Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. One of the most popular fall festivals in Illinois is the Apple n Pork Festival in Clifton. But Springfield is not just for history fanatics: Spend a retro date night at the Route 66 Twin Drive-In theater, open from April through September. For more on Galena, see our previous post here. With a virtual ride in a Caterpillar mining truck and the opportunity to design your own Caterpillar machine, this is a great museum for exciting imagination and curiosity. 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. Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. is perfect for couples who can't decide where to eat. 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 make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. Tour Chicago by helicopter. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. If you prefer a day trip to the spa mixed in with other activities, visiting one of Illinois many day spas could be perfect for you. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. Perhaps the most well-known is the now world-famous Lollapalooza 4-day music festival, held in Grant Park. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. 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. Dine on top of a skyscraper. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. Bring your partner to Belleville whose name means "beautiful city" in French for a romantic trip. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. Eat & Drink, Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. Established in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, Naper Settlement, located at 523 South Webster Street, is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin . You could spend the 14 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day exploring Ill Fresh Picks 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 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. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. 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. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. In that case, check out our ranking of the best resorts to try out for a romantic couples trip in Illinois. This city is very historically rich, as both the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and the place where Obama first announced his candidacy. 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. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. 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. For more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. 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. Pheasant Lanes. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. Wolff's Flea Market 6920 N Mannheim Rosemont, IL 60018 (847) 524-9590 Wolff's Flea Market in Rosemont, IL is open every Sunday featuring about a hundred vendors selling everything from antiques to fresh produce, and more. There are many unique fossils, bones, and more featured in the museum along with exhibits on geology, ancient human civilizations, and more. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Some couples may prefer an upscale resort with a range of amenities and facilities. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. 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. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Regional Getaways, 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. Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! You can read our complete privacy policy here. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. This is also one of the best places to see fall colors in Chicago. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. 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. For this reason, going to the beach is another good option for hot summer days in Illinois. Lovebirds can also head to the country for a stay at a Victorian farmhouse operating as the Fox River Bed and Breakfast. Catch a seasonal floral show including a Spring Show, Orchid Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show. There are a range of trails available to suit all levels of hiker, from casual beginners right through to experienced hiking enthusiasts. Also potentially of interest in Herod is a roadside park on U.S. Route 34 that leads to a cave once home to the Fairy Cliff Caf. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. The acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Family Fun, Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. With the use of zip lines, aerial bridges, rappelling, and more, canopy tours explore the forest in a new way. Public art installations and gardens are strewn throughout, making exploring the park an exciting and enjoyable adventure. Weekend Plans: 14 Fun Options to Explore Across Illinois There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. Looking for an adventure? 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. Activities The adjacent Fabyan Villa was renovated by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907; the Fabyans were wealthy eccentrics who kept collections of natural history specimens and art, as well as mummies and other oddball curiosities. 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. 5.2 Miles 60% 151 votes 8 Henson Robinson Zoo Zoos 1100 East Lake Drive, Springfield, IL 62707 Over 90 species of animals can be found at the Henson Robinson Zoo. Rice, Daniel Lee. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. 2. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. Not a hiking or biking fan? The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. For more information about this beach, click here. Nestled in the Chain O'Lakes region of Illinois is Cypress Resort & Marine, a great escape for couples looking for a lakeside retreat. A day at the spa is generally considered an ideal form of self-care and relaxation, so why not share that with your partner? There's no better place for romance than Chicago. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. We have the list for you! Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations, including freestanding cottages with their own fireplaces and soaking tubs. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. If youre in Illinois on a budget, taking advantage of free things to do is a great way to still get some great experiences without breaking the bank. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. 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