The Local Tourist provides inspiration for your next adventure, focusing on road trips, culture, history, the great outdoors, and destinations large and small.

What is a Local Tourist?
The Local Tourist has a simple goal:
to help you experience the fascination of a tourist while feeling the comfort of the local, no matter where you are.
Please allow me to introduce myself
Hi. My name’s Theresa and I’m The Local Tourist. Have we met? Well, then, please allow me to introduce myself.


Who says the Midwest is flyover country?
In this collection of books dedicated to the Midwest, you’ll discover why it’s more than just the geographical heart of the country.
From canyons in Kansas to authentic fish boils in Wisconsin to North America’s largest powwow in Nebraska, you’ll be astounded by how many cool things there are to see in these twelve states.
Plan your Midwest Adventures with this incredible deal.
Recently on The Local Tourist
Find travel inspiration and tips with these stories and guides.
- Chicago Christmas Bucket List: Best Things to Do 2023
- Plan an Epic Vacation at the 2024 Chicago Travel and Adventure Show
- Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Summit a Fourteener the Easy Way
- 26 Amazing Navy Pier Chicago Attractions and Things To Do
- 2023 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: A Chicago Winter Delight
- Intercontinental Chicago, or what happens when the “party Animals of Freemasonry” want a clubhouse
Writing & Publishing
Not only do I write about travel, I can also teach you how to tighten your writing, bring destinations to life, be found by the readers who need you, and get raving fans. I can also help you learn how to publish your own books and control your author life.






Mother Nature’s a magnificent artist with limitless creativity.
Step into her gallery and get some fresh air.
Road Trips
There’s nothing like hittin’ the road for a great adventure! Check out these guides before you venture out.
- Driving the Scenic Great River Road In Illinois
- Ultimate Road Trip Planner: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for your next Adventure 2023
- Attractions and Things to do on Route 66 in Illinois
- Printable Road Trip Planner for your best vacation 2023
- 33 Beautiful Road Trips in the USA: Best Scenic Drives 2023
- 9 Best Road Trip Organization Tips and Tools: How to Organize your Road Trip Plans 2023

Destination Guides
Go beyond the standard “what to do” with these in-depth destination guides.
- 23 Best Things to do in Chicago in Winter
- Delightful Things to do in Brown County Indiana & the Making of a Tourist Destination
- Beyond the Buggy: Things to do in Shipshewana
- 28 Best Things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- 27 Things to do in in Marinette Wisconsin: A Touch of Royalty, a Dose of History, and the Great Outdoors
- The Captivating Allure of Scottsdale, Arizona

CHICAGO
The Local Tourist began as a Chicago guide in 2002. Explore the Windy City and fall in love.
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Our philosophy is all about making the world a better place through meaningful and fun experiences.