Many of these waterfalls are seasonal, however, meaning you have to plan your visits carefully to see them at their best. With many interactive exhibits covering a wide range of topics including natural sciences, inventions, and discoveries as well as arts, the Science Center is a great day trip for the whole family. 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. 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. 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. The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. Chicago Architecture Cruise. Explore presidential history alongside wine country in this Midwestern state, and book well in advance if you are looking to dine at one of the world's best restaurants in Chicago or simply want some famous deep-dish pizza. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. A visit to this wonderful museum is one of the best fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois, for history enthusiasts. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. (photo credits: The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour) 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. Friendly winemakers, innkeepers and shop owners are all eager to elevate your romantic getaway. 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. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. Garfield Park, often known for its sporting facilities, is also well-renowned for having one of the largest conservatories in the world. Visitors can explore the mounds, either with a guide or independently. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. However, if you are more interested in central Illinois, this list may be better suited. 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. 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. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. For example, Cairo is a unique town with many abandoned structures. Come fall in love with Chicago. Recent guests of the Davie School laud the unexpected modern hotel amenities in a nostalgic and authentic setting. Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! Its the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and sophisticated society. Canoe rentals and canal boats are available for floating and bird watching down the Fox River. Venturing away from the largest mounds also allows for great unhindered views of nature. Saturday, March 11, 2023, begins at 10 a.m. Chicago River between State and Columbus The Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world. However, if youre looking for something a bit more niche, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park is a great option. There are also many nature preserves, such as Sag Valley Forest Preserve which go almost untouched and show winter in its purest form. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. 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? Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. From the Shawnee Wine trail mentioned above to smaller clusters of wineries found in other parts of the state, there are many places to enjoy locally-produced wines. While the Lincoln Home is only one house, there are a number of other historic houses located on the site which show parts of history from the time of Lincoln. If youre looking for a gorgeous, historical getaway, look no further than The Vrooman Mansion. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center in conjunction with Chicagos First Lady cruise boat has designed a river cruise to feature some of Chicagos most beautiful, interesting, and historic architectural delights. These include nature reserves, forests, natural areas, and more. Arts & Culture, Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. If youve already decided to visit Illinois, it might now be time to narrow down which areas of the state to visit. 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. You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. 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. Illinois is blessed with many beautiful State Parks featuring a variety of different ecological phenomena. Camping and RV sites are plentiful if you plan to rough it together; otherwise, enjoy the modern conveniences and history at Pere Marquette Lodge in the state park, built by hand during the Great Depression. A fun schedule of events at the museum includes film series like the Richard Pryor Film Festival and activities like Yoga Under the Stars. The town is situated in the heart of Starved Rock Country and serves as a hub for four major state parks. To see the best beaches in Illinois, check out our guide here. Best Things to Do in Illinois for Couples. Explore the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events and things to do in Chicago. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. While it may not seem like the most interesting topic, the center has gone above and beyond to make the experience interactive and exciting. For couples looking for this experience, our post on romantic cabins with hot tubs is ideal for finding your ideal accommodation. 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. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. Both offer boutique accommodations with tranquil views. Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. Some couples may prefer an upscale resort with a range of amenities and facilities. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. It is actually a part of ancient history, putting it in a separate category from most other historic sites listed. Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstock. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. 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. Located on the lakefront, Navy Pier overlooks the city skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan. 2. There are two great lodging options located within Geneva proper: The Herrington Inn & Spa and the Oscar Swan B&B. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. The cruise takes about 90 minutes and is now offered in the evening as well as during the day to provide a different view of the city. Goldmoore Inn & Resort doubles as the most romantic resorts in Galena as well as romantic couples resort Illinois has to offer. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. For your overnight stay, check out the circa-1930s Starved Rock Lodge, which has an indoor pool and trails on the property. It is probably the most. If you're in Bloomington with your honey during the summer, consider what light through yonder window breaks and book tickets for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, held here annually. This 45-mile trail follows a former rail line and passes through beautiful forests, and abandoned towns, and crosses stunning ravines. With the wide range available, there will be a museum to suit everyones interests. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow Dine on top of a skyscraper. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Of course, no romantic getaway is complete without wine, and Inn at 835 offers wine each night. Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. 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. The African American communitys legacy emerges through exhibits and events at t Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. 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. If you make it all the way down to the southern tip of the state, the Cairo Custom House Museum is a historically significant stop along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. A spa treatment is also ideal for feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for approaching life together. This beach is very popular for playing beach volleyball and similar activities. The Krannert Art Museum is located on the campus of the University of Illinois in central Illinois and is the second-largest fine art museum in the state. Elgin History Museum 27 History Museums By STCIL Interesting local history. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. The Oak Street Beach is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Illinois. 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. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. 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. You can also try Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in nearby Wheeling for walk-in wine tastings in addition to an extensive food menu. These include Lincolns house, the presidential library, and more. Another great option is Oak Street Beach with its white sands and clear waters. 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. 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. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. 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. 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. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. Looking for an adventure? Explore Illinois Architectural Oddities 27 Statues 25 Museums And Collections 25 Shops 25 History 23 Art 23 Sculptures 21 Monuments 20 Collections 20 Abandoned 17 Cemeteries 14 Illinois Obscura. For more detail on Springfield, see our post here. There are also many shops in this area, including a number of flagship stores, international designers, and boutiques. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. For a getaway within a getaway, head to Galena's year-round Chestnut Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter or zip lining and river cruising in the summer. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Julia Scott Vrooman lived there for more than a century, befriending the families of two presidents (the Wilsons and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt) and baking bread that she sent to the Queen of England and other dignitaries. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. We have the list for you! Back in the 21st century, couples can stroll downtown Bloomington to browse the storefronts with a possible detour back in time at the Arcadia arcade, which charges just a quarter for more than half of its vintage games. With over 33 in southern Illinois, visitors are spoilt for choice. This makes a castle tour a great way to experience a wide range of architectural styles and see the different inspirations for each castle. This 150-year-old mansion will transport you back in time with its Roman decor throughout the property. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. Amenities at the inn include a full breakfast served in bed, picnic baskets and bicycles available to borrow, and a DVD library with free popcorn. 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