What to Do in Illinois: Museum of Science and Industry Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Bunk with the bison and stay here in one of 13 unique lodging rooms or 20 tent campsites. The Art Institute of Chicago is well-known as one of the best art museums in the world, with over 300,000 works in its collection. Not a hiking or biking fan? Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. One popular example is Millennium park, located in downtown Chicago. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Get Inspired You can read our complete privacy policy here. Customizable packages are available so you can treat your sweetie with flowers, champagne, a special turndown service, or cheese and fruit. (Getty Images). For those more interested in science and the natural world, the Field Museum may be a better fit. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. Whether you are wine connoisseurs and wish to sample the boutique wineries along the Shawnee Wine Trail or simply relax in a spa, there is something to suit every couple and make your trip romantic. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. Family Fun, In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. Described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory features 120,000 plants over hundreds of species and has flower shows seasonally. 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. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. To see more information, see our post here. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . It is actually a part of ancient history, putting it in a separate category from most other historic sites listed. Get to know us better on our about us page. Welcome to your guide to Chicago attractions, outdoor adventures, arts, history, road trips, tours, sports and shopping. There are also a number of nearby local wineries which also feature beautiful landscapes. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. Looking for an adventure? If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. One of the best ways to truly connect with your partner is to book a stay in a romantic hotel or cabin where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on each other and the relaxing environment youre in. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. There are many buildings and places throughout the city that are important to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and have been preserved as historic places. Tour Chicago by helicopter. 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. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. These include competitions, pumpkin carving, face painting, pageants, and more. A National Historic Landmark District, Nauvoo showcases a Mormon heritage with dozens of restored homes and shops available to tour by horse-drawn wagon ride for free. 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 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. Here we have you covered. As mentioned above, playing in the water is a great family activity. 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. Often featuring artists and local products, Makanda Boardwalk is a great way to explore and support the local community. 157. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. 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. Enjoy some finger sandwiches and then take a look around to see what you can find; shoppers say Little Traveler sells lots of decorative items, especially for Christmas. The town's Shiloh House is a 25-room mansion built in 1901 for the city's founder curious passersby can take a tour of the restored property on Sundays or by appointment. When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. Couples can also opt for more luxurious lodging with a romantic cabin from Shawnee Forest Cabins, complete with a hot tub and fireplace. The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. These include Bent River Brewing Companys coffee-infused oatmeal stout and Pig Minds Brewing Co.s vegan beers. The Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S. . The best part? On the other hand, escaping to a cabin in nature can be an amazing experience, a great way to clear ones head, connect with nature, enjoy the wildlife around you and make the best of your time with your partner. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. 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. The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. 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. 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. 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. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. 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. With Chicagos great location on the edge of Lake Michigan, it is ideal for going to the beach and soaking up some sun. While exploring nature you may be interested in seeing a canyon and Illinois doesnt disappoint. 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. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. The site has around 80 mounds of 2,200 acres, although the original city was much larger. 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. You can also try Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in nearby Wheeling for walk-in wine tastings in addition to an extensive food menu. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. You can also check out the Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery for farm-fresh goat cheese and goat's milk gelato tremendous additions to any picnic. For more information about this beach, click here. 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. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. 2. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. The Cahokia Mounds is a really unique and interesting historical site. If you are planning a romantic couples trip, Illinois is an ideal place with a variety of things to do. 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 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. Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar 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. 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. If you and your significant other wish to bond over some presidential history, book your tickets to visit the capital city of Springfield. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. February 13, 2019, Courtesy of Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitor Bureau, Home Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. 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. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. 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. With beautiful mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and fun events galore, fall is often recommended as the ideal time to visit. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. For couples looking for this experience, our post on romantic cabins with hot tubs is ideal for finding your ideal accommodation. There are many amazing towns and counties which might be easy to overlook as they dont have the same name recognition as Chicago. You could spend the 14 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day exploring Ill Fresh Picks To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. While it may not seem like the most interesting topic, the center has gone above and beyond to make the experience interactive and exciting. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. More information on the Science Center as well as many other museums which are great for children can be found here, in our guide to museums in Illinois. Springfield is only 80 miles from the lodge. We've got all the big city glitz and glamour, plus candle-lit restaurants, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind date night activities. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. Stay in a cabin at picturesque Starved Rock (Utica). From harvest festivals to German-themed Oktoberfests, theres something for everyone. Here is an overview of the best fall festivals in Illinois. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. Arts & Culture, To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. 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. 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. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. Chicago, If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Watch the birds with a cup of coffee in hand or rent a canoe for a different view of the river. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. With Illinois many beautiful state parks and miles upon miles of hiking trails, it would be a waste to leave them untouched for months of the year, and so winter hiking is also popular. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. 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. 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. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. 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