Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Avondale Dunning Garfield Ridge Show all Good for Good for a Rainy Day Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Kids Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. The Burpee Museum of Natural History is an amazing three-floor museum full of interactive exhibits and unique pieces of history. Family Fun, George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Address: 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 Website: George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily) Price: Free 8. Rich Harvest Farms is a more modern, but very unique course in that it has been designed purely to suit the whims of the billionaire owner, meaning it doesnt always fit regulation standards. For golf enthusiasts, or those simply looking for a different activity to try, exploring some of these golf courses is a great way to see the state at the same time. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. 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. Many different areas in Illinois feature a zoo, ranging from large interactive zoos to small animal exhibits. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Rockford, also known as Forest City, is ideal for those who enjoy nature and history. 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. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. 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. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. 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. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. Family Fun, Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstock. Stay in a cabin at picturesque Starved Rock (Utica). Amid all the swishing and sipping, head to the Pomona Natural Bridge Trail within the Shawnee National Forest for a 0.3-mile loop through hickory and beech trees, with an overlook to a "bridge" formed naturally from sandstone. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. Bask in pure luxury at this gorgeous bed and breakfast in Galena. Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. 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. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. While fall foliage can be beautiful anyway, something about the cool, windy weather and ambient atmosphere of Illinois makes it ideal for really appreciating the stunning colors. For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. 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 . With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. 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. Explore all the great things to do in galena il. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. For more information about this beach, click here. 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. Sybaris Northbrook offers couples reservations like the Chalet suite, which comes with a heated pool and hot tub, misting steam room, a waterfall, massage chairs, a fireplace and an additional whirlpool tub in the bedroom area. 157. 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. From late November through December, you can bundle up and browse the outdoor stalls in the city's Public Square selling handicrafts and gift items, as well as gingerbread and hot mulled wine. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. 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. If you don't want to camp out where the wolves roam, maybe you'll opt for the Mark Twain Hotel for a boutique stay or the fully restored Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette downtown. originated from an 1890 novel but later became popular on the vaudeville circuit the idea was that if your show was a hit in Peoria, it would be an overall success. For a more unique theme park experience, you can check out Boo Castle Park, originally built as a memorial park for Jeremey Boo Rochman after a car accident but themed around a childhood love of dragons, wizards, and role-playing games. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Look beyond the large chains to find boutique hotels, mom-and-pop shops and locally owned restaurants for a truly romantic getaway to small-town America. 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. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. Get to know us better on our about us page. There are many castles located throughout Illinois built in a range of styles from different periods of history. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. The Prairie St Brewing Co. started and has been thriving in Rockford for many years now, making it a great stop on any visit to Rockford. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. 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. 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. Lovebirds can also head to the country for a stay at a Victorian farmhouse operating as the Fox River Bed and Breakfast. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center in conjunction with Chicagos First Lady cruise boat has designed a river cruise to feature some of Chicagos most beautiful, interesting, and historic architectural delights. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. Many of these beaches offer swimming, canoeing, and other water activities as well as simply relaxing on the sand. Chicago River dyeing. 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. It is top of the list for many who enjoy Illinois state parks. Customizable packages are available so you can treat your sweetie with flowers, champagne, a special turndown service, or cheese and fruit. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. 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. 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. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. Complete with five beautifully decorated suites, a parlor, library, music room, and dining room, The Vrooman Mansion offers a seasonal gourmet breakfast each morning and is conveniently located near wineries, breweries, the Miller Park Zoo, and several quaint restaurants. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. Weekend Plans: 14 Fun Options to Explore Across Illinois For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. (Getty Images). 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. There are many wineries in the area, and going on a winery tour while enjoying the beautiful scenery is a great way to support local businesses while also experiencing the area. . This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. Activities. Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. 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