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. This city is very historically rich, as both the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and the place where Obama first announced his candidacy. 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. 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. 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. Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. Illinois, area. Starved Rock State Park is known for its sandstone canyons several of which have waterfalls. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. 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. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. Featuring indie artists, Pitchfork Music Festival is a great way to support up-and-coming music talent and discover new artists. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. Chicago, Illinois, is an amazing city to visit, offering a diverse selection of museums, tours, and Italian, and other restaurants.Enjoy a bird's eye view from 360 Chicago or the Skydeck, spend an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago, explore the famous Millennium Park, listen to an orchestra performance, and go for a romantic walk in one of the beautiful parks. Complete with five beautifully decorated suites, a parlor, library, music room, and dining room, The Vrooman Mansion offers a seasonal gourmet breakfast each morning and is conveniently located near wineries, breweries, the Miller Park Zoo, and several quaint restaurants. 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. 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. Diners rave over the restaurant's large patio and bar, noting that B.A.S.H. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. The Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. Dine on top of a skyscraper. There are many places throughout the state that are amazing to enjoy the autumn colors. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. Its the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and sophisticated society. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. As the biggest city in Illinois and home to a wide variety of art and culture, Chicago is a great starting place for any trip to Illinois. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. These range from the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, which has many species of animals and features interactive experiences with the supervision of a zookeeper to Brookfield Zoo, a zoo at over 216 acres with over 400 different species of animals. 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 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 beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips What to Do in Illinois: Museum of Science and Industry Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com You can also try Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in nearby Wheeling for walk-in wine tastings in addition to an extensive food menu. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. 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. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. More information on the Science Center as well as many other museums which are great for children can be found here, in our guide to museums in Illinois. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Some couples may prefer an upscale resort with a range of amenities and facilities. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers all types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets! Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. Just trying to get away from the cold? The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" 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. There are over 200 different species, each living in an environment designed for them. Many of these breweries provide unique craft beers which are both locally produced and delicious. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. Here we have you covered. There are many amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they dont have the same name recognition as Chicago. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. 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. For those interested in the paranormal, visiting a haunted place around Halloween in fall is a unique and fun activity. It was once part of the famous Route 66 but is now a walking and biking-only bridge. Looking to leave your room and explore? 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. These range from more luxury places like the Villa Olivia Resort to fast-paced adrenaline-rushing spots like Snowstar Winter Park or if youre looking for something more family-friendly. However, if you are more interested in central Illinois, this list may be better suited. 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. Planning a trip around seeing the state parks of Illinois is not uncommon, and so staying in the areas closest to these state parks is quite popular. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. Activities. 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 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. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Centennial Beach 162 Beaches By litttlelaura75 Museums are a great way to sneak in some education and information while still keeping children entertained and engaged. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. 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. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. Get to know us better on our about us page. Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. It was first designed in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history. 30 Things Seoul is Famous For, Driving in Sweden in Winter: All You Need To Know, Globetrotters in heart and soul. From late November through December, you can bundle up and browse the outdoor stalls in the city's Public Square selling handicrafts and gift items, as well as gingerbread and hot mulled wine. Back at Cypress, unwind in one of the many apartments or cottages available to rent including some dog-friendly accommodations, if your couples getaway isn't complete without your pup. The Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast is an Italianate mansion designed by Irish immigrants John and Ann Cloran in 1880, where today guests can enjoy cozy rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool baths, complete with a gourmet breakfast daily. Here we have some of the best water parks 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. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. To see a full list of the best breweries in Illinois, see here. Eat & Drink, Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. 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. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. 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. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. 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." Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. Some of the golf courses found in Illinois also have a long history, such as Chicago Golf Course, ranked as the top golf course in Illinois, and first built in the 1890s. These are great for enjoying all the fun of the attractions with fewer crowds. The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. 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. 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. 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. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. by Erica Abdnour 2. 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. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. Looking for an adventure? You are in Rice, Daniel Lee. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Weekend Plans: 14 Fun Options to Explore Across Illinois, Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. 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. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. 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. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. Bunk with the bison and stay here in one of 13 unique lodging rooms or 20 tent campsites. Airbnb in Clifton, Cape Town: 11 great places to stay in 2023, What are the best Airbnbs in Tokyo? There are many great ski resorts and areas for skiing and snowboarding throughout Illinois. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. around Illinois. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying events.