The beautiful gardens on site make for a great backdrop to a romantic weekend, and the on-site library offers books, magazines, games, and DVDs as well as refreshments. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. 2. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. 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. 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. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. Some of the golf courses found in Illinois also have a long history, such as Chicago Golf Course, ranked as the top golf course in Illinois, and first built in the 1890s. With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. 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. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. 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. The best part of the Shawnee Wine Trail is the customizability it can be as long or short as you like. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a unique museum covering the beginnings and development of the machinery company, Caterpillar. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers all types of rooms, from honeymoon suites to rooms that can accommodate pets! The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. Public art installations and gardens are strewn throughout, making exploring the park an exciting and enjoyable adventure. 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. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. 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. Bunk with the bison and stay here in one of 13 unique lodging rooms or 20 tent campsites. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events While some of the rooms at the London House boast views of the skyline or the historic landmark district, every room is . Gail Borden Public Library 125 Libraries By jefflC6195OD Gail Borden Library is a treasure in Elgin. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. The Art Institute of Chicago is well-known as one of the best art museums in the world, with over 300,000 works in its collection. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. 157. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. However, if you are more interested in central Illinois, this list may be better suited. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Shawnee Wine Trail is located along a 40-mile stretch through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. 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. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. 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. The Cahokia Mounds is a really unique and interesting historical site. 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. 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 Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. If you are open to venturing out, consider the Davie School Inn, an eclectic B&B in Anna just 10 to 20 miles from most of the wineries on the route. 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. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) 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. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. 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. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. Eat & Drink, 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. Explore all the great things to do in galena il. 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. 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. With so many winter activities available, it is a great opportunity to experience many of the popular places without the crowds, as well as take part in winter-exclusive experiences. 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. Riverfront dining also dazzles, with twinkling lights and an open invitation for an after-dinner stroll try Beatnik on the River for international flavors and inspired design. 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 luxury escape sits on Millionaires Row in Alton, where you can choose from Jacuzzi or fireplace rooms, HDTV with premium movie packages, and both a 24 hour hot beverage service and a 24 hour hot chocolate bar. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. 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. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. Activities. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. The institute is located in one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. 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. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? Not only is the beach a beautiful sandy lake shore, it also has some amazing views of the Chicago skyline. 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. There are a range of trails available to suit all levels of hiker, from casual beginners right through to experienced hiking enthusiasts. Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. There are many amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they dont have the same name recognition as Chicago. With over 33 in southern Illinois, visitors are spoilt for choice. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. There are many buildings and places throughout the city that are important to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and have been preserved as historic places. 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. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). Grafton is often seen as a small, unassuming town in southern Illinois, but is actually a vibrant hub of culture surrounded by beautiful scenery. For more information about this beach, click here. Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. This Asian-fusion restaurant brings a modern twist to fusion cuisine with craft cocktails, nigiri, four different types of mac 'n' cheese, Thai doughnuts and burgers. It is a unique experience and a great way to take in the amazing views of 4 different states. 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. To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. There are two great lodging options located within Geneva proper: The Herrington Inn & Spa and the Oscar Swan B&B. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. Many of these beaches offer swimming, canoeing, and other water activities as well as simply relaxing on the sand. 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. With so many to choose from, there is no better way to spend a nice sunny day than exploring some of the best parks on offer. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. Whether youre hoping to visit multiple state parks or explore just one or two in more depth, finding out the top state parks and deciding which ones you wish to visit is a great way to help plan your visit to Illinois. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. The trail is customizable to experience level and is a great way to explore the state. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. 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. 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. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. With Chicagos great location on the edge of Lake Michigan, it is ideal for going to the beach and soaking up some sun. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. For more on Galena, see our previous post here. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. With a long history as the Peoples Pier, Navy Pier has always featured as a space for the public to gather and relax. 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. Not a hiking or biking fan? In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. 2. Lovebirds can also head to the country for a stay at a Victorian farmhouse operating as the Fox River Bed and Breakfast. 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. Down which areas of the local wineries, so exploring the area is and. Sporting facilities, is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a way! Or a spa package as well the Trail is the Skydeck, on the sand Breakfast has a few buildings. For more on Galena, see our list of the best way to take in the.! 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