George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Address: 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 Website: George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily) Price: Free 8. 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. 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. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. Stay in a cabin at picturesque Starved Rock (Utica). Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. 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. Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the American Midwest. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. 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. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. The Shawnee Wine Trail is located along a 40-mile stretch through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. 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. From the tallest president to the tallest man, memorials and statues in Alton commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Robert Wadlow, respectively. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. Many of these intersect with places you can enjoy various other winter activities, making them even more convenient. 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. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. 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. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. 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. Family Fun, Cahokia is one of only two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S., recognized for the remains of an ancient, pre-Columbian Native American city. Another great activity to try while in Illinois is shopping. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . The giant silver bean is embedded in the public consciousness. The property hosts weekly events such as a barbecue and wine pairing dinner in the summer. Check out our Trip Ideas for itineraries that take in the best Illinois has to offer. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. 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. However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. 158. 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. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. For this reason, going to the beach is another good option for hot summer days in Illinois. Hotel guests say the location on Lake Michigan can't be beat, and Zion sits conveniently halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas 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. 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. If you're both looking for a true romantic escape in nature, you're in luck: Pharaoh Campground has a dozen campsites open year-round for a small fee. Grafton is often seen as a small, unassuming town in southern Illinois, but is actually a vibrant hub of culture surrounded by beautiful scenery. Today, couples can tour Peoria for its theaters but also for its shopping and natural attractions. 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. 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. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. (Getty Images). 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. Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstock. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. You can also visit the original State Capitol Hall, first built in 1837. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. A scenic drive is also ideal for personalization it can be a full-day activity or just a few hours before you move on to something else. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events Here we have you covered. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. Other elements play a secondary role, such as pagodas, bridges, and lanterns. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. Retire to one of Chicago's new hotels: Pendry Chicago is a luxe retreat set in an art deco masterpiece of a building, while The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park keeps you centrally located in cheerfully comfortable rooms for couples on the go. 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. 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? For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. 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. 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. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. Activities. About 35 miles south of Belleville, cozy up at The Conner House Bed and Breakfast in nearby Prairie du Rocher; this B&B serves home-cooked breakfast specialties like crepes and locally made sausage. [Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago.]. Not far from Starved Rock is Fox River Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful and historic property in Ottawa. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. 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. Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in Naperville, Illinois (IL) September 12, 2021 Vivienne Hutton. 1. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. 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. 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. Chicago Architecture Cruise. Illinois State Museum 323 Speciality Museums Natural History Museums By SusanM893 The second floor included several art exhibits and the People of Illinois. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. Springfield is only 80 miles from the lodge. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. From Ridge Cemetery, the cemetery to a ghost town, located at the highest point of a mountain to the Woodstock Opera House, an architecturally beautiful building supposedly haunted by the resident ghost Elvira. 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 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. 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. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. If you're looking for the best of quirky small-town America, spend some time in Alton, Illinois, especially if you're a pair of history buffs. One example is the Hegeler Carus mansion, first designed in 1974 by renowned architect Boyington. 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. 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. For our list of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Illinois, see our post here. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. Summer brings to mind heat, beaches, and fun in the water, but can be so much more. 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. 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