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. 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. 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. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. 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. These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. 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. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. If you are interested in finding the most interesting haunted places in Illinois and the stories behind them, see our full guide here for a spooky read. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. Museums are a great way to sneak in some education and information while still keeping children entertained and engaged. Springfield is only 80 miles from the lodge. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. 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. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. 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. 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. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. The Pullman National Monument is another unique part of history as the original site for the first planned industrial community in the US. 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. When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. Spend the day soaking in the sun with a boat tour or beach day on Petite Lake at Cypress, then head into town for a tasting at the Vigneto del Bino vineyard and winery. 158. Mundelein, Illinois, United States. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. 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. 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. For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. 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. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. in 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. 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. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. Venturing away from the largest mounds also allows for great unhindered views of nature. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. in The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. 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. Some couples may prefer an upscale resort with a range of amenities and facilities. 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. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. There are many great ski resorts and areas for skiing and snowboarding throughout 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. From Wildcat Canyon, the deepest canyon in Starved Rock Park at 90 feet to LaSalle Canyon, where you can stand behind the waterfall, there are many canyons to explore in Illinois. 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. This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. 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. For those interested in the paranormal, visiting a haunted place around Halloween in fall is a unique and fun activity. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. 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. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. Located on the lakefront, Navy Pier overlooks the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan. The Arts and Crafts-style property features a quiet atmosphere and about a dozen flower-themed rooms, four of which come with balconies. And not only is the architecture of the building itself impressive but there is an entire architecture section of the museum, that explores the intersection of architecture and art. Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. 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. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. Ice skating is very popular in Illinois and so there are many different places you can enjoy the activity. 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. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. Illinois, area. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. 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. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. Millennium Park 25,012 Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks Millennium Park Open now By LUchicago 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. 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. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. 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. What is Seoul Known For? Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. The Prairie St Brewing Co. started and has been thriving in Rockford for many years now, making it a great stop on any visit to Rockford. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. Chicago Architecture Cruise. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. 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. 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. Not only is the beach a beautiful sandy lake shore, it also has some amazing views of the Chicago skyline. 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. 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. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. 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. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. An obvious choice for date night or date week is one of the most famous cities on the planet: Chicago. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. For some of the best wineries in Galena, we have our top 5 list here. You can also try Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in nearby Wheeling for walk-in wine tastings in addition to an extensive food menu. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. . It is actually a part of ancient history, putting it in a separate category from most other historic sites listed. Chicago, History, Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. 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. 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. 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. September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying events. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. We have the list for you! The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. To see a full list of the best breweries in Illinois, see here. There are a range of trails available to suit all levels of hiker, from casual beginners right through to experienced hiking enthusiasts. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. From Ridge Cemetery, the cemetery to a ghost town, located at the highest point of a mountain to the Woodstock Opera House, an architecturally beautiful building supposedly haunted by the resident ghost Elvira. 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. 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. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. Whether you are wine connoisseurs and wish to sample the boutique wineries along the Shawnee Wine Trail or simply relax in a spa, there is something to suit every couple and make your trip romantic. Here is an overview of the best fall festivals in Illinois. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers all types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets! We mentioned already a few museums above but here is a list of more interesting museums. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. 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. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. Pheasant Lanes. For couples looking for this experience, our post on romantic cabins with hot tubs is ideal for finding your ideal accommodation. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. There are many beaches and lakes in Illinois where kayaking is available as an activity, and many of these offer guides or lessons, making it accessible to all experience levels. This is necessary as some zip lines can reach up to 40mph and can be very high off the ground. 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 Wolff's Flea Market 6920 N Mannheim Rosemont, IL 60018 (847) 524-9590 Wolff's Flea Market in Rosemont, IL is open every Sunday featuring about a hundred vendors selling everything from antiques to fresh produce, and more. 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. From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. Activities It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. For more information about this beach, click here. While fall foliage can be beautiful anyway, something about the cool, windy weather and ambient atmosphere of Illinois makes it ideal for really appreciating the stunning colors. 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. 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. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" around Illinois. Bunk with the bison and stay here in one of 13 unique lodging rooms or 20 tent campsites. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. 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. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. The best part of the Shawnee Wine Trail is the customizability it can be as long or short as you like. Daytrip options abound as well: Head about 25 miles east to Apple River Canyon State Park for a gorgeous hike and picnic. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. You can read our complete privacy policy here. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. Eat & Drink, Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. There are many places throughout the state that are amazing to enjoy the autumn colors. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. 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. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. While not traditionally known as a wine-making area, Illinois actually has quite a lot of wineries throughout the state. For our full list of winter activities in Illinois, see our more detailed post here. Little bit of everything, Peoria is an overview of the best part of as. High off the ground we have some of the best part of history as the original for... Art Museum, see here and science exhibits in addition to features like and... All ages it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the famous! 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