The center also offers visitors the chance to operate machinery simulators and learn about how real engineers work at the company. There are two great lodging options located within Geneva proper: The Herrington Inn & Spa and the Oscar Swan B&B. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. 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. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. Watch the birds with a cup of coffee in hand or rent a canoe for a different view of the river. Many of the state parks feature amazing waterfalls, such as Cascade Falls in Matthiessen State Park and St Louis Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. For more information on Six Flags Great America, see here. 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. With Chicagos great location on the edge of Lake Michigan, it is ideal for going to the beach and soaking up some sun. Illinois' lakeshore offers couples the chance to unwind on the waterfront. The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. The best part? When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. The cabins are located less than 3 miles from the Garden of the Gods. Other top sights here to check out are the Air Combat Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana Thomas House, and the Camp Butler National Cemetery. 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. Reserve a two-top for an intimate meal at Epiphany Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant on East Front Street. In that case, check out our ranking of the best resorts to try out for a romantic couples trip in Illinois. Autumn is an ideal time to visit when the leaves are at their peak fall colors. A day at the spa is generally considered an ideal form of self-care and relaxation, so why not share that with your partner? One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. Looking for an adventure? Navy Pier is one of Chicagos top attractions and an ode to the power of public spaces. Head to Zion, on the border with Wisconsin, where Illinois Beach State Park extends for 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. 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. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. 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. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. 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. The acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. 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 best part of the Shawnee Wine Trail is the customizability it can be as long or short as you like. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. 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. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. Airbnb in Busan: How To Choose the Perfect One for You. For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. Have a look at the best things to do in Illinois: 1. Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. 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." On the other end of the spectrum is Galena Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest Chicago, both of which celebrate the German event of Oktoberfest with beer, sausages, pretzels, and more aspects of German heritage. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . Illinois, area. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstock. While shopping may seem like something you can do anywhere, there are often unique and interesting aspects to shopping in a new place and Illinois is no different. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. It is probably the most. Come fall in love with Chicago. From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. The institute is located in one of the most well-known buildings in Chicago with two impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance. Take your date to Navy Pier (Chicago)--even more stunning at night. 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. For fun in the water and entertaining the kids, the many water parks of Illinois are ideal for a fun summers day out. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. The Underground Railroad passed through here, and visitors can explore Alton's abolitionist and Civil War history with nine self-guided stops through town following the Lincoln Legacy Trail. Rich Harvest Farms is a more modern, but very unique course in that it has been designed purely to suit the whims of the billionaire owner, meaning it doesnt always fit regulation standards. Millennium Park 25,012 Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks Millennium Park Open now By LUchicago The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. 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. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. When visiting Illinois it only makes sense to spend some time in the capital of the state, Springfield. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. This allows the zoo to have a strong focus on conservation and animal care. Looking to leave your room and explore? There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Taylorville is home to delicious restaurants, great shopping, and even some Illinois history - Abraham Lincoln practiced law in one of the most historic buildings in the town. 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. Established in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, Naper Settlement, located at 523 South Webster Street, is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin . Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. 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. 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. Eight suites, plus three luxury suites each come with complimentary breakfast - some suites even feature spa Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. 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. 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. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. 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. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. in 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. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Fun & Games Sights & Landmarks Nightlife Boat Tours & Water Sports Museums Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Zoos & Aquariums Water & Amusement Parks Casinos & Gambling Traveler rating & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Canaryville Lower West Side Near West Side Show all Good for Good for Couples 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. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? You could spend the 14 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day exploring Ill Fresh Picks Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. 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. 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. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. It also houses 5 acres of botanical gardens to explore and the area surrounding the Cloud Gate becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. Some couples may prefer an upscale resort with a range of amenities and facilities. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. The architecture cruise winds along the Chicago river and teaches visitors about the buildings and figures who shaped Chicagos history. Bask in pure luxury at this gorgeous bed and breakfast in Galena. Surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this region is lush with trees and vineyards. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . 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. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. There are many great ski resorts and areas for skiing and snowboarding throughout Illinois. To see more of the top canyons to explore in Illinois, check out our previous post here. From here, the nearly 400-acre Chicago Botanic Garden is just 10 miles away in Glencoe and makes for a scenic way to pass an afternoon; look for special nighttime events like Lightscape, an after-dark illuminated trail ideal for hand-holding during the winter holiday season. 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. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. 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. From Wildcat Canyon, the deepest canyon in Starved Rock Park at 90 feet to LaSalle Canyon, where you can stand behind the waterfall, there are many canyons to explore in Illinois. Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. About 25 miles outside of Springfield, the Market Street Inn Bed & Breakfast in Taylorville also makes a great home base to explore central Illinois and the impact of former resident Abraham Lincoln. If youre planning a family vacation to Illinois, you may be looking for fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy together. Check prices and availability: Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. Some examples include Gradys Family Fun Park in Bloomington, a small park with rides, go-karts, and mini golf, or Enchanted Castle: Lombard which features laser tag, go-karts, bumper cars, and an arcade. There are also a number of food and drink festivals held in Chicago, such as Ravenswood on Tap, a festival celebrating various craft beers, and the Lincoln Park Wine Festival, which is ideal for sampling a variety of wines from around the world. This is a great experience for older children and can be useful for keeping them interested in exploring nature and the forest. For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. For our full list of winter activities in Illinois, see our more detailed post here. 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. 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. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. To see a full list of the best castles in Illinois, see our guide here. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. 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. Eat & Drink, 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. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. (Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. The Skydeck provides panoramic views of not just Chicago, but the surrounding states. It consists of the only home Lincoln ever owned, as well as the surrounding area. Museums are a great way to sneak in some education and information while still keeping children entertained and engaged. Illinois State Museum 323 Speciality Museums Natural History Museums By SusanM893 The second floor included several art exhibits and the People of Illinois. 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. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. With its many parks and gardens, it is great for wandering through natural landscapes and enjoying the scenery. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. For some more options on the different bike trails to try out, check out our post on biking in Illinois. Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The lush interior, vibrant artwork and 1950's inspired Copacabana Club show whisks lovers from chilly Chicago to the heat of Latin America. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. 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