Top 15 Illinois Resorts for an Unforgettable Getaway

Although its neighboring states occupy a significant portion of the prime lakeside real estate in the region, Illinois retains some space for its own resorts. From riverside cabins and hunting lodges in woodland areas to beachfront accommodations and spa retreats on Lake Michigan, there are ample options for recreation and relaxation.

Many of these resorts are conveniently located within a short drive from Chicago, allowing visitors to enjoy a weekend of golfing or fishing at the lake with ease. Others provide secluded retreats offering water sports, skiing, and spa specials adjacent to personal cottages. Illinois encompasses more than just Chicago, and these resorts connect you with the state’s natural allure.

As a resident of Illinois, I assure you that you will discover something appealing in this compilation of the top resorts in Illinois:

1. Chestnut Mountain Resort

Source: chestnutmtn

Primarily known as a ski resort, Chestnut Mountain frequently appears on “best of Illinois” lists due to its year-round appeal, even when the snow has melted. Nestled in the popular tourist destination of Galena (recognized as one of the best small towns to visit), the property overlooks the Mississippi River. Relaxed and inviting, Chestnut Mountain serves as an ideal location for a romantic weekend escape or a ski trip with friends. The resort boasts numerous hiking and biking trails, an alpine slide, a disc golf course, and even Segway tours.

When not skiing, guests can swim in the pool, unwind in the jacuzzi, or take advantage of the sauna. If you’re in the mood for something more active, you can enjoy mini-golf or explore their Soaring Eagle Zipline. The resort features over 100 rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, all positioned on a hillside with splendid views of the ski trails. For refreshments, visit The Summit sports bar, which offers an extensive craft beer selection, or savor steaks and fresh seafood at their Sunset Grille.

Website: https://www.chestnutmtn.com/

2. Eaglewood Resort & Spa

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For those seeking a luxurious resort near the metropolitan area, Eaglewood in Itasca is an excellent choice for a break from Chicago’s hustle and bustle. Catering to spa weekends, golf outings, and family vacations, this resort offers numerous activities to keep you entertained or to help you unwind. The accommodations are spacious, with more than 295 guest rooms and suites available. Options include rooms with golf course views or a rooftop suite for a touch of elegance. Each room features reliable internet and oversized desks to accommodate those working or attending meetings or conferences.

Guests can transform their visit into a health retreat with fitness classes such as aqua aerobics and Zumba, or utilize the fitness center and pool. Recreational amenities include golf, tennis, bocce ball, and even a six-lane bowling alley with darts, billiards, a full-service bar, and an outdoor patio. For ample Midwest and American farm-to-table dining, visitors can enjoy meals at Burnham’s restaurant, which offers a cozy atmosphere near a fire pit on the patio.

Website: http://www.eaglewoodresort.com/

3. Herrington Inn & Spa

Located just south of St. Charles, this sophisticated resort features regal decor not often encountered in the United States. With views of the Fox River on one side and a meticulously maintained garden on the other, it resembles a grandiose version of iconic old European architecture, complete with gabled roofs. Equipped with a gazebo, patio, ballroom, and conference room, Herrington is a popular venue for various events.

The resort offers exquisite farm-to-table dining options crafted by 5-star chefs. Guests can dine in Atwater’s Restaurant intimate dining area or host a small gathering of eight at the riverside Gazebo. For a more casual experience, cocktails are available at Atwater’s Lobby Bar, which also features outdoor seating on the al fresco patio. Accommodations include 60 rooms, each with a complimentary European-style continental breakfast buffet. For a romantic getaway, I recommend the Parlor Room, which includes a fireplace and an oversized whirlpool tub that will make you reluctant to leave!

Website: https://www.herringtoninn.com/

4. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

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Marriott continues to uphold its esteemed reputation at this golf resort situated in the North Shore area. Suitable for both corporate retreats and romantic weekends, it lies just 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. The resort features nearly 400 rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities and workspaces. For recreation, guests can enjoy a PGA golf course, a tennis center, volleyball courts, hiking and biking paths, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Additionally, a live musical theater presents musicals and Broadway shows.

