places to visit two hours from chicago

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The best day trips from Chicago for an exciting adventure

Explore small-town breweries, bakeries and artisan shops when you embark on these easy day trips.

Sometimes, you just want a little escape from the city. If a weekend getaway isn't possible but you're still looking for new scenery and an adventure, there are plenty of options for a day trip within a few hours’ drive of Chicago. Spend an afternoon soaking up the rays on beaches along Lake Michigan, go  hiking near Chicago  in a state park or sample a variety of beers and cheeses up north in Wisconsin. The attractions are endless, ranging from amusement parks and Japanese gardens to museums and historic lighthouses.  And the best part? Many of these destinations are also accessible by  Metra . So get to planning with our guide to the best day trips from Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

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Top day trips from Chicago

1.  Milwaukee, WI

Driving time from Chicago: One and a half hours

Getting to the Cream City requires a painless drive, but if you plan to fully indulge, ditch the car and hop on the BYOB-friendly Amtrak, which will deposit you in the heart of the city in an hour and a half. Start your day with a stack of Johnny cakes and a round of mimosas at Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern . Meander around the Historic Third Ward and hop into home decor shops like The Home Market or fun specialty shops like MOD GEN . Seek refuge and treats at the Milwaukee Public Market , where you’ll find a hodgepodge of the city’s best vendors, including blends from The Spice House , seafood from St. Paul Fish Company , hand-dipped chocolate from Kehr’s Candies and vino from Thief Wine Shop & Bar . Before catching a train home, walk off the day with a trek along to Lakeshore State Park , a unique 22-acre urban oasis that juts out from the

2.  Madison, WI

Driving time from Chicago:  Two and a half hours

Located on an isthmus between two lakes, Madison is a city that’s filled with beautiful sights—in addition to all the cheese and beer you’ve heard so much about. Begin your visit with a scenic tour of the college town on two wheels. You can rent a bike from dozens of BCycle stations , allowing you to make 30-minute trips. The Capital City trail winds around Lake Monona (the smaller of the two lakes) and provides plenty of picturesque stops for an Instagram snapshot of the skyline. Now, onto that cheese and beer: To drink like a local, head for The Malt House , a “craft beer oasis” that dates back to the Civil War era and boasts taps from local brewers like New Glarus and Central Waters. Head for Capitol Square to visit Fromagination , where you’ll find artisanal Wisconsin cheeses and knowledgeable cheesemongers to help you make a decision. Take an evening to visit the Memorial Union   Terrace , a lakefront space on the University of Wisconsin campus where you can enjoy brats, beer and live music during the summer months. 

3.  New Buffalo, MI

Driving time from Chicago: One hour and 15 minutes

A charming beach town in Harbor Country, New Buffalo is popular during the warmest months. Escape the crowded Chicago lakefront and head for the sandy shores of the Mitten State, where the water’s warmer and clearer. Soak up some rays and then stroll down Whittaker Street to peruse cute shops and art galleries. Book a spa treatment at The Harbor Grand Hotel for a re-energizing experience; adventurers can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Third Coast Paddling and go exploring on the Galien River. When you need to refuel, grab a seat on The Stray Dog Bar & Grill’s bustling patio or sink your teeth into a big, juicy burger from Redamak’s . But make sure to save room for unique ice cream flavors, like Mackinac Island Fudge and Jacked Up Tennessee Toffee, at Oink’s Dutch Treat .

4.  South Bend, IN

Driving time from Chicago: One hour and 45 minutes

There’s more to South Bend than Fighting Irish football. Check out the city’s cultured side with an afternoon visit to the History Museum , a stately Victorian mansion that was once home to the family of local industrialist and inventor James Oliver. From there, browse the local bounty at the South Bend Farmers' Market , where you can shop everything from artisan breads and doughnuts to farm-fresh fruits and veggies. When hunger strikes, head to Café Navarre , an upscale dining spot housed in a repurposed '20s-era bank. 

5.  St. Joseph, MI

Golden, sandy beaches and a picturesque shoreline attract visitors to St. Joseph and its twin city Benton Harbor. You can spend an entire day out on the water with a rental from Blue Water Boat Rentals , or walk over to the St. Joseph Lighthouses — guided tours are available. If you’re hungry, you won’t have to wander far for good grub, as Silver Beach Pizza —located inside a century-old train depot—slings dependable tavern-style pies. Oenophiles, hit up a variety of vineyards and tasting rooms on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail for some fine Midwestern pours.

6.  Lake Geneva, WI

Lake Geneva has long been an accessible weekend destination for wealthy suburban Chicago families. But no matter your budget, a quick retreat to this idyllic vacation town is sure to be a blast. The town rests on Geneva Lake, an 8-square-mile body of water made for summertime fun. First things first: Get out on the water. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Clear Water Outdoor , or take a wake surfing private lesson at Gage Marine . If you can’t get your sea legs, trek a portion of Lake Geneva’s 21-mile circumference on the Geneva Lake Shore Path and gawk at the century-old mansions that rest on the shore. When you’re hungry, Egg Harbor Café and Simple Cafe , both in the town center, offer delicious, no-fuss diner eats. If you’re feeling spendy, Baker House , a 19-century mansion-turned-hotel, offers a popular Champagne brunch with waterfront views.

7.  Harbor Country, MI

Just across the Indiana border, Michigan’s lakeside “Harbor Country” is only an hour and a half drive from downtown Chicago. Start at the north end, in Sawyer, where you can visit the original taproom of Greenbush Brewing Co. Pair a pour of Star Chicken Shotgun IPA with some barbecue or Cajun fare. Up next, take the Red Arrow Highway down the lakeshore for great shopping, like hunting through the Harbert Antique Mall . Head back inland to the artsy community of Three Oaks to finish your day at Journeyman Distillery . A $15 tour and tasting nets you samples of 12 different spirits made in the converted corset factory. Plan to sit down for a meal at the distillery’s Staymaker restaurant afterward; you’ll need some food before getting back on the road to Chicago.

8.  Fennville, MI

Driving time from Chicago: Two hours and 20 minutes

Many Chicagoans wait until fall to venture up to western Michigan’s fruit belt. But there’s a compelling argument to be made for hitting the area a couple of months earlier, when the countryside is tranquil and stone fruits like peaches and cherries are ripe for picking. The petite town of Fennville is a great base for tasting the region’s sweet bounty in a host of iterations. Start off with a slice or two of the good stuff at local favorite Crane’s Pie Pantry , a bakery, restaurant and winery housed in a 150-year-old barn. From here, a five-minute drive will deliver you to Virtue Cider , founded by former Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall. Reserve a spot for a guided trail tour that includes a glass of cider. Finally, make your way to Salt of the Earth for wood-fired pizza and seasonal dishes made from scratch with local and sustainable ingredients.

9.  Gurnee, IL

Driving time from Chicago: One hour

Located right off I-94, the village of Gurnee is a shopping and entertaining hub that draws 23 million visitors each year—including plenty of nearby Chicagoans. Start your day with a sweet treat at Gurnee Donuts , where you can grab ube donuts on weekends . Spend some time digesting while you stroll around Gurnee Mills , which hosts more than 160 stores selling everything from sporting goods to home decor. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss Six Flags Great America , where you’ll find high-speed roller coasters and intense drop rides. On a hot day, you’ll want to plunge down the water slides and splash around the wave pool at Hurricane Harbor. If you can resist indulging in funnel cakes or turkey legs at the park, save your appetite for Primo Italian American Cuisine , where the dinner menu features black truffle ravioli and a tomahawk ribeye. Those visiting on a Friday can end the night with live music in The Parlor, Primo’s speakeasy-style lounge.

10.  Grand Rapids, MI

Driving time from Chicago: Three hours

Summer and fall are peak seasons to visit Grand Rapids, but you’d do best to plan ahead and book your visit during ArtPrize , an international art competition in September and October when art is displayed in museums, bars, public parks and hotels. Regardless of when you go, Grand Rapids has you covered on the beer front with dozens of breweries—so be sure to bring a designated driver. First stop: Brewery Vivant for poutine and a German- or Belgian-style beer. A quick 10-minute drive will put you in the middle of downtown, where you should find parking and hoof it a while. Stop at Madcap Coffee for a post-beer pick me up before heading to City Built Brewing for creole bites and a range of beers for every palate. Finally, grab your car and head to Butcher's Union for a dinner complete with prime cuts of beef and pours of whiskey.

11.  Holland, MI

Driving time from Chicago: Two and a half hours

Once a stronghold of Calvinist separatists who arrived here from the Netherlands in the mid-19th century, the town of Holland continues to celebrate its Dutch heritage. To go Dutch for the day, start off with a breakfast of flaky, almond paste-filled bankets and house-roasted coffee at deBoer Bakkerij . Afterward, head across town to Veldheer Tulip Gardens , where five million of the eponymous flowers explode into bloom each spring. When hunger hits, make your way downtown for lunch and a beer at New Holland Brewing , one of the Midwest’s best-loved brewpubs. (Not sure what to sip on? Look for limited-release variations on brewery fave Dragon’s Milk, a bourbon barrel-aged stout, enriched with ingredients like cocoa nibs and peanut butter.) Wrap up your trip with a leisurely stroll around Windmill Island Gardens , a picturesque park centered around a 250-year-old Dutch windmill purchased by Holland residents in the 1960s.

12.  Galena, IL

While this city on the Mississippi River might be best known for its resorts, you don’t need to stay the night to enjoy its mix of historical sites and outdoor activities. Start your day with brunch at Otto’s Place  and  enjoy breakfast burritos with a Bloody Mary or mimosa. Head across the Galena River to Nuts Outdoors and rent an electric bike to ride along the trails and into town. Take a tour of the city’s proudest attraction, the Ulysses S. Grant Home , which was gifted to the 18th president when he returned from fighting in the Civil War. If you want to learn more, you can visit the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum , which also features an offsite working blacksmith shop. That history is also on display at Galena Brewing Company , where you can sip Uly’s Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Stout while listening to live music and feasting on a bison burger or a giant pretzel with beer cheese and house mustard.

13.  New Glarus, WI

Chances are you’ve already heard of New Glarus thanks to the town’s eponymous brewery —which offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday and a lovely beer garden—but there are plenty of reasons to visit “America’s Little Switzerland” other than beer. This charming, walkable town features a variety of tempting shops, hearty restaurants and themed events celebrating the town’s Swiss history and culture like the Heidi Folk Play Festival in June. Be sure to grab a nut horn at the New Glarus Bakery , and get your fondue fix at the Chalet Landhaus restaurant. If you visit between May and October, don’t miss the seasonally-open Swissland mini golf course, featuring Alpine-themed obstacles and friendly goats.

14.  Fair Oaks, IN

Driving time from Chicago : One hour and 15 minutes

Fair Oaks, Indiana is more than just an exit on the long stretch of Indiana’s notoriously uneventful I-65. Under a beaconing silo,  Fair Oaks Farms offers a chance for city dwellers to learn, explore and taste the heartland’s agricultural roots. Eat lunch or dinner at farm-to-table spot  Farmhouse Restaurant or pack your own picnic and explore the grounds. While most educational attractions and activities like storytime and learning how to milk a cow are family friendly , you don’t have to be a kid to get excited about spotting cows, pigs, chickens and other livestock, and all ages will enjoy homemade ice cream and grilled cheese from the Cowfe . Whether you visit this compound on a day trip or weekend getaway—or even as a pitstop for gas and award-winning artisanal cheese on a weekend getaway , check for seasonal offerings such as you-pick apples and workshops like candle making.

Exploring the farm grounds are free and general admission for the Dairy, Pig and Crop adventures are $25 for access to all three.

15.  Rockford, IL

Driving time from Chicago: Two hours

Situated less than 100 miles northwest of Chicago, Rockford is a surprisingly plentiful road trip destination for families. If the kids are in tow, start the day with a visit to the Discovery Center Museum , which boasts more than 300 hands-on exhibits focused on everything from light and art to color and electricity. For a dose of fresh air and nature, wander through the Anderson Japanese Gardens , a breathtaking 12-acre oasis that's filled with winding pathways, koi-filled ponds, and colorful plants. Everyone in the car will find something to love at Prairie Street Brewing Company , where bar food is elevated through dishes like Baja-style shrimp tacos, Cajun mac ‘n cheese and poke bowls. Pick up a few cans of Screw City Light—with notes of fresh-baked bread—to take home and extend your day trip.

16.  Oglesby, IL

It may not be the mighty Colorado, but Oglesby’s Vermillion River offers the best rafting you’re liable to find within a quick jaunt from Chicago. A 9.5-mile run with Vermillion River Rafting will shoot you over 14 rapids, most of them class I and II. After you’ve handed over your paddle, hop in the car and head up the road to Starved Rock Lodge , where you can catch your breath and lunch on casual fare like burgers or a strawberry pecan salad at the Back Door Lounge. When you feel sufficiently refreshed, hit the hiking trails at adjacent Starved Rock State Park to spot dramatic waterfalls and explore cool glacial canyons. Unwind from your nature adventures by grabbing a nostalgic treat at The Rootbeer Stand or check out "farm to foam" at The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company in nearby Ottawa. 

17.  Kenosha, WI

About an hour north of Chicago sits this Wisconsin town filled with a plethora of things to do. Within a mile radius of the downtown area are five museums—you can gaze at dinosaur fossils and learn about the link between the prehistoric reptiles and birds at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum , or explore how the Civil War affected people on the western front at the Civil War Museum . During spring to fall, visit the Southport Lighthouse and climb 72 steps to the top for unparalleled views of Kenosha and, on a clear day, the Chicago skyline. If it’s summertime, you must check out the Bristol Renaissance Faire , where you’ll find a recreated 16th century port city populated with fairgoers dressed as knights, maidens and much more. After you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Frank’s Diner , an almost century-old restaurant set inside an old railway car. And don’t forget to grab some cheeses and New Glarus beers at the famed Mars Cheese Castle on the way home.

18.  Cedarburg, WI

Located just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, Cedarburg is an ideal place to wind down and take things slow. The charming small town is brimming with old-world architecture, friendly Midwesterners and culture galore. If you can, plan your trip around one of the town’s seasonal events, with options including the Wine & Harvest Festival and Oktoberfest —all of which offer ample opportunities to meet local vendors and sample their wares. When you’re not rubbing elbows with the close-knit community at a street fest, make time to walk around the Cedarburg Art Museum , which hosts exhibitions from Wisconsin artists inside a former home that was designed in 1898. If wine bars are more your scene, head to Cedar Creek Winery , where you can sip your way through a $12 wine fight or enjoy a seasonal wine and cheese tasting for $25. On your way out of town, make one last stop at Amy’s Candy Kitchen to grab a hand-crafted caramel apple for the road.

19.  Kankakee County, IL

The Kankakee River has been a treasured area for centuries, occupied by the Illini and Miami tribes in the 17th century. Kankakee River State Park surrounds the river for about 11 miles, totaling to 4,000 acres of protected land. It’s a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, hiking and bicycling. Frank Lloyd Wright fans can visit the B. Harley Bradley House , built in 1900 and billed as the architect’s first Prairie Style home. Bring the kids to Perry Farm Park , which features a children’s museum, nature trails, playground and picnic areas.

