To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. The property hosts weekly events such as a barbecue and wine pairing dinner in the summer. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. 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. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. The adjacent Fabyan Villa was renovated by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907; the Fabyans were wealthy eccentrics who kept collections of natural history specimens and art, as well as mummies and other oddball curiosities. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. 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. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. Visitors can explore the mounds, either with a guide or independently. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. 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. 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." I enjoy helping adult individuals of all ages and couples that still want to work things out, providing a safe place for you to find clarity, seek healing . This city is very historically rich, as both the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and the place where Obama first announced his candidacy. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) It was first designed in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history. 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. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. There are a range of trails available to suit all levels of hiker, from casual beginners right through to experienced hiking enthusiasts. Regional Getaways, Get to know us better on our about us page. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. For a more unique theme park experience, you can check out Boo Castle Park, originally built as a memorial park for Jeremey Boo Rochman after a car accident but themed around a childhood love of dragons, wizards, and role-playing games. 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. 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. 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. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. 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. From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. 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. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary breakfast - some suites even feature spa Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Address: 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 Website: George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily) Price: Free 8. There are over 200 different species, each living in an environment designed for them. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. 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. If you don't want to camp out where the wolves roam, maybe you'll opt for the Mark Twain Hotel for a boutique stay or the fully restored Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette downtown. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. What is Seoul Known For? Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. There are many great ski resorts and areas for skiing and snowboarding throughout Illinois. The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a unique museum covering the beginnings and development of the machinery company, Caterpillar. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. 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. 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. Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. Illinois is The M. Arts & Culture & History 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. 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. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. With Illinois long history and great record for preserving historic buildings, it should be no surprise that there are a number of historic mansions still intact and well-preserved throughout the state. 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. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. 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. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. Other elements play a secondary role, such as pagodas, bridges, and lanterns. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. If you make it all the way down to the southern tip of the state, the Cairo Custom House Museum is a historically significant stop along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. On the other hand, escaping to a cabin in nature can be an amazing experience, a great way to clear ones head, connect with nature, enjoy the wildlife around you and make the best of your time with your partner. Mundelein, Illinois, United States. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. 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. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. Whether you are wine connoisseurs and wish to sample the boutique wineries along the Shawnee Wine Trail or simply relax in a spa, there is something to suit every couple and make your trip romantic. However, hiking isnt limited to just the state parks. 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. Springfield is only 80 miles from the lodge. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Many of the wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail include on-site lodging so you don't have to wander far from your new favorite red. 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 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. Chicago, 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. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. (Getty Images). There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. 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. Grafton is often seen as a small, unassuming town in southern Illinois, but is actually a vibrant hub of culture surrounded by beautiful scenery. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. 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. If you're both looking for a true romantic escape in nature, you're in luck: Pharaoh Campground has a dozen campsites open year-round for a small fee. When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. 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. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. 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. For those more interested in science and the natural world, the Field Museum may be a better fit. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. 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. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. Family Fun, While some of the rooms at the London House boast views of the skyline or the historic landmark district, every room is . Some animals are part of interactive programs such as goat grooming and meeting penguins. 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 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. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. Get Inspired Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. in It is a unique experience and a great way to take in the amazing views of 4 different states. 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. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. Chicago River dyeing. 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. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. Activities. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. 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. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. 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. One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. 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