Countless attractions across Illinois can be conveniently explored with children and combine fun, culture, and rest. For the adventurous and outgoing, a city tour with Chicago and Springfield is perfect, while for those who love nature, Illinois has plenty to offer. Below is a list of 13 Weekend Getaways In Illinois that will provide a good time and wonderful memories for all the family.
Best Weekend Getaways in Illinois
1. Chicago
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Highlights: Specific attractions include the Millennium Park and nearby is the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Details: There exist numerous activities that any family visiting Chicago should attend as follows; Begin the day in Millennium Park and take your children to play in the Crown Fountain, then photograph the Cloud Gate Sculpture better known as ‘The Bean.’ Go on to Shedd Aquarium and see how wonderful aquatic life is all over the world, then to the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive displays and exciting shows. Other tourist attractions include; taking a boat tour on the Chicago River to view some of the city’s beautiful architecture.
2. Starved Rock State Park
Highlights: mountain paths, streams and drops, tourists’ viewpoints.
Details: When they are not burnt orange in the fall, the trees in Starved Rock State Park are lush green: The park is a natural paradise. It has 13 miles of hiking trails through the park or to several waterfalls, canyons, and outlooks. Having young children, sites such as the St. Louis Canyon Trail are great for the discovery of the park’s geology. It also has facilities to fish, boat, and picnic.
3. Galena
Highlights: Esplanade of old downtown, Disney’s Historic Main Street, Ulysses S. Grant Home, and other outdoor fun.
Details: Galena has points of interest for families, including beautiful sites, diverse historical significance, and roadside attractions. Take a walk on the Main Street with several shops and eateries, and then take a tour of the Ulysses S. Grant Home. For fun in the sun, Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve for a nature trail walk or rent a kayak and explore the Galena River.
Read also: Galena IL Romantic Getaways
4. Springfield
Highlights: Education: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s Home, Illinois State Capitol.
Details: Several histories have it that Springfield, the state’s capital, is perhaps the richest in history in the whole of Illinois. Through the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, one may get a very rich insight into the life of the 16th president. The third assignment is to go to Lincoln’s Home where he resided before being elected the president and make a tour around the Illinois State Capitol being guided.
5. Peoria
Highlights: Those are, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria Zoo, and Wildlife Prairie Park.
Details: It also has a blend of activities that one can do indoors as well as outside and for all age groups. Beginning your visit to Peoria with the Peoria Riverfront Museum, you will learn about art, science, and history. Big cats and giraffes are among the many animals that can be found at the Peoria Zoo. If you want to go outdoors then visit Wildlife Prairie Park where you can come face-to-face with most of the native wildlife of Illinois.
6. Shawnee National Forest
Highlights: from Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock Trail, and The Cave in Rock State Park.
Details: Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is a land of plenty for those who prefer spending time in the great outdoors. The Garden of the Gods can be admired for the fascinating rock formations and from the observation trail it is also possible to get a very good view. Another trail is the Rim Rock Trail which is also easy for families and takes one through the virgin forest and sandstone cliff. But for more adventure, head on to Cave-in-Rock State Park.
7. Rockford
Highlights: These are; the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, and Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in Rockford.
Details: Children in particular would have the best time when in Rockford if their parents are looking forward to making them engage in studies and at the same time having fun in doing outdoor activities. Discovery Center Museum has presented science, art, and technology-cantered facilities that can be manipulated by children. Anderson Japanese Gardens is an exquisite place that has a peaceful environment, water channels or ponds, water fountains, waterfalls, and a few bridges. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens can be visited to have a quiet time surrounded by some pets such as tropical plants and flowers.
8. Matthiessen State Park
Highlights: Special rock outcrops, waterfalls, and tracts.
Details: The Matthiessen State Park is usually cast into the shadow of Starved Rock but the park holds just as stunning views without the masses. There are tracks for hiking and they range from canyons to waterfalls, along the riverine systems. Vivid colours and the beautiful ‘Dells’ area of course are worth the visit dominated by large cliffs.
9. Grafton
Highlights: Including; Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton zipline, and Raging Rivers Water Park.
Details: Grafton nestled at the corner of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers is rich in the outdoors and has something that can keep families occupied. Pere Marquette State Park is the largest park in Illinois and has provisions for hiking, horse riding, and fishing among others. For the elderly’s adventure, visit the Grafton Zipline. In the summer, children go crazy and one of them is Raging Rivers Waterpark.
10. Bloomington-Normal
Highlights: That is, Miller Park Zoo, Children’s Discovery Museum, and Constitution Trail.
Details: Bloomington-Normal is a dynamic twin city area that boasts so much for families. Go see wild animals that are located in the Miller Park Zoo from different parts of the world. Normal’s Children’s Discovery Museum is also another educational children’s museum that has touch-and-play methods of learning for children. To get some fresh air, take a bicycle or just a walk on the Constitution Trail.
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11. Quad Cities
Highlights: Niabi Zoo, Mississippi Riverfront, and the John Deere Pavilion.
Details: The four cities that are in the Quad Cities include Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa Rock Island, and Moline and East Moline in Illinois and these cities have numerous family attractions. Afterward, to get acquainted with the history of farming equipment, it is possible to go to the John Deere Pavilion in Moline. Currently, the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley hosts over two hundred animals among them being lions and giraffes.
12. Lake Shelbyville
Highlights: It is perfect for; boating, fishing, and camping.
Details: Lake Shelbyville is one of the largest managed lakes in the state of Illinois and provides family-oriented water sports activities. On the shore, the opportunities are the following: Boat or kayak rentals to navigate through most of the coves and some number of inlets and Fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie.
Read also: Weekend Getaways in Alabama
13. Champaign-Urbana
Highlights: University of Illinois campus, Krannert Art Museum, and finally Crystal Lake Park.
Details: Some of the activities for families available in Champaign-Urbana, which is home to the University of Illinois include: The university has an art museum known as the Krannert Art Museum which presents international artworks. For some outdoor fun, visit Crystal Lake Park which has a playground and Walking Trails.
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Summary
If you are looking for a busy metropolitan break or a calm natural enclave, Illinois can provide a family with a lot of options for the weekend. Such places are likely to give your family the best time on your vacation and make the trip worth it.
