Book your trip. 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. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. 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. 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. Illinois, area. 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. Activities. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. 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. The aforementioned Anderson Japanese Gardens can be found in Rockford as can the well-renowned Burpee Museum of Natural History. This 45-mile trail follows a former rail line and passes through beautiful forests, and abandoned towns, and crosses stunning ravines. Located on the lakefront, Navy Pier overlooks the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan. In that case, check out our ranking of the best resorts to try out for a romantic couples trip in Illinois. 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. 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. 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. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events 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. This allows the zoo to have a strong focus on conservation and animal care. Planning a trip around seeing the state parks of Illinois is not uncommon, and so staying in the areas closest to these state parks is quite popular. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. Summer brings to mind heat, beaches, and fun in the water, but can be so much more. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. Explore presidential history alongside wine country in this Midwestern state, and book well in advance if you are looking to dine at one of the world's best restaurants in Chicago or simply want some famous deep-dish pizza. It is actually a part of ancient history, putting it in a separate category from most other historic sites listed. For example, Cairo is a unique town with many abandoned structures. A scenic drive is also ideal for personalization it can be a full-day activity or just a few hours before you move on to something else. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. 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. 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. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. 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. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. 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. These resorts generally have a wide range of facilities and amenities available for guests, ranging from pools and saunas to treatments such as massages and aromatherapy. Visitors can explore the mounds, either with a guide or independently. Illinois State Museum 323 Speciality Museums Natural History Museums By SusanM893 The second floor included several art exhibits and the People of Illinois. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. 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. It was once part of the famous Route 66 but is now a walking and biking-only bridge. 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. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. in The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. 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. 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? Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Arts & Culture, Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. Amusement parks and theme parks are always as hit with kids and luckily, Illinois has a great range to choose from. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. 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 best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. The trail is customizable to experience level and is a great way to explore the state. 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. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. For more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. The property hosts weekly events such as a barbecue and wine pairing dinner in the summer. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, plus chocolates and pastry. We've got all the big city glitz and glamour, plus candle-lit restaurants, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind date night activities. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. Goldmoore Inn & Resort doubles as the most romantic resorts in Galena as well as romantic couples resort Illinois has to offer. 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. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. Rice, Daniel Lee. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . 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. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. Whether it is through interactive exhibits or finding museums relevant to their interests, museums can be an ideal way to spend a day as a family. The latter contains presidential artifacts found nowhere else and a theater that shows educational films and living history performances to immerse you in the time of Lincoln. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . For a unique winter activity, you can try the popular Midwest activity of snow tubing. See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips A night out along the Magnificent Mile or a day browsing the many retail options, and taking advantage of the amazing culinary offerings is a must-do for those visiting Chicago. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. 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. The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. , where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days,,... A spa treatment is also ideal for an extended stay the forest where the resort is located in Springfield the! 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