For more on Galena, see our previous post here. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. You can start in Galena in the state's northwest corner and discover enchanting towns along the way, some of which might share a border with Iowa or Missouri, such as Nauvoo. 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. Book your trip. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. Some examples include Gradys Family Fun Park in Bloomington, a small park with rides, go-karts, and mini golf, or Enchanted Castle: Lombard which features laser tag, go-karts, bumper cars, and an arcade. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. There are many amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they dont have the same name recognition as Chicago. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. This state park has some beautiful waterfalls and rock formations with fewer people than Starved Rock. Chicago River dyeing. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. Whether you are planning a romantic couples getaway or a fun family vacation, our guide to the best things to do in Illinois has you covered. 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. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. Retire to one of Chicago's new hotels: Pendry Chicago is a luxe retreat set in an art deco masterpiece of a building, while The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park keeps you centrally located in cheerfully comfortable rooms for couples on the go. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. 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. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. World-class dining, museums and entertainment coexist with free public parks and cheap tickets to the historic Wrigley Field ballpark. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. You can also check out the Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery for farm-fresh goat cheese and goat's milk gelato tremendous additions to any picnic. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Activities. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Address: 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 Website: George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily) Price: Free 8. 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. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. Weekend Plans: 14 Fun Options to Explore Across Illinois There are also a number of food and drink festivals held in Chicago, such as Ravenswood on Tap, a festival celebrating various craft beers, and the Lincoln Park Wine Festival, which is ideal for sampling a variety of wines from around the world. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. It is probably the most. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. These are great for enjoying all the fun of the attractions with fewer crowds. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. 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. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. 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. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. is perfect for couples who can't decide where to eat. Family Fun, in If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages screams romance, as it sits on a stunning 10 acre property with valley views, a gorgeous garden, walking trails, and a pond. Arts & Culture, Daytrip options abound as well: Head about 25 miles east to Apple River Canyon State Park for a gorgeous hike and picnic. The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. Looking to leave your room and explore? Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. From the Queen Anne mansion to the carriage house, all of the rooms on this property come with breakfast, access to a social hour with free beverages, cheese, and fruit. Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. About 35 miles south of Belleville, cozy up at The Conner House Bed and Breakfast in nearby Prairie du Rocher; this B&B serves home-cooked breakfast specialties like crepes and locally made sausage. 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. These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. However, if you are going to be spending time in Grafton, you may prefer some of the following wineries. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. 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. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. 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. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. Taylorville is home to delicious restaurants, great shopping, and even some Illinois history - Abraham Lincoln practiced law in one of the most historic buildings in the town. To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. The cabins are located less than 3 miles from the Garden of the Gods. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. The National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum goes into further depth about the struggles of African Americans in the community and how they worked to gain representation and rights. For more information about this beach, click here. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. Whether you are wine connoisseurs and wish to sample the boutique wineries along the Shawnee Wine Trail or simply relax in a spa, there is something to suit every couple and make your trip romantic. 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. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. 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. Cahokia is one of only two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S., recognized for the remains of an ancient, pre-Columbian Native American city. Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nightlife Sights & Landmarks Fun & Games Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods When visiting Chicago, Navy Pier is a must-go spot, ideal for catching some landscape and cityscape photos in one place, relaxing and enjoying the good weather, and taking part in some interesting local events. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. originated from an 1890 novel but later became popular on the vaudeville circuit the idea was that if your show was a hit in Peoria, it would be an overall success. 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. 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. by Erica Abdnour There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. This is necessary as some zip lines can reach up to 40mph and can be very high off the ground. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. Eagle watching? When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. The Shawnee Wine Trail is located along a 40-mile stretch through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. 2. 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. Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. To see more unique historic sites across Illinois, you can see our full list here. As mentioned above, playing in the water is a great family activity. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Phone: 312-443-3600 Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Berkeley, Tybee Island, Nantucket, NH resorts, MN resorts, Kona, Pasadena, ND, ME, From Boston, Salt Lake City 9. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Weekend Plans: 14 Fun Options to Explore Across Illinois, Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. Here we have you covered. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. 