A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. Top Attractions in Illinois 2022 1. Lovebirds can also head to the country for a stay at a Victorian farmhouse operating as the Fox River Bed and Breakfast. Eagle watching? Looking to leave your room and explore? Any visiting duo is practically required to take a picture with "The Bean" (officially titled Cloud Gate), the iconic reflective sculpture in downtown's Millennium Park. This 45-mile trail follows a former rail line and passes through beautiful forests, and abandoned towns, and crosses stunning ravines. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. Outdoor enthusiasts will embrace this scenic driving route for its proximity to hiking, mountain biking and fishing hot spots like Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton or Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. The cabins are located less than 3 miles from the Garden of the Gods. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. 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 Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. For more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. It was once part of the famous Route 66 but is now a walking and biking-only bridge. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . 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. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. The aforementioned Anderson Japanese Gardens can be found in Rockford as can the well-renowned Burpee Museum of Natural History. If you're in Bloomington with your honey during the summer, consider what light through yonder window breaks and book tickets for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, held here annually. Come fall in love with Chicago. . Starved Rock State Park is known for its sandstone canyons several of which have waterfalls. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. If you are open to venturing out, consider the Davie School Inn, an eclectic B&B in Anna just 10 to 20 miles from most of the wineries on the route. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. Rice, Daniel Lee. The Prairie St Brewing Co. started and has been thriving in Rockford for many years now, making it a great stop on any visit to Rockford. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. Fall is the ideal time to attend a festival and Illinois has you covered. 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. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! Autumn is an ideal time to visit when the leaves are at their peak fall colors. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Goldmoore Inn & Resort doubles as the most romantic resorts in Galena as well as romantic couples resort Illinois has to offer. However, if you are going to be spending time in Grafton, you may prefer some of the following wineries. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. Canopy Tours are an exciting and unique way to experience the forest from a different point of view. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon might receive the brunt of the attention when it comes to USA's national parks, but there are a few hidden gems scattered across Illinois as well. While shopping may seem like something you can do anywhere, there are often unique and interesting aspects to shopping in a new place and Illinois is no different. We mentioned already a few museums above but here is a list of more interesting museums. We have the list for you! The acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) 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 . By night, consider holding your loved one close for a walking ghost tour: Alton is considered one of the most haunted small towns in the U.S., and locations such as the McPike Mansion have been featured on paranormal TV series. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. World-class dining, museums and entertainment coexist with free public parks and cheap tickets to the historic Wrigley Field ballpark. As mentioned above, playing in the water is a great family activity. Many of the wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail include on-site lodging so you don't have to wander far from your new favorite red. Here is an overview of the best fall festivals in Illinois. Chicago River dyeing. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. With Illinois long history and great record for preserving historic buildings, it should be no surprise that there are a number of historic mansions still intact and well-preserved throughout the state. Family Fun, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). 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.. 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. It is top of the list for many who enjoy Illinois state parks. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. There are many beaches and lakes in Illinois where kayaking is available as an activity, and many of these offer guides or lessons, making it accessible to all experience levels. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. 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. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. While some of the rooms at the London House boast views of the skyline or the historic landmark district, every room is . To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. Dine on top of a skyscraper. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. 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. 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. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Set on 17 acres of land, this bed and breakfast is a hikers and bikers dream getaway; trails are available to two nearby state parks and the I&M Canal Trail. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. This state park has some beautiful waterfalls and rock formations with fewer people than Starved Rock. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. Its the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and sophisticated society. The Art Institute of Chicago is well-known as one of the best art museums in the world, with over 300,000 works in its collection. 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. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. Activities. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Willis Tower is the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and makes great use of the space with a range of facilities throughout the building, including cafes and restaurants. Gail Borden Public Library 125 Libraries By jefflC6195OD Gail Borden Library is a treasure in Elgin. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. For our full list of winter activities in Illinois, see our more detailed post here. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. Its also home to many local artists and artisanal businesses. 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. Many of the state parks feature amazing waterfalls, such as Cascade Falls in Matthiessen State Park and St Louis Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. Have a look at the best things to do in Illinois: 1. 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. While it may not be medieval Europe, Illinois still has its fair share of castles. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. 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. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. Established in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, Naper Settlement, located at 523 South Webster Street, is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin . 11 Starved Rock State Park. The more than 60 restaurants ensure your sweetie won't go hungry or thirsty, since the Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery with seasonal taps and a hearty menu. What is Seoul Known For? We've got all the big city glitz and glamour, plus candle-lit restaurants, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind date night activities. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. Catch a seasonal floral show including a Spring Show, Orchid Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show. in While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. 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. The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. 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. September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying events. You can also visit the original State Capitol Hall, first built in 1837. 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. Museums are a great way to sneak in some education and information while still keeping children entertained and engaged. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. Book your trip. 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. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. 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. If you're looking for the best of quirky small-town America, spend some time in Alton, Illinois, especially if you're a pair of history buffs. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. The Underground Railroad passed through here, and visitors can explore Alton's abolitionist and Civil War history with nine self-guided stops through town following the Lincoln Legacy Trail. 30 Things Seoul is Famous For, Driving in Sweden in Winter: All You Need To Know, Globetrotters in heart and soul. Riverfront dining also dazzles, with twinkling lights and an open invitation for an after-dinner stroll try Beatnik on the River for international flavors and inspired design. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. Head to Zion, on the border with Wisconsin, where Illinois Beach State Park extends for 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. 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 you're looking to make it a full lakefront retreat, book a stay at the Illinois Beach Hotel, which reopened in July 2022 and features an indoor pool, sauna, health spa and Wi-Fi though being here might make you want to unplug. Not only is the beach a beautiful sandy lake shore, it also has some amazing views of the Chicago skyline. Here we have you covered. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Chicago, Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Summer brings to mind heat, beaches, and fun in the water, but can be so much more. History, Yes, that means you can have a beach day in Illinois, which also comes with the opportunity to soak in the serenity of the untouched North Dunes and Illinois Beach nature preserves, located inside the state park. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. The beach has space for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing and is a popular spot on weekends. 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