things to do in illinois for couples02 Apr things to do in illinois for couples
If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. When you're done exploring for the day, retire to the Champaign Garden Inn, a bed-and-breakfast with six guest rooms inside a Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion. Luckily, many buildings and sites have been preserved from this history and are now available to be observed and learned from in the modern day. This 45-mile trail follows a former rail line and passes through beautiful forests, and abandoned towns, and crosses stunning ravines. This state park has some beautiful waterfalls and rock formations with fewer people than Starved Rock. Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. Travelers can always walk off an indulgent meal at one of Champaign-Urbana's many art galleries; the Wandell Sculpture Garden; or the contemporary Spurlock Museum, which focuses on world cultures. There are many great ski resorts and areas for skiing and snowboarding throughout Illinois. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This mansion stands as an example of Second Empire design and remains almost untouched since the time of its use by the prominent Hegeler family and the Open Court Publishing Company opened by Hegeler. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. 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. It is probably the most. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. Downtown Galena is brimming with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to sample. Chicago Architecture Cruise. 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. Illinois is The M. Arts & Culture & History There are many unique fossils, bones, and more featured in the museum along with exhibits on geology, ancient human civilizations, and more. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. The Krannert Art Museum is located on the campus of the University of Illinois in central Illinois and is the second-largest fine art museum in the state. Perhaps the most famous state park, Starved Rock State Park, is loved by many for its miles of trails, opportunities for hiking, boating, photography, and more. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. It was first designed in the 1880s and has gone on to influence American history. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. Many of these beaches offer swimming, canoeing, and other water activities as well as simply relaxing on the sand. These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. The Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. . The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. 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. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. By night, consider holding your loved one close for a walking ghost tour: Alton is considered one of the most haunted small towns in the U.S., and locations such as the McPike Mansion have been featured on paranormal TV series. To make your choice of which state park, or parks, to visit, see our post on the top state parks in Illinois here. Mundelein, Illinois, United States. 1. 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. Eat & Drink, Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. 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. 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. It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. With so many winter activities available, it is a great opportunity to experience many of the popular places without the crowds, as well as take part in winter-exclusive experiences. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. Here are twelve great places in Illinois that are sure to set a romantic tone: 1. Some animals are part of interactive programs such as goat grooming and meeting penguins. Starved Rock State Park is known for its sandstone canyons several of which have waterfalls. With so many to choose from, there is no better way to spend a nice sunny day than exploring some of the best parks on offer. However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. 2. Summer brings to mind heat, beaches, and fun in the water, but can be so much more. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nightlife Sights & Landmarks Fun & Games Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods 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. 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. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! 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. You can also visit the original State Capitol Hall, first built in 1837. 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. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. Chicago is well-known for its vast array of beautiful parks and green spaces. A full breakfast comes complimentary, and you dont want to miss an array of Belgian waffles, French toast, eggs, farm-fresh meats, and much more. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. 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 . On a trip to Bloomington, be sure to check in to the Vrooman Mansion, a former home brimming with legacy and life since the Scott family moved into the mansion in 1873. [See more of Chicago:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. 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 center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. You can read our complete privacy policy here. Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. Back in the 21st century, couples can stroll downtown Bloomington to browse the storefronts with a possible detour back in time at the Arcadia arcade, which charges just a quarter for more than half of its vintage games. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. The period rooms are well appointed, and the property encourages guests to live out their "Bridgerton" fantasies over afternoon tea or time spent in the garden. 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. History, You are in Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. Originally constructed as a permanent monument to the Worlds Columbian Exposition in 1893, the Field Museum still stands with 20 permanent exhibits featuring items from the Ice Age, Ancient Egypt, and even the time of dinosaurs. 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. 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. 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. 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. Gail Borden Public Library 125 Libraries By jefflC6195OD Gail Borden Library is a treasure in Elgin. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. Then head to Arts and Antique Row, which as the name suggests is the downtown antique shopping district. Illinois State Museum 323 Speciality Museums Natural History Museums By SusanM893 The second floor included several art exhibits and the People of Illinois. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. If you are interested in abandoned places, history, or urban exploration, Cairo is an ideal place to visit. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. The trail is customizable to experience level and is a great way to explore the state. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. We've got all the big city glitz and glamour, plus candle-lit restaurants, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind date night activities. Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. 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. There are many other options of places to go hiking in Illinois. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. Rice, Daniel Lee. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. For more detail on the Krannert Art Museum, see our post here. Chicago, This 170-acre park and prairie's guided tours give context to Indigenous communities that lived here up to 11,000 years ago. If you are interested in small towns in southern Illinois, see our list here, or if you are interested in seeing the best small towns across all of Illinois, see here. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Set just outside Chicago you'll find the affluent suburb of Northbrook, where filmmaker John Hughes once called home and which inspired the setting for many of his cult classics such as "Sixteen Candles," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club." What is Seoul Known For? Despite the somewhat strange name, this festival regularly attracts 80,000 visitors to enjoy the country-style food trucks, antique tractor shows,s, and live entertainment. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Head to Zion, on the border with Wisconsin, where Illinois Beach State Park extends for 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. For couples looking for this experience, our post on romantic cabins with hot tubs is ideal for finding your ideal accommodation. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. 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. in For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. Chicago River dyeing. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. You can start in Galena in the state's northwest corner and discover enchanting towns along the way, some of which might share a border with Iowa or Missouri, such as Nauvoo. 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. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. Activities This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. 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. 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. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. 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. 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. by Erica Abdnour This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary breakfast - some suites even feature spa Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. 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. 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. To see some of the top scenic drives in Illinois, check out our post here. 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. 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. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. 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. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . around Illinois. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. Activities. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. Spread the trail out over multiple days and stay overnight in one of the wineries that offer accommodation or choose the wineries youre most interested in and make an afternoon of it. 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. Fall is the ideal time to attend a festival and Illinois has you covered. Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. Three of the rooms in this once-school are set up as romantic luxury suites, and you can treat yourself to extras like wine, roses or candle lighting in your room. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. 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. 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. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. 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. 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. We have the list for you! These range from more luxury places like the Villa Olivia Resort to fast-paced adrenaline-rushing spots like Snowstar Winter Park or if youre looking for something more family-friendly.
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