Guests can indulge in spa services, place room service orders, or dine on-site with fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers. During meals or happy hour, there are four distinct restaurants and lounges available, including the Fairfield Inn Restaurant, which serves local dishes, and Crane’s Landing, offering clubhouse dining with golf course views. For coffee lovers, a kiosk provides Starbucks beverages. Furthermore, there are ample meeting spaces available for corporate events.

Website: http://www.chicagomarriottlincolnshire.com/

5. Oak Terrace Resort & Spa

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This resort offers opportunities for golfing, relaxing at the spa, or hosting weddings. The golf course is renowned for its “Shotmaker’s Mile,” a challenging stretch of holes that weaves through woodland and water hazards. Situated in Pana, this resort is surrounded by a wooded area adjacent to a 65-acre lake.

They market themselves as an affordable haven for individuals seeking a getaway, with guests able to select accommodations at the Inn, lakeside villas, or fairway townhomes. All options feature excellent outdoor spaces, such as private balconies, patios, or porches. Dining options range from fine dining experiences to relaxed options at Mulligan’s Bar & Grille, which serves delightful pub snacks such as fried pickles and chicken wings, alongside more refined dishes like grilled pork chops and bourbon-glazed salmon. Evening live music adds a festive touch!

Website: https://oakterraceresort.com/

6. Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort

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Situated just 40 minutes from downtown Chicago, this Hilton resort in Bloomingdale offers an abundance of activities to engage in without traveling far from the expansive suite you’ve selected. Set upon 260 acres, the resort’s architecture is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Suites come with complimentary Wi-Fi, large flat-screen televisions featuring DIRECTV channels, and Presidential Suites even include wraparound decks and wood-burning fireplaces. Additionally, a substantial indoor pool and waterfall hot tub, along with a 24-hour fitness center are available.

The resort also offers ample meeting spaces and three dining options for guests, including Izzy & Moe’s, a speakeasy-themed establishment featuring DJ and karaoke nights, and Shiraz on the Water, an elegant dining venue serving contemporary American cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a diverse selection of beers at the Cave Bar nestled in the beautiful indoor atrium.

Website: https://indianlakeshotel.com/

7. Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

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Offering “country manor-style” luxury, Eagle Ridge is located in the Lake Galena area on a secluded property ideal for both activity and relaxation. The Inn’s rooms are characterized as “rustic elegant” and include upgrade options like gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, and walkout patios. The resort’s Stonedrift Spa is extensive, featuring steam rooms, organic products, and ten treatment rooms that offer a variety of massages and rejuvenation treatments.

With over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails available, the resort also organizes activities such as boating, golf, kayaking, and hot air balloon rides for guests! For those seeking additional excitement, options for horseback riding, sledding, skiing, birdwatching, or footgolf (a unique combination of golf and soccer) are also provided, as the resort features a dedicated course for this activity! Woodlands Restaurant boasts lake views, a Sunday brunch, wine tastings, and all-you-can-eat prime rib dinners on Saturdays.

Website: http://www.eagleridge.com/

8. Worldmark Galena Resort

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Located just outside Apple State Canyon Park, Worldmark is perfectly situated amid numerous activity-rich areas in this touristy region of Illinois. Guests have access to four exceptional golf courses, downhill skiing, and equestrian trails. The suites provide a cozy mountain home experience with wooden finishes, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, kitchen areas equipped with essential appliances, and flat-screen TVs.

Beyond your room, amenities include an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, barbecue grills, and movie rentals. A fitness center and basketball court offer additional opportunities for physical activity, while the resort’s game room features ping pong and billiards. For those wanting to venture offsite, charming shops, restaurants, and historical sites in the town of Galena are just a short drive away.

Website: https://worldmark.wyndhamdestinations.com/

9. Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center

Source: hilton

Whether your visit is for business or leisure, you can enjoy the convenience of the pool and golf course situated right next to your room. Hilton also provides shuttle service to surrounding areas. For golf enthusiasts, the indoor golf simulator allows you to “play” 80 courses from around the globe without having to venture outside. For business travelers, there’s an amphitheater equipped for video conferencing and catering options.

Dining experiences range from the Tin Cup Bar & Grille to the recently introduced modern B. Restaurant & Lounge. If you prefer relaxing by the pool, Noonan’s provides a grab-and-go option for snacks for both golfers and sunbathers. The Monarch Spa offers on-site and poolside services such as facials and massages, or you can arrange for services to be delivered to your room. Each room features contemporary amenities like a 42-inch flat-screen TV and a Keurig coffee station.

