Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. 11 Starved Rock State Park. The beach has space for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing and is a popular spot on weekends. 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. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow It is actually a part of ancient history, putting it in a separate category from most other historic sites listed. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. The Underground Railroad passed through here, and visitors can explore Alton's abolitionist and Civil War history with nine self-guided stops through town following the Lincoln Legacy Trail. 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. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . Close to Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton is blessed with amazing autumn foliage and stunning rock formations within easy reach. 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. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. 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. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. . 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. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. 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. We mentioned already a few museums above but here is a list of more interesting museums. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. 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. Regional Getaways, Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. However, winter can be an amazing time to visit Illinois. Diners rave over the restaurant's large patio and bar, noting that B.A.S.H. Some overnighters say the accommodations may feel a bit kitschy (you can sleep in a train) but they enjoyed walking along the trails during the day. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. There are many unique fossils, bones, and more featured in the museum along with exhibits on geology, ancient human civilizations, and more. History, Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. 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. To see more unique historic mansions in northern Illinois, see our comprehensive list here. 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. Eat your way through a long weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area with Zambian food at Stango Cuisine, a stop at the Black Dog Smoke and Ale House for local barbecue, and an all-natural milk tea at Bearology. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. 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. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. Family Fun, 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. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. 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. The Magnificent Mile is an area of Michigan Avenue in Chicago that serves as one of the main retail areas in the city as well as home to a number of Chicago landmarks, upscale restaurants, museums, and more. While some of the rooms at the London House boast views of the skyline or the historic landmark district, every room is . When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. Bunk with the bison and stay here in one of 13 unique lodging rooms or 20 tent campsites. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Whether you are planning a romantic couples getaway or a fun family vacation, our guide to the best things to do in Illinois has you covered. 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. 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. For more information about this beach, click here. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. It was once part of the famous Route 66 but is now a walking and biking-only bridge. Back in the 21st century, couples can stroll downtown Bloomington to browse the storefronts with a possible detour back in time at the Arcadia arcade, which charges just a quarter for more than half of its vintage games. Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. For those more interested in science and the natural world, the Field Museum may be a better fit. Book your trip. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. 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. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. Many of the wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail include on-site lodging so you don't have to wander far from your new favorite red. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Looking for an adventure? For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. 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 more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. Ice skating is very popular in Illinois and so there are many different places you can enjoy the activity. 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. Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. 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. You can start in Galena in the state's northwest corner and discover enchanting towns along the way, some of which might share a border with Iowa or Missouri, such as Nauvoo. Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. 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. This allows the zoo to have a strong focus on conservation and animal care. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. Family Fun, 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 We've got all the big city glitz and glamour, plus candle-lit restaurants, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind date night activities. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips Activities. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. 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. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. 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. 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. 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. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. While it may not seem like the most interesting topic, the center has gone above and beyond to make the experience interactive and exciting. 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. 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