If you are planning a romantic couples trip, Illinois is an ideal place with a variety of things to do. It also houses 5 acres of botanical gardens to explore and the area surrounding the Cloud Gate becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. Regional Getaways, Julia Scott Vrooman lived there for more than a century, befriending the families of two presidents (the Wilsons and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt) and baking bread that she sent to the Queen of England and other dignitaries. The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. Planning a trip around seeing the state parks of Illinois is not uncommon, and so staying in the areas closest to these state parks is quite popular. Friendly winemakers, innkeepers and shop owners are all eager to elevate your romantic getaway. Museums are a great way to sneak in some education and information while still keeping children entertained and engaged. Here you'll find both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years, as well as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. Travelers can always walk off an indulgent meal at one of Champaign-Urbana's many art galleries; the Wandell Sculpture Garden; or the contemporary Spurlock Museum, which focuses on world cultures. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. For those more interested in the history of Lincoln, following the Lincoln and Civil War Legacy Trail in Alton could be a fun and informative activity. Three of the rooms in this once-school are set up as romantic luxury suites, and you can treat yourself to extras like wine, roses or candle lighting in your room. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Avondale Dunning Garfield Ridge Show all Good for Good for a Rainy Day Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Kids Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. A number of elements are key to this style, such as water through waterfalls or ponds, stones either rock paths or sculptures, and of course plants. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. in The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. (Burger and Sushi House). Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. From Ridge Cemetery, the cemetery to a ghost town, located at the highest point of a mountain to the Woodstock Opera House, an architecturally beautiful building supposedly haunted by the resident ghost Elvira. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. It is probably the most. Rich Harvest Farms is a more modern, but very unique course in that it has been designed purely to suit the whims of the billionaire owner, meaning it doesnt always fit regulation standards. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . Head to Zion, on the border with Wisconsin, where Illinois Beach State Park extends for 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstock. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. No matter where in the state you are planning to go, what type of group youre traveling with, and what your budget is, we have something for you so you can enjoy the beautiful state of Illinois to its full potential. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. There are also many breweries that are working towards a good cause, such as Black Horizons Brewing Company, the only black-owned brewing company in the state, which also donates a portion of the proceeds to various causes. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. The Cahokia Mounds is a really unique and interesting historical site. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. Illinois is blessed with many beautiful State Parks featuring a variety of different ecological phenomena. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. Eleven of the state's best wineries, including some of the oldest vineyards in Illinois, are dotted along a 40-mile trail for you to discover at your own pace. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. It was once part of the famous Route 66 but is now a walking and biking-only bridge. Centennial Beach 162 Beaches By litttlelaura75 See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. The Magnificent Mile is an area of Michigan Avenue in Chicago that serves as one of the main retail areas in the city as well as home to a number of Chicago landmarks, upscale restaurants, museums, and more. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. Perhaps the most famous state park, Starved Rock State Park, is loved by many for its miles of trails, opportunities for hiking, boating, photography, and more. With so many to choose from, there is no better way to spend a nice sunny day than exploring some of the best parks on offer. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. Experience the best of main street shopping and more. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. Close to Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton is blessed with amazing autumn foliage and stunning rock formations within easy reach. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. Rockford, also known as Forest City, is ideal for those who enjoy nature and history. While some of the rooms at the London House boast views of the skyline or the historic landmark district, every room is . Panoramic views of Chicago can be found from the top of the John Hancock Center or history can be explored in one of the many museums. Illinois has a wide range of water parks, including both indoor and outdoor options as well as parks that are better for young children and others that are suitable for all ages. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. 1. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. Look beyond the large chains to find boutique hotels, mom-and-pop shops and locally owned restaurants for a truly romantic getaway to small-town America. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary breakfast - some suites even feature spa Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. A full breakfast comes complimentary, and you dont want to miss an array of Belgian waffles, French toast, eggs, farm-fresh meats, and much more. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. On the other end of the spectrum is Galena Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest Chicago, both of which celebrate the German event of Oktoberfest with beer, sausages, pretzels, and more aspects of German heritage. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Eat & Drink Regional Getaways Illinois Made Chicago Activities Family Fun Architecture Arts & Culture & History Outdoors & Regional Offbeat Illinois 4-5 Days 5+ Days From Local Experts 1-3 Days Top 10 Winter Events & Festivals in Illinois Skiing? If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations, including freestanding cottages with their own fireplaces and soaking tubs. The best part of the Shawnee Wine Trail is the customizability it can be as long or short as you like. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Complete with five beautifully decorated suites, a parlor, library, music room, and dining room, The Vrooman Mansion offers a seasonal gourmet breakfast each morning and is conveniently located near wineries, breweries, the Miller Park Zoo, and several quaint restaurants. Sybaris Northbrook offers couples reservations like the Chalet suite, which comes with a heated pool and hot tub, misting steam room, a waterfall, massage chairs, a fireplace and an additional whirlpool tub in the bedroom area. Dine on top of a skyscraper. in With Illinois many beautiful state parks and miles upon miles of hiking trails, it would be a waste to leave them untouched for months of the year, and so winter hiking is also popular. Family Fun, I enjoy helping adult individuals of all ages and couples that still want to work things out, providing a safe place for you to find clarity, seek healing . 5.2 Miles 60% 151 votes 8 Henson Robinson Zoo Zoos 1100 East Lake Drive, Springfield, IL 62707 Over 90 species of animals can be found at the Henson Robinson Zoo. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. The giant silver bean is embedded in the public consciousness. The property hosts weekly events such as a barbecue and wine pairing dinner in the summer. