Here is an overview of the best fall festivals in Illinois. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. 2. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. For example, Cairo is a unique town with many abandoned structures. Catch a seasonal floral show including a Spring Show, Orchid Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. What is Seoul Known For? The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. Activities. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. 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. Chicago River dyeing. This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. 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. Summer brings to mind heat, beaches, and fun in the water, but can be so much more. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. February 13, 2019, Courtesy of Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitor Bureau, Home The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. As the biggest city in Illinois and home to a wide variety of art and culture, Chicago is a great starting place for any trip to Illinois. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Its the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and sophisticated society. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. There are two great lodging options located within Geneva proper: The Herrington Inn & Spa and the Oscar Swan B&B. 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. in However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. Lovers of vintage will find the antique shops of Antioch an appealing way to pass some time. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. 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. 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. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Fun & Games Sights & Landmarks Nightlife Boat Tours & Water Sports Museums Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Zoos & Aquariums Water & Amusement Parks Casinos & Gambling Traveler rating & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Canaryville Lower West Side Near West Side Show all Good for Good for Couples Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. Have a look at the best things to do in Illinois: 1. From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. While it may not be medieval Europe, Illinois still has its fair share of castles. 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. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. The trail is customizable to experience level and is a great way to explore the state. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? 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. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. Get Inspired The best part of the Shawnee Wine Trail is the customizability it can be as long or short as you like. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. Enjoy cocktails at Green Mill Jazz Club. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. 158. 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. Travelers can always walk off an indulgent meal at one of Champaign-Urbana's many art galleries; the Wandell Sculpture Garden; or the contemporary Spurlock Museum, which focuses on world cultures. 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 . Check prices and availability: To see more unique historic mansions in northern Illinois, see our comprehensive list here. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. The African American communitys legacy emerges through exhibits and events at t Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. 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. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. The Arts and Crafts-style property features a quiet atmosphere and about a dozen flower-themed rooms, four of which come with balconies. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. Many of these breweries provide unique craft beers which are both locally produced and delicious. The park itself is a one-stop outing, featuring an ice rink, a 120-foot-tall bandshell designed by Frank Gehry that attracts top-notch musical talent, the seasonal Lurie Garden, staggering public art installations and a roster of free events held on the Great Lawn. To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. 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. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. 157. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Not a hiking or biking fan? With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. 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. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. Saturday, March 11, 2023, begins at 10 a.m. Chicago River between State and Columbus The Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. If you're both looking for a true romantic escape in nature, you're in luck: Pharaoh Campground has a dozen campsites open year-round for a small fee. 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. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. However, hiking isnt limited to just the state parks. It is probably the most. Starved Rock State Park is known for its sandstone canyons several of which have waterfalls. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. Offering a little bit of everything, Peoria is an Illinois city you might have heard of even if you're not sure why. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. Amenities at the inn include a full breakfast served in bed, picnic baskets and bicycles available to borrow, and a DVD library with free popcorn. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. 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 . Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. For more on Galena, see our previous post here. World-class dining, museums and entertainment coexist with free public parks and cheap tickets to the historic Wrigley Field ballpark. 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. 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. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. 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. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Watch the birds with a cup of coffee in hand or rent a canoe for a different view of the river. For a getaway within a getaway, head to Galena's year-round Chestnut Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter or zip lining and river cruising in the summer. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. (Burger and Sushi House). [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Daytrip options abound as well: Head about 25 miles east to Apple River Canyon State Park for a gorgeous hike and picnic. 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. You can read our complete privacy policy here. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Check out Chicago's observation decks. Dine on top of a skyscraper. Featuring indie artists, Pitchfork Music Festival is a great way to support up-and-coming music talent and discover new artists. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. 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. 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. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. 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