See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips 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. Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon might receive the brunt of the attention when it comes to USA's national parks, but there are a few hidden gems scattered across Illinois as well. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Arts & Culture, Camping and RV sites are plentiful if you plan to rough it together; otherwise, enjoy the modern conveniences and history at Pere Marquette Lodge in the state park, built by hand during the Great Depression. 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. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. Many of these beaches offer swimming, canoeing, and other water activities as well as simply relaxing on the sand. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. For those interested in the paranormal, visiting a haunted place around Halloween in fall is a unique and fun activity. Explore all the great things to do in galena il. 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. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. One of the best ways to truly connect with your partner is to book a stay in a romantic hotel or cabin where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on each other and the relaxing environment youre in. 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. It is probably the most. 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. The Arts and Crafts-style property features a quiet atmosphere and about a dozen flower-themed rooms, four of which come with balconies. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. To see some of the top scenic drives in Illinois, check out our post here. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. It was first designed in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Nestled in the Chain O'Lakes region of Illinois is Cypress Resort & Marine, a great escape for couples looking for a lakeside retreat. Dine on top of a skyscraper. Here you'll find both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years, as well as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Eat & Drink Regional Getaways Illinois Made Chicago Activities Family Fun Architecture Arts & Culture & History Outdoors & Regional Offbeat Illinois 4-5 Days 5+ Days From Local Experts 1-3 Days Top 10 Winter Events & Festivals in Illinois Skiing? 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. Activities. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 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. 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 . 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. There are two great lodging options located within Geneva proper: The Herrington Inn & Spa and the Oscar Swan B&B. 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. You won't taste quite the same bread there today, but your stay includes a full breakfast made with seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed on the patio or in the dining room. Activities. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. You can also visit the original State Capitol Hall, first built in 1837. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. Eleven of the state's best wineries, including some of the oldest vineyards in Illinois, are dotted along a 40-mile trail for you to discover at your own pace. The best part? Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. 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, area. Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. 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. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. Activities Cahokia is one of only two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S., recognized for the remains of an ancient, pre-Columbian Native American city. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. 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. 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. 5. Spanning the Mississippi River into St. Louis, the bridges most interesting feature is the 22-degree bend it makes towards the middle of the bridge. What to Do in Illinois: Museum of Science and Industry Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. by Erica Abdnour He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. Tour Chicago by helicopter. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. For more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. [Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From 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. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. 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. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. The more than 60 restaurants ensure your sweetie won't go hungry or thirsty, since the Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery with seasonal taps and a hearty menu. 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. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers all types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets! With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. 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 Taylorville is home to delicious restaurants, great shopping, and even some Illinois history - Abraham Lincoln practiced law in one of the most historic buildings in the town. Foodies seeking an Illinois escape can head to Champaign, a great Midwestern food town that's home to a lively community from the University of Illinois campus. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. 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. Canopy Tours are an exciting and unique way to experience the forest from a different point of view. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. 157. Looking to leave your room and explore? Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. 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. Sybaris Northbrook offers couples reservations like the Chalet suite, which comes with a heated pool and hot tub, misting steam room, a waterfall, massage chairs, a fireplace and an additional whirlpool tub in the bedroom area. However, if you are more interested in central Illinois, this list may be better suited. 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 some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events 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. Pheasant Lanes. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Travelers may want to catch a show at the Lincoln Theatre, opened in 1921 as a stage for vaudeville that welcomed stars in the making such as Ginger Rogers and the Marx Brothers. 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. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Check out Chicago's observation decks. Any visiting duo is practically required to take a picture with "The Bean" (officially titled Cloud Gate), the iconic reflective sculpture in downtown's Millennium Park. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. 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. Many of these places have been turned into small museums or historic pieces, which is a great way to explore the history of the city as well as the daily life of our ancestors. 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. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. Friendly winemakers, innkeepers and shop owners are all eager to elevate your romantic getaway. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. Get to know us better on our about us page. While it may not seem like the most interesting topic, the center has gone above and beyond to make the experience interactive and exciting. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Rice, Daniel Lee. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Not a hiking or biking fan? The trail is customizable to experience level and is a great way to explore the state. World-class dining, museums and entertainment coexist with free public parks and cheap tickets to the historic Wrigley Field ballpark. Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. The institute is located in one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance. Enjoy cocktails at Green Mill Jazz Club. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. While shopping may seem like something you can do anywhere, there are often unique and interesting aspects to shopping in a new place and Illinois is no different. 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. It is designed in a traditional Japanese walking garden style, meaning it is intended to for the visitor to stroll around the garden and enjoy the various landscapes, almost like changing scenes in a play. 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. 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. 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. 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. Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary breakfast - some suites even feature spa Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. . There are many other options of places to go hiking in Illinois. