The Cahokia Mounds is a really unique and interesting historical site. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. When you're both ready to tuck in, the Beall Mansion B&B will serve you well, with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, included continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The lush interior, vibrant artwork and 1950's inspired Copacabana Club show whisks lovers from chilly Chicago to the heat of Latin America. 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. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Grafton is often seen as a small, unassuming town in southern Illinois, but is actually a vibrant hub of culture surrounded by beautiful scenery. Amenities at the inn include a full breakfast served in bed, picnic baskets and bicycles available to borrow, and a DVD library with free popcorn. Starved Rock State Park is known for its sandstone canyons several of which have waterfalls. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. For example, Cairo is a unique town with many abandoned structures. Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. To see more unique historic mansions in northern Illinois, see our comprehensive list here. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. We have the list for you! Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. 158. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. World-class dining, museums and entertainment coexist with free public parks and cheap tickets to the historic Wrigley Field ballpark. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center in conjunction with Chicagos First Lady cruise boat has designed a river cruise to feature some of Chicagos most beautiful, interesting, and historic architectural delights. 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. Not a hiking or biking fan? 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. 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. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Activities. 2. 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 must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Summer brings to mind heat, beaches, and fun in the water, but can be so much more. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. 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. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. On the other hand, escaping to a cabin in nature can be an amazing experience, a great way to clear ones head, connect with nature, enjoy the wildlife around you and make the best of your time with your partner. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. Activities This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. 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. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. More information on the Science Center as well as many other museums which are great for children can be found here, in our guide to museums in Illinois. in For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. 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. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. The cruise takes about 90 minutes and is now offered in the evening as well as during the day to provide a different view of the city. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. 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. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. There is a quarter-mile observation trail, or hikers can go all in on the 5.5-mile trek along interconnecting trails; each boasts views of the forest's unique rock formations. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. 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. Located on the lakefront, Navy Pier overlooks the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan. Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. 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. 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. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites without extra cost to you. Canopy Tours are an exciting and unique way to experience the forest from a different point of view. To see our full list of the best waterfalls in Illinois and how to plan your visit to see them, check out our post here. The inn offers a package bundling museum tickets with a bottle of sparkling wine and dessert, among other romantic amenities you can add on to your stay. 157. The Inn at 835, just a mile from the museum, was founded in the late 19th century by local businesswoman Bell Miller, a florist for Springfield's high society. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events 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. With so many winter activities available, it is a great opportunity to experience many of the popular places without the crowds, as well as take part in winter-exclusive experiences. 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. It also houses 5 acres of botanical gardens to explore and the area surrounding the Cloud Gate becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. 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 acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. Lovers of vintage will find the antique shops of Antioch an appealing way to pass some time. The Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast is an Italianate mansion designed by Irish immigrants John and Ann Cloran in 1880, where today guests can enjoy cozy rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool baths, complete with a gourmet breakfast daily. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. For this reason, going to the beach is another good option for hot summer days in Illinois. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. Check prices and availability: 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. These are great for enjoying all the fun of the attractions with fewer crowds. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations,. The adjacent Fabyan Villa was renovated by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907; the Fabyans were wealthy eccentrics who kept collections of natural history specimens and art, as well as mummies and other oddball curiosities. Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. Airbnb in Clifton, Cape Town: 11 great places to stay in 2023, What are the best Airbnbs in Tokyo? 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. For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. Back in the 21st century, couples can stroll downtown Bloomington to browse the storefronts with a possible detour back in time at the Arcadia arcade, which charges just a quarter for more than half of its vintage games. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. 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. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. 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. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. 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. You and your partner may find yourselves hiking to the heavens at the Garden of the Gods, swimming the shores of Lake Michigan or barreling down the Great River Road scenic byway. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. 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. 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. The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. Head into the Rustic and Reclaimed Market for home and decor finds or the Great Lakes Antiques & Boutique, which also features the work of local artists. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Dine on top of a skyscraper. While it may not be medieval Europe, Illinois still has its fair share of castles. 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. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. 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. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. Arts & Culture, About 4,400 miles separate Switzerland's Lake Geneva from Geneva, Illinois, but you can still enjoy serene waterfront views at Island Park, located along the Fox River. 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. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. The property used to host farm-to-table meals but took the year off in 2022; check its website for updates on this special experience. However, if you are going to be spending time in Grafton, you may prefer some of the following wineries. Some highlights include the 16th Century style Ravenstone Castle, Bettendorf Castle which was modeled after the original Vianden Castle in Luxembourg, and Old Main Castle, built in a traditional Gothic style. Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. 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. Regional Getaways, 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. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. Eat & Drink, See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips 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. Tour Chicago by helicopter. 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. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. The property hosts weekly events such as a barbecue and wine pairing dinner in the summer. The park itself is a one-stop outing, featuring an ice rink, a 120-foot-tall bandshell designed by Frank Gehry that attracts top-notch musical talent, the seasonal Lurie Garden, staggering public art installations and a roster of free events held on the Great Lawn. 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. The aforementioned Anderson Japanese Gardens can be found in Rockford as can the well-renowned Burpee Museum of Natural History. When you're done exploring for the day, retire to the Champaign Garden Inn, a bed-and-breakfast with six guest rooms inside a Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. 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