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. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. 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. 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. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. 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. 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. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. 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. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. [Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago.]. Arts & Culture, One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. 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. Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. For those more interested in science and the natural world, the Field Museum may be a better fit. If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. in The property used to host farm-to-table meals but took the year off in 2022; check its website for updates on this special experience. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. The inn offers a package bundling museum tickets with a bottle of sparkling wine and dessert, among other romantic amenities you can add on to your stay. Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. Its also home to many local artists and artisanal businesses. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages screams romance, as it sits on a stunning 10 acre property with valley views, a gorgeous garden, walking trails, and a pond. Foodies seeking an Illinois escape can head to Champaign, a great Midwestern food town that's home to a lively community from the University of Illinois campus. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. This allows the zoo to have a strong focus on conservation and animal care. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. These are great for enjoying all the fun of the attractions with fewer crowds. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. 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. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. 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. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. Saturday, March 11, 2023, begins at 10 a.m. Chicago River between State and Columbus The Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world. Illinois has a great range of beaches available along both Lake Michigan and various other lakefronts in the state. Activities. 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. The Art Institute of Chicago 24,409 Art Museums Grant Park By caront671 The first was major retrospective of the Chicago influenced works of John Singer Sargent, who had many patrons among 2022 2. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. Illinois is The M. Arts & Culture & History 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. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. 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. Close to Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton is blessed with amazing autumn foliage and stunning rock formations within easy reach. With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. 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. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. Stay in a cabin at picturesque Starved Rock (Utica). This is necessary as some zip lines can reach up to 40mph and can be very high off the ground. Sip some wine and take in the view of Galena Cellar's Vineyard (Galena). Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. Customizable packages are available so you can treat your sweetie with flowers, champagne, a special turndown service, or cheese and fruit. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. While not traditionally known as a wine-making area, Illinois actually has quite a lot of wineries throughout the state. Millennium Park 25,012 Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks Millennium Park Open now By LUchicago Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. However, winter can be an amazing time to visit Illinois. The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. You are in Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. The Pullman National Monument is another unique part of history as the original site for the first planned industrial community in the US. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. 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. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. 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. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. Come fall in love with Chicago. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Chocolate lovers are in luck more than 20 varieties are available to nibble at all times of day for Beall Mansion guests at the complimentary chocolate buffet. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. The Snow Park at Alpine Hills might be your best option. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. Chicago, Here we have you covered. in Family Fun, From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. 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. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The lush interior, vibrant artwork and 1950's inspired Copacabana Club show whisks lovers from chilly Chicago to the heat of Latin America. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. There are many unique fossils, bones, and more featured in the museum along with exhibits on geology, ancient human civilizations, and more. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. 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. 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. 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. There are also a number of historic buildings, such as the Clock Tower and the many historic houses, which depict how the community would have been at the time and give information on daily life. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. For a unique winter activity, you can try the popular Midwest activity of snow tubing. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. 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. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. 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. 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 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. The architecture cruise winds along the Chicago river and teaches visitors about the buildings and figures who shaped Chicagos history. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. For photography enthusiasts, there is also a photography cruise that follows the same route as the normal CAFC tour, but takes place in the early morning and pauses at key points to allow photographers to get perfect shots in the morning light. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. Grafton is a great place to experience nature as there are also a number of wildlife sanctuaries and bird- and wildlife-watching enthusiasts regularly gather. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. Illinois State Museum 323 Speciality Museums Natural History Museums By SusanM893 The second floor included several art exhibits and the People of Illinois. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. Choose your favorite accommodation such as a suite in the main house or a country cottage dispersed along the property. It also houses 5 acres of botanical gardens to explore and the area surrounding the Cloud Gate becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. 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. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. 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. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips The Arts and Crafts-style property features a quiet atmosphere and about a dozen flower-themed rooms, four of which come with balconies. Have a look at the best things to do in Illinois: 1. However, hiking isnt limited to just the state parks. Rice, Daniel Lee. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. Fall is the ideal time to attend a festival and Illinois has you covered. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. If you are interested in viewing some of the beautiful nature already mentioned but are looking to avoid the tired legs, or simply prefer observing from the car window, you are in luck as Illinois also has a number of scenic drives. , Chicago water Tower, and more can all be found throughout Illinois that are great for all. 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