Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. 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. Its also home to many local artists and artisanal businesses. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. This 45-mile trail follows a former rail line and passes through beautiful forests, and abandoned towns, and crosses stunning ravines. I enjoy helping adult individuals of all ages and couples that still want to work things out, providing a safe place for you to find clarity, seek healing . Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. Book your trip. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. 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. Grafton is often seen as a small, unassuming town in southern Illinois, but is actually a vibrant hub of culture surrounded by beautiful scenery. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. 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. Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstock. 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. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. 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 the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. Bask in pure luxury at this gorgeous bed and breakfast in Galena. The Snow Park at Alpine Hills might be your best option. Sip some wine and take in the view of Galena Cellar's Vineyard (Galena). The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a unique museum covering the beginnings and development of the machinery company, Caterpillar. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. An obvious choice for date night or date week is one of the most famous cities on the planet: Chicago. As mentioned previously, the area around Cloud Gate in Chicago is also turned into an ice rink in winter each year and is another very popular spot. 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. 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. 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. Come fall in love with Chicago. 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. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. The National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum goes into further depth about the struggles of African Americans in the community and how they worked to gain representation and rights. 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 cabins are located less than 3 miles from the Garden of the Gods. 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. 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. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. 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. 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. Chicago, Illinois, is an amazing city to visit, offering a diverse selection of museums, tours, and Italian, and other restaurants.Enjoy a bird's eye view from 360 Chicago or the Skydeck, spend an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago, explore the famous Millennium Park, listen to an orchestra performance, and go for a romantic walk in one of the beautiful parks. Activities. Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. in Tour Chicago by helicopter. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. There are also a number of historic buildings, such as the Clock Tower and the many historic houses, which depict how the community would have been at the time and give information on daily life. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. 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. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. 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. 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. Centennial Beach 162 Beaches By litttlelaura75 Recreate some iconic movie romance with a tour of the North Shore and keep an eye out for the many places used as filming locations. 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. Julia Scott Vrooman lived there for more than a century, befriending the families of two presidents (the Wilsons and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt) and baking bread that she sent to the Queen of England and other dignitaries. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. From Wildcat Canyon, the deepest canyon in Starved Rock Park at 90 feet to LaSalle Canyon, where you can stand behind the waterfall, there are many canyons to explore in Illinois. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. 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. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. 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. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. 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. 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 a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. 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. The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. . 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. One of the most popular fall festivals in Illinois is the Apple n Pork Festival in Clifton. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. 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. Ice skating is very popular in Illinois and so there are many different places you can enjoy the activity. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. A day at the spa is generally considered an ideal form of self-care and relaxation, so why not share that with your partner? For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. For some of the best wineries in Galena, we have our top 5 list here. 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. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. While not traditionally known as a wine-making area, Illinois actually has quite a lot of wineries throughout the state. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. 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. 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. 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. Get to know us better on our about us page. 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 If you're visiting the Prairie State during the winter, you can't miss Belleville's Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German-style holiday market celebrating the season of Advent leading up to Christmas. The aforementioned Anderson Japanese Gardens can be found in Rockford as can the well-renowned Burpee Museum of Natural History. 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. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. Fall is the ideal time to attend a festival and Illinois has you covered. 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. 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. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. 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. One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. 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 It is top of the list for many who enjoy Illinois state parks. 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. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. 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. 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. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. Stay in a cabin at picturesque Starved Rock (Utica). They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. 2. At 1353 ft from the ground, this is the highest observation deck in the US and the glass box allows you to see straight through to the ground below. The institute is located in one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance. These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. (Burger and Sushi House). 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. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. Just trying to get away from the cold? Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. It is a unique experience and a great way to take in the amazing views of 4 different states. 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. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. To see some of the top scenic drives in Illinois, check out our post here. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. 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. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. 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 . Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. For a unique winter activity, you can try the popular Midwest activity of snow tubing. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. 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. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. 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