Plan a fun-filled girl’s weekend trip to Illinois
Planning a girl’s weekend but not sure where to go? Find out why Illinois could just be the perfect, fun-filled destination.
Illinois is often considered a top travel destination because of Chicago. Yet, Illinois has much more to offer if you’re planning a girl’s weekend to celebrate an upcoming wedding or to refresh and renew your friendships.
To inspire your travel plans, check out these fun-filled girls’ weekend trip ideas in Illinois.
Geneva
Geneva is located on the western side of Illinois and may be the next best thing to leaving the state. Geneva’s small, charming city boasts ample outdoor recreation, serene attractions, and endless brunch opportunities. Plan a stroll through the Fabyan Japanese Garden, where you can disconnect and strengthen friendships.
Of course, you can also squeeze in a few Instagram photos with vibrant, colorful backdrops. The Fabyan Villa Museum is a must-visit, which will take you and your friends on a historical tour through the city’s history.
The downtown area of Geneva is filled with large retailers, so you can also spend an afternoon shopping. Various breweries are perfect for friends who prefer a refreshing cup of cider or wine. If you plan your trip right, you can also attend Geneva’s famous Swedish Days. The festival is over 70 years old and is one of the area’s most popular attractions.
Galena
Galena is another small town on the northwestern side of Illinois. Its quaint charm and historic main street make Galena a top girl’s weekend destination. Over 125 shops along the main street offer endless entertainment, shopping, and dining.
The Galena Trolley Tour is an easy way to get around the city while allowing you to capture fun photos you’ll cherish for years. The Galena Cellars Vineyard is an ideal destination for an afternoon of wine tasting.
The Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. is another fun outing in the Galena area. You can also fill your girl’s weekend with horseback riding, bonfire nights, a hot air balloon ride, or comfort food dinners. Galena is also quiet enough for a girl’s weekend with the kids in tow or to celebrate an upcoming baby. You and your friends will walk away from Galena filled, fulfilled, and with exceptional memories.
Shawnee National Forest
If you’re looking for a getaway to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other, a visit to Shawnee National Forest is perfect. Bring a few tents or rent a cabin for the weekend and fill your time hiking, biking, or fishing. Ensure you stock up on ample firewood for late nights spent around a campfire.
You’ll also find abundant entertainment within Shawnee National Forest, including ziplining, horseback riding, or wine tasting. A winter getaway in Shawnee National Forest is also perfect for those who enjoy snowboarding or skiing.
Urbana
The college town of Urbana also makes for an excellent girls’ weekend. You can enjoy a football game or spend the night mingling at one of the college bars.
Make sure you check out the Downtown Urbana Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Take a stroll through the blooming flowers in the spring at Meadowbrook Park or enjoy a musical performance at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Grab some fresh ingredients from the Market at the Square on the weekends and mix up your own farm-to-table brunch. You can also explore Urbana and Illinois’ wildlife with a trek through the Busey Woods. Exploring the outdoors is one of the best things to do in Illinois, and Urbana is an excellent location for adventure. You could also check out one of the free concerts at the park for a music-filled night of free fun.
Kewanee
Kewanee, another small town in Illinois, is an excellent idea for a quiet getaway trip. Rand McNally has even named Kewanee one of the best small towns in America. Kewanee is any art enthusiast’s dream, with ample murals and art museums throughout the town.
Make sure you plan a self-guided tour of the History in the Pain, one of Kewanee’s most popular attractions. If you and your friends are into golf, make sure you schedule some tee time at the Baker Park Golf Course.
Plan a brunch picnic at the Ryan Round Barn or learn about the city’s unique history at Francis Park. You’ll find a lot of delicious brunch options downtown for fresh eggs and mimosas.
Illinois is an excellent destination if you’re looking for a girl’s trip away from the hustle and bustle of busy Chicago. Illinois is a big state with many small to medium-sized towns that are the perfect destination for creating lasting friend memories. Illinois has a lot to offer if you’re planning a bachelorette party or just need a little getaway to relax and unwind.
