Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. The Market Street Bed & Breakfast has a few beautiful buildings to customize your getaway. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. Many of the beautiful waterfalls are frozen, making exploring the state parks of Starved Rock and Matthiessen even more unique and interesting. Edwards Place Historic Home 100 Historic Sites By 866TaylorB Edwards was brother-in-law of Mary Todd Lincoln's sister Elizabeth. Yes, that means you can have a beach day in Illinois, which also comes with the opportunity to soak in the serenity of the untouched North Dunes and Illinois Beach nature preserves, located inside the state park. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. With over 33 in southern Illinois, visitors are spoilt for choice. Recent visitors rave about the inn's polite, friendly service and elegant ambiance. However, it is also the second-largest city in Illinois and is home to a great number of museums and cultural buildings. Close to Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton is blessed with amazing autumn foliage and stunning rock formations within easy reach. The National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum goes into further depth about the struggles of African Americans in the community and how they worked to gain representation and rights. The Lincoln Home can be viewed on a guided tour while other exhibits can be independently explored. For more information on the Field Museum, click here. For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. 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. 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. For some of the best wineries in Galena, we have our top 5 list here. Find the wayside sign about Lincoln's Taylorville on West Market Street near South Main Street. The Arts and Crafts-style property features a quiet atmosphere and about a dozen flower-themed rooms, four of which come with balconies. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" 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. For more information on the Cahokia Mounds, see our post here. Modern comforts are combined with historic decor for a unique and romantic experience. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Illinois is ideal for family vacations with everything from theme parks and water parks to educational yet fun museums and tours. You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. Dan was born April 18, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Bernard Leonard and Mary Catherine (Frederick) Rice. For more information on the best beaches in Illinois, see our previous post here. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. Most of the places mentioned have been larger cities but there are also many small towns throughout Illinois that are great for visiting. The festival always includes a range of live entertainment and events for kids and adults alike. There are hundreds of different animals at the zoo, including many endangered species. Spend the day soaking in the sun with a boat tour or beach day on Petite Lake at Cypress, then head into town for a tasting at the Vigneto del Bino vineyard and winery. 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. It features 11 unique wineries, each with a different focus or main product. With the great amount of nature present in Illinois, playing golf can be a very scenic and enjoyable activity. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Rather than taking in nature slowly, canopy tours create a fast-paced and adventurous activity. It is designed in a traditional Japanese walking garden style, meaning it is intended to for the visitor to stroll around the garden and enjoy the various landscapes, almost like changing scenes in a play. Guided hikes are offered June through November, or you can explore up to 13 miles of trails on your own. For a unique winter activity, you can try the popular Midwest activity of snow tubing. Eat & Drink, The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is situated in . If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Family Fun, 25 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. 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. Winter hiking can prove to be a very different experience from hiking during the warmer months, with stark landscapes and frozen scenery. Illinois has many unique historic bridges and with many still standing today, visiting them can be a fun and interesting activity. Sybaris Pool Suites are unusual themed rooms that all come with an en suite indoor pool. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 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. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. Chicago River dyeing. Another more picturesque bridge is the Camelback Bridge in Normal, while another feat of engineering is the Clark Bridge in Alton. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. Activities. is perfect for couples who can't decide where to eat. 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Phone: 312-443-3600 Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Berkeley, Tybee Island, Nantucket, NH resorts, MN resorts, Kona, Pasadena, ND, ME, From Boston, Salt Lake City 9. 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. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. See all Things to Do Chicago Outdoor Adventures Events Arts & Culture Eat & Drink Road Trips Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. Work your vocal chords at Pitch Karaoke Bar Visitors to the museum appreciate that it's compact, modern and free. Splurge at three Michelin-starred Alinea, routinely included on lists of the world's best restaurants, or try to snag a spot at one of the Lou Malnati's Pizzeria locations, beloved for its Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . 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. Within the many state parks, there are a great many large and impressive canyons. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. Riverfront dining also dazzles, with twinkling lights and an open invitation for an after-dinner stroll try Beatnik on the River for international flavors and inspired design. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. If you are planning a romantic couples trip, Illinois is an ideal place with a variety of things to do. National Forests, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, state parks and animal pa. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. 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. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. ( https://www.visithannibal.com) Springfield, Illinois - Enjoy a day trip to the historic home town of Abraham Lincoln. 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. Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. Not far from Starved Rock is Fox River Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful and historic property in Ottawa. With Illinois location, it is no surprise that there are a range of places you can try out snow tubing. 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. These range from the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, which has many species of animals and features interactive experiences with the supervision of a zookeeper to Brookfield Zoo, a zoo at over 216 acres with over 400 different species of animals. When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a great example the bridge forms an important part of American engineering history while also being unique and interesting to see. Tags: Travel, Illinois Vacations, Midwest Vacations, US Vacations, Couples Vacations. 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. An obvious choice for date night or date week is one of the most famous cities on the planet: Chicago. 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. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. in The experience doesnt stop at this, with The Ledge offering an even more exhilarating experience. However, hiking isnt limited to just the state parks. Lovers of vintage will find the antique shops of Antioch an appealing way to pass some time. If you take a peek, you can still see the ruins of the original chimney. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. The latter contains presidential artifacts found nowhere else and a theater that shows educational films and living history performances to immerse you in the time of Lincoln. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. This boardwalk features a number of locally-owned artisanal shops run by members of the community. Customizable packages are available so you can treat your sweetie with flowers, champagne, a special turndown service, or cheese and fruit. 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 also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. 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. The property hosts weekly events such as a barbecue and wine pairing dinner in the summer. Another unique fall festival is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, which started as a small festival and developed into Morton becoming well-known for pumpkins. The Ledge is a glass balcony or glass box that extends 4.3 feet from the edge of the building. 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. Luckily, many buildings and sites have been preserved from this history and are now available to be observed and learned from in the modern day. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. Shuttle transportation is available to all of the local wineries, so exploring the area is easy and seamless. Some of these include the ever-popular Giant City State Park, Dixon Spring State Park, and Cave in Rock State Park. in 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. The acclaimed Main Street's more than 100 storefronts showcase everything from clothing to collectibles. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. Goldmoore Inn & Resort doubles as the most romantic resorts in Galena as well as romantic couples resort Illinois has to offer. Check prices and availability: 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. 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