Stressed-Out Illinois Moms Name Shawnee National Forest the Perfect Mother’s Day Escape (Survey).

• Mother’s day survey reveals the 3 best Illinois getaways for stressed-out moms.  
• Shawnee National Forest was the top pick, followed by Galena + Matthiessen State Park.
• Infographic included.

Brunch is nice. So are flowers. But according to thousands of moms, what they’d really love this Mother’s Day is a break – a proper “momcation.”

Present.com surveyed 3,025 mothers to find out where they dream of escaping for some well-deserved R&R. The results revealed a strong preference for peaceful small towns, charming spots, and nature-filled retreats – places where mom can truly unwind, explore, and breathe.

Here are the top 3 Illinois destinations, according to moms:

#1 Shawnee National Forest
For moms who love the great outdoors, Shawnee National Forest provides a peaceful escape among towering rock formations, quiet forest trails, and scenic overlooks. Whether exploring Garden of the Gods, walking beneath ancient oak trees, or enjoying a picnic with stunning views, this natural haven offers a rejuvenating Mother’s Day experience.  

#2 Galena
With its rolling hills, preserved 19th-century architecture, and charming small-town feel, Galena is an ideal Mother’s Day getaway. Moms can take a leisurely walk through the scenic historic district, explore nature trails along the Galena River, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. Spring blooms and fresh air make this a refreshing retreat from everyday life.  

#3 Matthiessen State Park
Just a short drive from Starved Rock, Matthiessen State Park offers a quieter, equally stunning alternative for a Mother’s Day retreat. Moms can explore winding trails through sandstone canyons, discover waterfalls like Lake Falls and Cascade Falls, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Upper and Lower Dells. With its lush forests, unique rock formations, and peaceful atmosphere, Matthiessen provides a refreshing escape into nature

But where moms want to go is only part of the story. The survey also pulled back the curtain on what modern motherhood really looks like – and why that elusive “day off” feels like gold.

When asked how they’d spend a full day to themselves, moms said:

• Watching TV or bingeing a show: 19%
• Sleeping in and relaxing at home: 16%
• Spending time in nature (hiking, beach, park): 15%
• Enjoying a hobby (reading, crafting, cooking): 13%
• Shopping or treating themselves: 13%
• Spa time or massage: 12%
• Catching up with friends/family: 8%
• Traveling or a day trip: 4%

So what’s holding moms back from taking more time for themselves? The biggest barrier by far was lack of time (27%), followed by guilt (19%) and financial constraints (18%). For many, it’s a constant juggling act that leaves little room for rest – and even less for recharging.

In fact, moms say they currently get just 5 hours and 55 minutes of alone time in a typical week  – not even an hour a day. Ideally, they’d like closer to 8 hours and 27 minutes to feel fully recharged.

Even small gestures can make a big difference. When asked what gift or service would help lighten the mental load, here’s what topped the list:

• House cleaning: 26%
• A full day off with no obligations: 20%
• Meal delivery or home-cooked meals: 14%
• A monthly massage or spa treatment: 12%
• Grocery delivery, childcare help, therapy, and laundry service rounded out the rest.

And the emotional toll is undeniable. Nearly half of moms – 42% – admit they feel guilty taking time for themselves, even when they know it’s necessary. One in ten haven’t had a single uninterrupted break from family responsibilities in the past year. For most, the reality is grabbing just a few scattered hours here and there – hardly the kind of reset that truly restores energy or peace of mind.

When moms do get time, they recharge in different ways:

• Sleeping or napping: 16%
• Getting outside: 15%
• Watching movies/TV or doing nothing at all: 14% each
• Socializing, pampering, exercising, and reading all came in close behind.

Infographic showing moms’ top choices in each state for a momcation on Mother’s Day

“Mother’s Day is about more than gifts – it’s about giving moms a real moment to recharge,” says Sanjit Sandhu of Present.com. “Whether that means a peaceful beach, a cozy mountain town, or just somewhere without a to-do list, our survey shows that moms are craving experiences that let them slow down and feel appreciated.”