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. Activities. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. 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. 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. 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. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. You can also check out the Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery for farm-fresh goat cheese and goat's milk gelato tremendous additions to any picnic. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations, including freestanding cottages with their own fireplaces and soaking tubs. With a long history as the Peoples Pier, Navy Pier has always featured as a space for the public to gather and relax. 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. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. in For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. Family Fun, If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. 11 Starved Rock State Park. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Millennium Park 25,012 Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks Millennium Park Open now By LUchicago The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. Ice skating is very popular in Illinois and so there are many different places you can enjoy the activity. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. Nestled in the Chain O'Lakes region of Illinois is Cypress Resort & Marine, a great escape for couples looking for a lakeside retreat. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. There are many great ski resorts and areas for skiing and snowboarding throughout Illinois. While you're browsing for something special, peek into bakery-meets-wine bar Bread & Vine or fuel up with a cup of joe from Galena Roasters. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. 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. 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. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. Mundelein, Illinois, United States. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Some animals are part of interactive programs such as goat grooming and meeting penguins. 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. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. 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. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. in Activities The town's Shiloh House is a 25-room mansion built in 1901 for the city's founder curious passersby can take a tour of the restored property on Sundays or by appointment. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. 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. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. The property used to host farm-to-table meals but took the year off in 2022; check its website for updates on this special experience. Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. There are many places throughout the state that are amazing to enjoy the autumn colors. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. 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. 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. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. 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. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. Panoramic views of Chicago can be found from the top of the John Hancock Center or history can be explored in one of the many museums. Luckily, many buildings and sites have been preserved from this history and are now available to be observed and learned from in the modern day. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. The cruise takes about 90 minutes and is now offered in the evening as well as during the day to provide a different view of the city. Illinois prides itself on embracing visitors with a warm welcome, which you can experience at one of its many bed-and-breakfasts on your next couples retreat. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. 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. Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in Naperville, Illinois (IL) September 12, 2021 Vivienne Hutton. 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. 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. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. 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. For some of the best wineries in Galena, we have our top 5 list here. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. There are also a number of food and drink festivals held in Chicago, such as Ravenswood on Tap, a festival celebrating various craft beers, and the Lincoln Park Wine Festival, which is ideal for sampling a variety of wines from around the world. 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. Zion was a town that was completely planned before it was built, and you can see the remnants of its historical homes (called "Painted Ladies") that encircle the central Shiloh Park. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. Here we have you covered. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. Regional Getaways, Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. Arts & Culture, You and your partner may find yourselves hiking to the heavens at the Garden of the Gods, swimming the shores of Lake Michigan or barreling down the Great River Road scenic byway. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. For a unique winter activity, you can try the popular Midwest activity of snow tubing. The beach has space for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing and is a popular spot on weekends. 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. around Illinois. Other elements play a secondary role, such as pagodas, bridges, and lanterns. This city is very historically rich, as both the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and the place where Obama first announced his candidacy. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. 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. Fall is the ideal time to attend a festival and Illinois has you covered. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. Venturing away from the largest mounds also allows for great unhindered views of nature. These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. 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. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow There are many beaches and lakes in Illinois where kayaking is available as an activity, and many of these offer guides or lessons, making it accessible to all experience levels. Daytrip options abound as well: Head about 25 miles east to Apple River Canyon State Park for a gorgeous hike and picnic. 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. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. Lovebirds can also head to the country for a stay at a Victorian farmhouse operating as the Fox River Bed and Breakfast. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. 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. 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. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. 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. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. 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. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Watch the birds with a cup of coffee in hand or rent a canoe for a different view of the river. 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. 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. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. Check out Chicago's observation decks. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. 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. Catch a seasonal floral show including a Spring Show, Orchid Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. The acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. 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. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. in Is Matthiessen state Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also the second-largest city in Illinois! Operating as the Peoples Pier, Navy Pier has always featured as a space for the public gather. Of snow tubing not just Chicago, driving the great River Road, hiking in Ottawa more! Nestled in the world the 1960s styles from different periods of history the name suggests is ideal. 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