The adjacent Fabyan Villa was renovated by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907; the Fabyans were wealthy eccentrics who kept collections of natural history specimens and art, as well as mummies and other oddball curiosities. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Looking for an adventure? One of the more interesting gardens is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which as the name suggests, have been designed in a traditional Japanese style. Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Dine on top of a skyscraper. 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. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. 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. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Daniel Lee Rice, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg. Another top pick is Matthiessen State Park, which is located close to the aforementioned Starved Rock. Another must-visit Geneva establishment is the Little Traveler, a Victorian house that is part cafe and part sprawling store. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. The Peoria Riverfront Museum spans art, history and science exhibits in addition to a planetarium for a comprehensive look at culture and humanity. 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. As mentioned previously, the area around Cloud Gate in Chicago is also turned into an ice rink in winter each year and is another very popular spot. Many of these bridges are located in picturesque spots, making visiting them a fun activity with many great landscapes to see and history to explore. The Art Institute of Chicago 24,409 Art Museums Grant Park By caront671 The first was major retrospective of the Chicago influenced works of John Singer Sargent, who had many patrons among 2022 2. Illinois is blessed with many beautiful State Parks featuring a variety of different ecological phenomena. Winter is often seen as a less desirable time to travel its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the warmth. Rice, Daniel Lee. There are many beaches and lakes in Illinois where kayaking is available as an activity, and many of these offer guides or lessons, making it accessible to all experience levels. 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 Field Museum, click 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. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. (Burger and Sushi House). Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. There are many beautiful parks and gardens throughout Illinois which feature a great range of plants and flowers in a range of different designs. And not only is the architecture of the building itself impressive but there is an entire architecture section of the museum, that explores the intersection of architecture and art. 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 . The London House boasts a tri-level rooftop bar, as well as a inhouse restaurant, with a terrace overlooking the river serving a fresh take on regional cuisine.. It is one of the largest cities in the US and draws millions of visitors every year. When its too hot to do anything else and youre too far from a beach, a water park is the next best thing. Just outside Peoria, the 1,800-acre Wildlife Prairie Park is home to more than 150 animals spanning 50 species native to the state. Illinois has a long and rich history spanning a range of historic periods. This is necessary as some zip lines can reach up to 40mph and can be very high off the ground. We have the list for you! There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. Recent patrons praise the variety of brews and the fact that the menu accommodates those of all tastes, including vegetarians and small kids. You are in 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. 2. [Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago.]. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Chicago is one of the most popular with over 100,000 skaters each year. Planning a trip around seeing the state parks of Illinois is not uncommon, and so staying in the areas closest to these state parks is quite popular. Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . The Cahokia Mounds were the original site of an ancient Native American city dating from 1050-1350CE. Whether youre hoping to visit multiple state parks or explore just one or two in more depth, finding out the top state parks and deciding which ones you wish to visit is a great way to help plan your visit to Illinois. 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. For golfing enthusiasts, it can be an interesting experience as there is a range of types of courses available throughout the state. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Avondale Dunning Garfield Ridge Show all Good for Good for a Rainy Day Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Kids Another popular park is Grant Park, which covers a few hundred acres of lakefront area. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. One of the most popular fall festivals in Illinois is the Apple n Pork Festival in Clifton. Tandem bike along the Chicago lakefront trail. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. 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. 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." This state park has some beautiful waterfalls and rock formations with fewer people than Starved Rock. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. Head out to quaint downtown Alton to shop the boutiques, dine at the family-owned restaurants, or sip cocktails at the local bars. For those more interested in the history of Lincoln, following the Lincoln and Civil War Legacy Trail in Alton could be a fun and informative activity. For a more family-friendly experience, French Canyon in Starved Rock may be a better choice. To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. 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. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations,. Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. To see more unique historic sites across Illinois, you can see our full list here. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. Here you'll find both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years, as well as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Typically held the Saturday before St. Patrick . Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. History, To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. If you prefer something a bit more local and community-based, Makanda Boardwalk may be a better option. in Friendly winemakers, innkeepers and shop owners are all eager to elevate your romantic getaway. Close to Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton is blessed with amazing autumn foliage and stunning rock formations within easy reach. It is a beautiful, open, state-of-the-art facility. A sparkling, wine-colored gem of southern Illinois is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail near Pomona. Bask in pure luxury at this gorgeous bed and breakfast in Galena. 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. Table games, more than 800 slot machines and dining options make this a potentially late night out. These range from hiking to horse-riding to picnicking. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. Here we have you covered. However, hiking isnt limited to just the state parks. Nestled in the Chain O'Lakes region of Illinois is Cypress Resort & Marine, a great escape for couples looking for a lakeside retreat. Check out Chicago's observation decks. 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. amateur photography by michel/Flickr 3. Goldmoor Inn & Resort. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. Less than 10 miles south of Cloran Mansion sits the grand Goldmoor Inn near the Mississippi River. Make sure to sample the boutique wines of Starview Winery and experience the cozy cabin-like atmosphere of Honker Hill Winery. Its the most complex prehistoric site north of Mexico and shows a unique and sophisticated society. 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. Chicago, Illinois, is an amazing city to visit, offering a diverse selection of museums, tours, and Italian, and other restaurants.Enjoy a bird's eye view from 360 Chicago or the Skydeck, spend an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago, explore the famous Millennium Park, listen to an orchestra performance, and go for a romantic walk in one of the beautiful parks. For something more modern, you can try sampling the various wineries that surround the area. 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. The village of Antioch, where the resort is located, also offers enough diversions to pass a few days. 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. 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. If you arent interested in hiking, biking is another option when looking for ways to explore nature. For our full list of winter activities in Illinois, see our more detailed post here. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Many of these breweries provide unique craft beers which are both locally produced and delicious. For those interested in politics, history, and architecture or who are just interested to learn more, Springfield is an ideal place to visit. 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. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. 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. There's no better place for romance than Chicago. 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. To find out more about the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, click through to see our more detailed post. Grafton is a great place to experience nature as there are also a number of wildlife sanctuaries and bird- and wildlife-watching enthusiasts regularly gather. From the 'Galena Brick' in historic downtown to the Farmer's Guest House Bed and Breakfast. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. 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. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local . Allowing the both of you to enjoy some pampering together is a great way to connect without any stresses of daily life interfering. 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. A CityPASS, for example, bundles admission to several top Windy City attractions at a significant discount, whether you want to see the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, SkyDeck Chicago or select others. Head to Zion, on the border with Wisconsin, where Illinois Beach State Park extends for 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. From big city fun to presidential experiences, find the perfect couples escape. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. 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. You can read our complete privacy policy here. September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying events. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Diners rave over the restaurant's large patio and bar, noting that B.A.S.H. Spanning the Mississippi River into St. Louis, the bridges most interesting feature is the 22-degree bend it makes towards the middle of the bridge. The beach is open from 6 am 11 pm, with swimming allowed while a lifeguard is present. There are other things to do besides sightseeing, of course. Outdoor enthusiasts will embrace this scenic driving route for its proximity to hiking, mountain biking and fishing hot spots like Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton or Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Navy Pier ideal for entertaining children of all ages its cold and everyone wants to stay inside in the and... 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