Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. Regional Getaways, Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. 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. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. Here we have you covered. Rockford, also known as Forest City, is ideal for those who enjoy nature and history. Eat & Drink Regional Getaways Illinois Made Chicago Activities Family Fun Architecture Arts & Culture & History Outdoors & Regional Offbeat Illinois 4-5 Days 5+ Days From Local Experts 1-3 Days Top 10 Winter Events & Festivals in Illinois Skiing? Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. 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. Taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, plus chocolates and pastry. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. Whether you are planning a romantic couples getaway or a fun family vacation, our guide to the best things to do in Illinois has you covered. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Get to know us better on our about us page. These are great for enjoying all the fun of the attractions with fewer crowds. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. 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. The beach has space for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing and is a popular spot on weekends. The cruise takes about 90 minutes and is now offered in the evening as well as during the day to provide a different view of the city. The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. 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. 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. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. To see our full list of the best waterfalls in Illinois and how to plan your visit to see them, check out our post here. Looking for an adventure? The institute is located in one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. 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. Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. 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. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. A number of elements are key to this style, such as water through waterfalls or ponds, stones either rock paths or sculptures, and of course plants. 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. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. (Burger and Sushi House). 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. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. Retire to one of Chicago's new hotels: Pendry Chicago is a luxe retreat set in an art deco masterpiece of a building, while The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park keeps you centrally located in cheerfully comfortable rooms for couples on the go. If you're visiting the Prairie State during the winter, you can't miss Belleville's Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German-style holiday market celebrating the season of Advent leading up to Christmas. in We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. With over 33 in southern Illinois, visitors are spoilt for choice. Here you'll find both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years, as well as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). Illinois prides itself on embracing visitors with a warm welcome, which you can experience at one of its many bed-and-breakfasts on your next couples retreat. Taylorville is home to delicious restaurants, great shopping, and even some Illinois history - Abraham Lincoln practiced law in one of the most historic buildings in the town. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. 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. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers all types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets! Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary breakfast - some suites even feature spa Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. It also houses 5 acres of botanical gardens to explore and the area surrounding the Cloud Gate becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. 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. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. Check out Chicago's observation decks. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. 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. 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. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 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. Millennium Park 25,012 Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks Millennium Park Open now By LUchicago 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. A day at the spa is generally considered an ideal form of self-care and relaxation, so why not share that with your partner? Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. 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. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. 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. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. 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. Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. To see more unique historic mansions in northern Illinois, see our comprehensive list here. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. Lovers of vintage will find the antique shops of Antioch an appealing way to pass some time. 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. 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 zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. 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. 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. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. 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. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. Fall is the ideal time to attend a festival and Illinois has you covered. 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. For a unique winter activity, you can try the popular Midwest activity of snow tubing. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. 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. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. There are also a number of historic buildings, such as the Clock Tower and the many historic houses, which depict how the community would have been at the time and give information on daily life. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow The architecture cruise winds along the Chicago river and teaches visitors about the buildings and figures who shaped Chicagos history. 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. 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 parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center in conjunction with Chicagos First Lady cruise boat has designed a river cruise to feature some of Chicagos most beautiful, interesting, and historic architectural delights. 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. 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. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. 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. Canopy Tours are an exciting and unique way to experience the forest from a different point of view. 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 . The Ledge is a glass balcony or glass box that extends 4.3 feet from the edge of the building. Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. 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. 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