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. September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying events. Venturing away from the largest mounds also allows for great unhindered views of nature. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . One of the best ways to truly connect with your partner is to book a stay in a romantic hotel or cabin where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on each other and the relaxing environment youre in. Check prices and availability: The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. Chicago, Illinois, is an amazing city to visit, offering a diverse selection of museums, tours, and Italian, and other restaurants.Enjoy a bird's eye view from 360 Chicago or the Skydeck, spend an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago, explore the famous Millennium Park, listen to an orchestra performance, and go for a romantic walk in one of the beautiful parks. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. This luxury escape sits on Millionaires Row in Alton, where you can choose from Jacuzzi or fireplace rooms, HDTV with premium movie packages, and both a 24 hour hot beverage service and a 24 hour hot chocolate bar. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. Splurge at three Michelin-starred Alinea, routinely included on lists of the world's best restaurants, or try to snag a spot at one of the Lou Malnati's Pizzeria locations, beloved for its Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. If you prefer a day trip to the spa mixed in with other activities, visiting one of Illinois many day spas could be perfect for you. While the Lincoln Home is only one house, there are a number of other historic houses located on the site which show parts of history from the time of Lincoln. Airbnb in Clifton, Cape Town: 11 great places to stay in 2023, What are the best Airbnbs in Tokyo? Lovers of vintage will find the antique shops of Antioch an appealing way to pass some time. 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. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. An obvious choice for date night or date week is one of the most famous cities on the planet: Chicago. With a long history as the Peoples Pier, Navy Pier has always featured as a space for the public to gather and relax. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. For golf enthusiasts, or those simply looking for a different activity to try, exploring some of these golf courses is a great way to see the state at the same time. Not far from Starved Rock is Fox River Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful and historic property in Ottawa. Luckily, many buildings and sites have been preserved from this history and are now available to be observed and learned from in the modern day. There are a range of trails available to suit all levels of hiker, from casual beginners right through to experienced hiking enthusiasts. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. Spread the trail out over multiple days and stay overnight in one of the wineries that offer accommodation or choose the wineries youre most interested in and make an afternoon of it. 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. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. For photography enthusiasts, there is also a photography cruise that follows the same route as the normal CAFC tour, but takes place in the early morning and pauses at key points to allow photographers to get perfect shots in the morning light. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. 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. If you are interested in small towns in southern Illinois, see our list here, or if you are interested in seeing the best small towns across all of Illinois, see here. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers all types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets! In that case, check out our ranking of the best resorts to try out for a romantic couples trip in Illinois. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. From the towering trees of Illinois state parks to the curiosities of local culture and exploration through the past with the rich history of Illinois, there is something to suit every traveler. If you are interested in viewing some of the beautiful nature already mentioned but are looking to avoid the tired legs, or simply prefer observing from the car window, you are in luck as Illinois also has a number of scenic drives. Autumn is an ideal time to visit when the leaves are at their peak fall colors. 158. 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. At 1353 ft from the ground, this is the highest observation deck in the US and the glass box allows you to see straight through to the ground below. 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. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. There are many other options of places to go hiking in Illinois. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. One park that stands above the rest is the 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. Other elements play a secondary role, such as pagodas, bridges, and lanterns. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. 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. The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. From late November through December, you can bundle up and browse the outdoor stalls in the city's Public Square selling handicrafts and gift items, as well as gingerbread and hot mulled wine. Spanning the Mississippi River into St. Louis, the bridges most interesting feature is the 22-degree bend it makes towards the middle of the bridge. Mundelein, Illinois, United States. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. Diners rave over the restaurant's large patio and bar, noting that B.A.S.H. With Chicagos great location on the edge of Lake Michigan, it is ideal for going to the beach and soaking up some sun. Enjoy some finger sandwiches and then take a look around to see what you can find; shoppers say Little Traveler sells lots of decorative items, especially for Christmas. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Tour Chicago by helicopter. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. Spend the day soaking in the sun with a boat tour or beach day on Petite Lake at Cypress, then head into town for a tasting at the Vigneto del Bino vineyard and winery. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a great example the bridge forms an important part of American engineering history while also being unique and interesting to see. Rockford, also known as Forest City, is ideal for those who enjoy nature and history. Eat & Drink, If you don't want to camp out where the wolves roam, maybe you'll opt for the Mark Twain Hotel for a boutique stay or the fully restored Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette downtown. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. Amid all the swishing and sipping, head to the Pomona Natural Bridge Trail within the Shawnee National Forest for a 0.3-mile loop through hickory and beech trees, with an overlook to a "bridge" formed naturally from sandstone. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. Many of these breweries provide unique craft beers which are both locally produced and delicious. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. Travelers may want to catch a show at the Lincoln Theatre, opened in 1921 as a stage for vaudeville that welcomed stars in the making such as Ginger Rogers and the Marx Brothers.

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