If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. For those more interested in the history of Lincoln, following the Lincoln and Civil War Legacy Trail in Alton could be a fun and informative activity. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Starved Rock State Park is known for its sandstone canyons several of which have waterfalls. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. in Outdoor enthusiasts will embrace this scenic driving route for its proximity to hiking, mountain biking and fishing hot spots like Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton or Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Spanning the Mississippi River into St. Louis, the bridges most interesting feature is the 22-degree bend it makes towards the middle of the bridge. On the other hand, escaping to a cabin in nature can be an amazing experience, a great way to clear ones head, connect with nature, enjoy the wildlife around you and make the best of your time with your partner. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. You are in 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. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. The Pullman National Monument is another unique part of history as the original site for the first planned industrial community in the US. 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. An obvious choice for date night or date week is one of the most famous cities on the planet: Chicago. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Book your trip. 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. 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. 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. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. 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. in Its the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and sophisticated society. It was first designed in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. around Illinois. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. 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. Visitors can explore the mounds, either with a guide or independently. You won't taste quite the same bread there today, but your stay includes a full breakfast made with seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed on the patio or in the dining room. Chicago River dyeing. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. Looking for an adventure? 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. Visitors are sometimes surprised to hear that Illinois has many stunning waterfalls, but with the range of well-preserved state parks and rock formations, it is really no surprise. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. 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. While it may not seem like the most interesting topic, the center has gone above and beyond to make the experience interactive and exciting. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. (Burger and Sushi House). Bring your partner to Belleville whose name means "beautiful city" in French for a romantic trip. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Eleven of the state's best wineries, including some of the oldest vineyards in Illinois, are dotted along a 40-mile trail for you to discover at your own pace. If you are planning a romantic couples trip, Illinois is an ideal place with a variety of things to do. Activities. 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. 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. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. February 13, 2019, Courtesy of Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitor Bureau, Home The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" Other elements play a secondary role, such as pagodas, bridges, and lanterns. Illinois is blessed with many beautiful State Parks featuring a variety of different ecological phenomena. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. (Getty Images). Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar You can read our complete privacy policy here. No matter where in the state you are planning to go, what type of group youre traveling with, and what your budget is, we have something for you so you can enjoy the beautiful state of Illinois to its full potential. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. 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. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. Springfield is only 80 miles from the lodge. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. Dine on top of a skyscraper. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. Retire to one of Chicago's new hotels: Pendry Chicago is a luxe retreat set in an art deco masterpiece of a building, while The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park keeps you centrally located in cheerfully comfortable rooms for couples on the go. 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. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Nightlife Bars & Clubs Comedy Clubs Dance Clubs & Discos Bar, Club & Pub Tours Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Calumet Heights Clearing Canaryville Show all Good for Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. Many places with hiking trails also allow biking, and in some ways, biking can be more versatile with the area you are able to cover. 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. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. 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. 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. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. Canopy Tours are an exciting and unique way to experience the forest from a different point of view. The Ledge is a glass balcony or glass box that extends 4.3 feet from the edge of the building. Centennial Beach 162 Beaches By litttlelaura75 Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. by Erica Abdnour Grafton is often seen as a small, unassuming town in southern Illinois, but is actually a vibrant hub of culture surrounded by beautiful scenery. 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. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. To see more information, 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. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. There are also a number of nearby local wineries which also feature beautiful landscapes. There are a number of beaches located throughout the city, many of which allow swimming and other water activities. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. 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. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. Eagle watching? Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. In that case, check out our ranking of the best resorts to try out for a romantic couples trip in Illinois. The small Illinois town of Galena boasts stunning 19th-century architecture preserved in time and historic accommodations. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. Get to know us better on our about us page. 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. 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