We have the list for you! Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. A night out along the Magnificent Mile or a day browsing the many retail options, and taking advantage of the amazing culinary offerings is a must-do for those visiting Chicago. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. This mansion stands as an example of Second Empire design and remains almost untouched since the time of its use by the prominent Hegeler family and the Open Court Publishing Company opened by Hegeler. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. You are in A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. To see our full list of the best waterfalls in Illinois and how to plan your visit to see them, check out our post here. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. 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. Here is an overview of the best fall festivals in Illinois. 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. Many of these bridges are located in picturesque spots, making visiting them a fun activity with many great landscapes to see and history to 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. The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. Additionally, The Beall Mansion offers massage packages and breakfast in bed is available to truly make your stay a memorable one. The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. Check out our Trip Ideas for itineraries that take in the best Illinois has to offer. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. Bring your partner to Belleville whose name means "beautiful city" in French for a romantic trip. From the outside of this stunning Resort and all throughout, couples will be engulfed in a romantic ambience from arrival until departure. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. Not a hiking or biking fan? 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. Chocolate lovers are in luck more than 20 varieties are available to nibble at all times of day for Beall Mansion guests at the complimentary chocolate buffet. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. If you prefer a day trip to the spa mixed in with other activities, visiting one of Illinois many day spas could be perfect for you. Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in Naperville, Illinois (IL) September 12, 2021 Vivienne Hutton. Taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, plus chocolates and pastry. in One of the most popular fall festivals in Illinois is the Apple n Pork Festival in Clifton. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. Autumn is an ideal time to visit when the leaves are at their peak fall colors. 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. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. There are many other options of places to go hiking in Illinois. There are also a number of nearby local wineries which also feature beautiful landscapes. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. The main building offers a choice of eleven guest rooms while the Bell House has two more suites. Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. Bunk with the bison and stay here in one of 13 unique lodging rooms or 20 tent campsites. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. 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. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. Spread the trail out over multiple days and stay overnight in one of the wineries that offer accommodation or choose the wineries youre most interested in and make an afternoon of it. It is top of the list for many who enjoy Illinois state parks. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. 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. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . 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.. They were designed by Hoichi Kurisu, a designer of various Japanese gardens throughout America and Landscape Director of the Garden Society of Japan for a number of years. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. Top Attractions in Illinois 2022 1. 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. 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. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Family Fun, There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. The Ledge is a glass balcony or glass box that extends 4.3 feet from the edge of the building. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. 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 looking for the best of quirky small-town America, spend some time in Alton, Illinois, especially if you're a pair of history buffs. The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. 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. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. Check out Chicago's observation decks. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Many of these beaches offer swimming, canoeing, and other water activities as well as simply relaxing on the sand. This state park has some beautiful waterfalls and rock formations with fewer people than Starved Rock. There are over 200 different species, each living in an environment designed for them. 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. It is a unique experience and a great way to take in the amazing views of 4 different states. Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. 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. We mentioned already a few museums above but here is a list of more interesting museums. 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. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. Canopy Tours are an exciting and unique way to experience the forest from a different point of view. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. The name "Garden of the Gods" stirs images of a forbidden utopia but you and your special someone can easily access this celestial hike in the Shawnee National Forest, partially located in Herod, Illinois. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. 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. 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. For example, Cairo is a unique town with many abandoned structures. While it may not be medieval Europe, Illinois still has its fair share of castles. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. The Snow Park at Alpine Hills might be your best option. Illinois, area. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. This city is very historically rich, as both the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and the place where Obama first announced his candidacy. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Set on 17 acres of land, this bed and breakfast is a hikers and bikers dream getaway; trails are available to two nearby state parks and the I&M Canal Trail. From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. Arts & Culture, 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. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. The Prairie St Brewing Co. started and has been thriving in Rockford for many years now, making it a great stop on any visit to Rockford. 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. Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. 1. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. Explore all the great things to do in galena il. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. 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. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. 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