20.  Oak Park, IL

Drive time from Chicago:  30 minutes

You can't call yourself a Frank Lloyd Wright fanatic until you've spent the day in Oak Park, where you'll find the famed architect's home and studio as well as a smattering of other Prairie-style abodes he designed. If it's your first time, book a tour through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust . Now that you've worked up an appetite, grab brunch or dinner at Maya del Sol , where margaritas flow like water and the ceviche is tops. Have time for one last stop? Grab a seat at Kinslahger Brewing Company , a small but mighty taproom pouring lagered brews.

21.  Zion, IL

Zion’s Illinois Beach State Park is one of the  best places for camping outside of Chicago . Outside the 4,160-acre nature haven along the Wisconsin-Illinois border, you’ll find good brews—both coffee and alcohol—and pieces of unique history. Sip coffee from a mug in the quirky collection of mismatched ware at the cozy It’s All Good Coffee in downtown Zion, and a half mile north, tour Shiloh House , a historic 1901-era mansion housing the Zion Historical Society and former residence of Zion’s founder, Dr. John Alexander Dowie. There, learn more about  Dr. Dowie, a Scottish-Australian minister who founded Zion as a planned religious utopia and committed large-scale fraud. 

Head just north of Zion to Winthrop Harbor’s North Point Marina, one of the largest along the Great Lakes. Weather permitting, rent a  kayak or stand-up paddle or stay on land for live music, good views, and craft beers at Harbor Brewing . If you want bragging rights, stand with one foot on either side of the state border at North Point Beach .

22.  Monroe, WI

If your cheese preferences embrace the pungent, you’ll find yourself in good company in charming Monroe, Wisconsin, gateway to a region teeming with cheesemakers specializing in varieties like Swiss and nostril-tingling Limburger. For some context, begin your day at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center , where you’ll get a crash course in south central Wisconsin’s cheesy history. Next, head to the Alp and Dell cheese store to browse more than 100 varieties of cheese, mostly from local producers, and all the wine, beer and sausage you’d want to pair them with. When you’re ready for lunch, make your way to the unapologetically old-school Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern on Monroe’s pleasant courthouse square and order the infamous specialty: a slab of Limburger on rye crowned with mustard and sliced red onions. For a chaser, stroll around the block to Minhas brewery.

23.  Lemont, IL

The Village of Lemont developed as part of the construction of the canal linking the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, which also led to the discovery and development of the limestone quarries used to supply materials for iconic Illinois buildings like the Chicago Water Tower. Today, you can hop on the Metra and visit the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area , where you can walk, bike or fish along the I&M Canal (just be sure to look out for the many water birds drawn to the area). If you’re hoping for a bit more excitement, visit The Forge: Lemont Quarries . The adventure park features laser tag, a zipline and ropes courses for all ages and skill levels. Afterwards, head to the village’s historic downtown area to visit Pollyanna Brewing Company and try The Full Lemonty, their signature golden ale. You can also find the brewery’s beer on tap at Wooden Paddle , where you can watch your wood-fired pizza and other small plates being prepared before they hit your table.

24.  Long Grove, IL

Driving time from Chicago: 45 minutes

Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago, Long Grove was founded in the 1800s by German farmers, and many of the town’s original homes and buildings are still standing. Try to visit Long Grove during one of its many delicious festivals such as Apple Fest or Strawberry Fest , when local chefs and other vendors flock to the historic downtown area to offer numerous versions of the spotlighted food. Stop by Buffalo Creek Brewing and have a beer in their Bavarian-style taproom or in the Biergarten, which hosts live music and food trucks during the summer. Before you hit the road, swing by Long Grove Confectionery to pick up some peanut brittle or their signature Giant Myrtle, made with roasted pecans or cashews topped with caramel and milk or dark chocolate.

25.  Evanston, IL

Driving time from Chicago: 40 minutes

If you're short on time but craving a day away from the city, hop on the Purple Line and head to Evanston. The sweet college town is located just a few miles north of Chicago, which means you can explore the day away and still be home for dinner. Start the morning at the otherworldly Baha'i House of Worship , an architectural gem located a few miles north in Wilmette. Wander the pristine grounds before stepping inside the functioning temple, one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Up next: Fill up on colorful macarons, cakes and doughnuts at Bennison's Bakery before checking out the outdoor exhibition at the Block Museum of Art and taking a free art walk to see the 16 sculptures placed in public spaces on Northwestern University’s campus. Don't get back on the train without grabbing a brew from Temperance Beer Co. If you have the time, take a $10 brewery tour that includes samples and a souvenir pint glass. 

26.  Michigan City, IN

If you’re car-less, this small city is a perfect option for a day trip from Chicago. Hop on the Amtrak at Union Station and you’ll be in Michigan City in just over an hour. Or, take the South Shore Line and you can hop off right at the Indiana Dunes National Park , 15 miles of gorgeous sand dunes on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Michigan City proper, too, is filled with great things to do. Visit Washington Park where you can picnic on the beach or check out the lions, wolves and other animals from around the world at the Washington Park Zoo . Hungry? Walk over to Shoreline Brewery , a gem of a microbrewery with a rotating selection of beers on tap and tasty pub grub. You can also sample local flavors at Fiddlehead , which serves high-quality comfort food including fried lake perch and grass-fed beef burgers.

27.  Skokie, IL

Driving time from Chicago : 30 minutes 

Head 16 miles north by car or CTA for art, history, and nature in downtown Skokie. The village is lined with locally-owned shops and restaurants, and is home to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center . Start your day with an everything bagel with lox from Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen and use the free app Otocast for a self-guided route of the area’s murals and sculptures. Mid-tour, grab coffee and a halal savory empanada or SALAMAT! Filipino cookie at Complimentary Coffee . If that wasn’t enough art, head east to the north channel of the Chicago River for the North Shore Sculpture Park , a two-mile walkway with over 60 pieces of public art. Download a self-guided tour or plan to make it to one of free guided tours Saturdays and Sundays, May through October.

28.  Fairbury, IL

Observant Chicago foodies may have noticed a couple of names popping up over and over again in the menu sourcing notes that have become de rigueur in these locavore-obsessed times: Kilgus Farmstead (for dairy) and Slagel Family Farm (for a range of meats). Turns out, our favorite chefs’ favorite suppliers sit just a three-mile hop from each other in the central Illinois town of Fairbury. On an hour-long tour of Kilgus , you’ll get acquainted with the farm’s herd of sweet, doe-eyed Jersey cows, learn the ins and outs of milking, and sample freshly spun soft-serve. Bring a cooler and hit the on-site store for Kilgus dairy and meat as well as goods like eggs and honey from nearby producers. Slagel has teamed up with chefs from notable Chicago restaurants to put on a program of farm dinners throughout the summer and fall. After an interactive tour and a butchering demo, you’ll retire to a picturesque barn for the main event, a family-style, BYOB meal prepared by the guest chef.

29.  Spring Green, WI

Driving time from Chicago: Three and a half hours

Despite boasting a population just shy of 1,700 people, this town west of Madison has a lot going on. Most visitors are here to visit one of two sprawling complexes: Taliesin , the estate and studio of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, or the infinitely weirder House on the Rock , the brainchild of artist Alex Jordan where curious travelers can explore rooms on rooms of infinity mirrors, dollhouses, nostalgic cars, circus ephemera and the world’s largest indoor carousel. When you’ve had your fill of architecture or funky assorted collections, get a taste of traditional Wisconsin hospitality at Arthur’s Supper Club . Theater buffs can take in a show at the American Players Theatre .

30.  Aurora, IL

Driving time from Chicago : 50 minutes 

Aurora made headlines when Wallethub named the small city the happiest place to live in Illinois. Once you make a visit, it’s easy to see why. Easily accessible by Metra, this western Chicago suburb features a walkable downtown with music, festivals, street fairs and ample green space to get your nature fix. Grab your running shoes or bike—or  kayak  if floating is your preferred method of sightseeing—and hit the Fox River Valley Trail, an over 40-mile paved path. Finish the afternoon with coffee or craft beers at Two Brothers Roundhouse , a 1850s-era limestone building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, before heading back downtown for a Broadway show at the Paramount Theater .

31.  Joliet, IL

If there’s a place that embraces its unique and often complicated past, it’s Joliet. History is intertwined in nearly every aspect of this canal and quarry city, from the limestone facades of the castle-like Bishop Hill Winery to its recreational spots, like the  Joliet Iron Works Historic Site , once the second largest steel mill in the United States and now converted into an outdoor park. Names of many local businesses, like Prison City Vintage , even reference the past. Contextualize the city with a visit to the Joliet Area Historical Museum , a collection of over 30,000 artifacts, including memorabilia from the first Dairy Queen in the U.S. and Route 66. After, roam the 1858-constructed Old Joliet Prison , a frequent filming location and must-see for TV and movie buffs. Finish off with classic diner food at the in-theme Joliet Route 66 Diner .

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9 Spectacular Must-Do Day Trips From Chicago (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for a good day trip from the Windy City? Here are 9 amazing day trips from Chicago that include state parks, beaches, historic sites and more.

Chicago is a city of mouthwateringly good deep-dish pizza, pristine architecture, and an enriching atmosphere. Full of top-notch restaurants, eye-catching fashion, and upscale attractions, the Windy City is a place people travel from all over to visit.

A place of innovation, Chicago is constantly up to speed with new trends – or establishing the trends for everyone to catch onto.

Of course, as the birthplace of modern architecture, this is not a big surprise. Still, a visit here catches one’s eye with the fascinating designs and structures of the buildings within the third largest city in the United States. 

While visiting this trendy city, we recommend spending a day outside Chicago to see nearby top attractions like state parks full of hiking trails. There is so much to see outside the town center of Chicago, so why not add a day trip or two to your Chicago itinerary ?

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Table of Contents

What Is There To See And Do?

Getting there and away, best time of year to visit, the 9 best day trips from chicago.

It’s time to spread your wings and leave the city on an incredible day trip. Take your pick from our curated selection of the 9 best day trips from Chicago. From living in luxury in Lake Geneva to exploring the rich history and architecture of Oak Park, get ready to have the time of your life.

Find more of the best things to do in Chicago here !

1. Starved Rock State Park

• Distance from Chicago: 91 miles/146 km
• How Long it Takes: 1½ Hours

Settled along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is an oasis teeming with seasonal waterfalls, towering sandstone canyons, thriving wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.

However, the most well-known landmark at the park is the cliff the park is named after – Starved Rock. This imposing sandstone cliff is a natural landmark that holds history. 

Archaeological excavations have been run at Starved Rock for further research to verify information shared throughout history. In 1683, the French used Starved Rock to establish a fort called Fort St. Louis. It was later abandoned in 1691. 

The sandstone cliffs were named “Starved Rock” by Native Americans in 1770 after what is estimated to be about 2,000 Native Americans died atop the cliffs. This was after the Potawatomi Indians attacked the Peoria Indians.

As a result, the Peoria Indians were trapped on the rock and suffered starvation. 

Today, Starved Rock State Park has become a favored spot to sink into nature’s beauty. People come from all over to see Starved Rock and other popular landmarks, including the St. Louis Canyon Falls.

The St. Louis Canyon Falls towers an impressive 80 feet, one of the highest waterfalls in Illinois. In summer and spring, visiting these falls is one of the top activities to do at the park. You can also go kayaking , canoeing, or try other water sports.

Top attractions in the park include:

• St. Louis Canyon Falls
• Aurora Canyon
• Illinois Canyon
• Starved Rock State Park Lodge 

Popular hiking trails:

• St. Louis Canyon Trail
• River Trail
• Bluff Trail
• French Canyon Trail

There are two popular methods of getting to Starved Rock State Park from Chicago without a car. The first is taking the train from Chicago Union Station to Mendota Amtrak Station. The second would be to take a taxi, which can be much more expensive but is a quicker route.

We recommend visiting from April to September as it’s ideal weather for outdoor activities. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, then the best time of year to visit Starved Rock State Park to see the eagles is in January and February. 

The spring is the best time to see the waterfalls as they are seasonal and fed by heavy rains often experienced during the spring.

The summer is the most popular time to visit Starved Rock State Park. Unfortunately, this is when the park can get overcrowded, resulting in the park cutting off entry for visitors, as many people come to kayak and raft on the river. 

2. Lake Geneva

• Distance from Chicago: 83 miles/134 km
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

A resort city, Lake Geneva, was named “Newport of the West” after the American Civil War. The year-round resort city was where rich Chicago residents constructed their summer homes. Some famous names that visited the area include General Sherman and Mary Todd Lincoln. 

This area has a rich history, where ancient Oneota Tribes of the lost Hopewell Culture Indians once thrived. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Oneota Tribes had an advanced civilization here in 1,000 BC.   

Today, Lake Geneva is one of the best weekend getaways from Chicago. A day trip or weekend trip here is worth taking because of its natural beauty, impressive architecture, and luxurious resorts.

Take your pick of boating on the lake, hot air ballooning over the resort city, joining a history tour, or sinking into luxury with a spa day at The Abbey Resort.

Examples of popular things to see include:

• Riviera Beach
• Big Foot Beach State Park 
• Lake Geneva Shore Path
• Royal Oak Farm 
• Safari Lake Geneva

There are no trains directly connecting Chicago to Lake Geneva. Another option would be to take the train from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake. From there, snag a taxi to this Wisconsin resort city. 

To catch some sun outdoors by the lake, the best time to visit Lake Geneva is in the summer. This is the optimal time for weekend getaways or day trips from Chicago. The days get hot, so wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Have 3 days to spare in Chicago? Check out our ultimate 3-day itinerary ! 

3. Indiana Dunes National Park

• Distance from Chicago: 39 miles/62 km
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour

One of the best day trips from Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park is thriving with natural wonders with over 50 miles of scenic trails to observe these eye-catching features. A road trip through here is sure to be a beautiful one!

The park has one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the United States, including wetlands, shorelines, prairies, and sand dunes. This includes the 15 miles of Indiana Dunes National Park beaches stretching down Lake Michigan’s southern tip. 

Though the beach is one of the top things to do when visiting Indiana Dunes National Park, the park is also notorious for its rich history.

The Bailly Homestead, a National Historic Landmark, was the home of one of the first settlers in the area, Joseph Bailly de Messein. This fur trader’s trading post acted as an in-between for travelers from Detroit to Chicago. 

Top attractions in the park:

• Chellberg Farm
• Bailly Homestead
• Kemil & Dunbar Beaches
• Paul H. Douglas Trail 
• Great Marsh Trail
• Cowles Bog Trail
• Dunes Succession Trail (Diana of the Dunes Dare)

The best way to get to Indiana Dunes National Park is by renting a car. Unfortunately, there are no methods of transport that take you directly to the park. You can take a taxi, but it will be quite expensive!

Summer is the best time of year to visit Indiana Dunes National Park. This is when the beaches are open and prime for sunbathing and swimming. Other activities like fishing and hiking to see the sand dunes are also great at this time. 

