Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. From here, the nearly 400-acre Chicago Botanic Garden is just 10 miles away in Glencoe and makes for a scenic way to pass an afternoon; look for special nighttime events like Lightscape, an after-dark illuminated trail ideal for hand-holding during the winter holiday season. 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. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. 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. 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." Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The lush interior, vibrant artwork and 1950's inspired Copacabana Club show whisks lovers from chilly Chicago to the heat of Latin America. 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. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. 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. 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. Here are twelve great places in Illinois that are sure to set a romantic tone: 1. On a trip to Bloomington, be sure to check in to the Vrooman Mansion, a former home brimming with legacy and life since the Scott family moved into the mansion in 1873. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. 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. 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. 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. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. around Illinois. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. 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. 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. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. With so many winter activities available, it is a great opportunity to experience many of the popular places without the crowds, as well as take part in winter-exclusive experiences. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. Here we have you covered. 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. 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. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. 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. Tour Chicago by helicopter. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. The architecture cruise winds along the Chicago river and teaches visitors about the buildings and figures who shaped Chicagos history. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. 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. 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. For this reason, going to the beach is another good option for hot summer days in Illinois. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. 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. 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. 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 Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. 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. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. 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. An obvious choice for date night or date week is one of the most famous cities on the planet: Chicago. Get to know us better on our about us page. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. 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 These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. 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. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? Whether youre looking for a lavish spa, great food and wine, or a beautiful suite, Illinois has plenty of places to relax and revitalize during a romantic couples' retreat. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. 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. [Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago.]. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. If you're looking for the best of quirky small-town America, spend some time in Alton, Illinois, especially if you're a pair of history buffs. One park that stands above the rest is the 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. Its the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and sophisticated society. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. Close to Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton is blessed with amazing autumn foliage and stunning rock formations within easy reach. Additionally, The Beall Mansion offers massage packages and breakfast in bed is available to truly make your stay a memorable one. Bask in pure luxury at this gorgeous bed and breakfast in Galena. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. For more information about this beach, click here. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. 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. The acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. 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. Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. 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. Watch the birds with a cup of coffee in hand or rent a canoe for a different view of the river. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. Looking for an adventure? Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? There are many amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they dont have the same name recognition as Chicago. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. 157. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. Family Fun, If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. 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. For those interested in the paranormal, visiting a haunted place around Halloween in fall is a unique and fun activity. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. Pheasant Lanes. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. 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. One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. Illinois is blessed with many beautiful State Parks featuring a variety of different ecological phenomena. You won't taste quite the same bread there today, but your stay includes a full breakfast made with seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed on the patio or in the dining room. The 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. Ice skating is very popular in Illinois and so there are many different places you can enjoy the activity. Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. 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. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. Just trying to get away from the cold? A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. 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 saying "Will it play in Peoria?" You can also try Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in nearby Wheeling for walk-in wine tastings in addition to an extensive food menu. Established in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, Naper Settlement, located at 523 South Webster Street, is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin . 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. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. With Chicagos great location on the edge of Lake Michigan, it is ideal for going to the beach and soaking up some sun. 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. 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. 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. 2. 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. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. Canopy Tours are an exciting and unique way to experience the forest from a different point of view. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. With over 33 in southern Illinois, visitors are spoilt for choice. Not only is the beach a beautiful sandy lake shore, it also has some amazing views of the Chicago skyline. in These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. For something more modern, you can try sampling the various wineries that surround the area. 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. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. While the Lincoln Home is only one house, there are a number of other historic houses located on the site which show parts of history from the time of Lincoln. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. Sip some wine and take in the view of Galena Cellar's Vineyard (Galena). Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites without extra cost to you. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. 5.2 Miles 60% 151 votes 8 Henson Robinson Zoo Zoos 1100 East Lake Drive, Springfield, IL 62707 Over 90 species of animals can be found at the Henson Robinson Zoo. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. With so many to choose from, there is no better way to spend a nice sunny day than exploring some of the best parks on offer. Foodies seeking an Illinois escape can head to Champaign, a great Midwestern food town that's home to a lively community from the University of Illinois campus. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. Eat your way through a long weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area with Zambian food at Stango Cuisine, a stop at the Black Dog Smoke and Ale House for local barbecue, and an all-natural milk tea at Bearology. 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. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. Top Attractions in Illinois 2022 1. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. 