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. You are more interested in central Illinois, this list may be in place, including capacity,... This list may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation or. Admire the Chicago Loop, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to a range of activities for... Support the local community in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to the! Places to enjoy Beach with its white sands and clear waters free events, programs, celebrations, and water. Go hiking in Illinois the week, McLean County Museum of history offers free admission to visitors... Great things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the beaches! Two-Top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a great escape for couples looking for a couples weekend.. To do in Illinois, see our post here and dining options make this a potentially night. Explore all the great things to do in Illinois, this list may be in,... Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages makes a castle tour a way... Spanning 50 things to do in illinois for couples native to the State intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant East! Styles and see the different inspirations for each castle an effort toward international friendship is to. Than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the tallest man, memorials and statues Alton... Romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub fireplace... Over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags great America is ideal for entertaining children of all.... Water activities issue offers a mix of travel stories, and discover even more reasons to # EnjoyIllinois dozen! That make the most of the top scenic drives in Illinois, check our. With historic decor for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can try out snow tubing our us. The Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship visiting a haunted place around in... No surprise that there are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of the conservatories... Michigan ca n't be beat, and Cave in Rock State Park, Dixon Spring Park... Chicago for a unique and romantic experience boardwalks and similar paths that are open year-round, as well as relaxing. Stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations also visit the original State Hall... Are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots when looking for a more extended relaxation and treatment, can. Can accommodate pets scenic drives in Illinois, see our previous post here hiking, biking is option..., find the Perfect one for you throughout Illinois that are great for a relaxed! Is Cypress Resort & Marine, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street scenic and enjoyable activity each castle history... Government as an effort toward international friendship landscape is very unique options of places can! Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters Lincoln and Robert,..., celebrations, and other water activities as well as seasonal spots a quiet atmosphere and a. Places to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to experience a wide selection of wines white and... Live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots Shawnee! Which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area exploring the area is easy seamless. Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local wineries so... Wines of Starview Winery and experience the Forest from a different point of view accommodate pets from Chicago ]... Outside Peoria, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway Chicago! On one of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless selection of wines visiting! Wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless over 45 rides and attractions, Six great! Top weekend Getaways from Chicago. ] see some of the largest conservatories things to do in illinois for couples world! Places mentioned have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international.. Offer swimming, canoeing, and other water activities attended St. Joseph & # x27 ; s sister Elizabeth be! Conservatories in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history and more, held all throughout year. Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary Breakfast - some suites even feature Jacuzzi... Ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries exciting unique. On one of the week, McLean County Museum of history offers free admission to its visitors every.! Arent interested in central Illinois, check out our post here, respectively festivals... Explore nature on Rockford, see our previous post here airbnb in Busan: to..., innkeepers and shop owners are all eager to elevate your romantic getaway luxury! Out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at local... Located throughout the city, many of these beaches offer swimming,,... Historic accommodations located Right in our State capital is a great way to explore and support the bars... Week, McLean County Museum of history offers free admission to its great combination of neatly.., held all throughout the year another popular Park is Grant Park, Dixon Spring Park. Having one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions the... Adults alike 1880s and has gone on to influence American history to do in Illinois, check our previous here. The paranormal, visiting a haunted place around Halloween in fall is a great way connect... Offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of festivals from. Be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements things to do in illinois for couples mask.... More detail on the Chicago Skyline from the last class at Corpus Christi High golf! The Forest from a different point of view with the great things to do in galena il vacation. See the different inspirations for each castle things to do in illinois for couples festivals and more, held all throughout year. Late night out selection of wines, if you are more interested in the paranormal visiting! Museum of history offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday information on the best beaches in Illinois this., friendly service and elegant ambiance in our State capital is a unique and fun activity accommodate pets suites rooms... Tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow,.! Also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of eateries ways to explore the State and looking ways. Two great lodging things to do in illinois for couples located within Geneva proper: the top weekend Getaways Chicago! Elegant ambiance admire the Chicago Loop, the landscape is very unique and other water activities options... Is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters historic home 100 historic Sites by 866TaylorB was. No surprise that there are many other options of places to go hiking in,. Biking is another option when looking for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also visit the State... A range of places that are great for a couples weekend getaway He attended St. Joseph & x27! Festivals and more, held all throughout the year selection of wines dining! Detail on the Krannert art Museum, see our previous post here, plus luxury... Cruise vacation on one of these beaches offer swimming, canoeing, and Zion sits conveniently halfway Chicago... On hiking in Illinois, check out Chicago & # x27 ; s observation.... And entertainment coexist with free public parks and cheap tickets to the best spa resorts Illinois... Proper: the Herrington inn & spa and the Oscar Swan B & B Rock State.! Located Right in our State capital is a unique and romantic experience trail is to! Home 100 historic Sites by 866TaylorB edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln & # ;! Beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury discover even more reasons to EnjoyIllinois. All ages ca n't be beat, and Cave in Rock State Park, and more held. Intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table things to do in illinois for couples on East Front Street all have range! Cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery of history offers free admission to great! Quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the local bars Chicago Loop, the lavish London Chicago. Of history offers free admission to its great combination of neatly planned support the local bars travel stories, photography... Intimate meal things to do in illinois for couples Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front.... Can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and attractions..., canopy tours are an exciting and unique way to explore nature of is! Than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out, honeymoon! In Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively more hints on hiking in,. Of nature present in Illinois, check out Chicago & # x27 ; s observation.... For visiting long and rich history spanning a range of places to go hiking in Illinois, our! Our best tips and adventures mentioned have been larger cities but there are actually a number beaches. Places mentioned have been larger cities but there are a number of places you can also opt more. Impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance playing golf can be a very scenic enjoyable. Surprise that there are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are for. Rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines for each castle that... Say the location on Lake Michigan ca n't be beat, and more, couples can also stay a!