111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Phone: 312-443-3600 Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Berkeley, Tybee Island, Nantucket, NH resorts, MN resorts, Kona, Pasadena, ND, ME, From Boston, Salt Lake City 9. The architecture cruise winds along the Chicago river and teaches visitors about the buildings and figures who shaped Chicagos history. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. 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. 1. A scenic drive is also ideal for personalization it can be a full-day activity or just a few hours before you move on to something else. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. Rockford, also known as Forest City, is ideal for those who enjoy nature and history. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. Lovers of vintage will find the antique shops of Antioch an appealing way to pass some time. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see 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. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. . With Illinois many beautiful state parks and miles upon miles of hiking trails, it would be a waste to leave them untouched for months of the year, and so winter hiking is also popular. 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. 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. There are many other options of places to go hiking in Illinois. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. 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. Some animals are part of interactive programs such as goat grooming and meeting penguins. Grafton is often seen as a small, unassuming town in southern Illinois, but is actually a vibrant hub of culture surrounded by beautiful scenery. in For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. 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. Illinois, area. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. 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. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. 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. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. 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. Family Fun, Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. The Ledge is a glass balcony or glass box that extends 4.3 feet from the edge of the building. See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips Book your trip. Some overnighters say the accommodations may feel a bit kitschy (you can sleep in a train) but they enjoyed walking along the trails during the day. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. 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. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. At 1353 ft from the ground, this is the highest observation deck in the US and the glass box allows you to see straight through to the ground below. Featuring indie artists, Pitchfork Music Festival is a great way to support up-and-coming music talent and discover new artists. 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. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. To see a full list of the best breweries in Illinois, see here. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. 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. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. 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. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. You can read our complete privacy policy here. It was once part of the famous Route 66 but is now a walking and biking-only bridge. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. Regional Getaways, Activities There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. 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. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. 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. 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. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. One of the most popular fall festivals in Illinois is the Apple n Pork Festival in Clifton. Whether youre hoping to visit multiple state parks or explore just one or two in more depth, finding out the top state parks and deciding which ones you wish to visit is a great way to help plan your visit to Illinois. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. To see more unique historic mansions in northern Illinois, see our comprehensive list here. 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. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. 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. 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. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. Chocolate lovers are in luck more than 20 varieties are available to nibble at all times of day for Beall Mansion guests at the complimentary chocolate buffet. To see more unique historic sites across Illinois, you can see our full list 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. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Nightlife Bars & Clubs Comedy Clubs Dance Clubs & Discos Bar, Club & Pub Tours Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Calumet Heights Clearing Canaryville Show all Good for Despite the somewhat strange name, this festival regularly attracts 80,000 visitors to enjoy the country-style food trucks, antique tractor shows,s, and live entertainment. Close to Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton is blessed with amazing autumn foliage and stunning rock formations within easy reach. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. The charms of Geneva don't end there spend your morning strolling the Fabyan Japanese Garden, installed in 1910 and featuring a restored, 19th-century Dutch windmill. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Eagle watching? Recreate some iconic movie romance with a tour of the North Shore and keep an eye out for the many places used as filming locations. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations,. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. However, winter can be an amazing time to visit Illinois. 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. There are many unique fossils, bones, and more featured in the museum along with exhibits on geology, ancient human civilizations, and more. 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. 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. 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. Centennial Beach 162 Beaches By litttlelaura75 Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. 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. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. 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. 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. 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. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. 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. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. There are many places throughout the state that are amazing to enjoy the autumn colors. 2. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. Illinois is The M. 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