4. Silver Beach County Park

• Distance from Chicago: 98 miles/157 km 
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour 45 Minutes 

Bordering four states, Lake Michigan seeps into Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Though Lake Michigan is technically within access of Chicago, with popular attractions like the Navy Pier and Millenium Park, one of the top day trips from Chicago is Silver Beach County Park.

Located at the mouth of the St. Joseph River on Lake Michigan’s southern shore, Silver Beach County Park has lots of picturesque viewpoints.

The long, clean stretch of beach has become a top tourist destination with upgraded renovations made to the park to promote accessibility and convenience. 

Access to Silver Beach County Park is free, though parking can be tricky depending on how busy it is. The barrier-free walkway gives easy access to the South Pier, Dunes Pavilion, concession stand, Shadowland Pavilion, and restrooms.

Using the park’s sidewalks along the beach, you can reach the Silver Beach Center, find the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and take a refreshing stroll to downtown St. Joseph.

Cool things to see in the area:

• Silver Beach Carousel
• Krasl Art Center
• Harbor Shores Golf Club
• Whirlpool Compass Fountain

There are several ways to get to Silver Beach County Park from Chicago without a car. The first is a train ride from the Chicago Union Station to St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Michigan.

The second is a bus ride from the Chicago Bus Station to Benton Harbor and a taxi to Silver Beach County Park. The third would be getting a taxi or renting a car to reach Silver Beach County Park. 

Silver Beach County Park is open daily from dusk to dawn. For swimming, the best time of year to visit is usually anywhere from July to September. Lifeguards are on duty at the park from June to August. 

Exploring more of the Midwest? Check out our list of the best things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota !

5. Anderson Japanese Gardens

• Distance from Chicago: 85 miles/137 km

One of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in the United States, the Anderson Japanese Gardens is among the most rewarding Chicago day trips.

The authentic Japanese garden inspires by its refined outdoor setting that has been maintained and designed with the highest standards.

The Anderson Japanese Gardens were designed by Hoichi Kurisu, who established many other Japanese gardens, including the one at the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital that won the Healthcare Environment Award in 2006 for Landscape Design. 

Exuding eloquence and grace, this location soothes the soul as guests stroll through the thriving landscapes.

Yoga sessions are taught within the gardens in the Hatha Yoga tradition amongst the refreshing air of the gardens. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes for Tai Chi led at the gardens to encourage relaxation and mental focus. 

Fun things to do here include:

• Amanda Stivers yoga
• Sound & gong bath
• Awareness walks

Other fun things to do in the area include:

• Rockford Art Museum
• Laurent House
• Prairie Street Brewing Company
• Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
• Burpee Museum of Natural History
• Discovery Center Museum

Take the bus from the Chicago Union Station to Rockford Amtrak Station. From there, hitch a ride on a taxi.

Another option is to take the subway Jackson-Blue to O’hare in Bensenville. Once you reach the station, hitch a bus ride from the Chicago – O’hare Airport to the Rockford Bus Terminal. Then, grab a taxi to reach the gardens.

Taking a car is the second best option for a more cost-effective option, but it is more convenient than taking the bus and taxi to reach Anderson Japanese Gardens.

The best time to witness the stunning transition of the leaves as they turn color at Anderson Japanese Gardens is in Fall, from September to October. However, summer is the peak season, so if you want to avoid the crowds stick to visiting in the spring or fall. 

6. Oak Park

• Distance from Chicago: 10 miles/15 km
• How Long it Takes: 20 Minutes

Within a short distance from Chicago, Oak Park is a historically rich village place to visit. It is also considered one of the best places to live in Illinois, intertwining suburban and urban living in one favorable family-friendly location. 

There are plenty of activities in the area, with family-friendly attractions like the Brookfield Zoo and the Galloping Ghost Arcade. The arcade is the largest video arcade in the United States. Oak Park is notorious for its trendy restaurants like Maya Del Sol or Hemmingway’s Bistro. 

If you’re a history buff or appreciate architecture, you’ll love this beautiful spot. Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright showcased his talent here for the first 20 years of his career.

Walking tours take visitors past significant historical and architectural sites such as Wright’s home, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. 

There is also the home of famed author Ernest Hemingway, who grew up in Oak Park. The Ernest Hemingway Foundation restored Hemingway’s home, and now tours of the author’s birthplace are given. Join a guided architecture tour to learn all about the history and creativity of the area’s top attractions!

Top sights here include:

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
• Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum
• Brookfield Zoo 
• Oak Park Conservatory

There are lots of convenient ways to get from Chicago to this charming village. The train at Chicago OTC and the subway both head straight to Oak Park at inexpensive prices. The fastest way to get there would be a taxi, though this will run a little more costly than the subway or train. 

The Line 20 bus also comes here at an affordable price, though it will take longer to reach your destination as stops are included. 

Oak Park’s busiest month is from May to July. However, we recommend visiting anywhere from August to October if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices for these tourist-heavy months. 

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In St Louis, Missouri

7. Holland, Michigan

• Distance from Chicago: 152 miles/245 km
• How Long it Takes: 2½ Hours

Notorious for its award-winning breweries, Holland, Michigan, is only a few hours from Chicago and worth the trip. 

Holland’s natural beauty and charm are one for the books, with its lush nature, flower-speckled fields, and waterfront views.

The city is home to numerous parks to choose from for a picturesque stroll through nature with outstanding vistas. Holland’s downtown is thriving with locally-owned businesses to shop at.

The historic area was named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by Forbes magazine, with its cobblestoned sidewalks, live performances, and award-winning eateries and breweries to choose from. 

The Windmill Island Gardens is one of the top attractions in Holland. The gardens feature a 251-year-old windmill called De Zwaan. It is the only authentic Dutch windmill working in the nation.

Holland State Park is another largely popular attraction. The park showcases its iconic “Big Red” lighthouse for breathtaking sunset scenery and long stretches of beach on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.

Many travel to the park to go camping, fishing, paddleboarding, sunbathing, and more for one of the best weekend trips from Chicago.

• Windmill Island Gardens
• Holland State Park
• Holland State Park – Macatawa Campground
• Big Lake Brewing
• Saugatuck Dunes State Park

For those without a car, there is a direct connection by train from the Chicago Union Station to the Holland Amtrak Station. However, if you have a car or can rent one, that is the only other option to get back and forth to avoid ridiculous fees for a taxi. 

We recommend visiting Holland in spring when the flowers bloom to see the tulips that the area is known for. They usually bloom around late April and continue to bloom to mid-May.

Visiting Holland in the summer is extremely popular, so if you don’t mind crowds and want to catch some sun, take a trip to the city to soak in the sun and picturesque views. 

8. Peoria, Illinois

• Distance from Chicago: 173 miles/267 km
• How Long it Takes: 3 Hours

Nestled along the Illinois River, Peoria is a bustling shipping center and agricultural production zone. Presenting a suburban feel, the city has family-friendly attractions to savor. It was once known as the Whiskey Capital, with 40% of alcohol produced in the United States coming from Peoria in 1890. 

On the city’s historic Distillery Row along the Illinois River, visitors can taste Peoria’s specialized whiskey distilleries that have maintained the city’s legacy.

There is much to see and do in Peoria. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects John Burgee and Philip Johnson, the Peoria Civic Center is a hotspot attraction in downtown Peoria. The center showcases an exhibit hall, an arena, and a theater that hosts live entertainment for comedians, Broadway shows, concerts, and more.

The Luthy Botanical Garden is a refreshing stroll through themed gardens, including a children’s, Japanese, rose, and herb garden. It was also the first botanical garden in the state.

For a fun new experience, hitch a ride on this guided architecture cruise to experience the iconic architecture along the Chicago River. 

Top things to do include:

• Peoria Civic Center
• Peoria Riverfront Museum
• Louisville Slugger Sports Complex
• Forest Park Nature Center
• Luthy Botanical Garden

The cheapest method of getting to and from Peoria from Chicago is by driving. Another method of taking the train from the Chicago Union Station to Peoria Amtrak Station. This route will take longer than the alternative of going by car. 

The most popular time to visit Peoria is in the summer. However, if you’re looking for cooler weather, we recommend visiting the city in September to early October when the weather is getting cooler.

Read next: 23 Best Things To Do In Kansas City, Missouri

9. Michigan City

• Distance from Chicago: : 60 miles/96 km
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

The source of Michigan City’s name is initially confusing for many. The city was not named after the state of its namesake but Lake Michigan that it is near. Michigan City is a favored tourist spot thanks to its convenient location near top attractions such as Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. 

The city has a rich history with a small-town charm, and history buffs will be pleased to find the city flooded with attractions.

The historic city preserves its oldest structure, a lighthouse established in 1858, at the Old Lighthouse Museum. It was the home of the creator of Wikipedia, Howard G. “Ward” Cunningham, who grew up in the city.

The Barker Mansion is an English manor built in 1857, preserving period furnishings from the Gilded Age. It is part of the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours.

Michigan City is a rewarding day trip from Chicago. Other than its historical attractions, there are nature-based activities such as Friendship Botanic Gardens and Indiana Dunes National Park. Go for a relaxing evening or tour the vineyards at Shady Creek Winery. Or test your luck at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa.

Top attractions include:

• Washington Park Zoo
• Friendship Botanic Gardens
• Shady Creek Winery
• Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa
• Michigan City Lighthouse and Pier

In Chicago, there are direct routes to take on the buses and trains that head to Michigan City from Chicago. Other than that, the only other inexpensive way to reach Michigan City is by driving. 

Ideally, summer or early fall in September is the best time to visit Michigan City to savor outdoor activities while in town.

Unfortunately, the winter months are frigid, from November to February. Therefore, we recommend not visiting during these months if you plan on spending time outdoors at the parks or gardens. 

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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• Last Updated On
• October 3, 2023

41 Best Day Trips From Chicago — Places Nearby!

If you’re looking for a quick break away from Chicago, the great news is that you don’t have to look very far—the Windy City is surrounded by beautiful spots that make great day trips, some as close as 15 minutes away!

Everything from Illinois to Indiana is reachable, including all its impressive attractions.

Need help deciding where to go for the ultimate relaxation?

There’s no need to look far for those either–the best day trips from Chicago are right below.

1. Gurnee, IL

With 23 million visitors making their way to Gurnee every year (including Chicagoans), you know you’re dealing with one of Illinois’s most popular tourist hubs.

Sitting right off the I-94 and an hour’s drive away from Chicago, Gurnee is a hotspot, a regular feature on the list of Chicago day trips for those looking for world-class entertainment and shopping.

Start your day out with The Chocolate Sanctuary’s excellent brunch buffet and work it all off by checking out the 160-plus shops that pepper Gurnee Mills.

If you’ve got tots and adrenaline junkies in the clan, Six Flags Great America is a must-visit, with enough kiddie rides and thrilling coasters to keep everyone satisfied!

2. Cedarburg, WI

Wichita’s Cedarburg is located just two hours away from Chicago—time slows down in this delightful town, so head here if you want a leisurely day of unwinding surrounded by small-town charm.

In Cedarburg, friendly folks, rich culture, and gorgeous period architecture abound—you could spend your day here simply exploring and soaking all these in.

If you want to dive deeper into these, the Cedarburg Art Museum, a 19th-century-home-turned-art-museum is a good idea; you can also view some stunning pieces by local artists here.

The town also plays host to many fun seasonal events, including its very own Oktoberfest, but you can also enjoy great wine otherwise at the Cedar Creek Winery.

3. Evanston, IL

Want a break from the city but don’t want to travel too far, either?

Evanston should feature among the options on your Chicago trips list, being that it’s only 33 minutes away.

This little college town is home to gems such as the ethereal Baha’i House of Worship, one of only eight around the world and the oldest of the lot—the beautiful architecture, manicured grounds, and peaceful atmosphere of the temple draw hordes of visitors each year.

From here, art enthusiasts can head to the Block Museum of Art, on Northwestern University’s premises, to see the lovely sculptures, whereas food enthusiasts should consider digging into the fare at Bennison’s Bakery.

Beer enthusiasts, on the other hand, should consider making a stop at Temperance Beer Co. for the brewery tour and delicious brews.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Graduate Evanston

4. Kankakee County, IL

If you’re looking for outdoor fun on your day trip, consider Kankakee County.

Just an hour and a half away from Chicago, the land surrounding the Kankakee River served as home to many indigenous people through the centuries and is still revered ground for many.

The Kankakee River State Park sits close to the river, sprawled across 4,000 acres of preserved land, and is a popular hub for hiking, bicycling, fishing, and canoeing.

If you’ve got kids in the clan, Perry Farm Park is a good idea, with its nature trails, children’s museum, picnic areas, and playground, whereas fans of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright may enjoy visiting his 20th-century B. Harley Bradley House.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Bourbonnais Kankakee

5. Fairbury, IL

Foodies will enjoy a day out in Fairbury, home to the popular Slagel Family Farms and Kilgus Farmstead, both favorites among top chefs in the state.

Fairbury sits at the heart of Illinois, two hours away from Chicago.

Here, you can meet Kilgus’s lovely doe-eyed residents (of the human and Jersey variety!), get a 101 on milking, and even sample the freshly spun ice cream, all on a one-hour tour that takes you through the farmstead.

You can even stock up on their amazing ice cream if you bring a cooler with you!

At Slagel Family Farms, enjoy well-curated farm dinners that are on offer through the summer and fall months; the family-style dinner is served in a lovely barn, but not before you get an engaging tour of Slagel!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn-Pontiac

Related: Activities in Chicago

6. South Bend, IN

A little under two hours away from Chicago, South Bend itself may not ring a bell—most people only hear of it through the close-by Notre Dame University—but you should consider familiarizing yourself with the city if you adore culturally rich spots.

Learn about the city at the History Museum, housed in inventor James Oliver’s Victorian manor, and if you want more museums to check out, add the Snite Museum of Art and the Studebaker National Museum to your itinerary.

From there, head to the South Bend Farmers’ Market for the gorgeous local produce.

A trip to South Bend doesn’t end without visiting Notre Dame, so make a stop here to see the lovely campus, stadium, and the stunning, Gothic-style, Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago

7. Oak Park, IL

If you worship at the altar of Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is a pilgrimage that you must make.

Just 17 minutes away from downtown Chicago, Oak Park is a historic neighborhood whose primary identity is Lloyd Wright’s home and whose secondary identity is Ernest Hemingway’s home—a treat for architecture, art, and literature enthusiasts!

Start with a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum and proceed to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, both within walking distance of each other.

Other houses designed by the architect also dot the city; see if you can spot these on your trip!

End the day chilling in downtown Oak Park, or with a chilled lager at the Kinslahger Brewing Company.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Carleton of Oak Park

8. Madison, WI

What could a capital city offer other than the usual capital-style entertainment, right?

Well, that may also be the case with Madison, but the entertainment here is top-notch and definitely worth a visit for an urban getaway.

Apart from its lovely cityscape, capitol-dotted skyline, and world-class beer, Madison offers visitors tons of attractions such as the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, city trails winding around the city’s lakes (the Capital City Trail is Insta-worthy), plenty of museums, and the Henry Vilas Zoo.

