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. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). These range from more luxury places like the Villa Olivia Resort to fast-paced adrenaline-rushing spots like Snowstar Winter Park or if youre looking for something more family-friendly. Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois. To see our list of the best places for snow tubing in Illinois, check our previous post here. The gardens have been officially recognized by the Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. The museum features over 11,000 pieces of art dating from as far back as the 4th Century BCE. Eleven of the state's best wineries, including some of the oldest vineyards in Illinois, are dotted along a 40-mile trail for you to discover at your own pace. 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. 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? You can start in Galena in the state's northwest corner and discover enchanting towns along the way, some of which might share a border with Iowa or Missouri, such as Nauvoo. 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. 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. Activities. Experience the best of main street shopping and more. Gail Borden Public Library 125 Libraries By jefflC6195OD Gail Borden Library is a treasure in Elgin. With so many winter activities available, it is a great opportunity to experience many of the popular places without the crowds, as well as take part in winter-exclusive experiences. The Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The zoo also expands beyond just animals with over 1200 different plant species and a dedicated arboretum. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. The parks all have a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Living History: African American Historical Exhibits and Events in Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. It can also be a fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience. To see more about the best way to enjoy the Shawnee Wine Trail, see our previous post here. 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. With its plentiful hiking trails, flowing . Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. There are many great beaches all throughout Illinois, many located along Lake Michigan as well as various other lakes in the state. 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. While exploring some of the state parks above, you may want to take part in some hiking. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. Are you planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Illinois to truly make your trip the best ever? The zoo is free and accessible to all with costs largely covered by donations and memberships. To see a full list of the best breweries in Illinois, see here. Customize your romantic stay with a romance package or a spa package as well. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum. Article Discover Local Meet the makers, the creators, and the artisans of Illinois. There are a number of biking trails available in Illinois, with the Tunnel Hill State Trail as one of the most popular. For more details on Ohio Street Beach, click here. To see more about Boo Castle park, check our previous post here. 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. Lovers of vintage will find the antique shops of Antioch an appealing way to pass some time. 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. A number of elements are key to this style, such as water through waterfalls or ponds, stones either rock paths or sculptures, and of course plants. 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. 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. 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. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. To see our full list of the best waterfalls in Illinois and how to plan your visit to see them, check out our post here. History, Whether you prefer natural history, art, science, or something a bit quirky, there is a museum for everyone. From the history of Lincoln to ancient Cahokia mounds, the history in Illinois is wide and varied and able to be interesting for anyone. Luckily Illinois has many free things to enjoy, such as outdoor activities like hiking or biking, viewing scenery, and window shopping. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. Get to know us better on our about us page. Of course, these places can be visited year-round, but are especially atmospheric around fall. Find the best places to eat, drink and have fun. 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. cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. 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 Chicago Architecture Cruise. 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. 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. Whether you are planning a romantic couples getaway or a fun family vacation, our guide to the best things to do in Illinois has you covered. Many of these wind through forests and along state parks, allowing you to enjoy some of the same scenery. 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. 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. Sybaris Northbrook offers couples reservations like the Chalet suite, which comes with a heated pool and hot tub, misting steam room, a waterfall, massage chairs, a fireplace and an additional whirlpool tub in the bedroom area. 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. There are many other options of places to go hiking in Illinois. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. 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. To see more information, see our post here. There are also many boardwalks and similar paths that are great for a more relaxed bike. There are also extended-stay suites available for between one and six months. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. 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 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. Here we have some of the best water parks in Illinois. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. Chicago is also a festival-goers paradise, with an array of festivals ranging from big-name music festivals to indie art festivals and more. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Bring your partner to Belleville whose name means "beautiful city" in French for a romantic trip. Northbrook's pedestrian-friendly downtown offers an ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and an array of eateries. 8 Romantic Getaways in Illinois. One of the best examples of juxtaposition between city and nature, skyscrapers and beach, is Ohio Street Beach. Looking for an adventure? in For a more relaxed bike all throughout Illinois, with an array of ranging! Fun activity for adults, making it a great bonding experience relaxed bike Discover local Meet the makers, creators! Spirits is n't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead indulge in a that! Japanese government as an effort toward international friendship looking for the best of Main Street,,... 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