When you need to get away form it all to relax and regroup before your little bundle of joy arrives, enjoy an unforgettable babymoon with your significant other. The state of Illinois offers plenty of small, charming towns, as well as big cities and iconic attractions. From the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln to quaint villages overlooking the Mississippi River, Illinois features spectacular things to do and see. As for accommodations, stay at a small cottage on the edge of town, in a cabin hideaway without a neighbor in sight, or at one of many other cozy Illinois vacation rentals. To help you find the perfect babymoon destination, check out the most scenic places in Illinois.
1. Quincy
On a bluff above the banks of the Mississippi River, you find the quaint town of Quincy. Start your trip with a stop at the Visitor’s Center, Villa Kathrine. This center, built in the early 20th Century, is a Moroccan-styled manor home. After strolling through the interior, meander over to the edge of the bluff for stunning views of the river below. This small town was a hot spot on the Underground Railroad before the American Civil War and offers amazing historic buildings as you walk through the historic district in the late afternoon. Stop by Old Town Antiques and pick out a new piece of furniture or decoration together for the nursery. For a low-key meal, stop by Riverside Smoke House and Grill for barbecue ribs.
Find vacation rentals near Quincy
2. Rockford
Breathe in the fresh air and gawk at the scenery in Rockford. This town is the location where four rivers meet and features more than 20,000 acres of green spaces for long walks holding hands. Step back in time with an afternoon at Midway Village. This is a living museum, and staff members, dressed in costumes from the 1800s, put on demonstrations of what daily life was like during that time period. Pick up a packed lunch from Potbelly Sandwich Shop for a picnic in the Rock Cut State Park. After eating under the shade of a tree, rent a canoe from the park store to explore the river. Top off your day with a visit to Abreo Restaurant, which provides white linen tablecloth-covered tables and small American plates to share during a romantic meal.
Find vacation rentals in Rockford
3. Springfield
Springfield is a popular vacation destination as the state capital, and also as the birthplace of America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Enjoy the grandeur of the Illinois Capitol Building, and make sure to take in the fine details on the inside of the interior dome. This is the tallest capitol building in the United States. Afterwards, stroll around the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and stop by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to find a book and relax in one of the comfy chairs. Take a tour of the Dana-Thomas House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Dine by candlelight at Bella Milano to enjoy your favorite Italian dishes, or opt for a more trendy location at Indigo.
Find vacation rentals in Springfield
Find the perfect Illinois vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Galena
History abounds in the small town of Galena, where more than 80 percent of the homes or buildings qualify as historic and were built in centuries past. Stroll through the downtown area and the surrounding neighborhoods to choose your favorite homes built in French Colonial, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles. Take a picnic lunch to West Street Sculpture Park, and wind through the trails to see all the metal sculptures created by local artists before finding the perfect spot to eat. Get out on the water with Mississippi Explorer Cruises at Chestnut Mountain Resort, which sail old-fashioned type paddleboats, ideal for cuddling up together and watching the world sail by.
Find vacation rentals in Galena
5. Alton
Choose a vacation rental with a view of the Mississippi River when you take your babymoon to Alton. This small town is famous for two things. It’s the location of the final debate between presidential candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, and it’s the birthplace of Miles Davis, the renowned jazz player. Sammi’s Sandwich is the place to pick up lunch before driving over to the Audubon Center at Riverlands. This nature preserve offers picnic facilities and many bird species on your must-see list, so bring your binoculars. A romantic dinner awaits you at Gentelin’s On Broadway, where you can enjoy steak, pasta, or other classic fare.
Find vacation rentals near Alton
6. Bloomington
Long walks and picnic lunches are high on the agenda when you stay in Bloomington. This town has more than 40 parks and a rich history with the Kickapoo Native American tribe. Built in the early 1800s, the David Davis Mansion is a great place for a tour and more information on what life was like in this area in the past. Afterward, stroll around the grounds and enjoy the relaxing environment. One evening, get tickets to see a classic or independent movie at the Normal Theater. This movie theater dates back to the 1930s, and recent renovations have returned it to its art deco glory.
Find vacation rentals in Bloomington
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Illinois vacation rentals on Tripping.com.