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. 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. This allows the zoo to have a strong focus on conservation and animal care. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. 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. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. The African American communitys legacy emerges through exhibits and events at t Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. 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 can also visit the original State Capitol Hall, first built in 1837. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. 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. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. 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. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. 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 Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. 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. 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. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. 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. To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. Customizable packages are available so you can treat your sweetie with flowers, champagne, a special turndown service, or cheese and fruit. In that case, check out our ranking of the best resorts to try out for a romantic couples trip in Illinois. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. 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. Eat & Drink, Sip some wine and take in the view of Galena Cellar's Vineyard (Galena). This is necessary as some zip lines can reach up to 40mph and can be very high off the ground. 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. 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. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. 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. 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. 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. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. 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 Activities 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. 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. Here is an overview of the best fall festivals in Illinois. Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. 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. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. To see more unique historic sites across Illinois, you can see our full list here. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. It was first designed in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history. 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. 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. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. 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. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. Family Fun, 157. To see a full list of the best breweries in Illinois, see here. 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. 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. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. 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. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. Other elements play a secondary role, such as pagodas, bridges, and lanterns. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. For something more modern, you can try sampling the various wineries that surround the area. These are great for enjoying all the fun of the attractions with fewer crowds. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. 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. Top Attractions in Illinois 2022 1. Activities. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. is perfect for couples who can't decide where to eat. Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. 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. cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. 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. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. 11 Starved Rock State Park. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. 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 actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. 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. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. 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. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. Here we have you covered. 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. These range from more luxury places like the Villa Olivia Resort to fast-paced adrenaline-rushing spots like Snowstar Winter Park or if youre looking for something more family-friendly. 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. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. A scenic drive is also ideal for personalization it can be a full-day activity or just a few hours before you move on to something else. 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. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. Book your trip. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. However, hiking isnt limited to just the state parks. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. 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. 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.. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. Gail Borden Public Library 125 Libraries By jefflC6195OD Gail Borden Library is a treasure in Elgin. Diners rave over the restaurant's large patio and bar, noting that B.A.S.H. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. Get Inspired The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. There are many wineries in the area, and going on a winery tour while enjoying the beautiful scenery is a great way to support local businesses while also experiencing the area. The best part of the Shawnee Wine Trail is the customizability it can be as long or short as you like. The trail is customizable to experience level and is a great way to explore the state. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. 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. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . Camping and RV sites are plentiful if you plan to rough it together; otherwise, enjoy the modern conveniences and history at Pere Marquette Lodge in the state park, built by hand during the Great Depression. 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. 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. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. 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 If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. 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. The Burpee Museum of Natural History is an amazing three-floor museum full of interactive exhibits and unique pieces of history. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. 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. 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. 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. Bring your partner to Belleville whose name means "beautiful city" in French for a romantic trip. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. There are many great ski resorts and areas for skiing and snowboarding throughout Illinois. 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. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. There are many buildings and places throughout the city that are important to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and have been preserved as historic places. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. 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. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. 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. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. With many museums surrounding different topics located in the same city, it is ideal for learning about a wide array of subjects and areas of interest. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. For this reason, going to the beach is another good option for hot summer days in Illinois. Check prices and availability: 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. The Shawnee Wine Trail is located along a 40-mile stretch through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. 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. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. Chicago River dyeing. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. 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. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. One park that stands above the rest is the 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park. The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a unique museum covering the beginnings and development of the machinery company, Caterpillar. Saturday, March 11, 2023, begins at 10 a.m. Chicago River between State and Columbus The Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. 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. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. 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. Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. With a virtual ride in a Caterpillar mining truck and the opportunity to design your own Caterpillar machine, this is a great museum for exciting imagination and curiosity. It is a unique experience and a great way to take in the amazing views of 4 different states. From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. With over 33 in southern Illinois, visitors are spoilt for choice. 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. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. You are in 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. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous 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. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. You could spend the 14 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day exploring Ill Fresh Picks Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. This city is very historically rich, as both the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and the place where Obama first announced his candidacy. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. 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. 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. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. There are over 200 different species, each living in an environment designed for them. Experience the best of main street shopping and more. For some of the best wineries in Galena, we have our top 5 list here. From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. However, winter can be an amazing time to visit Illinois. The Pullman National Monument is another unique part of history as the original site for the first planned industrial community in the US. 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. Many of these bridges are located in picturesque spots, making visiting them a fun activity with many great landscapes to see and history to explore. 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