When it comes to beer, Madison leaves you spoilt for choice—take your pick from a Civil War-era taproom (The Malt House), an upscale lakefront restaurant at the University of Wisconsin (Terrace at Memorial Union), or any of the top-rated taprooms abundantly sprinkled across the city.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Premier Park Hotel

9. Fennville, MI

Foodies don’t need much motivation to visit Michigan’s fruit belt, but if you do, petite Fennville might do the trick, with its excellent eateries that showcase the local bounty in manners that can have your tastebuds singing.

Visit Fennville at the right time of the year and try your hand at picking ripe cherries and peaches, or get your fill of these fruits in Crane’s Pie Pantry’s delicious offerings year-round, seated in a 150-year-old barn with a fine glass of wine.

Virtue Farms, a cider farm founded by brewmaster Greg Hall, is another great spot if you’re interested in cider and the cider-making process (and sampling some great cider!).

All of these are just two and a half hours away, easily accessible to all foodie travelers.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AmericInn by Wyndham Douglas/Saugatuck

Related: Beaches in Chicago

10. Oglesby, IL

Oglesby isn’t just another quiet, Illinois-Valley river town—it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with enough recreational activities to suit any adventurer’s palette.

Sitting at the confluence of the Vermillion and Illinois rivers, Oglesby also sits close to the popular Starved Rock State Park (Illinois’s most visited) and Matthiessen State Park.

Between these two, you can cover horseback riding, golfing, rafting, fishing, canoeing, camping, kayaking, and hiking lovely forest trails (over 13 miles of it across 18 canyons in Starved Rock) in a day.

Springtime at Starved Rock also means a spectacular canyon waterfall.

If family-friendly festivals are your thing, plan your trip around the Harvest Fest in October, where fun events and cider abound!

Travel’s only under two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to visit the attractions.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Oglesby Inn

11. Harbor Country, MI

Harbor Country makes for a good one day trip from Chicago if you’re a fan of urban comforts, especially good beer and shopping.

An hour and a half away from Chicago, Harbor Country is home to spots such as Greenbush Brewing Co.’s original taproom and the Journeyman Distillery (housed in a former corset factory) in the north, and the Red Arrow Highway with its plentiful shopping venues spanning the lakeshore.

If you’re a fan of antiques, you’ll enjoy shopping at the Harbert Antique Mall, but even otherwise, a day spent in just the north, sampling IPAs and spirits, is a day well spent in Harbor Country!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn and Suites New Buffalo

12. Lemont, IL

Lemont is one of America’s oldest communities, having been established in 1836, and is of historic importance for the part it played in converting the state’s northern region to a commercial hub; it is from the limestone in the quarries here that many of Illinois’s iconic structures materialized.

An hour away from Chicago, Lemont is brimming with history, from its past to its authentic and preserved historic district that’s been in use since the 1800s and features on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can take a break from the history by biking, fishing, and walking in the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, or get your thrills at The Forge: Lemont Quarries adventure park, with its rope courses, zipline, and laser tag.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft Bolingbrook

13. Long Grove, IL

The brainchild of 19th-century German farmers, Long Grove’s selling point is the many original homes and authentic period buildings that populate it—a history and architecture lover’s dream!

Long Grove sits just 35 miles (49 minutes away) from Chicago’s northwest, making it an easy day trip option.

Long Grove is also known for its many food-centered festivals, such as the Strawberry Fest and the Apple Fest, held in its historic downtown district.

Long Grove also has its own Bavarian-style alehouses, such as Buffalo Creek Brewing and Biergarten, where you can enjoy food trucks, live music, and of course, excellent beer.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Arlington Heights

Related: Fun Weekend Getaways in Illinois

14. Galena, IL

Galena ticks all the right boxes if you adore spots where history and small-town charm ooze through every pore!

Often counted among the best small towns in the country, Galena is versatile—it’s just as great for a romantic getaway as it is for a family trip.

If you’re here for the historic sites, you won’t be disappointed—the town’s past remains nearly untouched in sites such as the Belvedere Mansion, Ulysses S. Grant Home, Galena and U.S. Grant Museum, and Dowling House (Galena’s oldest building), among others.

However, it’s not just about the history at Galena—the town also has many excellent resorts, as well as outdoor attractions such as Horseshoe Mound Preserve and Apple River Canyon State Park.

The drive is about three hours long, but the knowledge you’ll gain is well worth the trip.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Galena, IL

15. Apple River State Park, IL

8763 E Canyon Rd Apple River, IL 61001 (815) 745-3302

Apple River deserves its own column—there’s an impressive plethora of things to do here for nature lovers and those wanting to unplug from the city for a day.

Nestled in northwest Illinois’s rolling hills, the state park gets its name for the Apple River that carves its way through the area’s limestone gorges.

Apple River is a hub for small-mouth bass and summer sunfish fishing, as well as trout fishing in early spring.

There are four designated picnic areas on the river’s banks, cocooned by beautiful flora and fauna, where you can use the park’s tables and grills for your own barbecue picnic.

After driving two and a half hours from Chicago, relax, take in the view, and breathe in some fresh air.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Stockton, IL

16. Lake Geneva, WI

This idyllic resort town gives you all the right reasons to visit if you’re looking for “outdoor fun meets leisure meets small-town charm”.

An hour and a half away from Chicago, Lake Geneva perfectly balances its resort-town qualities with its history and charm, thanks to a quaint downtown area, with its many local shops and eateries, and several historic buildings that offset its commercial side.

Lake Geneva is also home to many opulent Gilded-Age estates, built by affluent Chicagoans in the late 1800s; you can see these on a stroll through the 26-mile lakefront Lake Geneva Shore Path or onboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line.

If you have an adventure in mind, there are plenty of opportunities for zip-lining, hiking, skiing, biking, water sports, and snowboarding in this year-round destination.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mill Creek Hotel

17. Grand Rapids, MI

Despite being geographically quite small, the city of Grand Rapids packs quite a big punch, with an international art festival that bathes the whole city in art displays and exhibits, parks sprawled across acres, and an impressive culinary scene.

A day-trip option for all ages, Grand Rapids highlights are the outdoor Sculpture Park, the Japanese Garden, the Butterfly Maze, and the Caterpillar Room.

Another interesting standout is the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 158 acres of park and museum combined.

What might also please some readers is that Grand Rapids is also Beer City USA, with craft brews that few can rival—the Beer City Ale Trail affords the best way to explore the city’s 80-plus breweries.

The travel takes about three and a half hours, but the experiences more than compensate for the time.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canopy By Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

18. Holland, MI

Like the actual Holland, Michigan’s Holland comes alive with over 4.5 million tulips in early May, with tons of tourists from around the world flocking to the city for its famed Tulip Time Festival.

You can enjoy these blooms in Windmill Island Gardens and Veldheer Tulip Gardens, among other spots in the city, along with Klompen dancing, delicious Dutch food, fun parades, and foot-tapping music.

You may visit Holland for the tulips, but you’ll end up staying for the rich Dutch culture and heritage, evident in the city’s cuisine, historical architecture, windmills, the art in the Holland Museum, and the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory.

Come November, the Dutch Winterfest and Parade of Lights bring their own beauty to the city; the rest of the year offers excellent shopping, dining, and beaches.

Whenever you decide to visit, keep in mind that it’s two and a half hours from Chicago.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: CityFlatsHotel Holland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

19. Monroe, WI

If you think “cheese” when you think Monroe, you’ve hit the nail on the head—head to the “Swiss cheese capital of the USA” for some high-quality cheese, from pungent Limburger to mild Swiss cheese.

Sitting in central Wisconsin, Monroe’s cheese history goes back a long way; you can learn all about this in the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, where volunteer-led tours will take you through Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory.

If you want to pick up some cheese, take your pick from over a hundred varieties at Alp and Dell, along with accompaniments such as beer, sausages, and wine.

The charming downtown area is great for a leisurely stroll, with the historic Green County Courthouse at the center.

If you love cheese, traveling for 2 hours and 38 minutes will be the simplest drive for you.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Super 8 by Wyndham Monroe WI

20. New Glarus, WI

If you already know New Glarus, you probably do so from its world-class brewery of the same name, which is all the reason you need to visit this lovely village, but if you need more, New Glarus is also “America’s little Switzerland”.

Cute shops, charming eateries, and fun annual events shine a spotlight on the village’s Swiss roots, such as the Wilhelm Tell Festival.

The village center is especially lovely, with specialty shops, museums, and chalet-style structures with a midwestern tinge.

For a literal taste of Swiss food and beer, try Glarner Stube, Chalet Landhaus, or the New Glarus Brewing Co. (duh!), and for a historical/cultural taste of Switzerland, try the Swiss Historical Village Museum.

No need to travel thousands of miles to the Playground of Europe—it’ll only take 3 hours.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Madison Verona

21. Spring Green, WI

Spring Green takes a little more driving to get to (it sits three and a half hours away) but this little town draws visitors with its large architectural treasures—House on the Rock and Taliesin.

The former is artist Alex Jordan’s work, a house full of dollhouses, ephemeral circus gear, infinity mirrors, and the largest indoor carousel in the world; the latter is Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio and estate.

When the hunger pangs hit, grab a bite at the iconic Last Leaf Public House or Arthur’s Supper Club and round off the day with a performance at the American Players Theater.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Round Barn Lodge

Related: Weekend Getaways From Minneapolis

22. Michigan City, IN

Michigan City, close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, can be easily reached in a little over an hour by road or rail and is worth visiting for its urban attractions.

Make your first stop at the Washington Park Zoo, where the tots can (safely) get up and close and personal with the residents, ranging from wolves to lions to several exotic species from different parts of the world.

Next, head to Washington Park and Beach Area for a beach picnic, walks on the pier, boat tours, kayaking, fun in the water, and plenty of family-friendly activities on the Lake Michigan coastline; if the tots don’t mind some more learning, you could alternatively visit the Old Lighthouse Museum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Michigan City, an IHG Hotel

23. Huron-Manistee National Forests

1755 S Mitchell St Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 775-2421

Though many folks wouldn’t consider Huron-Manistee a day trip, given that it’s four hours away, it’s still an excellent option if you can make it work (and that’s highly possible!).

Occupying almost a million acres of forestland, the Huron-Manistee National Forests are Lower Michigan’s sole national forests.

Here, a ton of recreation opportunities await visitors, from fishing, off-roading, and snowmobiling to birding and wildlife watching.

The Au Sable National Scenic River, which runs through the forest, is one of the prime spots for trout fishing.

Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the North Country National Scenic Trail winding through the forest, while the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary are great spots for naturalists.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cadillac, an IHG Hotel

24. Chicago Botanic Garden, IL

1000 Lake Cook Rd Glencoe, IL 60022 (847) 835-5440

If you’re looking for an easy drive and glorious natural beauty, look no further than the gem that is the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Drive half an hour to the garden and be treated to 30 individual landscaped and themed gardens and natural areas spread across 385 acres, with seemingly infinite flower varieties and verdant foliage.

While walking around is the best way to immerse yourself in the spot’s beauty, there’s also a tram that will take you through the popular spots; there are also many bike trails.

Families with kids may enjoy the Children’s Growing Garden and the Nature Play Garden.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Chicago Northbrook

25. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, IL

212 N 6th St Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 558-8844

While several resources exist online and in books, there’s nothing like learning about the country’s 16th president at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

A range of immersive and interactive exhibits, such as traveling displays, documents, and Civil War-era artifacts, will teach you all about Abraham Lincoln, “The Great American Story”.

The museum also hosts several annual events, such as a scavenger hunt and art competitions that are relevant to both the president’s life and the current times, while the library is decked with newspapers, manuscripts, and tons of printed resources that unravel one of the country’s most influential leaders.

For such an Abe Lincoln fan, traveling 3 hours is going to be a breeze.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Clearlake Plaza

26. Old State Capitol Historic Site, IL

526 E Adams St Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 785-7960

While we’re on the topic of Abraham Lincoln, here’s another Lincoln-related must-see if you’re a fan of the erstwhile President of the United States—the Old Capitol Historic Site.

This entirely reconstructed building, built in the Greek Revival style, is the site of President Lincoln’s prominent “House Divided” speech, and where he was laid in state after his assassination.

A short video in the onsite theater will give you a brief history of the Old Capitol, following which you can either take a guided or self-tour.

There are also several annual events dedicated to President Lincoln’s legacy, such as the Old Capitol Art Fair, the Abraham Lincoln Symposium, and an Annual Civil War Encampment.

Stop by from the Abraham Lincoln Library—it’s only a 3-minute walk.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From St Louis

27. Peoria, IL

Peoria, once the “whiskey capital of the world”, sits in the center of Illinois, made up of four distinct neighborhoods that display its vibrant culture and art.

For interesting history lessons, head to the Warehouse District, where historic buildings find a new purpose as residences, shops, studios, and restaurants.

For upscale dining, visit the Central Business District, which also houses the Peoria Civic Center, but to truly feel the city’s pulse, head to any of the restaurants, breweries, and museums (especially the Peoria Riverfront Museum) in the Riverfront District.

For a more quirky, eclectic experience, West Main Street, sitting next to Bradley University, is a great choice.

From Chicago, it only takes under a 3-hour drive to reach this boozy city.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Peoria

28. Kettle Moraine State Forest, WI

30,000 acres of breathtaking natural splendor await visitors to the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

A great getaway for nature lovers, the state forest is a little under three hours’ worth of driving from Chicago and is full of hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities.

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive will take you through the best of the state forest’s sights and is among the most scenic places near Chicago.

The drive will also take you through the historical Cushing Memorial Park, Wade House Stagecoach Inn, Old World Wisconsin Outdoor Museum, and Holy Hill Basilica, along with several communal, geological, and natural landmarks.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites West Bend

29. Door County, WI

This is another one for nature lovers, though at four hours away, it can be quite a drive, however scenic.

If you do make the drive to Door County, though, you’ll be rewarded with splendid natural views, a ton of outdoor activities, and beautiful parks.

The star attraction is Lake Michigan, where you can take in your gorgeous natural surroundings by swimming, hiking, kayaking, and climbing up to Cave Point for ‘gram-worthy views of the area’s limestone bluffs.

A truly unique activity to enjoy at Door County is shipwreck diving and exploring the county’s 11 lovely lighthouses, with their stunning vistas.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Gordon Lodge

30. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co, IL

9380 US Hwy 20 W Galena, IL 61036 (815) 777-1000

What started off as a rivalry between two brothers turned into a partnership, all thanks to a shared love of whiskey, giving the world the Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. and some mighty fine spirits.

Visitors are taken through the distilling process through a sensory tour, where they can smell, touch, taste, and see the various ingredients that go into the distillery’s handcrafted liquor.

The tour aptly ends in the cocktail bar and tasting room, where guests can get their fill of the distillery’s superb vodka, bourbon, moonshine, and gin—a designated driver is a must!

Gather your bibulous friends and drink to your heart’s content after a 3-hour ride.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

31. Cantigny Park, IL

1 S, 151 Winfield Rd Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 668-5161

A gift to Illinois’s Wheaton by well-known philanthropist Colonel Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny Park’s doors were thrown open to the public in 1958.

