This gorgeous state park is filled with waterfalls and canyons and is just 30 minutes away from Beth's hometown of Mendota, IL so she's done countless hikes there over the years. It's a little over an hour away from the venue/hotel, but if you are looking for an outdoor adventure over the weekend, it's completely worth it. The nearby town of Utica has excellent bar food (Skoog's), a winery (August Hill), ice cream, and lots of little shops.
Matthiessen is right next to Starved Rock. It's less well-known, but has similarly amazing hikes and views.
Another great state park surrounding a lake. Beth and Visham would hike here sometimes while living in Wisconsin. It's much closer to the venue if your looking for an easier outdoor adventure.
Great food, drinks, and a river view here! We visited after hiking in the nearby Rock Cut State Park.
The spectacular city of Madison (where Visham lived/went to school for 6 years and Beth lived for 1) is a little over an hour away again if interested in a longer day trip throughout the weekend. You can visit the Capitol building, hop on Lake Monona or Lake Mendota, eat cheese curds, drink beer/Old Fashioned's, and countless other activities.