The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. The beach has space for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing and is a popular spot on weekends. 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. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. We have the list for you! A CityPASS, for example, bundles admission to several top Windy City attractions at a significant discount, whether you want to see the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, SkyDeck Chicago or select others. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. 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. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. 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. 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. From Ridge Cemetery, the cemetery to a ghost town, located at the highest point of a mountain to the Woodstock Opera House, an architecturally beautiful building supposedly haunted by the resident ghost Elvira. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. 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. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. The park itself is a one-stop outing, featuring an ice rink, a 120-foot-tall bandshell designed by Frank Gehry that attracts top-notch musical talent, the seasonal Lurie Garden, staggering public art installations and a roster of free events held on the Great Lawn. When visiting Chicago, Navy Pier is a must-go spot, ideal for catching some landscape and cityscape photos in one place, relaxing and enjoying the good weather, and taking part in some interesting local events. Perhaps the most famous state park, Starved Rock State Park, is loved by many for its miles of trails, opportunities for hiking, boating, photography, and more. Chicago Architecture Cruise. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. Spend the day soaking in the sun with a boat tour or beach day on Petite Lake at Cypress, then head into town for a tasting at the Vigneto del Bino vineyard and winery. Splurge at three Michelin-starred Alinea, routinely included on lists of the world's best restaurants, or try to snag a spot at one of the Lou Malnati's Pizzeria locations, beloved for its Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. Check out Chicago's observation decks. Not a hiking or biking fan? Or, about 15 miles south of Galena, you can honor the area's rich Native American heritage with a visit to the Wapello Land & Water Reserve. 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. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. Activities. 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. Gail Borden Public Library 125 Libraries By jefflC6195OD Gail Borden Library is a treasure in Elgin. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. 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 Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. 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. 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 small towns in southern Illinois, see our list here, or if you are interested in seeing the best small towns across all of Illinois, see here. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. There are also many breweries that are working towards a good cause, such as Black Horizons Brewing Company, the only black-owned brewing company in the state, which also donates a portion of the proceeds to various causes. 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. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. 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. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. 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. 5. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. 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. But Springfield is not just for history fanatics: Spend a retro date night at the Route 66 Twin Drive-In theater, open from April through September. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. 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. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. 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. 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. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Museums are a great way to sneak in some education and information while still keeping children entertained and engaged. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. 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. With a long history as the Peoples Pier, Navy Pier has always featured as a space for the public to gather and relax. For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. The Shawnee Wine Trail is located along a 40-mile stretch through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. This is necessary as some zip lines can reach up to 40mph and can be very high off the ground. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. You can read our complete privacy policy here. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. If you are open to venturing out, consider the Davie School Inn, an eclectic B&B in Anna just 10 to 20 miles from most of the wineries on the route. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. 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. . 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. To see a full list of the best breweries in Illinois, see here. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. Illinois is The M. Arts & Culture & History If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . There's no better place for romance than Chicago. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. The Arts and Crafts-style property features a quiet atmosphere and about a dozen flower-themed rooms, four of which come with balconies. 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. Willis Tower is the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and makes great use of the space with a range of facilities throughout the building, including cafes and restaurants. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. Looking for an adventure? Springfield is only 80 miles from the lodge. To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. 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. Here are twelve great places in Illinois that are sure to set a romantic tone: 1. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. 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. Dine on top of a skyscraper. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. This allows the zoo to have a strong focus on conservation and animal care. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The Snow Park at Alpine Hills might be your best option. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. in cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 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. For couples looking for this experience, our post on romantic cabins with hot tubs is ideal for finding your ideal accommodation. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. The Pullman National Monument is another unique part of history as the original site for the first planned industrial community in the US. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Eat & Drink, Customizable packages are available so you can treat your sweetie with flowers, champagne, a special turndown service, or cheese and fruit. The Art Institute of Chicago is well-known as one of the best art museums in the world, with over 300,000 works in its collection. 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. Also potentially of interest in Herod is a roadside park on U.S. Route 34 that leads to a cave once home to the Fairy Cliff Caf. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. Diners rave over the restaurant's large patio and bar, noting that B.A.S.H. 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 Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. Explore Illinois Architectural Oddities 27 Statues 25 Museums And Collections 25 Shops 25 History 23 Art 23 Sculptures 21 Monuments 20 Collections 20 Abandoned 17 Cemeteries 14 Illinois Obscura. Centennial Beach 162 Beaches By litttlelaura75 This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. For more on Galena, see our previous post here. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. 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. Not only is the beach a beautiful sandy lake shore, it also has some amazing views of the Chicago skyline. Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. For those more interested in the history of Lincoln, following the Lincoln and Civil War Legacy Trail in Alton could be a fun and informative activity. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. Mundelein, Illinois, United States. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. 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 festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. 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. 1. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. With so many winter activities available, it is a great opportunity to experience many of the popular places without the crowds, as well as take part in winter-exclusive experiences. . Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Illinois' lakeshore offers couples the chance to unwind on the waterfront. Book your trip. 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. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. 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. 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