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. . Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. 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. Rice, Daniel Lee. To see some of the top scenic drives in Illinois, check out our post here. The cabins are located less than 3 miles from the Garden of the Gods. However, if you are going to be spending time in Grafton, you may prefer some of the following wineries. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. 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. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. Visitors can explore the mounds, either with a guide or independently. Check out Chicago's observation decks. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. Zion was a town that was completely planned before it was built, and you can see the remnants of its historical homes (called "Painted Ladies") that encircle the central Shiloh Park. 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. What is Seoul Known For? For those more interested in science and the natural world, the Field Museum may be a better fit. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. Regional Getaways, It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. 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. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. Recreate some iconic movie romance with a tour of the North Shore and keep an eye out for the many places used as filming locations. Starved Rock has many miles of hiking trails, as do many other state parks. 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. The perfect weekend getaway from Chicago. Other elements play a secondary role, such as pagodas, bridges, and lanterns. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. Chart a course for the Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen, Illini or namesake Starved Rock state parks. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. A trip to one of these Illinois destinations will uncover plenty of opportunities for romance and a zest for living well. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. For more details about the Pullman National Monument, see our previous post here. For more information about this beach, click here. 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. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. Fall is a great time to visit Illinois. The Inn at 835, just a mile from the museum, was founded in the late 19th century by local businesswoman Bell Miller, a florist for Springfield's high society. Here we have some of the best places to visit while in Illinois. 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. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. Have a look at the best things to do in Illinois: 1. Illinois, area. 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. 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. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. Some highlights include the 16th Century style Ravenstone Castle, Bettendorf Castle which was modeled after the original Vianden Castle in Luxembourg, and Old Main Castle, built in a traditional Gothic style. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. With many museums surrounding different topics located in the same city, it is ideal for learning about a wide array of subjects and areas of interest. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. Many of these places have been turned into small museums or historic pieces, which is a great way to explore the history of the city as well as the daily life of our ancestors. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. Set on 17 acres of land, this bed and breakfast is a hikers and bikers dream getaway; trails are available to two nearby state parks and the I&M Canal Trail. It is probably the most. Or, about 15 miles south of Galena, you can honor the area's rich Native American heritage with a visit to the Wapello Land & Water Reserve. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 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. Lovebirds can also head to the country for a stay at a Victorian farmhouse operating as the Fox River Bed and Breakfast. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. From the towering trees of Illinois state parks to the curiosities of local culture and exploration through the past with the rich history of Illinois, there is something to suit every traveler. Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. There are over 200 different species, each living in an environment designed for them. (Getty Images). We've got all the big city glitz and glamour, plus candle-lit restaurants, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind date night activities. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. 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. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. A fun schedule of events at the museum includes film series like the Richard Pryor Film Festival and activities like Yoga Under the Stars. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. This tour is so popular and intriguing that it has been named the number 1 boat tour in Chicago. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. 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. Maybe an unstructured road trip is what you seek to infuse a little spontaneity into your relationship. Head to Skydive Chicago for a thrilling skydiving experience. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? 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. There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. The Burpee Museum of Natural History is an amazing three-floor museum full of interactive exhibits and unique pieces of history. Pheasant Lanes. One of the most popular fall festivals in Illinois is the Apple n Pork Festival in Clifton. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. 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 parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. The list goes on with many interesting and quirky towns to be found all across Illinois. To see more unique historic mansions in northern Illinois, see our comprehensive list here. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. 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. Activities. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. 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. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. 5. around Illinois. 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