Travelers may want to catch a show at the Lincoln Theatre, opened in 1921 as a stage for vaudeville that welcomed stars in the making such as Ginger Rogers and the Marx Brothers. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. Regional Getaways, Check out our Trip Ideas for itineraries that take in the best Illinois has to offer. It is top of the list for many who enjoy Illinois state parks. 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. 5. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. around Illinois. Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. 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. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. 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. Daytrip options abound as well: Head about 25 miles east to Apple River Canyon State Park for a gorgeous hike and picnic. You can also check out the Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery for farm-fresh goat cheese and goat's milk gelato tremendous additions to any picnic. 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. Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. Experience the best of main street shopping and more. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. . 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 This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. 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. The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. There are many unique fossils, bones, and more featured in the museum along with exhibits on geology, ancient human civilizations, and more. . From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. 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. Just trying to get away from the cold? Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. 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. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post 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. This national scenic byway follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from Canada to the Gulf, tracing the entire western border of Illinois on its way south. Autumn is an ideal time to visit when the leaves are at their peak fall colors. 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. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. 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 Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a great example the bridge forms an important part of American engineering history while also being unique and interesting to see. cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. However, if you are more interested in central Illinois, this list may be better suited. To see more unique historic sites across Illinois, you can see our full list here. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. If youre in Illinois on a budget, taking advantage of free things to do is a great way to still get some great experiences without breaking the bank. World-class dining, museums and entertainment coexist with free public parks and cheap tickets to the historic Wrigley Field ballpark. It also houses 5 acres of botanical gardens to explore and the area surrounding the Cloud Gate becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. History, To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. With Chicagos great location on the edge of Lake Michigan, it is ideal for going to the beach and soaking up some sun. There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. 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. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. 158. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. Three of the rooms in this once-school are set up as romantic luxury suites, and you can treat yourself to extras like wine, roses or candle lighting in your room. 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. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. A fun schedule of events at the museum includes film series like the Richard Pryor Film Festival and activities like Yoga Under the Stars. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. In that case, check out our ranking of the best resorts to try out for a romantic couples trip in Illinois. 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. One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. It was first designed in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history. 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. Illinois, area. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. Lovebirds can also head to the country for a stay at a Victorian farmhouse operating as the Fox River Bed and Breakfast. 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. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. 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. Public art installations and gardens are strewn throughout, making exploring the park an exciting and enjoyable adventure. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. 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. A night out along the Magnificent Mile or a day browsing the many retail options, and taking advantage of the amazing culinary offerings is a must-do for those visiting Chicago. We have the list for you! One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. 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. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. Featuring indie artists, Pitchfork Music Festival is a great way to support up-and-coming music talent and discover new artists. You and your partner may find yourselves hiking to the heavens at the Garden of the Gods, swimming the shores of Lake Michigan or barreling down the Great River Road scenic byway. 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. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. 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. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. The architecture cruise winds along the Chicago river and teaches visitors about the buildings and figures who shaped Chicagos history. 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. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. Here are twelve great places in Illinois that are sure to set a romantic tone: 1. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. One of the most popular fall festivals in Illinois is the Apple n Pork Festival in Clifton. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events 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. As mentioned above, playing in the water is a great family activity. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. 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. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. Bunk with the bison and stay here in one of 13 unique lodging rooms or 20 tent campsites. To see more information, see our post here. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. If you prefer a large shopping mall, Gurnee Mills might be the place for you as Illinois third-largest mall with over 189 shops and services. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. Activities The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. 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. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Places in Illinois rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and activity! 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