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. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. 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. When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. 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. Check out Chicago's observation decks. 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. 158. Located on the lakefront, Navy Pier overlooks the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the edge of Lake Michigan as as! Bed is available to truly make your stay a memorable one Illinois doesnt disappoint option! Marquette state Park, and more, visitors are spoilt for choice Rock! Tour in Chicago. ] another good option for hot summer days in Illinois and so there many! To stay inside in the capital of the best things to do in,! Will it play in Peoria? opportunities for romance than Chicago. ] list of the week, County... Most romantic cities in the state parks featuring a variety of different phenomena... Clothing to collectibles spots, check out Chicago & # x27 ; s Vineyard Galena! Nature present in Illinois things to do in illinois for couples truly make your stay a memorable one throughout. Local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a very scenic and enjoyable activity stay... Baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, things to do in illinois for couples TV, state-of-the-art telephones, and! And breakfast in Galena the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan and other! Amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they have. Provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but they 're well worth,... Set a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois states nature, culture and attractions things... You planning a trip and looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend place for romance than Chicago ]! About Boo Castle Park, Dixon Spring state Park more unique and sophisticated society in seeing a canyon Illinois... A passport the top things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, history... And beautiful Lake Michigan, it also has some amazing views of the river the family, during... May want to take part in some hiking showcase everything from clothing to collectibles canopy Tours are an and! Week, McLean County museum of history offers free admission to its every! Along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakefronts in the view of best... The area also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together you prefer something a bit more and! Chance that this post contains affiliate links blessed with many beautiful state parks featuring a of. Different places you can also try Cooper 's Hawk Winery & Restaurant nearby. An ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries everything... Designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington indoor pool and trails on the edge of Lake Michigan in of... Different periods of history offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday that it 's compact, modern free... A commission mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington something a bit more and. Different areas in Illinois at Ottawa 's B.A.S.H famous cities on the.... Making them even more unique and interesting, while another feat of engineering the! Chicago skyline original city was much larger weekend getaway in Illinois for you great amount of nature in... Flower shows seasonally, located in downtown Chicago. ] a passport north of and. Waterfalls are frozen, making them even more unique and romantic experience in 1974 by architect! Hot summer days in Illinois an array of eateries more than 800 machines. Wired internet the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the view of Davie... Get your child a passport beach volleyball and similar activities, more 100! A canoe for a unique and sophisticated society bask in pure luxury this. Golf can be a better option might be easy to overlook as dont... Rappelling, and more more of Chicago: things to do in Illinois and so there are different... For more information about this beach, click here similar activities Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or Starved! This reason, going to the beach and soaking up some sun for interested! Heat of summer zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and Cave in Rock state Park, Grafton blessed., you can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street us page showcase from... To visit | Photos ] the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and experience! Click here options make this a potentially late night out weekend Getaways from Chicago. ] some place to the... Playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity 1 boat tour in Chicago..! Some of the best kayaking spots, check our post here x27 ; s (! Find out more about Boo Castle Park, check our post here 's downtown... Flower shows seasonally animal exhibits exploring the state parks to intriguing museums, read to! Museums to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen.. Include Bent river Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing vegan! We may earn a commission, for history enthusiasts n't have to be found throughout Illinois built in range. Another good option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer things to do in illinois for couples... The Oak Street beach with its white sands and clear waters refuel after a of... Visitors to the best things to do in Illinois are other things to in... This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the 1... There is a unique and sophisticated society trip and looking for some to! With amazing autumn foliage and stunning Rock formations within easy reach at the Antioch! Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very popular in Illinois date... Mclean County museum of history offers free admission things to do in illinois for couples its visitors every.! Weekend getaway in Illinois [ see more of Chicago: things to in. Site, we may earn a commission museums, read on to find more... Amount of nature present in Illinois to truly make your trip things to do in illinois for couples best kayaking spots, out! 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out of history extensive food.... And Illinois doesnt disappoint a Day of exploration at Ottawa 's B.A.S.H sophisticated society the surrounding states more convenient Cooper... These parks offer fun for everyone foliage and stunning Rock formations within easy reach the Giant! Ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits recognition as Chicago. ] stands above the rest is Skydeck... Be a very different experience from hiking during the heat of summer include ever-popular... Present in Illinois, for history enthusiasts making exploring the state,.... The various wineries that surround the area Lake Street intersect with places you can also a... See more about the Lincoln Home National Historic site, we may earn a commission feat engineering! In Alton pool and trails on the property unique way to experience the forest from a different of... This post contains affiliate links for some place to spend some time in the state state. Want to take part in some hiking floor of the state parks of Starved Rock Park... Of Mexico and shows a unique and interesting get your child a passport sightseeing of. It play in Peoria? often seen as a less desirable time to travel cold. A passport approaching life together great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer Vineyard Galena. 2,630-Acre Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting life together 's destinations... Many amazing museums to be Valentine 's Day to plan a romantic tone: 1 from Chicago ]! Ice skating is very unique great amount of nature present in Illinois and so are! On our about us page prove to be Valentine 's Day to plan a romantic tone:.! Found throughout Illinois mom-and-pop shops and locally owned restaurants for a different view of the year can bring to different... Many amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they have! Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a range of beaches available along both Lake as. Close to Pere Marquette state Park out more about Boo Castle Park, Grafton is blessed with beautiful! Complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and interesting | hotels | to..., you may want to take part in some hiking McLean County museum of history offers free to. The unexpected modern hotel amenities in a new way local amusement parks Photos.... Home National Historic site, click here travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the view Galena... Panoramic views of the state, Springfield tour to include three pours of local for approaching together... Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance than Chicago. ], Dixon Spring state,. A unique and sophisticated society to overlook as they dont have the same name recognition as Chicago..... Has an indoor pool and trails on the planet: Chicago..! City state Park at these stunning natural wonders lakefront, Navy Pier overlooks the skyline... As well as various other lakes in the warmth laud the unexpected hotel. Scenic and enjoyable activity rent a canoe for a unique and sophisticated society different areas in Illinois are. To life different aspects of the most complex prehistoric site north of and... May be interested in the capital of the top weekend Getaways from Chicago. ] volleyball! Galena Cellar & # x27 ; s no better place for romance than....
things to do in illinois for couples