The Middle of Everything campaign highlights Illinois as the center of culture, food, history, architecture, nightlife and natural wonders - full of experiences for visitors to discover. The campaign stars Illinois native, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress, and New York Times best-selling author, Jane Lynch.

The campaign launches three new TV ads starring Illinois native and Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress and director Jane Lynch.

In addition to agriculture, the region is reknowned around the State for being home to the State's two largest public universities: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal. The State's capital, Springfield, is also located in the region.

When You Go You Know Choose Chicago, the city's tourism agency, unveiled “When You Go You Know,” its latest marketing campaign during an in-person event with remarks by Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday. The new slogan was announced in conjunction with the news that tourism is on the rebound, according to new data from the mayor's office.

Jane Lynch CHICAGO (WMBD) - Illinois State University alum and Illinois native Jane Lynch will be starring in and directing the “Middle of Everything” 2023 summer ad campaign for Illinois.

Jane Lynch can be seen at Heartland's Original Lodge in front of the Great Room's fireplace playing guitar. Jane, an Illinois native and graduate of Illinois State University, has enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood, winning five Primetime Emmy awards, two Screen Actors Guild awards and a Golden Globe award.

Illinois has long been known for its superior infrastructure, boasting top freight access, miles of interstate highway, and accessibility to 80 percent of locations in the continental U.S. within four hours through Illinois' superior airports.

2 Illinois was the first state in the U.S. to ratify the Constitution's 13th amendment which abolished slavery. 3 The first McDonald's was built in Des Plaines, IL. 4 Illinois produces more nuclear energy than any other state in the country. 5 Twinkies were first invented in River Forest, IL in 1930.

Sitting on the banks of beautiful Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, is the third-largest city in the United States, just behind New York City and Los Angeles. Chicago is known for its jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant music scene, amazing food, - including deep-dish pizza - and iconic neighborhoods.

Chicago's motto, urbs in horto or “city in a garden,” was adopted in the 1830s and alludes to the city's impressive and historic park system. Chicago's downtown area is known as “The Loop,” which refers to the area encircled by the Chicago Transit Authority's elevated ('L') train tracks.

Jane Lynch June 27, 2023 – Award-winning actress and Illinois native Jane Lynch is starring in a new campaign for the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Illinois Office of Tourism TV Spot, 'Welcome Friends' Featuring Jane Lynch.