We scoured the major travel platforms, review sites, and social media resources to give you ideas of the Best Romantic Getaways in Illinois.
If you’re planning a romantic weekend in Illinois, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places to explore and romantic getaway hotels.
Isn’t it true that showing love and organizing a romantic getaway is more important than ever? We’ve all been stuck in the house for far too long, and practically any cause to anticipate something is welcome… right?
Illinois is a lovely state with a variety of romantic retreats. There are plenty of opportunities to have a calm, romantic time in Illinois, with attractions such as sunset cruises, wineries, and lake-side cabins.
The best romantic getaways were selected based on the most popular attractions, accommodations, and dining options among locals and travelers.
Here are a few romantic hotels and weekend getaways in Illinois that you must visit.
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Table of Contents
The Best Romantic Vacation Spots in Illinois
Spend the weekend exploring Illinois, learning about local history, or simply enjoying the outdoors while admiring nature’s beauty. Here are some of the best romantic spots in Illinois.
Chicago
The Windy City, one of the world’s most recognizable cities, genuinely has something for everyone. Begin your journey at the Willis Tower Skydeck, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Take some photos with your significant other at the Cloud Gate, affectionately known as the “Bean,” and then watch a Cubs game. Then take a stroll along the lovely Chicago Lakefront Trail, or go for a swim at North Avenue Beach if you’re here in the summer.
Galena
This lovely medieval town in northwest Illinois is noted for its stunning architecture. Galena’s rolling hills, green valleys, and tranquil ambiance attract many couples, making it an extraordinarily scenic Illinois romantic weekend option.
Spend your days picnicking and visiting 19th-century architecture on the lovely hilltop meadows.
Springfield
Springfield, Illinois’s state capital, is where former President Abraham Lincoln was born. Many of Springfield’s attractions are centered on Lincoln, aside from the local orchestra, theater, and ballet.
You and your spouse will appreciate viewing the former president’s residence, mausoleum, museum, and other historical sites. You may travel part of Route 66 and stop at retro-style diners for something altogether different but also historically significant.
What to Do in Illinois for a Romantic Getaway
This diverse state provides numerous exciting things to do for couples, from cultural pastimes to the great outdoors.
State Park of Starved Rock
If you and your significant other want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Starved Rock State Park is the place to go. The area contains canyons, waterfalls, and rock formations.
There are also numerous outdoor activities to choose from. The park also offers excellent hiking routes that provide access to the park’s most beautiful locations. If you’re new to hiking, there are also guided hikes available.
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The Navy Pier
Navy Pier has something for everyone, with shopping, museums, cinemas, a theater, and restaurants. The Crystal Gardens, a one-acre tropical oasis, are the showpiece of this renowned visitor destination. You and your partner can go take a ride on the Ferris wheel for spectacular views of the city.
Willis Tower
The Skydeck on the topmost floor of the USA’s tallest building, the Willis Tower, provides guests panoramic views of Chicago. A ledge with a vertigo-inducing glass floor provides a more exhilarating perspective of the building’s height.
The line to get to the top level can be long on busy days, but the view is definitely worth it.
Magnificent Mile in Chicago
Couples visiting Chicago should take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile, a section of Michigan Avenue. With everything from ordinary retailers to high-end boutiques, the shopping along this stretch is some of the best in Chicago.
Visit any of the wonderful museums, restaurants, hotels, and other entertainment opportunities along the Mag Mile, as it is known by locals. This Boulevard is lined with the John Hancock Building, the Wrigley Building, and the Tribune Tower.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
For history buffs, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a fantastic learning opportunity (not only about Abraham Lincoln but also about the history of Illinois).
Although not all of the collection is on exhibit to the public, this is primarily a research center with many important manuscripts and other materials. So hurry up if this seems like a romantic getaway!
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Millennium Park & Cloud Gate
Millennium Park is part of Grant Park, which is significantly larger. The curved surface, inspired by liquid mercury, reflects the Chicago cityscape and the tourists who pass through its arch.
Crown Fountain is also located in Millennium Park. This park also has the Lurie Garden, where you and your companion can wander through. The park lies in the heart of Chicago, adjacent to several of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and shops.