Visitors flock to the park for the many educational and recreational opportunities it presents, including two museums that pay tribute to military history and the colonel himself, respectively.

The park also has beautiful formal gardens spread across acres, a picnic area, and three miles of trails, which you can explore through walking tours.

You’ll also find an education center, a visitors’ center, a full-service clubhouse, and a youth golf academy with a 27-hole golf course to boot at Cantigny, as well as many seasonal activities for children and onsite food joints.

All these attractions are at your disposal with just a 45-minute drive.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt House Naperville/Warrenville

Related: Places to Eat: Wheaton, IL

32. North Utica

If you adore sleepy towns and the slow-paced life, it rarely gets better than North Utica, nestled into the banks of the Illinois-Michigan canal and the Illinois River.

North Utica will especially appeal to nature, wine, and antique lovers, with its many parks, trails, proximity to four state parks, antique stores, wineries, flea markets, collectibles stores, and pottery studios.

If you’d like to learn about North Utica’s history, the LaSalle County Historical Museum is a good idea.

If it’s a family day out, get a day pass at the Grand Bear Resort and make the most of the massive indoor waterpark, sports bar, and restaurant.

Visit North Utica and see its underrated beauty; it’s only an hour and 40 minutes away.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Peru

33. White River State Park, IN

801 W Washington St Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 233-2434

This urban, 267-acre, award-winning waterfront park sits in downtown Indianapolis and is one of the seven districts designated as cultural districts in the city.

In White River State Park, you’ll find plenty of attractions, both historical and contemporary.

Contemporary curated attractions include the likes of Celebration Plaza, Eiteljorg Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, the NCAA Hall of Champions Museum, Victory Field, and the Indiana State Museum.

Historical attractions include Old Washington Street Pedestrian Bridge, Historic Central Canal, and the Historic Pumphouse.

All in all, a great family-friendly day-trip option if you’re seeking 3-hour trips.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Conrad Indianapolis

Related: Weekend Getaways From Indianapolis

34. Napierville, IL

Napierville may be small, but as the old adage goes, size doesn’t matter—this former prairie town is now an award-winning city, earning awards that designate it the best place to live and the top kid-friendly city, among others.

Despite this, Napierville still retains its small-town charm, with friendly folks and plenty of quaint attractions such as the gorgeous 158-fool Moser Tower (though now closed, you can view it from the outside), and the covered bridge, fountains, clock tower, heritage sculptures, paddle boats, and labyrinth at the Riverwalk Park.

The city’s other highlights include the 1.75-mile Riverwalk walkway that runs along the DuPage River and Centennial Beach and Grill, a restaurant-cum-beach-waterpark!

All these are only 40 minutes away from Chicago!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Chicago Marriott Naperville

35. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

1215 N State Rd 49 Porter, IN 46304 (219) 395-1882

Tucked into the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes National Park is a stone’s throw away from Michigan City at 48 minutes, so you could either combine the two or make a separate trip—it’s worth it, either way!

Open to visitors throughout the year, Indiana Dunes boasts pristine beaches and towering sand dunes.

There’s plenty on offer here for outdoor enthusiasts, from swimming, birding, and hiking in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter.

Try to catch a sunset here; if you’re lucky and the day’s clear, you’ll even be able to see Chicago’s twinkling skyline.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Spring House Inn

36. Morton Arboretum, IL

4100 IL-53 Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 968-0074

In existence since 1922, the Morton Arboretum is an outdoor museum and a naturalist haunt 40 minutes from Chicago.

With over 200,000 live plants from around the world thoughtfully exhibited across 1,700 acres, the Morton Arboretum reinforces the significance of protecting nature’s gifts and actively participating in conservation.

Despite the wide variety, each plant variety thrives in the arboretum, having been optimally placed for the best growth.

If you’re not big on learning about plant species, you can simply enjoy strolling through the tree-lined paths that circle Meadow Lake or any of the annual events hosted here, if your visit coincides.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Chicago Marriott Suites Downers Grove

37. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, IL

1354 N 2nd St Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 987-8858

Sitting on the banks of the Rock River, the Nicholas Conservatory is 11,000 square feet of flowers, trees, tropical plants, garden sculptures, an infinity pond, a koi pond, and benches for visitors to sit and soak in all the natural beauty on display.

There are paths outdoors that lead to attractions such as the Riverview Terrace, waterfall gardens, lovely teahouses, Eclipse Lagoon, the Sinnissippi rose garden, Forest City Queen Riverboat dock, and Trolley Car 36 station.

For a lovely dining experience, come here on a Wednesday night in the summer and enjoy a rooftop meal on their viewing deck.

At different times of the year, you can also enjoy several temporary displays such as Breakfast with Santa and Lorikeet House.

Travel a mere 1 hour and 44 minutes to this wonderland and indulge your inner aesthete.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites By Hilton Rockford Riverfront

38. Anderson Japanese Gardens, IL

318 Spring Creek Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 229-9390

An hour and forty minutes away from Chicago sits the gorgeous Anderson Japanese Gardens, a garden that business John Anderson commissioned expert craftsman Hoichi Kurisu to design.

The gardens sit in the bustle of Rockford but are a world away at the same time.

The gardens are focused on three primary elements—plants, stone, and water—which Kurisu has used to build this oasis.

Guided tours will take you through the seasonal beauty on offer here, as well as the garden’s history and principles.

If you enjoy calm spaces in the midst of nature, this site must feature on your list of places to visit near Chicago.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Extended Stay America Suites – Rockford – State Street

39. Milwaukee, WI

A slow day with plenty of great beer and Harley-Davidson—if this sounds like your jam, head to Milwaukee for your day trip.

The city celebrates its German brewing heritage, a fact that’s evident in the tons of brewpubs and breweries, historical or contemporary, spread out across the city and serving excellent craft beer.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you can’t leave Milwaukee without a visit to Harley-Davidson Museum to see the world’s oldest-known Harley and several other motorcycle memorabilia.

Milwaukee also plays host to over two dozen festivals throughout the year (hence known as the “City of Festivals”), but if that doesn’t interest you, maybe the 25 theaters, 150 parks, 75 golf courses, and the lakefront Milwaukee Art Museum will!

The quick one and a half hour travel time is a huge plus, too.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Pfister Hotel

40. Rockford, IL

An hour and 40 minutes away from Chicago is Rockford, a family-friendly destination with enough to keep the young and not-so-young equally engaged (yes, involving beer!).

A great way to start the day is to visit the Discovery Center Museum, where over 250 exhibits covering a range of subjects will work off all that excess energy in the kids, or the Burpee Museum with its amazing dinosaur exhibits.

After lunch, head to any of the arboretums, gardens, or conservatories in the “city of gardens”, such as the aforementioned Nicholas Conservatory or Anderson Gardens, for some quiet time before you grab a beer at the Prairie Street Brewing Company and responsibly hit the road again.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford

Related: Best Restaurants in Rockford, IL

41. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, IL

IL-53 Wilmington, IL 60481 (815) 423-6370

If you want to see for yourself why Illinois is the Prairie State, visiting Midewin should top your list of things to do outside Chicago .

About an hour away from Chicago sit this 9,000-acre expanse, home to a roaming bison herd that you may spot if luck is on your side (it’s a large park!).

However, that shouldn’t stop you from bringing your binoculars and starting your search at the Iron Bridge Trailhead and hiking three miles to the overlook point, where viewing scopes better your chance of seeing the stars of Midewin!

And there it is—a list of the best day trips from Chicago.

Since so many of these locales involve some form of alcohol, ensure that your enjoyment is responsible and always take along a designated driver.

That apart, here’s to the beauty that surrounds Chicago and a happy day out!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hollywood Casino Joliet Hotel

Map of Day Trips Near Chicago, IL

41 Best Day Trips from Chicago, IL for 2024

• Cedarburg, WI
• Evanston, IL
• Kankakee County, IL
• Fairbury, IL
• South Bend, IN
• Oak Park, IL
• Madison, WI
• Fennville, MI
• Oglesby, IL
• Harbor Country, MI
• Long Grove, IL
• Apple River State Park, IL
• Lake Geneva, WI
• Grand Rapids, MI
• Holland, MI
• New Glarus, WI
• Spring Green, WI
• Michigan City, IN
• Huron-Manistee National Forests
• Chicago Botanic Garden, IL
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, IL
• Old State Capitol Historic Site, IL
• Kettle Moraine State Forest, WI
• Door County, WI
• Blaum Bros. Distilling Co, IL
• Cantigny Park, IL
• North Utica
• White River State Park, IN
• Napierville, IL
• Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
• Morton Arboretum, IL
• Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, IL
• Anderson Japanese Gardens, IL
• Milwaukee, WI
• Rockford, IL
• Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, IL

21 Best Day Trips From Chicago In 2024

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

United States

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Welcome to the Windy City! Whether a local or a traveler eager to explore beyond the skyline, our guide to the best day trips from Chicago is your ticket to adventure. We’ll show you how to swap city streets for scenic escapes, all within a day’s reach of Chicago. From charming small towns to natural wonders, get ready to discover the Midwest’s most unforgettable experiences. Pack your sense of adventure, and let’s hit the road – Chicago-style day trips await!

Table of Contents

Incredible Day Trips from Chicago

In this guide, we give you ideas for the top day trips from the third most populous city in the US. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, many places will tempt you away from the city center. After exploring all of the awesome things to do in Chicago , from the Chicago River to historic landmarks, head to these fantastic places located within easy reach of the city.

The city is ideally located with easy border-crossing into Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. It is also a great starting point for a day trip further south into central Illinois. You have four states at your fingertips – so you should carve out time for a day trip while visiting.

1. Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee is a big deal. This major city is located on the shores of western Lake Michigan in Wisconsin – just a 1.5 hour train ride or drive north of Chicago. We’d suggest catching the train if possible, as Milwaukee is best known for its breweries. Taking guided brewery tours is one of the  best things to do in Milwaukee . Aside from its alcohol, though, it is also home to the Holler House and Milwaukee Art Museum. Don’t forget the Harley-Davidson Museum, which hosts a beautiful display of motorcycles and documents iconic biker culture. The Milwaukee Public Museum also has a large-scale European village.

If you want a fantastic day out from Chicago, Milwaukee is ideal. It has a strong sense of culture and many niche pockets of interest, like Harley-Davidson bikes and breweries. It is also a breeze to reach by train or car.

• Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours
• How to get there: Train, bus or coach

Suggested Tour: A Group Tour to Discover Milwaukee

2. south bend, in.

South Bend has a different vibe as a university city on the St. Joseph River. It is fantastic if you are looking for a more sedate city experience. You can visit the University of Notre Dame’s iconic campus, with its classic gold-domed building. There’s also plenty of local history that you can experience in the city center, like car manufacturing from years gone by at Studebaker National Museum and the regional history at the History Museum.

South Bend is definitely slower-paced than quick-footed Chicago. However, it has lots of attractions too. Think of it as a relaxing and intellectual place to spend a day sightseeing. It has lots of fun and student twists, like cheap bars and coffee spots.

The city is located just east of Chicago, on the other side of Indiana Dunes National Park, and on the lower east shore of Lake Michigan. It is best reached by car, and we’d recommend stopping off at the national park en route.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 to 3 hours
• How to get there: Car or train

3. Madison, WI

Small Madison might not seem capital-worthy, but it is actually the capital city of Wisconsin, not the major, sprawling giant of Milwaukee. This smaller city has beautiful architecture galore. You can get up close to the historic domed Wisconsin State Capitol and walk the Capital City State Trail to sightsee different city attractions. There’s a botanic garden experience, too, at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, plus a quirkier downtown area with bars and coffee shops. Madison is your best choice if you fancy a political sightseeing day trip from Chicago.

Madison is also beautifully located next to two huge lakes – Lake Mendota and Lake Waubesa. Summer leaves plenty of opportunities for water sports and sunny waterfront hiking trails. Follow this walking tour to see the city’s architecture including the State Capitol, Der Rathskaller, Bascomb Hill, and Memorial Union.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 to 4 hours
• How to get there: By car or shuttle bus

4. Starved Rock State Park, IL

Starved Rock State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Illinois. The park sits on the banks of the Illinois River and holds a collection of sandstone canyons amidst beautiful forests. The canyons were initially cut with glacial meltwater, and you can explore the scenery using a network of clearly marked wooden boardwalks. Starved Rock State Park also has tons of waterfalls, which get impressively powerful in wetter months.

Nature lovers will adore this day trip choice. Not only is the natural scenery astounding, but you can also spot wildlife like white-tailed deer and bald eagles. Starved Rock State Park covers over 2,600 acres and has 13 miles of trails, with 18 canyons to admire. It is located inland from Chicago and Lake Michigan.

• How to get there: Car

5. Cedarburg, WI

Cedarburg has serious charm. It has old-school-style houses and is frequently compared to a movie set. The town was founded in the 1840s by a mixture of predominantly Irish and German settlers and is now considered a suburb of Milwaukee. Cedarburg has many cute and aesthetic things to do, with the bonus of brewery and winery tours. You can walk the vineyards and tour brewing rooms or head to unique attractions like the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fine Arts. Cedarburg is a real gem and beats to its own drum, making it a memorable day trip from Chicago.

This Wisconsin town is located just north of Milwaukee’s city center. It is best reached from Chicago by car, and you can always incorporate a stop-off in Milwaukee’s city center – parking in the outskirts and commuting in.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 hours
• How to get there: By car

6. Illinois Beach State Park, IL

If you want beaches, Illinois Beach State Park is the place to be on a Chicago day trip. The park covers over 4,000 acres, with a beautiful shore path and network of hiking trails. It is an ideal place for a beach day along the shores of Lake Michigan. However, Illinois Beach State Park is equally more than just a beach destination.

It has campgrounds and playgrounds, plus shower blocks and a nature center. Illinois Beach State Park is somewhere to spend an entire day. Start with a hike and visit the nature center before heading to Isherwood Beach, and even camping overnight if your schedule allows it.

The park is quite close to Chicago, taking less than an hour to reach by car. It’s a great day trip if you have a warm day or fancy a beach trip. Or it is the perfect adventure if you fancy camping a night to break up your classic city break.

• Distance from Chicago: 1 hour

7. Lake Geneva, WI

Lake Geneva is a beautiful resort city along the banks of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, northwest of Chicago. As a small city out of the leading public transport lines, it is best reached by car.

Once you arrive, you are greeted by Gilded Age mansions with dramatic architecture and a scenic Shore Path that snakes around the city’s section of Geneva Lake. Historically, Lake Geneva was used as a bolt-hole for affluent Chicago residents, and looking at the city’s surrounding natural beauty, it’s easy to see why.

Admire Victorian history and Gilded Age architecture, and visit the Lake Geneva beaches. Big Foot Beach State Park has brilliant beaches, especially for a lazy afternoon. Lake Geneva is a beautiful day trip destination to unwind before revisiting Chicago’s chaotic sightseeing scene.