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . A National Historic Landmark District, Nauvoo showcases a Mormon heritage with dozens of restored homes and shops available to tour by horse-drawn wagon ride for free. With many interactive exhibits covering a wide range of topics including natural sciences, inventions, and discoveries as well as arts, the Science Center is a great day trip for the whole family. If you make it all the way down to the southern tip of the state, the Cairo Custom House Museum is a historically significant stop along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. The Krannert Art Museum is located on the campus of the University of Illinois in central Illinois and is the second-largest fine art museum in the state. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The aforementioned Anderson Japanese Gardens can be found in Rockford as can the well-renowned Burpee Museum of Natural History. Get Inspired Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. If you're visiting the Prairie State during the winter, you can't miss Belleville's Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German-style holiday market celebrating the season of Advent leading up to Christmas. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Or, about 15 miles south of Galena, you can honor the area's rich Native American heritage with a visit to the Wapello Land & Water Reserve. The beautiful gardens on site make for a great backdrop to a romantic weekend, and the on-site library offers books, magazines, games, and DVDs as well as refreshments. If you prefer a large shopping mall, Gurnee Mills might be the place for you as Illinois third-largest mall with over 189 shops and services. One park that stands above the rest is the 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. You won't taste quite the same bread there today, but your stay includes a full breakfast made with seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed on the patio or in the dining room. For this reason, going to the beach is another good option for hot summer days in Illinois. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. The latter contains presidential artifacts found nowhere else and a theater that shows educational films and living history performances to immerse you in the time of Lincoln. Venturing away from the largest mounds also allows for great unhindered views of nature. The town's Shiloh House is a 25-room mansion built in 1901 for the city's founder curious passersby can take a tour of the restored property on Sundays or by appointment. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Nightlife Bars & Clubs Comedy Clubs Dance Clubs & Discos Bar, Club & Pub Tours Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Calumet Heights Clearing Canaryville Show all Good for For more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. 2. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. While fall foliage can be beautiful anyway, something about the cool, windy weather and ambient atmosphere of Illinois makes it ideal for really appreciating the stunning colors. Many places with hiking trails also allow biking, and in some ways, biking can be more versatile with the area you are able to cover. Originally constructed as a permanent monument to the Worlds Columbian Exposition in 1893, the Field Museum still stands with 20 permanent exhibits featuring items from the Ice Age, Ancient Egypt, and even the time of dinosaurs. Come fall in love with Chicago. From the Shawnee Wine trail mentioned above to smaller clusters of wineries found in other parts of the state, there are many places to enjoy locally-produced wines. On a trip to Bloomington, be sure to check in to the Vrooman Mansion, a former home brimming with legacy and life since the Scott family moved into the mansion in 1873. If you're both looking for a true romantic escape in nature, you're in luck: Pharaoh Campground has a dozen campsites open year-round for a small fee. Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. Grafton is a great place to experience nature as there are also a number of wildlife sanctuaries and bird- and wildlife-watching enthusiasts regularly gather. As mentioned above, playing in the water is a great family activity. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. The Art Institute of Chicago 24,409 Art Museums Grant Park By caront671 The first was major retrospective of the Chicago influenced works of John Singer Sargent, who had many patrons among 2022 2. Chicago, Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. Some of the golf courses found in Illinois also have a long history, such as Chicago Golf Course, ranked as the top golf course in Illinois, and first built in the 1890s. Arts & Culture, The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Explore Illinois Architectural Oddities 27 Statues 25 Museums And Collections 25 Shops 25 History 23 Art 23 Sculptures 21 Monuments 20 Collections 20 Abandoned 17 Cemeteries 14 Illinois Obscura. February 13, 2019, Courtesy of Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitor Bureau, Home To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. What is Seoul Known For? Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. This Asian-fusion restaurant brings a modern twist to fusion cuisine with craft cocktails, nigiri, four different types of mac 'n' cheese, Thai doughnuts and burgers. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. The institute is located in one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. While it may not be medieval Europe, Illinois still has its fair share of castles. There are also a number of historic buildings, such as the Clock Tower and the many historic houses, which depict how the community would have been at the time and give information on daily life. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. Zion was a town that was completely planned before it was built, and you can see the remnants of its historical homes (called "Painted Ladies") that encircle the central Shiloh Park. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. If youre in Illinois on a budget, taking advantage of free things to do is a great way to still get some great experiences without breaking the bank. Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Fun & Games Sights & Landmarks Nightlife Boat Tours & Water Sports Museums Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Zoos & Aquariums Water & Amusement Parks Casinos & Gambling Traveler rating & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Canaryville Lower West Side Near West Side Show all Good for Good for Couples Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. You can read our complete privacy policy here. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. A night out along the Magnificent Mile or a day browsing the many retail options, and taking advantage of the amazing culinary offerings is a must-do for those visiting Chicago. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. As mentioned previously, the area around Cloud Gate in Chicago is also turned into an ice rink in winter each year and is another very popular spot. A day at the spa is generally considered an ideal form of self-care and relaxation, so why not share that with your partner? As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. The main building offers a choice of eleven guest rooms while the Bell House has two more suites. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. Visitors are sometimes surprised to hear that Illinois has many stunning waterfalls, but with the range of well-preserved state parks and rock formations, it is really no surprise. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. is perfect for couples who can't decide where to eat. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. Eat your way through a long weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area with Zambian food at Stango Cuisine, a stop at the Black Dog Smoke and Ale House for local barbecue, and an all-natural milk tea at Bearology. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. For a getaway within a getaway, head to Galena's year-round Chestnut Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter or zip lining and river cruising in the summer. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. The London House boasts a tri-level rooftop bar, as well as a inhouse restaurant, with a terrace overlooking the river serving a fresh take on regional cuisine.. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. 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