Kankakee River State Park
The Rock Creek Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Kankakee River State Park and delivers an adrenaline rush, is a unique form of transportation. With your spouse, explore the Kankakee River’s amazing splendor and take in the picturesque views.
Illinois Beach State Park
The lovely Illinois Beach State Park spans Lake Michigan’s shore. With your companion, you may enjoy the white beach and beautiful water, as well as the tranquil views of the lake. Hiking, fishing, and swimming in Lake Michigan are just a few of the activities available.
Matthiessen State Park
The lovely Matthiessen State Park could be the ideal weekend escape for you and your companion. Five miles of hiking trails and nine miles of mountain biking and horse routes are available in the park. It also has amazing rock formations and waterfalls.
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Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, a 10-acre Japanese garden with flowing waterfalls, ponds, streams, rock formations, winding alleys, a tea house, and a guest house fashioned in the genuine sukiya style, is a wonderful refuge. When you’re ready to take a break from sightseeing, this is a lovely spot to unwind.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the city’s most important cultural organizations, and its collections are renowned worldwide. The institute’s collection includes everything from ancient sculptures to post-Impressionist paintings, among other things.
African art, medieval and Renaissance arms and armor, modern art, and textiles are among the permanent collections. So come here with your partner to learn about art!
Acquaviva Winery
The Acquaviva Winery is located on a 40-acre estate and provides guests with a memorable wine-tasting experience. Enjoy the distinct flavors of Illinois-native wines made from hand-planted vines while seeing the winemaking process unfold.
This family-owned winery also has a pizza café, stunning architecture, and excellent art that has been hand-painted.
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site in Galena
When Ulysses S. Grant returned from the Civil War in 1865, he was given the Grant Home in Galena. Many of Grant’s personal things, as well as original furnishings, are on display at the general grant’s house, which has been fully restored to the 1860s period.
There are tours available that will teach you everything you need to know about this Civil War hero.
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Blue Sky Vineyard
If you can’t afford a romantic holiday to Italy, visit the Blue Sky Vineyard in Southern Illinois for a taste of Italy. The Tuscany Romance Suite, which is decorated with antique furniture and has two balconies, is located on 13 acres with views of Shawnee National Forest.
Guests can have a continental breakfast and sip the handcrafted wine. It is one of the popular local wineries so head here for perfect romantic getaways.
Best Illinois Romantic Restaurants
Are you planning a romantic meal for your significant other? Then these romantic Illinois eateries should be at the top of your list.
Cafe Geja’s
If you’re looking for a romantic local restaurant in Chicago, this vintage-inspired fondue restaurant with sumptuous decor and intimate lighting is a great choice. The entrées at this quaint bistro offer chicken, beef, lobster, and shrimp fondues in various combinations.
There is an excellent assortment of Champagne and sparkling rosé on the wine list.
The Penthouse Steakhouse of Nick and Nino
From the 30th floor of the Wyndham Springfield City Center, guests may enjoy breathtaking views of Springfield. The cuisine, ambiance, and service at this restaurant are all superb. The restaurant also provides fish and spaghetti, as well as a diverse selection of appetizers.
Cannova’s Italian Restaurant
Cannova’s in Freeport is a great place to go for Italian food. On Fridays and Saturdays, customers can enjoy live piano music at this modest, family-owned restaurant.
As you dine with your loved one by candlelight, enjoy the sensation of being serenaded while enjoying scrumptious quantities of pasta, juicy steaks, and amazing pizza. Enjoy a bottle of fine wine, and don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Best Romantic Hotels in Illinois for Couples
These romantic weekend retreats are as down-to-earth and personal as the region’s culture. Relax in a romantic inn with your sweetheart with your seasonal gourmet breakfast with the views of the Mississippi River and let your worries fade away.
Harvey House Bed & Breakfast
This B&B is an ideal romantic hideaway for city people, located just eight miles from the heart of Chicago and blocks from the train station. Although the Harvey House provides breakfast with its accommodations, it is not your standard B&B.
Relax in one of their luxury suites, which feature king beds, private Jacuzzi baths for two, cozy fireplaces, elegant furniture, and get ready for a complimentary breakfast.
The Langham Chicago
The Langham is gaining a lot of attention in downtown Chicago as Forbes’ newest Five-Star hotel and TripAdvisor #1 U.S. Luxury Hotel in 2016.
