However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. 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. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. Activities. 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. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. 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. This Asian-fusion restaurant brings a modern twist to fusion cuisine with craft cocktails, nigiri, four different types of mac 'n' cheese, Thai doughnuts and burgers. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. There are over 200 different species, each living in an environment designed for them. 158. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Located on the lakefront, Navy Pier overlooks the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan. Galena is a beautiful historic city in northern Illinois with a wide range of things to see and do. 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. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. The beautiful gardens on site make for a great backdrop to a romantic weekend, and the on-site library offers books, magazines, games, and DVDs as well as refreshments. Illinois is The M. Arts & Culture & History 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. When visiting Chicago, Navy Pier is a must-go spot, ideal for catching some landscape and cityscape photos in one place, relaxing and enjoying the good weather, and taking part in some interesting local events. There are many amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they dont have the same name recognition as Chicago. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. Millennium Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Illinois. Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. 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. For something more modern, you can try sampling the various wineries that surround the area. 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Phone: 312-443-3600 Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Berkeley, Tybee Island, Nantucket, NH resorts, MN resorts, Kona, Pasadena, ND, ME, From Boston, Salt Lake City 9. Visitors are sometimes surprised to hear that Illinois has many stunning waterfalls, but with the range of well-preserved state parks and rock formations, it is really no surprise. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. 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? Illinois has a wide range of water parks, including both indoor and outdoor options as well as parks that are better for young children and others that are suitable for all ages. If you are interested in finding the most interesting haunted places in Illinois and the stories behind them, see our full guide here for a spooky read. The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. 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. 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. 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. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. 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. Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. 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. The Magnificent Mile is an area of Michigan Avenue in Chicago that serves as one of the main retail areas in the city as well as home to a number of Chicago landmarks, upscale restaurants, museums, and more. The Pullman National Monument is another unique part of history as the original site for the first planned industrial community in the US. 157. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. Eagle watching? However, for a more extended relaxation and treatment, you can also stay at a spa resort. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . 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. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Here you'll find both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years, as well as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. You and your partner may find yourselves hiking to the heavens at the Garden of the Gods, swimming the shores of Lake Michigan or barreling down the Great River Road scenic byway. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. For more on Galena, see our previous post here. From the Queen Anne mansion to the carriage house, all of the rooms on this property come with breakfast, access to a social hour with free beverages, cheese, and fruit. 2. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. For those more interested in science and the natural world, the Field Museum may be a better fit. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. If you prefer a large shopping mall, Gurnee Mills might be the place for you as Illinois third-largest mall with over 189 shops and services. Family Fun, U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow 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. Book your trip. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . Activities. There is a quarter-mile observation trail, or hikers can go all in on the 5.5-mile trek along interconnecting trails; each boasts views of the forest's unique rock formations. Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary breakfast - some suites even feature spa Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. 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. . 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. Illinois' lakeshore offers couples the chance to unwind on the waterfront. 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. If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. We mentioned already a few museums above but here is a list of more interesting museums. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. 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. What is Seoul Known For? 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. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon might receive the brunt of the attention when it comes to USA's national parks, but there are a few hidden gems scattered across Illinois as well. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Whether youre looking for a lavish spa, great food and wine, or a beautiful suite, Illinois has plenty of places to relax and revitalize during a romantic couples' retreat. 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. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. Chicago Architecture Cruise. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. 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. From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. 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