8. Rockford, IL

Rockford is a major city located on the banks of the Mississippi River, giving it the nickname’ River City’. Rockford is also called the ‘Forest City’ because of its history of tree felling, forests, and furniture-making industries. It is a shapeshifter with a long history and a prominent place in Illinois’ society. Nowadays, though, it is an ideal day trip candidate and is full of popular attractions and historic places. You can stop by the koi-filled ponds at Anderson Japanese Gardens, kick back in numerous public parks, or head to the Rockford Art Museum. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens is also brilliant.

Rockford is located in northern Illinois, right under the Wisconsin border. We’d recommend combining it with a trip to Madison, located roughly an hour above the city. It is a great stop-off point for those driving to the Wisconsin capital.

9. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

Forget state parks if you like natural beauty – aim big with Indiana Dunes National Park. This stunning park is far more than just sand dunes and covers 15 miles of beautiful shoreline perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Indiana Dunes National Park is also a hot spot for bird watching and hiking. The national park is located on the southern end of Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful spot to visit to embrace the lake’s beauty. An entrance ticket costs around $20, and you can spend the whole day exploring the park.

Indiana Dunes National Park is located just southeast of Chicago and is ideally combined with visits to South Bend or day trips into Michigan or Indiana.

• Distance from Chicago: 50 minutes

10. Lakeshore State Park, WI

Everyone loves an urban park. This stunning park sits just off Milwaukee’s coastline. Still, we will include it as a standalone attraction since it justifies a visit on its own merit. Lakeshore State Park is best explored on foot by walking the Hank Aaron State Trail. You can enjoy city skyline views and expansive vistas over Lake Michigan. And if you are looking for a romantic day trip from Chicago, head to Lakeshore State Park at sunset with a picnic.

The state park is obviously well combined with a visit to Milwaukee. This little island state park is a beautiful spot near the city. It is located off the Historic Third Ward and accessible by a pedestrianized bridge connecting it to the mainland.

11. Monroe, WI

Monroe is pretty cool. The quirky city is known as the Swiss cheese capital. It has a vast history of dairy farming that has given it a massive cheese reputation. You can visit to take food tours – highly recommended – and try local products and produce. You should visit the National Historic Cheese Making Center Museum and the Chalet Cheese Cooperative. There’s also beautiful architecture and historic places, like the Green County Courthouse, completed in 1891. The Monroe Historic Square is in the city’s center, surrounded by shops and aesthetic scenery.

Monroe is a tiny city compared to some of Chicago’s neighboring giants. It is roughly located halfway between Madison and Rockford. It is definitely best accessed by car.

12. St. Joseph, MI

St Joseph is a scenic coastal city in southwest Michigan and an ideal day trip if you want to venture into MI on a day trip from Chicago. It sits along the shore of Lake Michigan with beautiful attractions like Silver Beach County Park and Lions Park Beach. Silver Beach is particularly cute to visit, with a 1910 carousel and restored pavilion that bring a wonderful, vintage-style aesthetic to the city. A classic red and white lighthouse is near the city’s North Pier.

St Joseph is a beautiful choice if you want one of those traditional seaside day trips. It is only a short drive from Chicago, despite the fact that you’ll be venturing through Indiana and crossing the Michigan border. Hooray for Lake Michigan’s close network of US states. It is fantastic to combine with Indiana Dunes National Park and Michigan City.

• How to get there: By Car

13. Channahon State Park, IL

Channahon State Park is an absolute must. The state park sits on some of the most historic Illinois canals, housing a restored lock tender’s house for extra historical value. You can enjoy a network of hiking trails with waterfalls, birds, and historic towpaths to snap photos of. Distance isn’t an issue when visiting inland Illinois; Channahon State Park is less than an hour’s drive from central Chicago. It is a great day trip if you want minimal travel time and an insight into Illinois’ canal history.

You can organize guided tours around Channahon State Park, including canoe trips. The state park is a designated part of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. It is widely hailed as an essential part of the state’s history. It is a nature-given adventure park.

14. Oak Park, IL

Oak Park is a beautiful village in the suburbs of Chicago. It really packs a punch beyond pretty architecture for such a small area. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Ernest Hemingway’s Boyhood Home, the National Historic Landmark of Mills Park and the Oak Park River Forest Museum. Oak Park is a quickfire selection of museums in a tiny area, accessible from central Chicago using public transport. What’s not to love? It is the perfect choice if you want trips from Chicago done easily.

It is so handy to jump on a train and be amongst dozens of museums. Additionally, its Unity Temple was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2019. Despite all its existing attractions and offerings, Oak Park is very much up and coming in terms of visitor recognition and value for tourism.

• Distance from Chicago: 15 to 20 minutes
• How to get there: By train

Suggested Tour: Private Frank Lloyd Wright Tour from Chicago

15. grand rapids, mi.

Grand Rapids is another major city – think skyscrapers and a beautiful riverside setting with dramatic bridges. Grand Rapids has plenty of culture, with museums like the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum. It also has a cool, safe, and walkable downtown district, which includes the Grand Rapids Art Museum, an attraction and initiative that spotlights local artists.

We like to catch a shuttle to Grand Rapids, as it has an illustrious brewery history. In particular, it is known for New Holland Brewing, and you can take guided tasting tours at the local breweries that are still running. Otherwise, driving is quicker, and you can stop off at spots like Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, St Joseph, and South Bend. You hug the lower shoreline of Lake Michigan, which is a long but very scenic drive. Ideally, rotate drivers and have a few different stops en route.

• Distance from Chicago: 3 to 5 hours
• How to get there: By car in just under 3 hours or by shuttle in under 4
• Suggested Tour: Grand Rapids Ghost Tour

16. Windmill Island Gardens, MI

Chicago might be known as ‘Windy City,’ but check out Windmill Island Gardens. This seasonal park features a 250-year-old windmill in an ode to the city’s Dutch influence. You can take self-guided tours of the park, admire the windmill, and meet guides in traditional Dutch costumes. There’s also a tulip garden, which is stunning in spring.

This is one of the leading day trips from Chicago if you want Dutch heritage, and it is even located outside of a city named Holland. Windmill Island Gardens is located in Michigan, so you’ll be driving the south coast of Lake Michigan, cutting through northern Indiana and across the Michigan border. When it comes to visiting Michigan, distance can be a concern. Is it a long day of driving? Yes. But it is incredibly scenic and a great way to combine several attractions. If you have a few drivers, you won’t have any trouble as you can just rotate driving time.

• Distance from Chicago: 2.5 hours

17. Galena, IL

Galena is an absolute gem of a charming small town, sitting on the banks of the Galena River with tons of Civil War history. The town was home to the Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant, and his former home is a State Historic Site. Of course, Ulysses S. Grant later became a US president, so his story is immortalized. Galena is a great place to visit if you are interested in politics and history. Its town center is relatively walkable and is full of stories and scenic 19th-century architecture.

Galena is right in the top left corner of Illinois, on the border of Iowa and Wisconsin. It is a fabulous add-on from Rockford or Starved Rock State Park, around 1.5 hours away by car.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Suggested Tour: Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour

18. Michigan City, IN

Michigan City is just an hour away and is brilliant, accessible day trip material. If you want an easy trip from Chicago, Michigan City is it. Fancy a drive? You can drive there in an hour, passing Indiana Dunes National Park. Fancy a train ride? You can read or nap and reach the city in less than 2 hours. There’s lots of lakeside culture and history, with multiple lighthouses to admire and the quaint Washington Park Beach.

There’s also period history at the Barker Mansion, which showcases English-inspired decor and furnishings in a 19th-century mansion. Admire the history, have a beach day, or enjoy inner-city shopping at outlet stores. Michigan City offers loads and, at the very least, is a change of scene.

You can easily visit Michigan City; proper day-long trips are low on travel time and high on attractions. And that sums up this lakeside city.

• Distance from Chicago: 1 to 2 hours
• How to get there: 1 hour by car or 2 hours by train

19. Peoria, IL

Peoria is a beautiful city in Illinois. It was primarily established as a port city and trading center thanks to its position on the Illinois River. It is located much further inland in central Illinois. It is just an hour or so further central than Starved Rock State Park – hello, potential combined day trip.

Peoria has beautiful riverside parks, including Peoria Riverfront Park and Liberty Park. There’s also the Riverfront Museum and Peoria Historical Society. It is a lovely place to just walk and explore on foot. And the contrast between hectic Chicago and sedate Peoria is vast, making it a worthwhile day trip.

The city is located southwest of Chicago and is best accessed by car. This way, you can also stop off at Starved Rock State Park on the way.

20. Six Flags Great America, IL

What about a day at an amusement park? Six Flags Great America is a chain of amusement parks scattered across the US. And there is one on the outskirts of Chicago, creating the best day trip for fun-loving tourists. The park has water park rides, rollercoasters, and all-round fun entertainment. You can get adrenaline on rides like Sky Striker or the American Eagle. Alternatively, try the sedate, family-friendly rides like the Big Easy Balloons or Cubasco tea cups.

Everyone loves a fun day out. And Six Flags Great America is the perfect day trip to skip sightseeing and escape the city to enjoy some quality ‘fun’ time. It is the ideal place to let your hair down and has an impressive range of rides, making it suitable for adults and children. Six Flags Great America is located north of Chicago, just under the Wisconsin border. Get your tickets in advance here.

• How to get there: 1 hour by car or 2 hours by train then bus

21. Glacial Park Conservation Area

Finally, there’s the beautiful Glacial Park Conservation Area. This 3,400-acre reserve is a stunning mix of wetlands and prairie, with glacial kames and ample scenic canoeing or fishing opportunities. It is one of the most photogenic places to experience natural beauty on a day trip from Chicago. You can explore Glacial Park on foot or by water or shake things up and book a horseback riding tour. The park has a grand total of 8 miles of shared-use trails, and you’ll definitely want to bring a camera.

Glacial Park Conservation Area opens from sunrise until sunset all year round. It is ideal if you want to switch from the standard suburban park experience to a bit of rugged, remote nature.

• Distance from Chicago: 1 hour and 20 minutes

There’s so much to experience on day trips from Chicago – whether that’s Dutch heritage, rich history related to the Civil War, or riding water park rides at Six Flags America. You can embrace small-town charm at Oglesby, natural beauty and natural wonders at Indiana Dunes National Park, or craft beer at a local brewery. Chicago’s location right next to three other state borders means you have lots of diversity when choosing day trips. And the ever-presence of beautiful Lake Michigan means a constant barrage of water sports and beaches. Hopefully, you have at least 5 or 6 day trip choices.

Are you looking for more inspiration? Why not check out our guides on the  best things to do in Wisconsin  and  the best places to visit in Michigan ? We’ve also got notes on the best, most  unique things to do in Northern Michigan  specifically, so check that out if you have time to add a couple of days to the end of your Chicago trip. If you have longer, why not take a 2-3 day excursion from Chicago? It is a brilliant launchpad to discover more of the experiences in the states around Lake Michigan. Chicago’s location is by far its winning quality, and you should take advantage of it when planning day trips and excursions.

Plan your trip to Chicago with these Resources

• 29 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago
• Where to stay in Chicago: Best Areas and Hotels
• Top 10 Hot Spots to Eat in Chicago
• 23 Cool and Unique Things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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BEST Day Trips From Chicago (By Car, Bus & Train)

Looking to leave Chicago for the day or even a few hours? Fortunately there are many amazing places to visit in the Midwest near the city whether you love nature, beaches, cities or small towns. Here are the best day trips from Chicago all less than 2 hours from the city.

If you don’t have a car or would rather not drive, you can also visit most of these places by train, bus or through a guided day tour.

Best Day Trips From Chicago

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you.

Starved Rock State Park

Distance from Chicago: 95 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour and 40 minutes Address: 2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, Illinois

Starved Rock State Park is one of the top attractions in the state of Illinois. The park is an ideal spot to enjoy nature and is filled with stunning sandstone canyons and beautiful waterfalls. This is a great place for hiking with 13 miles (21 kilometers) of trails.

In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year round, including horseback riding, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, as well as fishing, kayaking, rafting on the Illinois River.

Matthiessen State Park

Distance from Chicago: 96 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour and 40 minutes Address: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, Illinois

Matthiessen State Park is not as popular or crowded as nearby Starved Rock State Park (less than 3 miles away) but it is just as beautiful with similar natural features such as canyons and beautiful waterfalls.

Oak Park, Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 10 miles Time from Chicago: 15-20 minutes from downtown

Oak Park is a suburb on the outskirts of Chicago. The village prides itself on its racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and religious diversity . Downtown Oak Park is home to a variety of shops and restaurants but the main draw for visitors is the architecture.

Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of designed sites by Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect. Take a walking tour of the Wright District, an area of prairie-style homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright including the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and Unity Temple, a Wright–designed church considered to be one of his most important structures.

For those who would rather not drive, Oak Park is easily accessible from Chicago by train (Green Line and Blue Line on the CTA and Union Pacific / West Line on the Metra ). Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option.

Evanston, Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 14 miles Time from Chicago: 30 minutes from downtown Chicago

Looking for an easy day trip from Chicago? Visit Evanston, a nearby suburb located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Visit and relax at the beautiful Northwestern Campus. Evanston is home to six public swimming beaches which are less crowded than Chicago beaches.

If you have more time, you can explore more of the North Shore suburbs . Must see attractions in the North Shore include the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette and the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview.

For those who would rather not drive, Evanston is easily accessible from Chicago by train (Purple Line) on the CTA and the Union Pacific North Line (UP-N) on the Metra . Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option.

Illinois Beach State Park

Distance from Chicago: 45 miles Time from Chicago: 1-1.5 hours drive

Illinois Beach State Park , part of the Illinois state park system, is located along Lake Michigan in northeast Illinois. It is known primarily for the beach with over six miles of shoreline. The park also includes dune areas, wetlands, prairie, and black oak savanna. Activities at the park include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and more.

Indiana Dunes, Indiana

Distance from Chicago: 50 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour

The Indiana Dunes National Park borders the State Park of the same name. The national park offers 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan’s southern shore with wide sandy beaches and towering dunes. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

The three highest sand dunes are all in the Indiana Dunes State Park.

In addition to beaches and hiking, Indiana Dunes offers many outdoor year round activities including bird watching, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, kayaking and paddling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

New Buffalo, Michigan

Distance from Chicago: 70 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour 15 minutes

New Buffalo, Michigan is a charming beach town on the shores of Lake Michigan. The beaches face west and have beautiful sunset views.

In addition to the beaches, a must see attraction is Galien River County Park , a beautiful park with boardwalk paths through the marsh.  For those that enjoy gambling, New Buffalo is home to the Four Winds Casino Resort .

New Buffalo has daily Amtrak service from Chicago on the Blue Water and Wolverine lines.

New Buffalo is a good base to explore various beach towns and wineries in Southwest Michigan .

Rockford, Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 85 miles Time from Chicago: 1.5-2 hours

The most popular attraction in Rockford is Anderson Japanese Gardens , a 12-acre Japanese garden. If you have more time in Rockford before heading home, the city plenty of attractions including the Discovery Center Museum (a great family museum), Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and the Rockford Art Museum.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Distance from Chicago: 83 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour 40 minutes

In the summer, daytrippers can enjoy a variety of activities on the water, including boating, kayaking, paddle boarding. In the winter, visitors can go skiing or snowboarding or visit the beautiful ice castles.

