Starved Rock State Park Illinois
Wander through towering trees to find waterfalls and wildlife at Starved Rock State Park. This park, located on the Illinois River, is situated about an hour and a half from Chicago, making it the perfect choice when you want to trade skyscrapers for the great outdoors for the weekend. In the spring, the waterfalls are especially active, thanks to heavy rains, and in the fall, the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellow. Stay within the state park at the Starved Rock Lodge, or opt to spend the night in nearby Ottawa, a charming little town with restaurants, shops, and more.
More Romantic Accommodation In Chicago:
- Chicago’s Most Romantic Marriott Hotel –The Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop is loved by couples for it’s location, boutique style suites, and cocktails and craft beer on tap in their lobby lounge. 2021 ERV Rating* for Romantic Chicago Hotels:90% – Excellent.
- Chicago Whirlpool Tub Suites – if you’re looking for a hotel room with a private in-room hot tub for 2, check out our latest listing of hotel suites with hot tubs in both downtown Chicago and the suburbs.
- Romantic Chicago Hotels & Vacation Rentals with Private Pools – how about your own private pool for your next Chicago getaway? Check out these hotels, rentals and Airbnb units.
- Chicago Vacation Rental Condos & Apartments – check out VRBO’s 2021 selection of the the best short-stay romantic condos and town homes in Chicago. Many come with amenities like full kitchens, high-speed internet, LED TV’s, A/C, plus city and lake views.
- Illinois Whirlpool Suites & Hot Tub Hotel Rooms in Chicago – a selection of hotels and small inns with Whirlpool suites and in-room jetted spa tubs in Chicago and popular destinations in Illinois.
- Chicago’s Top-Rated Hotels – deals and weekly specials at romantic Chicago hotels like the Langham, Hyatt Regency and Trump International Hotel.
What To Pack For Chicago
- Comfortable Shoes – Comfortable shoes are a must in Chicago. With so many attractions in this city to see on foot, you will find that you will spend a lot of time on walking tours in Chicago!
-
A lightweight jacket – The city has 4 very distinct seasons however we think its a good idea to have a lightweight jacket, preferably waterproof just in case it gets chilly or rains at night.
-
Plug adapter – We all rely on our phones more now than ever. Maps, directions, recommendations, as well as keeping in touch with those at home and of course, taking pictures. Having a plug adapter compatible with the USA plug socket is vital.
-
Portable Charger – As well as your plug adapter it might be a good idea to have a portable power bank with you in case your phone battery dies just as youre snapping one of Chicagos many hot spots.
- Sun Tan Lotion – Chicago has 4 seasons, however, it is always advised to pack your sun tan lotion no matter what time of year youre travelling.
-
An over-the-shoulder-bag – Having a comfortable bag to carry with you each day is key in Chicago. Phone, camera, purse or wallet and maybe a water bottle, a sturdy bag with good shoulder straps will save any unwanted discomfort.
Read Also: Flights From Oakland To Chicago
Best Romantic Getaways Near Chicago For Cute Couples
Looking for the best romantic getaways near Chicago? Like so many couples, we usually use the month of January to get our lives back on track after the chaos of the holidays. Most couples go into a mode of recovery, both physically and financially, from the merry excess of the holidays.
Once your bank account and waistline begin returning back to normal, it may be time to start thinking about a romantic getaway. The following are some great destinations near Chicago where couples can enjoy a fun escape. There are unique options for every type of travel couple!
Go On A Day Date To A Museum

Museums are ALWAYS a good idea for a day date, and Chicago has several world-class ones to visit. The most famous museums include the Field Museum of Natural History, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
But don’t forget the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium, too, both of which are located on Museum Campus along with the Field Museum.
I love the Museum of Science and Industry , but on this trip Elliot and I visited the Field Museum. It was my first time there, and I was blown away by the quality of the exhibits.
Two and a half hours was not enough time!
