For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. The main building offers a choice of eleven guest rooms while the Bell House has two more suites. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. 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. About 25 miles outside of Springfield, the Market Street Inn Bed & Breakfast in Taylorville also makes a great home base to explore central Illinois and the impact of former resident Abraham Lincoln. Here are twelve great places in Illinois that are sure to set a romantic tone: 1. As mentioned above, playing in the water is a great family activity. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. Illinois' lakeshore offers couples the chance to unwind on the waterfront. To see some of the top scenic drives in Illinois, check out our post here. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. 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. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Back at Cypress, unwind in one of the many apartments or cottages available to rent including some dog-friendly accommodations, if your couples getaway isn't complete without your pup. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. 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. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. (Burger and Sushi House). 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. Arts & Culture, If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. 30 Things Seoul is Famous For, Driving in Sweden in Winter: All You Need To Know, Globetrotters in heart and soul. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. You can also try Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in nearby Wheeling for walk-in wine tastings in addition to an extensive food menu. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! Visitors can explore the mounds, either with a guide or independently. However, hiking isnt limited to just the state parks. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. 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. 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. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Family Fun, Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. 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. A CityPASS, for example, bundles admission to several top Windy City attractions at a significant discount, whether you want to see the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, SkyDeck Chicago or select others. 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. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. 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. 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. 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 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. To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. The charms of Geneva don't end there spend your morning strolling the Fabyan Japanese Garden, installed in 1910 and featuring a restored, 19th-century Dutch windmill. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. 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. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. 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. 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. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. 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. 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. 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. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. Many of these places have been turned into small museums or historic pieces, which is a great way to explore the history of the city as well as the daily life of our ancestors. These are great for enjoying all the fun of the attractions with fewer crowds. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. The Cahokia Mounds is a really unique and interesting historical site. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? There are many places throughout the state that are amazing to enjoy the autumn colors. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. 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. Not a hiking or biking fan? This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. 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. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers all types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets! 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 Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 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. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. in Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" Airbnb in Clifton, Cape Town: 11 great places to stay in 2023, What are the best Airbnbs in Tokyo? 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. 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. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. (Getty Images). 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? The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. 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. Some animals are part of interactive programs such as goat grooming and meeting penguins. A fun schedule of events at the museum includes film series like the Richard Pryor Film Festival and activities like Yoga Under the Stars. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. The Pullman National Monument is another unique part of history as the original site for the first planned industrial community in the US. 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. Chicago Architecture Cruise. Other top sights here to check out are the Air Combat Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana Thomas House, and the Camp Butler National Cemetery. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. The period rooms are well appointed, and the property encourages guests to live out their "Bridgerton" fantasies over afternoon tea or time spent in the garden. Whether it is through interactive exhibits or finding museums relevant to their interests, museums can be an ideal way to spend a day as a family. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. Looking to leave your room and explore? Springfield is only 80 miles from the lodge. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoy cocktails at Green Mill Jazz Club. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. 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. 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. 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 many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. However, winter can be an amazing time to visit Illinois. 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. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. 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. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations,. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Explore presidential history alongside wine country in this Midwestern state, and book well in advance if you are looking to dine at one of the world's best restaurants in Chicago or simply want some famous deep-dish pizza. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. 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. Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. However, if you are going to be spending time in Grafton, you may prefer some of the following wineries. Whether its lunch before relaxing on the greens or a nice dinner while watching the sunset, the Navy Pier restaurants simply add to the overall experience. 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. 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. 157. 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. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. 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. Chicago, For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Head to Zion, on the border with Wisconsin, where Illinois Beach State Park extends for 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. 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. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. There are many other options of places to go hiking in Illinois. 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. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. What to Do in Illinois: Museum of Science and Industry Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com Weekend Plans: 14 Fun Options to Explore Across Illinois by Erica Abdnour While it may not seem like the most interesting topic, the center has gone above and beyond to make the experience interactive and exciting. in 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. Here we have you covered. Explore all the great things to do in galena il. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. 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. There are many unique fossils, bones, and more featured in the museum along with exhibits on geology, ancient human civilizations, and more. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. Some overnighters say the accommodations may feel a bit kitschy (you can sleep in a train) but they enjoyed walking along the trails during the day. Its also home to many local artists and artisanal businesses. 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. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. It is designed in a traditional Japanese walking garden style, meaning it is intended to for the visitor to stroll around the garden and enjoy the various landscapes, almost like changing scenes in a play. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. Stay in a cabin at picturesque Starved Rock (Utica). Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. in (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. Autumn is an ideal time to visit when the leaves are at their peak fall colors. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. The name "Garden of the Gods" stirs images of a forbidden utopia but you and your special someone can easily access this celestial hike in the Shawnee National Forest, partially located in Herod, Illinois. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Illinois is The M. Arts & Culture & History 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. 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. 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. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. It is top of the list for many who enjoy Illinois state parks. 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 nostalgic and authentic setting about Boo castle park, located in,... Site is located in downtown Chicago power of public spaces seen as a hub four... All types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets book your next things to do in illinois for couples... 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