The highlight is the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 21-mile trail around the lake with stunning views of the forest, water and impressive waterfront homes. Visitors can hike or take a cruise around the lake.

Read about more things to do in Lake Geneva here .

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Distance from Chicago: 93 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour 40 minutes

This lively city is like a smaller less touristy version of Chicago.

Milwaukee is famous for its beer -it is nationally recognized with the nickname “Brew City” due to its nearly two centuries of brewing heritage from multiple past major brewers including Miller Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. One of the best things to do in Milwaukee is to tour one of its many breweries. Another interesting attraction is the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Amtrak Hiawatha train offers frequent daily service between Milwaukee and Chicago.

Tubing on the Tippecanoe River

Distance from Chicago: 105 miles Time from Chicago: 2 hours

Tippecanoe River State Park in northern Indiana is a popular Midwest summer destination. In the summer, you can rent tubes and float along the lazy river or you can also rent canoes or kayaks from various outfitters.

South Bend, Indiana

Distance from Chicago: 97 miles Time from Chicago: 1.5 to 2 hours

South Bend is most famous for being home to the University of Notre Dame. There are many attractions on the beautiful, large campus including the Golden Dome, Notre Dame Stadium, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the famous shrine.

One of the best things to see in South Bend is the Studebaker National Museum , featuring a large collection of Studebaker automobiles drawn from the history of the company, beginning with horse-drawn carriages. They also have the carriage that Abraham Lincoln took to Ford’s Theater the night he was assassinated.

In addition to driving, South Shore Line commuter rail runs multiple daily trains between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and South Bend Airport station.

Pontiac, Illinois (Historic Route 66)

Distance from Chicago: 100 miles

Historic Route 66 is a classic American road trip . Don’t have time to drive Route 66 all the way from Chicago to California? You can visit Pontiac and drive a portion of historic Route 66 on a day trip from Chicago.  Must see attractions in Pontiac include the IL Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum , the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and the Route 66 Shield Mural .

What are your favorite day trips from Chicago ?

Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:

• 3 Days in Chicago Itinerary + Travel Tips From a Local
• The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Chicago (According to a Local)
• Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
• Best Free Things to Do in Chicago

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• Destinations

25 Best Day Trips from Chicago

Last Updated By VacationIdea on March 17, 2024 in USA Destinations

Milwaukee (1 hour 35 minutes)

Also nicknamed the “City of Festivals”, Milwaukee is home to over two dozen celebrations, including Summerfest, the world’s biggest music fest. Seventy-five golf courses, 25 theaters, and 150 parks round out this day-trip getaway.

Holland, Michigan (2 hours 30 minutes)

Late November brings the Dutch Winterfest and its Parade of Lights.

Kettle Moraine State Forest (2 hours 40 minutes)

N1765 Highway G, Campbellsport, WI, Phone: 262-626-2116

Lake Geneva (1 hour 40 minutes)

This year-round getaway offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, nightlife, outdoor activities, and points of interest.

Day Trips from Chicago: Naperville (40 minutes)

Visitors can also visit the popular Centennial Beach and Grill, a sandy beach waterpark and restaurant. More ideas: Beaches in Illinois

Village of Oak Park, a Day Trip from Chicago (15 minutes)

Visitors may also like the Oak Park Conservatory, and Brookfield Zoo. There are numerous independent shopping boutiques, a robust culinary scene, and a Saturday farmers’ market.

Six Flags Great America (1 hour)

1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL, Phone: 847-249-1776

North Utica (1 hour 45 minutes)

Four nearby state parks provide outdoor recreational opportunities.

Chicago Botanic Garden (35 minutes)

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, Phone: 847-835-5447

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (1 hour)

More ideas: Day Trips From Chicago By Train

Old State Capitol State Historic Site (3 hours)

Old State Capitol Plaza, 6th and Adams Streets, Springfield, IL, Phone: 217-785-7960

Apple River Canyon State Park (2 hours 30 minutes)

8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, IL, Phone: 815-745-3302

Starved Rock State Park (1 hour 35 min)

2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL, Phone: 815-667-4211

Brookfield Zoo (25 minutes)

8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL, Phone: 708-668-8000

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (3 hours)

112 N. Sixth Street, Springfield, IL, Phone: 217-557-6250

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co (2 hours 50 minutes)

9380 W US Highway 20, Galena, IL, Phone: 815-777-1000

Day Trips from Chicago: Anderson Japanese Gardens (1 hour 40 minutes)

318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL, Phone: 815-229-9390

The Morton Arboretum (35 minutes)

4100 Illinois Route 35, Lisle, IL, Phone: 630-968-0074

Day Trips Near Me: Cantigny Park (40 minutes)

1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL, Phone: 630-668-5161

Day Trips Near Chicago: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (20 minutes)

209 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 118, Chicago, IL, Phone: 312-994-4000

Huron-Manistee National Forests (4 hours)

1755 S. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI, 49601, Phone: 231-775-2421

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (2 hours)

1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL, Phone: 815-987-8858

Day Trips Near Chicago: Oglesby (1 hour 40 minutes)

The town hosts a Harvest Fest in mid-October with family-fun activities, and a Santa’s Holiday Open House in mid-December, featuring carriage rides and other holiday activities.

White River State Park (3 hours)

801 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, Phone: 800-665-9056

Peoria (2 hours 40 minutes)

Visitors will revel in the breweries, restaurants, museums, festivals, historic riverboat rides, and weekend farmers’ market.

• 1. Milwaukee (1 hour 35 minutes)
• 2. Holland, Michigan (2 hours 30 minutes)
• 3. Kettle Moraine State Forest (2 hours 40 minutes)
• 4. Lake Geneva (1 hour 40 minutes)
• 5. Day Trips from Chicago: Naperville (40 minutes)
• 6. Village of Oak Park, a Day Trip from Chicago (15 minutes)
• 7. Six Flags Great America (1 hour)
• 8. North Utica (1 hour 45 minutes)
• 9. Chicago Botanic Garden (35 minutes)
• 10. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (1 hour)
• 11. Old State Capitol State Historic Site (3 hours)
• 12. Apple River Canyon State Park (2 hours 30 minutes)
• 13. Starved Rock State Park (1 hour 35 min)
• 14. Brookfield Zoo (25 minutes)
• 15. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (3 hours)
• 16. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co (2 hours 50 minutes)
• 17. Day Trips from Chicago: Anderson Japanese Gardens (1 hour 40 minutes)
• 18. The Morton Arboretum (35 minutes)
• 19. Day Trips Near Me: Cantigny Park (40 minutes)
• 20. Day Trips Near Chicago: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (20 minutes)
• 21. Huron-Manistee National Forests (4 hours)
• 22. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (2 hours)
• 23. Day Trips Near Chicago: Oglesby (1 hour 40 minutes)
• 24. White River State Park (3 hours)
• 25. Peoria (2 hours 40 minutes)

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25 Weekend Getaways Near Chicago

Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling.

When you need a day trip from Chicago or a weekend getaway from the big city, you don't have to go far. These escapes—including Amish Country, Indiana; Galena, Illinois; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin—are within a one- to three-hour drive and offer a variety of activities that will recharge your life.

Indiana Dunes: 54 miles southeast of Chicago

This stretch of Lake Michigan coastline offers wide sandy beaches, towering dunes, great birding, easy bike trails and interesting history. Head to neighboring Chesterton for creative burgers at the Octave Grill and a pleasant night at Dunes Walk Inn, a restored 1881 mansion.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: 80 miles northwest of Chicago

This resort town of 7,600 has draws for summer and winter. Hotels, resorts and restaurants hug the lakeshore. Most visitors loll on the beach or cruise the lake during summer, but you can also experience the warmth of its winter in January and February during the annual Winterfest .

Michigan's southwest shore: 70 to 150 miles east of Chicago

Towns like New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Holland, Saugatuck and Grand Haven provide pristine beaches, great shopping, lakeside restaurants and front-row view of sunsets over Lake Michigan. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. How far you drive is up to you – each town has its own personality. Take a spin on the carousel at St. Joe, tour a working windmill in Holland or just stretch out on a beach - preferably with a view of a lighthouse.

Galena, Illinois: 163 miles west of Chicago

Shops and restaurants in century-old buildings have long attracted visitors to this town of 3,500. But take time to hike, cruise the river or ski the slopes, sip local wines, taste beer and ... do some shopping.

Mount Morris, Illinois: 100 miles northwest of Chicago

With its rolling terrain, state parks and preserves traversed by the mighty Rick and Mississippi rivers, plus biking and hiking trails crisscrossing the area, the Blackhawk Waterways region of northwest Illinois promises outdoor recreation bliss. The region also helped shape the childhood of our 40th president, whose boyhood home opens its doors to visitors.

Cedarburg, Wisconsin: 113 miles north of Chicago

A great weekend destination for both shoppers and history buffs, Cedarburg has a Main Street that's on the National Register of Historic Places and dozens of limestone buildings housing more than 70 boutiques, chocolate shops and restaurants. Explore the town's history at the General Store Museum and Kuhefuss House Museum, and admire handiwork at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts .

Bloomington-Normal, Illinois: 130 miles southwest of Chicago

For theater-lovers, summertime means outdoor Shakespeare. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. Want improv Shakespeare? Sing-along Shakespeare? Or just a performance of his classics? Starting in June, and running through mid-August, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington-Normal reveals its ode to the Bard. Other draws to the area: Bloomington's restored 1800s buildings house farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues. Inside the three-story courthouse, a museum highlights the area's historical treasures.

Madison, Wisconsin: 147 miles northwest of Chicago

This town embraces the quirky and classy in its arts, museums, shops, dining venues and outdoor activities. Even its farmers market is a Bohemian rhapsody of local produce, entertainment, art and political activism on the state capitol square. Wander the paths and trails at Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the University of Wisconsin Arboretum ; admire the art at Chazen Museum of Art or the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art ; take a leisurely cruise around Lake Mendota or Menona; and be sure to work up an appetite-Madison's 600-plus restaurants offer something for every taste.

Rockford, Illinois: 90 miles west of Chicago

Illinois' third-largest city spent years watching travelers whiz by on Interstate-90 on their way east to Chicago. Now, thanks to a revitalized downtown, an emerging foodie scene, new cultural attractions and beautiful public gardens, word is getting out: You'd be crazy not to stop. The tranquil Anderson Japanese Gardens is just one of the draws to the area.

Fox River Valley, Illinois: 60 miles west of Chicago

An hour west of Chicago's Loop, the Fox River provides a soothing backdrop to towns brimming with indulgent eats, stores housed in historical homes and posh places to stay. Three towns along the winding river offer restful diversions with a nod to history: Catch a household name playing at St. Charles' historical Arcada Theater, or just 3 miles south, explore Geneva's shopping district, where boutiques fill preserved storefronts. And just minutes from Oswego's charming Main Street-with brick-paved sidewalks-is a family-run winery.

Milwaukee: 93 miles north of Chicago

Art, music and food festivals fill the calendar, and the compact downtown has just as diverse offerings. Watch the Milwaukee Art Museum's striking Quadracci Pavilion open and close its "wings"; catch the Milwaukee Brewers in Miller Park ; tour the Pabst Mansion ; or take a simulated motorcycle ride at the Harley-Davidson Museum .

Amish Country, Indiana: 110 miles east of Chicago

In tiny Nappanee, an Amish man parks his buggy by a gas pump, a living metaphor for the way new and old coexist in northern Indiana. Some people come here for classic Amish Country : 31 kinds of pie at Das Dutchman Essenhaus , hand-sewn gifts and homemade jellies at Little Helpers Quilt Shop , treasure-hunting at the Shipshewana Flea Market . But towns like Goshen, Middlebury and Elkhart also are modern communities.

Champaign-Urbana: 140 miles south of Chicago

Great outdoors, grown-up eats and classic clubs make these two cultured cities especially appealing in the summer when University of Illinois students head home. Grab a cheesy bite of nostalgia at Papa Del's Pizza or enjoy more upscale fare at Miga ; take time to admire the works at Krannert Art Museum and Spurlock Museum ; go for a stroll at the University of Illinois arboretum or Allerton Park and Retreat Center .

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: 100 miles southwest of Chicago

Starved Rock State Park is a remarkable pocket of land along the Illinois River that includes 18 sandstone canyons, 14 waterfalls; abundant wildlife and birds; Belle of the Rock paddleboat excursions; and guided hikes, special events and interpretive programs. Spend the night in rooms or cabins (and enjoy a hearty meal) at Starved Rock Lodge , built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. If you're up for more exploration, also visit neighboring Matthiessen State Park , where 5 miles of trails carve into the mile-long canyon, passing rocks, waterfalls and beautiful, sometimes dizzying, vantage points.

Zion, Illinois: 50 miles north of Chicago

Zion is located in Lake County , which bridges the gap between Chicago's Cook County and the Wisconsin border with family attractions and nature trails. The area is home to Illinois Beach State Park , Volo Auto Museum and The Chocolate Sanctuary . For more fun, be sure to visit Six Flags Great America .

South Bend, Indiana: 95 miles east of Chicago

Though it's home to the Fighting Irish, it's not all football in South Bend. The St. Joseph River provides a great place for water sports and serves as a sparkling backdrop for a weekend of shopping and dining in the hometown of the University of Notre Dame.

Turkey Run Inn, Indiana: 150 miles south of Chicago

Sitting on a rocking chair on a veranda at Indiana's Turkey Run State Park inn feels surprisingly like taking refuge deep in the forest. The only sounds? Wind rustling through the trees. Owls hooting. Squirrels chattering. Brooks babbling. Maybe that's why quiet types flock here-bird-watchers, hikers and history buffs eager to explore Parke County and its covered bridges.

Grand Rapids, Michigan: 175 miles northeast of Chicago

Inspiration flows on both sides of the Grand River, particularly near downtown . Grand Rapids' ArtPrize extravaganza every other fall is part art walk, part city tour and and entirely vacation-worthy. But there's plenty to see at other times of the year, too, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park , Frank Lloyd Wright's Meyer May House and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum .

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin: 150 miles north of Chicago

Sun, sand and...race cars? Most people come here for quiet weekends of swimming, sunning, boating and water-skiing in the crystal-clear lake , but the legendary Road America course is popular with amateur racers and their fans. Nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest also offers outdoor rec of another type with trails for biking, hiking and running. Round out the weekend with a stay in one of the area resorts such as the Osthoff.

Lake Mills, Wisconsin: 125 miles northwest of Chicago

Famous for The Ephraim Pottery Studio and Gallery , a getaway to Lake Mills also offers plenty of outdoor recreation on Rock Lake, the Zeloski Marsh and the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail, as well as a cozy Arts and Crafts style B&B. Snack on crackers and sip wine at Lewis Station Winery, and don't miss the old-fashioned James J. Chocolate Shop.