Also Check: Holiday Inn Express Chicago Nw Vernon Hills
Best Romantic Things To Do In Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, is an amazing city to visit, offering a diverse selection of museums, tours, date ideas, and Italian, and other restaurants. Enjoy a birds 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. Be sure to call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
Timbercreek Bed & Breakfast
TimberCreek Bed & Breakfast is an upscale bed and breakfast in a building that was built specifically to appear like a barn. It is on a 25-acre property with a gate at the end of a picturesque winding lane surrounded by a stream and trees. The English Cottage décor spans the common areas and guest rooms with tile, brick, and hardwood floors, fireplaces, skylights, upscale furnishings, over-sized beds, artwork, and a whirlpool. Each guest room has its own bath and there is Wi-Fi throughout. A suite is handicapped accessible.
Guests can request access to hair dryers, irons, and laundry facilities. The Gathering Room is relaxing with floral couches, leather recliners, a stone fireplace, games, and magazines. The Breakfast Room hosts the morning breakfast and the Kitchen has tea and coffee. Rates start at $99 per night.
1559 E. State Route 9, Paxton IL, 217-379-2589
Romantic places near me this weekend, all inclusive, live music, unique shopping in town, nightlife for tourists, caves, snow, resort, hotel, fishing spots near me, romantic restaurant, trailer park, museums, springs, island, light house, brunch places near me, fish, attractions near me: Weekend Getaways in Illinois, Illinois attractions, Schaumburg, Long Island, MA Day Trips, Molalla, Saginaw, New Iberia, Pacific City, Forest Grove, Warwick
Also Check: Top Tourist Attractions In Chicago
Oakwood Resort Syracuse In
The Oakwood Resort is scenically located on the shores of Lake Wawasee, where it beckons visitors to come and enjoy a well-deserved weekend getaway. The resort covers 27 acres and is semi-surrounded by water, offering water sport enthusiasts a brilliant selection of water sports to enjoy on-site these include kayaking, paddle-boarding and boating. The resort offers 79 guestrooms and suites, many of which offer excellent views out over the lake. If you are travelling with the family or a group of friends you can consider renting one of the spacious 3, 4 and 5 bedroom vacation homes. On-site amenities include a swimming pier, restaurant/bar, bicycle rentals, and a fitness center.
Oakwood Resort, 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse, IN 46567, 574-457-7100
You are reading “25 Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago, Illinois” Back to Top or More weekend getaways, what to do near me, must see attractions, stuff to do near me
The Worlds Largest Travel Site Know Better Book Better Go Better
At Tripadvisor, we believe in the power of travel and in helping you make the most of every trip. With over 500 million candid traveler reviews, we can help you make the right choice when you shop for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. You’ll also find low airfares, free travel guides, worldwide vacation rental listings, popular forums with advice about virtually every destination, and more. When its time to book, we can help you save up to 30% on hotels, checking 200+ sites to find you todays lowest prices. And when youre on your trip, our free mobile app is your ultimate travel companion.
Read Also: Maria’s Mexican Restaurant Chicago
Windy City Dining For 2
- The Signature Room, 95th Floor, John Hancock Center – here’s a tip you can use, based on what we did to have a very good meal at a reasonable price – with an unbelievably romantic view of downtown Chicago! If you’d like to visit the observation deck of this famous Windy City skyscraper, it costs $18 per person for the lift up. However, if you come up to eat at the restaurant, which is only 9 stories lower, there’s no lift charge. So you can put the $36 towards lunch, which is pretty good! Since meal times can get very busy, we opted for a late lunch around 1:45 PM. Did we mention that the views are spectacular?
- North Pond – this intimate dining room in Lincoln Park has a wonderful warm fireplace great for cold winter nights.
- Spiaggia – great Italian offerings with a fine view of Lake Michigan
- Le Bouchon – small Bucktown bistro with excellent French dishes, reservations in advance highly recommended
- Romantic Chicago Steak Houses – a safe bet is Morton’s on State Street . For more scenery, try Smith & Wolensky where window tables serve up pretty nice views of Chicago River.
