Plan a mini vacation to these top 4 weekend destinations near Marion, IL

August 19th, 2021 by

Marion, Illinois, is known for its hospitality and friendly people. Living in Marion, you can understand why so many people are always smiling. But everyone needs the occasional change of scenery and a chance to escape from day-to-day life. Taking a road trip for a quick weekend getaway is the perfect way to recharge the mind and reconnect with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or to spend a weekend touring a new town, having a plan in place will make your experience unforgettable. Here are our top four weekend destinations in and around Marion. 

Starved Rock

After just a four-hour drive from Marion, you’ll find yourself in one of Illinois’ most beloved and beautiful areas. Starved Rock State Park is a sight you can’t miss and something unlike anything else you’ll find in Illinois. The best time to visit is in the Spring after the snows have melted and the heavy rains have worked together to create lovely and active waterfalls. 

Starved Rock presents 18 natural canyons carved out by glacier meltwater. Novice and experienced hikers will delight in the opportunity to choose from 13 miles of hiking trails and rejoice in exploring over 2,600 acres of protected land. The river offers visitors chances to fish, boat, and enjoy the lush scenery and calming sounds of nature. The park opens at 7 a.m. daily and remains open until sunset. Park employees will lead visitors on free guided hikes from June through November. Interested parties should pre-register. We suggest you attend the Ghosts of Starved Rock Past in October. 

Galena, Illinois

For a nice weekend getaway, drive yourself and your family over to Galena, Illinois. It is a six-hour drive, but once you get there, you’ll understand why it’s worth it. Galena is situated along the Mississippi River and has some phenomenal boutiques that are both quaint and posh. You’ll find a slew of unique items as you peruse this town — only four square miles. Despite its humble size, Galena offers a number of things to do that appeal to varying interests. The town’s gorgeous landscape and rich history are enough to make it onto this summer’s must-do list. 

For history lovers, head over to the Galena and U. S. Grant History Museum. A family entrance fee is $28, and you’ll get to see the well-preserved brick home Ulysses S. Grant and his family called home at the start of 1860. To learn more about Galena’s local history, plan your weekend trip around the end of September and participate in the annual Tour of Historic Galena Homes. The guided tour will treat participants to an inside and intimate look at five private historic homes, plus a unique perspective featuring the 1854 Barrows mansion, which houses the Galena History Museum. 

Galena also offers a unique experience for wine and beer lovers. Located within this small town are four award-winning vineyards, two local breweries, and a distillery. Visit one of the vineyards to tour the lush farmland, taste the local flavors, and learn about the process it takes to produce the many yearly varieties. You can also find the Galena Brewing Company, a brewery and pub, in downtown Galena. They offer a rotating selection of house ales, seasonal, and guest taps. Sit back and enjoy some great conversation with the regular locals to truly experience the kindness that Galena offers.

Arthur, Illinois

In just under a three-hour drive from marvelous Marion, you and your loved one can find the Village of Arthur on Illinois Route 113, off Exit 203. This little community is the “Heart of Illinois Amish Country.” This enterprising Amish community provides a safe and diversified place to live, work, and visit. You’ll find a wide selection of manufacturers, restaurants, retail shops, and various businesses and services. You’ll also find Amish “cottage industries,” small shops where the Amish community sells their handmade goods. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll find them during their Strawberry Jam Festival, Cheese Festival, or the Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Jam. They are a welcoming community that enjoys teaching about their ways. For the best family fun, join them during their annual Christmas Parade. 

Springfield, Illinois

Located in central Illinois, Springfield is a three-hour drive from Marion. This town boasts a lush history and is home to gorgeous architecture. This town was famously home to President Abraham Lincoln from 1837 until his presidency in 1861.

While in town, stop by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum at the Lincolns’ family home, where he lived with his wife and children. The fabulously preserved home features floral-papered rooms with ornate furniture that magically transport guests back in time. Learn about Lincoln’s life with the new exhibit in the Library: Lincoln’s Life in Letters. The museum welcomes guests to explore Lincoln’s life and influential ideas through documents that shaped the museum and our nation. This new exhibit will feature 10 different facsimiles of letters that have been curated and interpreted to reveal significant milestones in Lincoln’s life. 

The museum is now running on regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets for adults general admission are $15 and children 5-15 years old can enter the museum for $6. Seniors citizens and students are welcomed for a reduced rate of $12 and a military discount is honored with a valid military I.D. You can buy tickets online for quicker entry. 

Here at Ike Honda, we know the importance of relaxation and want to ensure your weekend getaway is stress-free. Contact us for all your automobile needs. We can help you upgrade your current vehicle, buy a new or used car, or get some routine maintenance done before you hit the road. We’ll take care of you for the right price: Ike’s price! 

What do you think of our top weekend destinations in and around Marion? Did we miss your favorite go-to spot? Is there one that Marion locals love? Drop a line or stop by and let us know. We’ll be happy to add your suggestions to our list.

Posted in Exploring Marion