While not traditionally known as a wine-making area, Illinois actually has quite a lot of wineries throughout the state. If you are interested in viewing some of the beautiful nature already mentioned but are looking to avoid the tired legs, or simply prefer observing from the car window, you are in luck as Illinois also has a number of scenic drives. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. The London House boasts a tri-level rooftop bar, as well as a inhouse restaurant, with a terrace overlooking the river serving a fresh take on regional cuisine.. 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. 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. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. 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. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. Bring your partner to Belleville whose name means "beautiful city" in French for a romantic trip. The cabins are located less than 3 miles from the Garden of the Gods. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. Additionally, The Beall Mansion offers massage packages and breakfast in bed is available to truly make your stay a memorable one. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. 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. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. 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. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. 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. With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a unique museum covering the beginnings and development of the machinery company, Caterpillar. 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. There are many wineries in the area, and going on a winery tour while enjoying the beautiful scenery is a great way to support local businesses while also experiencing the area. The trail is customizable to experience level and is a great way to explore the state. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. Activities. When you're done exploring for the day, retire to the Champaign Garden Inn, a bed-and-breakfast with six guest rooms inside a Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. 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. 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. Whether its lunch before relaxing on the greens or a nice dinner while watching the sunset, the Navy Pier restaurants simply add to the overall experience. Book your trip. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. Many of these breweries provide unique craft beers which are both locally produced and delicious. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. There are also a number of nearby local wineries which also feature beautiful landscapes. With many museums surrounding different topics located in the same city, it is ideal for learning about a wide array of subjects and areas of interest. No matter where in the state you are planning to go, what type of group youre traveling with, and what your budget is, we have something for you so you can enjoy the beautiful state of Illinois to its full potential. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations,. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. 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. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. It is a unique experience and a great way to take in the amazing views of 4 different states. Some couples may prefer an upscale resort with a range of amenities and facilities. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Avondale Dunning Garfield Ridge Show all Good for Good for a Rainy Day Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Kids For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. is perfect for couples who can't decide where to eat. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. 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. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. Some examples include Gradys Family Fun Park in Bloomington, a small park with rides, go-karts, and mini golf, or Enchanted Castle: Lombard which features laser tag, go-karts, bumper cars, and an arcade. 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. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. 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. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. It is actually a part of ancient history, putting it in a separate category from most other historic sites listed. From the Shawnee Wine trail mentioned above to smaller clusters of wineries found in other parts of the state, there are many places to enjoy locally-produced wines. 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. The Inn at 835, just a mile from the museum, was founded in the late 19th century by local businesswoman Bell Miller, a florist for Springfield's high society. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. 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. cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. 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. The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. 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. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. 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. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . Many of the state parks feature amazing waterfalls, such as Cascade Falls in Matthiessen State Park and St Louis Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. For those more interested in science and the natural world, the Field Museum may be a better fit. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. 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. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. (Getty Images). Whether youre looking for a lavish spa, great food and wine, or a beautiful suite, Illinois has plenty of places to relax and revitalize during a romantic couples' retreat. 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." Summer brings to mind heat, beaches, and fun in the water, but can be so much more. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. 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. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. 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. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. Looking to leave your room and explore? For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). Family Fun, History, Just trying to get away from the cold? Dine on top of a skyscraper. 30 Things Seoul is Famous For, Driving in Sweden in Winter: All You Need To Know, Globetrotters in heart and soul. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. It is probably the most. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. (Burger and Sushi House). 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. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. 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. Check prices and availability: Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. 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. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. in Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. By night, consider holding your loved one close for a walking ghost tour: Alton is considered one of the most haunted small towns in the U.S., and locations such as the McPike Mansion have been featured on paranormal TV series. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. 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. You can also visit the original State Capitol Hall, first built in 1837. 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. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Outdoor enthusiasts will embrace this scenic driving route for its proximity to hiking, mountain biking and fishing hot spots like Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton or Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. Top Attractions in Illinois 2022 1. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. 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. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. The Arts and Crafts-style property features a quiet atmosphere and about a dozen flower-themed rooms, four of which come with balconies. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. 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. For a unique winter activity, you can try the popular Midwest activity of snow tubing. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. 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