Cozy Up On An Architecture Tour
Chicago is known for its architecture it’s the home of the skyscraper, after all! so you’ll definitely want to get up close with some of the city’s unique buildings.
The most popular way to get to know the architecture in Chicago is to go on an architecture boat cruise on the Chicago River. The Chicago Architecture Foundation operates the original 90-minute cruise, but several other companies also offer options at competitive prices.
All the river cruises are fully narrated by a live guide and cover decades of Chicago’s architectural history. These are, hands down, the best way to see the city.
There are also cruises that include both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, as well as romantic sunset cruises.
Here are several good cruise options:
If you’re in the city outside of the cruises’ operating season , though, don’t worry there are still plenty of options.
On our trip together , Elliot and I booked an interior architecture walking tour that took us into some buildings we probably would have never visited otherwise!
Along with seeing the Tiffany dome at the Chicago Cultural Center, we also visited the former Marshall Fields building, traversed some of Chicago’s underground Pedway, and even visited a church inside a skyscraper. Chicago’s architectural history is so fascinating.
You May Like: Walk In Tattoo Shops Chicago
The Dearborn Inn A Marriott Hotel
Union Pier is situated along the shore of Lake Michigan, 73 miles and a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago. There are many things to do here, such as wine tasting at the St. Julian Winery, or visit the Antique Mall of Union Pier. You can also rent bikes to cycle along the lakeside, and also paddle board to paddle in the lake during summer. One lovely and quaint place to stay at Union Pier is The Inn at Union Pier. It is the perfect place, just three minutes away from the sandy lakeside shores. This bed-and-breakfast has beautiful and quaintly furbished rooms, each with a fireplace and a porch or balcony. There is also a hot tub and a sauna for you to enjoy and relax.
Our Best Prices In Vacation Packages To Chicago

Crowne Plaza Lombard – Downers Grove
gradegradegradegradegradegradegradegradegradegradeper person based on 2-person occupancyUpdated:9hoursago
*Average total price per person based on round trip flights in the Main Cabin and double occupancy hotel stays. Prices displayed have been collected within the last 24 hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking. Modifying this information may result in a different price. To find the most updated price, please visit aavacations.com.
Recommended Reading: University Of Chicago Medical Records
Where To Stay In Chicago
There are lots of romantic hotels to enjoy in Chicago depending on your budget. Some favorites of mine to check out include:
- The LanghamOne of the top-rated hotels in Chicago, perfect for a luxury trip.
- LondonHouse ChicagoA beautiful and modern downtown hotel that’s part of Hilton’s Curio Collection.
- Viceroy ChicagoThis Gold Coast hotel gives off major mid-century modern vibes and has a rooftop pool.
- The Palmer House One of the most historic hotels in Chicago.
- Virgin Hotels ChicagoThis has a hip, Millennial feel to it but won’t break the bank.
The Inn At Union Pier
Milwaukee is another city located along Lake Michigan, which is renowned for its many unique neighbourhoods which contribute to the one-of-a-kind culture of the city. It is also known for the number of breweries located in the city. Some of the other tourist attractions you can visit include the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Historic Third Ward and Lake Park. A great place to stay at is the uniquely named Knickerbocker on the Lake, which is located just four minutes from the lakeside, great for romantic walks on the beach. They also have an onsite spa and a restaurant with outdoor seating on the patio which overlooks the lake. Located just 600 m from the Milwaukee Art Museum, this wonderful city provides one of the best weekend getaways.
You May Like: Flights From Jax To Chicago
For The Couple Seeking Pure Romance
Serenity Springs, Michigan City, Indiana
Sitting on 85 lovely wooded acres, Serenity Springs offers couples the ultimate getaway experience. Its been said that the location and the motif of each cabin vary so greatly that you could visit all 30+ cabins and have a totally different experience in each one!