The Langham offers visitors breathtaking views of the city skyline and river from every room, which has floor-to-ceiling windows. This will be a trip you and your special someone will never forget.
Goldmoor Inn
The castle-like Goldmoor was once a private estate, but it has been transformed into an elegant country inn with luxury and gourmet cuisine in the last three decades.
This historic Inn captures rare vistas that other hotels dream they could take as the sole B&B on the Mississippi River.
Hide away with your special someone in your private log cabin for the ultimate romantic break at this gorgeous locale. The cottages have a whirlpool tub and a fireplace, music room, dining room, as well as other modern amenities and facilities.
Victorian Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast
Grab your significant other and take them to the Victorian Rose Garden mansion Bed & Breakfast in the Northeast corner of Illinois when you actually want to get away from it all.
On the inn’s wide porch or patio, enjoy complimentary cocktails and handmade treats. For a relaxing weekend, snuggle up in one of the vintage guest rooms in a king size bed and eat the handmade full breakfast in front of a cozy fireplace.
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
This is a place with almost everything you could ever want. There is a fireplace and a hot whirlpool in each room.
If it isn’t enough to pique your interest, consider the fact that there is an indoor pool and even a fitness center, allowing you to maintain your training routine after a romantic weekend.
The restaurant’s food is excellent so enjoy the fine dining, and there is also a bar on the grounds. It sounds like a perfect getaway so book your romantic suites soon!
Essence Suites
Imagine being able to attend a cutting-edge facility that is solely concerned with your well-being. That is just what you will find here.
Everything in your suite, from the king size beds to the whirlpool tubs, is meant to help romance bloom. So enjoy the two person whirlpool tubs and a private bath in your private residence.
To get the party started, you can even order your own bottle of wine or champagne in your guest rooms and get ready to enjoy your perfect romantic getaway.
Icing on the cake, you can get a couples massage and the complimentary beverages and enjoy the quiet relaxation you deserve.
Copperstone Inn
Copperstone Inn is nestled on 130 acres of property in the Orchard Ridge Farms, surrounded by natural beauty. The Inn is made up of seven distinct apartments, each with its own distinct amenities such as clawfoot tubs, private entrances, Jacuzzi tubs, and even fireplace rooms.
Massage treatment, manicures and pedicures, couples massages, and skincare services are all available on-site. Personal yoga sessions are also available to help you find your zen.
Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes
Get some R&R with your romantic partner at this beautiful resort outside of Chicago.
This refreshing resort welcomes guests with a six-story atrium and an indoor waterfall, and upscale amenities. The Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes is a fantastic vacation with its magnificent spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and golf course.
Chestnut Inn
You can have romantic weekend getaways here that will transport you to the Mediterranean. Although the facility is housed in an old, restored farmhouse, the ambiance and cuisine are decidedly Mediterranean.
This might be just what you’ve been looking for if you’re seeking something a little different. So head to Chestnut Street Inn, book your guest room and let the adventure begin.
Bishop’s Hill
This is one of the state’s more charming romance getaways. It’s also just next door to Ernest Hemingway’s former home. If you enjoy history or writing, this could be one of the most interesting romantic getaways you’ll ever have the opportunity to experience.
Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages
This is a nice, off-the-beaten-path spot to unwind for romantic weekend getaways.
It’s also one of the top sites to go sightseeing in the area. Whatever you have planned with that special someone, it will be enhanced by being in a gorgeous setting with delicious meals and gourmet tea that you won’t have to lift a finger to enjoy.
5 Best Romantic Getaways in Illinois | Love is Vacation
Final Thoughts
To conclude, Illinois is a fantastic place to visit for a romantic weekend getaway.
From beautiful beaches to beachside sunset walks to wonderful parks and shopping centers, this distinct state has it all for an ultimate romantic getaway.
Bring your curiosity and your partner when you come to appreciate everything this lovely state has to offer.
| I like to travel but also be smart with money. Below are the places where I start my planning with. – ✈️Flights, Hotel, Tours – I seek out Flash Sales to guide my planning 👉 Find good deals – 🛡️Travel Insurance – I like to go to the source like Travelex instead of paying a broker 👉Here – 🚗Car Rental – Rental will save you lots of headaches. Search, compare, and save first up to 30-50% on Discover Cars. 👉 Save Now |
