to support festivals that bring in local visitors, celebrate its vibrant cultural scene, and bolster the local economy.

Warrensburg’s Corn Festival: A Celebration of Heritage and Community

In Macon County, Warrensburg has been tapping into arts and tourism funding to expand its iconic Corn Festival. The village received US$19,500 from the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant, which will help expand the festival’s programming and outreach. As a rural village, this annual celebration is key to promoting local heritage and attracting visitors from surrounding communities. By enhancing the festival’s appeal, Warrensburg is improving its reputation as a cultural destination, contributing to regional tourism, and ensuring economic vitality through increased visitor spending.

Arts Funding in Illinois: How State Grants Are Shaping the Cultural Landscape

In addition to tourism marketing and festival support, the Illinois Arts Council plays a pivotal role in funding arts initiatives that boost the state’s cultural tourism. Through the Regional Arts Partner Programme, Illinois has been able to fund arts organisations that reach a wide audience. For example, the Decatur Area Arts Council received US$15,000 to support arts programming, while the Oak Park Area Arts Council in Cook County received US$40,000 to coordinate art festivals and public art installations. These grants help foster a sense of place and contribute to the growing appeal of arts tourism across the state. With investments like these, Illinois is solidifying its reputation as a hub for creative placemaking.

The Bigger Picture: How Tourism Grants Are Revitalising Illinois Villages

The impact of tourism and arts funding extends far beyond immediate financial support. For many villages, these grants are the catalysts for transformation. In Fox Lake, for example, the lakefront revitalisation project will not only attract more visitors but also enhance public spaces for local residents. Similarly, the improvements to Montgomery’s Stuart Sports Complex will position the village as a regional sports tourism hub, bringing in athletes and visitors year-round. These infrastructure projects add lasting value to communities, generating tourism dollars while improving the quality of life for residents.

Moreover, arts and cultural festivals are helping Illinois villages establish unique identities and attract visitors who are eager to experience local traditions. The festivals are not just about fun; they are about community-building, economic development, and showcasing the region’s culture to a wider audience.

Illinois Tourism and Arts Funding: A Model for Rural and Urban Collaboration

One of the most striking aspects of Illinois’ tourism and arts funding is its ability to balance investment between both urban and rural communities. While Cook County certainly benefits from major allocations, smaller counties like Peoria, Macon, and Kendall are also receiving critical support. This inclusive approach ensures that Illinois’ tourism and cultural scene is not just concentrated in major cities, but spread across the entire state.

Moreover, the collaboration between the state government and local municipalities enhances the overall effectiveness of tourism initiatives. For instance, the Lake County Juneteenth Festival received US$100,000 to celebrate African American heritage, which benefits not just North Chicago, but surrounding villages too. These collaborations show that state-level investment in tourism and the arts can have a ripple effect, benefiting communities far and wide.

llinois Villages Are Poised for Tourism Growth

The efforts to enhance tourism and arts in Illinois villages are yielding impressive results. From the revitalisation of Fox Lake’s lakefront park to the expansion of Warrensburg’s Corn Festival, villages across the state are using state grants to build a thriving tourism economy. With the support of the DCEO and the Illinois Arts Council, these communities are well on their way to becoming top tourist destinations, offering a wealth of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences. As more villages access these grants, Illinois’ tourism and arts funding programmes will continue to drive economic growth, foster community identity, and attract visitors from near and far.