Insider Tip: At Serenity Springs, each cabin features a fun butlers door. Throughout the stay, a little red light will illuminate indicating that a complimentary special surprise has been delivered. For example, one night we received a Smores package to use with our fire pit. As adults, its not often we get to experience that childlike glee that comes with unexpected surprises.
Stroll Through Some Parks
Chicago has a lot of green space and public park land and a lot of it is close to the lake shore.
If you’re looking for a great place for a walk, head to Millennium Park and Grant Park. Here you’ll find the famous Cloud Gate sculpture , the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Buckingham Fountain, and so much more.
If you have your walking shoes on, you can actually walk all the way from Millennium Park through Grant Park to Museum Campus.
Don’t Miss: Best Personal Injury Law Firm In Chicago
For The Outdoorsy Couple
Shawnee Forest Cabins, Herod, Illinois
The rolling hills and lush valleys of the Shawnee National Forest are a perfect backdrop for a great escape in the Midwest. Surprisingly, there are many activities to do in the area to help couples make fantastic memories together.
Located across from Camel Rock, the Shawnee Forest Cabins offer the perfect location as a base to explore the Shawnee National Forest. Avid hikers will love the fact that they can walk to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. The cabins feature private hot tubs, fast Wi-Fi, fireplaces, satellite TV, outdoor fire pits, and full kitchens perfect amenities for those looking for a home away from home experience.
Insider Tip: It takes a lot of time to find the most photo-worthy destinations scattered around the expansive Shawnee National Forest. for our top picks for the most scenic, Instagram-worthy landscapes to discover in Shawnee National Forest.
Your Guide To Chicago Vacations
From the Loop and Lake Michigan to baseball and blues, Chicago is a city that simply screams American style.
The Second City
Though Los Angeles is undeniably the country’s second-largest spot, Chicago holds a special place in the collective heart of the United States. Since its founding in the early 19th century, this take-no-prisoners town has played host to gangsters and legends, presidents and pioneers, and some of the most iconic jazz and blues spots this side of the Mississippi. It’s almost symbolic of the nation’s fierce independence despite the glossy updates to its shopping strips and tourist attractions, Chicago still operates with a bold, brash ethos.
A World-Class Destination
Believe the hype: packages for Chicago IL are every bit as exciting as those in Los Angeles and New York. The landscape may be different Chicago’s skyline tends toward the futuristic, for instance, and its upscale districts are uniquely vibrant but the cultural attractions are on par with the world’s best. This is, above all, a powerhouse of a city, and that no-holds-barred attitude is evident in everything from the art museums to the cutting-edge restaurants.
Beyond the Breeze
Top Things to See and Do
Chicago Deals, Discounts, and More
Before you make a beeline for the city’s borders, browse the travel tools at Expedia to find the latest holiday packages combining your accommodations and flight deals to Chicago. Chi-Town getaways have never looked so sweet.
Don’t Miss: Chicago River And Lake Tour
Resorts Near Me: Farmers Guest House
Farmers Guest House is located in historic downtown Galena, giving guests easy access to nearby attractions. Each of the nine rooms and suites is tastefully decorated, providing an intimate setting perfect for couples. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with Blu-Ray/DVD players to watch movies from the inns collection and there is Wi-Fi throughout the property. Other room amenities include private baths, luxurious bath amenities, individual outlets, irons, hairdryers, and plenty of outlets.
The common areas include the Spa Studio, private gardens, and numerous patios. In the morning, guests enjoy a full breakfast with a signature entrée, homemade pastries or bread, fruit, juice, and homemade granola. There is also Wine time every evening with cheese and wine, as well as fresh cookies at night. Guests have access to soda, tea, coffee, and bottled water. Rooms start at $179 per night.
344 Spring St., Galena IL, 815-777-3456
You are reading “25 Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago, Illinois” Back to Top or More romantic weekend getaways, more places of interest in, time zone, what to do