For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Panoramic views of Chicago can be found from the top of the John Hancock Center or history can be explored in one of the many museums. As mentioned previously, the area around Cloud Gate in Chicago is also turned into an ice rink in winter each year and is another very popular spot. Experience the best of main street shopping and more. 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. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. (Getty Images). Starved Rock State Park is known for its sandstone canyons several of which have waterfalls. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. 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. 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. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. 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. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 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. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. 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. There are also a number of food and drink festivals held in Chicago, such as Ravenswood on Tap, a festival celebrating various craft beers, and the Lincoln Park Wine Festival, which is ideal for sampling a variety of wines from around the world. 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. A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. in To see a full list of the best breweries in Illinois, see here. Here is an overview of the best fall festivals in Illinois. Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. 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. An obvious choice for date night or date week is one of the most famous cities on the planet: Chicago. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Avondale Dunning Garfield Ridge Show all Good for Good for a Rainy Day Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Kids The aforementioned Anderson Japanese Gardens can be found in Rockford as can the well-renowned Burpee Museum of Natural History. 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. From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. The acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. To see some of the top scenic drives in Illinois, check out our post here. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. This 45-mile trail follows a former rail line and passes through beautiful forests, and abandoned towns, and crosses stunning ravines. Millennium Park 25,012 Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks Millennium Park Open now By LUchicago Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. Activities If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. 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. Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. 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. 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. in 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. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . 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. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. 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.. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas 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. The Cahokia Mounds is a really unique and interesting historical site. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. Arts & Culture, If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. 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. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. 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. 157. For some of the best wineries in Galena, we have our top 5 list here. February 13, 2019, Courtesy of Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitor Bureau, Home Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. What to Do in Illinois: Museum of Science and Industry Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com Explore all the great things to do in galena il. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. Many of these beaches offer swimming, canoeing, and other water activities as well as simply relaxing on the sand. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. 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. 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. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. 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. Set just outside Chicago you'll find the affluent suburb of Northbrook, where filmmaker John Hughes once called home and which inspired the setting for many of his cult classics such as "Sixteen Candles," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club." Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). 158. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying 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. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. 30 Things Seoul is Famous For, Driving in Sweden in Winter: All You Need To Know, Globetrotters in heart and soul. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Some couples may prefer an upscale resort with a range of amenities and facilities. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. The town's Shiloh House is a 25-room mansion built in 1901 for the city's founder curious passersby can take a tour of the restored property on Sundays or by appointment. 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. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. You are in These resorts generally have a wide range of facilities and amenities available for guests, ranging from pools and saunas to treatments such as massages and aromatherapy. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. Catch a seasonal floral show including a Spring Show, Orchid Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. From the towering trees of Illinois state parks to the curiosities of local culture and exploration through the past with the rich history of Illinois, there is something to suit every traveler. If you are interested in viewing some of the beautiful nature already mentioned but are looking to avoid the tired legs, or simply prefer observing from the car window, you are in luck as Illinois also has a number of scenic drives. The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. While not traditionally known as a wine-making area, Illinois actually has quite a lot of wineries throughout the state. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. 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. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. If you prefer a day trip to the spa mixed in with other activities, visiting one of Illinois many day spas could be perfect for you. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. 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. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. They were designed by Hoichi Kurisu, a designer of various Japanese gardens throughout America and Landscape Director of the Garden Society of Japan for a number of years. For couples looking for this experience, our post on romantic cabins with hot tubs is ideal for finding your ideal accommodation. For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. 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. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. (Burger and Sushi House). Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Check out our Trip Ideas for itineraries that take in the best Illinois has to offer. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages screams romance, as it sits on a stunning 10 acre property with valley views, a gorgeous garden, walking trails, and a pond. Nestled in the Chain O'Lakes region of Illinois is Cypress Resort & Marine, a great escape for couples looking for a lakeside retreat. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. , you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own forest drives above, you explore. 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