Website: https://www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com/

10. Cypress Resort & Marine

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Rent a cottage, bring a boat, and experience the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of the family-owned Cypress Resort. Relax on their private sandy beach along the shores of Petite Lake, where grills, electrical outlets along the seawall, and a boat ramp are provided. For events, the Boat House event space is available for rent, featuring hardwood floors and nautical elements, along with beach access for guests during your event.

Distinct from the typical resort experience, this property might best be described as “boutique”—small and private. Cypress offers five rental cottages, all designed thoughtfully with natural light, modern furnishings, and fully equipped kitchens that include coffee and a French press. In the warmer months, take advantage of the charcoal grills, fire pit, kayaks, and paddleboards; during winter, try ice fishing.

Website: http://www.cypressofantioch.com/

11. Harpole’s Heartland Lodge

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Located in Pike County, this establishment serves as both a premier hunting lodge and an exceptional family vacation resort. The region is ideal for whitetail deer hunting, while offerings extend to pheasant, quail, and wild turkey hunting. They provide multi-day hunting packages that encompass guides, meals, lodging, and access to private hunting properties.

Conversely, those seeking relaxation can opt for luxury cabins or the charming onsite bed and breakfast, featuring a large stone fireplace, spacious back deck, comfortable rooms with unique character, and homemade meals. In terms of activities, apart from sporting clay shooting and pistol range access, guests can partake in horseback riding, fishing, volleyball, or venture out on ATV rides through the resort’s trails and terrain park for some thrills.

Website: https://www.heartlandlodge.com/

12. Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort

Source: grizzlyjacksresort

Situated in Utica, near Starved Rock State Park, Grizzly Jack’s is indeed family-friendly. This resort features an expansive indoor water park complete with a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river. The facility includes the Cave Arcade, which hosts over 60 arcade and video games with prizes for the younger guests. Outdoor amenities consist of a playground and Bear Island, a four-tiered observation deck with views of Curtis Canyon.

Options for outdoor activities include rafting or boating on the Illinois River, golfing at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club, or sampling wines at nearby wineries. Families may choose from various accommodations, including villas, cabins, or suites—all equipped with Wi-Fi and cable TV. As expected, family-friendly dining is available at Jack’s Place Restaurant & Bar, serving pizzas, salads, and burgers, while the pool area includes the Wave Cafe for snacks or tropical drinks during swims.

Website: https://www.grandbearresort.com/

13. Illinois Beach Hotel

Source: ilresorts

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan near Zion, approximately 40 minutes from Chicago, this establishment offers an affordable and practical stay. Each of the 92 rooms provides views of the adjacent state park or the waves meeting the sandy shore. Guests can stroll around the lake, embark on fishing excursions, or simply bask in the sun on the beach. The resort also features an expansive pool located in an atrium surrounded by palm trees, evoking a tropical ambiance, or guests can indulge in a spa treatment for optimal relaxation.

Dining options include three meals at their Lakeside Restaurant, known for its steaks and beer-battered fish, or guests can unwind at the Sandpiper Lounge. Should you wish to explore the area, two golf courses are easily accessible, and the Six Flags theme park is also nearby. The resort provides package arrangements that include tickets and overnight stays for family visits!

Website: https://illinoisbeachhotel.com/

I have recently penned an article about the best attractions in Zion that you may find interesting.

14. Aerie’s Resort and Winery

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Positioned amid what is touted as the finest views in the Midwest, Aerie’s is situated at the junction of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The resort offers various accommodation choices, accommodating both couples and larger groups of friends or family. Options include villas, cottages, suites, or rooms within the lodge, providing either comfortable or luxurious accommodations equipped with modern amenities, stunning scenery, and outdoor living areas.

The winery probably represents the main attraction of this resort, featuring award-winning wines, live entertainment, a beer garden, and fine dining along the river. The restaurant’s menu highlights fresh flatbread pizzas and an impressive selection of small plates, all created with the resort’s wines in mind. Another unexpected feature worth trying? The 9-line, 200-foot-high Grafton Zipline, which offers guests an exhilarating two-mile long canopy tour of the surrounding natural beauty.

Website: https://www.aeriesresort.com/