Glencoe, Illinois: 15 miles north of Chicago

Glencoe is one of the few cities bordering Chicago along Lake Michigan. The communities of the North Shore seem farther from the bustle of downtown, thanks to abundant green spaces, including the Chicago Botanic Garden . Make sure to visit to Grosse Point Lighthouse during sunset in Evanston and take a walk along the Green Bay Trail between Winnetka and Highland Park.

Apple River Canyon State Park, Illinois: 146 miles west of Chicago

Every day, hundreds of drivers speed past the turnoff on US-20 for Apple River Canyon State Park , bound for getaways in Galena. Those travelers admire the view from the car, not realizing that if they wanted a peek at one of the area's few remaining secrets, they should turn north on Canyon Park Road west of Stockton and drive for just 7 miles. The 297-acre Apple River Canyon State Park offers quiet amid the woods along Apple River. Hike the bluffs. Look for fossils. Listen for wildlife. Fish the river—and let the others head to Galena.

Beloit, Wisconsin: 96 miles northwest of Chicago

This area is famous for its supper clubs that serve nostalgia and hearty portions. It all goes down easily with an old-fashioned drink.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie: 60 miles southwest of Chicago

Experience landscape that once rolled across the Midwest like an ocean at this restored prairie. Spot birds, hear frogs, hike and bike, see wildflowers and unwind among the 19,000 acres at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Woodstock, Illinois: 60 miles northwest of Chicago

It's just a train ride from Chicago, but Woodstock feels anything but suburban. The historic town square (famously featured in Groundhog Day ) is adorable, with great home decor shops and a cozy bookstore. Come for the summer activities or the annual Groundhog Day Festival in early February.

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• Destinations

10 Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago

Waterfalls, wildlife, and lots of small-town charm await.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

With fascinating architecture, great museums, and plenty of delicious local eateries (deep dish pizza, anyone?), Chicago has a lot to offer tourists and residents alike. That said, we could all use some respite from the urban hustle and bustle every so often. We've rounded up the best destinations within easy reach of the Windy City, from lakeside escapes to state and national parks. Whether you're looking for beautiful landscapes or small-town charm, these quick trips are sure to please every type of traveler. Here are our top 10 weekend getaways from Chicago.

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Wander among towering trees to find waterfalls and wildlife at Starved Rock State Park , located on the Illinois River about an hour and a half from Chicago. It's the perfect choice when you want to trade skyscrapers for the great outdoors. In the spring, heavy rains make the waterfalls especially active, and in the fall, the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellow. Stay within the state park at the Starved Rock Lodge , or opt to spend the night in nearby Ottawa, a charming little town with eclectic restaurants, independent shops, and more.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Just a three-hour drive from Chicago, "Indy," as the locals know it, offers plenty to do. Kids will love The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo , while sports fans will want to check out the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway . The hip Broad Ripple neighborhood has nightlife, dining, shopping, and more, and the Massachusetts Avenue Arts District offers theaters, galleries, and independent boutiques. History lovers can book a stay in one of the 1920s Pullman train car rooms at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown-Union Station .

Saugatuck, Michigan

Summer is the perfect time to visit this lakeside town, located just under two and a half hours from Chicago. Lounge on the sandy shores of Oval Beach or Saugatuck Dunes State Park , rent a boat and explore Lake Michigan, browse the art galleries, or check out the local breweries. After a day enjoying some of Lake Michigan's most pristine beaches , rest your head at one of the adorable inns or bed-and-breakfasts in town.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

For another nearby waterfront escape, head an hour and a half from Chicago to beautiful Lake Geneva . During the summer, you can get out on the lake, sunbathe on its beaches, or go zip lining, among other outdoor activities. During the winter, check out the Ice Castles , an awe-inspiring display of illuminated, human-made icicles that you can walk through.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

An hour and a half north of Chicago on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is teeming with great museums and even better beer. Pabst Brewing Company and Miller Brewing Company call this city home. Today, you can toast to the city's beer heritage by trying these classics or visiting one of the many local craft breweries. The Milwaukee Public Museum is a must-visit — it has fossils, a European village, a full-size display recreating the streets of Milwaukee in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a butterfly garden, and more. Other sites worth visiting include the Milwaukee Art Museum , the Harley-Davidson Museum , and the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, also known as The Domes .

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

Just under an hour's drive from the city, Indiana Dunes National Park is perfect for a quick getaway. You can even make it a day trip if you're short on time (it's accessible from the South Shore Line, so you don't even have to drive). This national park covers 15 miles of Lake Michigan's shoreline, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend away from Chicago. Go for a hike along the dunes, fly a kite on the beach, enjoy horseback riding, or check out the historic 1933 World's Fair Century of Progress Homes .

Madison, Wisconsin

Wisconsin's capital city is just over two and a half hours from Chicago, and it offers something for every type of traveler. Food lovers will want to visit the National Mustard Museum and try fresh ice cream at the Sassy Cow Creamery , located 20 miles from Madison. Meanwhile, outdoorsy types will love kayaking or taking a cruise around the lake during the summer, or snowshoeing in the winter. Families can check out the Madison Children's Museum and the Children's Theater of Madison for kid-friendly entertainment.

Holland, Michigan

Holland is a unique destination about two and a half hours from Chicago. The city's Dutch heritage is evident in its famous attractions like the Windmill Island Gardens , De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delftware Factory , and Nelis' Dutch Village . The yearly Tulip Time Festival is another great reason to head to this quaint Michigan town — millions of tulips are planted across Holland, so visit in spring to see the beautiful flowers in bloom.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

For a family-friendly getaway, opt for a weekend trip to Wisconsin Dells, a three-hour drive from Chicago. This area, known as the "water park capital of the world," is packed with attractions kids will love. One of them, Noah's Ark Water Park , is the largest water park in the United States. For the ultimate relaxation, take a scenic boat ride through the Dells or visit one of the local wineries or breweries.

Geneva, Illinois

Just an hour outside of Chicago, you'll find Geneva, an ideal destination if you're looking for a small-town getaway. Wander the quaint downtown, check out the murals and outdoor sculptures, and browse independent shops selling antiques, jewelry, chocolate, ice cream, and more. The Fabyan Forest Preserve , with its mid-19th-century windmill, is just a few minutes' drive away.

Places to visit about 2 hours from Chicago

Menomonee Falls

Lakefront Brewery

Holland (Michigan)

Fenn Valley Vineyards

American Spoon

Coral Gables

Phil's Bar & Grille

Kilwin's Chocolates

Starlite Resort

What-Not-Inn

Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze

Middlebury (Indiana)

Cities 2 hours from Chicago

2 hours :   South Haven, MI

2 hours :   Cedarburg, WI

1 hr 59 min :   Sterling, IL

1 hr 59 min :   Milton, WI

1 hr 59 min :   Dousman, WI

1 hr 59 min :   Edgerton, WI

1 hr 59 min :   Wakarusa, IN

1 hr 59 min :   Grafton, WI

1 hr 58 min :   Elkhart, IN

1 hr 58 min :   Whitewater, WI

1 hr 58 min :   Princeton, IL

1 hr 57 min :   Mequon, WI

1 hr 56 min :   Pewaukee, WI

1 hr 56 min :   Fowler, IN

1 hr 56 min :   Waukesha, WI

These are approximate driving times in a radius from Chicago, Illinois. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius like 1½ hours . If you're willing to drive farther, try 2½ hours .

Not sure where to go? Take a day trip from Chicago , or if you have more time you can explore weekend trips from Chicago , but make sure you also check road conditions around Chicago . Looking for small towns or communities around Chicago, Illinois? Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Chicago .

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RV campgrounds 2 hours from Chicago

Menomonie Park

Ely Lake Campground and Equestrian Park

Goff Lake Campground

Rogers Resort

Camelot Campground

RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum

Pine View Campground

Grand Detour Island Retreat

Hansens Hide Away Ranch and Family Campground

Lake LaDonna Family Campground

Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve

Pecatonica River Forest Preserve

Sugar Shores RV Resort

Sugar River Forest Preserve

Bark River Campground and Resort

State parks 2 hours from Chicago

Holland State Park

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Matthiessen State Park

Lake Depue State Fish and Wildlife Area

Donnelley Wildlife Area

Franklin Creek State Natural Area

White Pines Forest State Park

Lowden State Park

Kettle Moraine State Forest

More cities around 2 hours away by plane

Here are more cities based on a flight circle radius of 2 hours. These cities are much further than the ones above since now we're looking at a 2 hour flight.

2 hr 1 min :   Ronkonkoma, NY

2 hours :   Seymour, CT

2 hours :   Ansonia, CT

1 hr 59 min :   North Adams, MA

2 hours :   Derby, CT

2 hours :   Shelton, CT

2 hr 1 min :   Stony Brook, NY

2 hr 2 min :   Lawton, OK

2 hr 1 min :   Nesconset, NY

2 hr 1 min :   Saint James, NY

2 hr 1 min :   East Islip, NY

2 hours :   Stratford, CT

2 hours :   Oxford, CT

2 hours :   Watertown, CT

2 hours :   Torrington, CT

Cities at a radius of

Travel time from Chicago, IL

2 hours south of Chicago cities within 1 hour of Chicago 1½ hours from Chicago places within 2 hours of me in Chicago explore 2½ hours from Chicago 3 hr radius map from Chicago 3½ hr drive from Chicago places within 4 hours of me in Chicago within 4½ hours of me in Chicago 5 hour drive from me in Chicago 5½ hour drive from Chicago within 6 hours of Chicago 7 hour drive from Chicago driving 8 hours from Chicago 9 hours from Chicago

Distance from Chicago, IL

cities within 10 miles of me in Chicago within 20 miles of me in Chicago 30 mile radius of Chicago 40 mile drive from Chicago located 50 miles from Chicago 100 mile radius from Chicago within 150 miles of Chicago 200 mile road trip from Chicago distance of 250 miles from Chicago driving 300 miles from Chicago 350 mile trip starting from Chicago 400 mile drive from Chicago drive for 450 miles from Chicago 500 miles from Chicago day trips from Chicago

Chicago, Illinois is located at latitude/longitude coordinates 41° 52' 41" N  /  87° 37' 45" W

10 Easy Weekend Getaways from Chicago—No Flights Required

Escape chicago for a few days with one of these 10, drivable weekend getaways and short road trips starting in chicago..

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Door County, Wisconsin, is one of the many easy-to-reach day trip destinations from Chicago.

Photo by Bailey Berg

Despite cries about that winter weather, Chicago is inarguably blessed with a little something we like to call location, location, location : With prime real estate on Lake Michigan, the Midwest city is about as far by car from Minneapolis (six hours) as it is Toronto (eight hours) and Nashville (seven hours). In this sense, it’s an ideal jumping-off point for a drivable trip. There are several weekend getaways from Chicago, whether you want to put some serious miles on your car or be somewhere new by the time your kids are done watching Cars. Read on for ten easy weekend getaway ideas from Chicago.

What cities are under three hours from Chicago by car?

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1 hour, 30 minutes)
• Madison, Wisconsin (2 hours, 25 minutes)
• Grand Rapids, Michigan (2 hours, 47 minutes)
• Peoria, Illinois (2 hours, 41 minutes)
• South Bend, Indiana (1 hour, 39 minutes)
• Indianapolis, Indiana (2 hours, 56 minutes)

The Dane County Farmers’ Market in Madison is one of the largest in the U.S.

Photo by MarynaG/Shutterstock

Geneva, Illinois

• Distance: An hour by car
• Best for: Singular art and great shopping

OK, OK. Geneva is technically a suburb of Chicago, but it feels worlds away, thanks to its small-town charm. Drop your bags at the boutique Herrington Inn & Spa , located on the Fox River, and set out to explore the city’s walkable downtown on foot. Public art abounds here, as do independent shops and restaurants (all told, there are more than 150 of them in the historic district).

Michigan City is a breath of fresh air not far away.

Photo by Andy Konieczny / Shutterstock

Michigan City, Indiana

• Distance: An hour and a quarter by car
• Best for: Hiking (and swimming for the brave)

On a clear day from Michigan City, you can see Chicago’s skyline across the water. Enjoy towering sand dunes, the cool waters of Lake Michigan, and nearly 50 miles of trails at Indiana Dunes National Park ; in Michigan City proper, attractions include the 19th-century Barker Mansion —listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and family-friendly Washington Park Zoo .

A lighthouse in New Buffalo, Michigan

Photo by Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock

Harbor Country, Michigan

• Best for: A beach and wine combo trip

Comprising the eight towns of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, and Sawyer, Harbor Country is a favored weekend escape from the Windy City, thanks to its beach and country offerings. There are also a number of world-class wineries and breweries in the area, including the popular Lehman’s Farmhouse and Dablon Vineyards and Winery , in nearby Baroda.

Milwaukee is home to one of the largest German populations in the U.S.

Photo by Jayne Lipkovich / Shutterstock

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Distance: An hour and a half by car
• Best for: Brats and brews

Milwaukee has a rich German heritage, which means the city is full of places to get a good beer and brat (and more beer, if that’s your thing). Both Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller are based here, but don’t sleep on the smaller guys, including Milwaukee Brewing and Lakefront .

Mary stands atop the Golden Dome of the University of Notre Dame Main Administration Building.

Photo by Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

South Bend, Indiana

• Distance: An hour and forty minutes by car
• Best for: Whitewater rafting

There’s more to South Bend than Fighting Irish football, though we absolutely cosign the idea of a walk around Notre Dame’s scenic campus. Hit the rapids on East Race Waterway , North America’s first artificial white-water course, which cuts through the city, or visit the historic Robinson’s department store to throw your own pottery at the Pigeon and the Hen . Play arcade games—for free!—at the Garage Arcade and Bar , which has all the classics, Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man included.

The Fredrick Meijer Gardens spans 158 acres and features a host of outdoor art exhibits.

Photo by SNEHIT PHOTO / Shutterstock

Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Distance: Around three hours by car
• Best for: Beer, of course, but also outdoor sculptures

Voted “Beer City USA” in several national polls, Grand Rapids is known for its suds: Check out the Beer City Ale Trail , a map showcasing all of the options in the city. For food, we’re partial to strolling Downtown Market , which counts more than 20 vendors in the hall south of Heartside Park (a perfect picnic location, if you ask us). For an outdoor experience that requires a bit more activity, head to the 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park : here, you’ll find art by Auguste Rodin as well as a hall dedicated solely to carnivorous plants.

A dinosaur breaks out of the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis.

Photo by James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

Indianapolis, Indiana

• Distance: Three hours by car
• Best for: Museums, both traditional and quirky

Indianapolis is an incredible museum city. Although two of its most popular attractions are the Children’s Museum and the sprawling indoor-outdoor Indianapolis Museum of Art , don’t miss some of the city’s quirkier options: the Indiana Medical History Museum (not for the faint of heart) and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library . Visit Indy’s famed City Market to sample more than 25 locally owned eateries; when you’ve had your fill, descend underground on a public catacombs tour, which takes place on the select Saturdays, May through October, between 10 a.m. and 3.15 p.m. (Private tours can be booked with Indiana Landmarks .)

Ann Arbor is known for its university, but a host of delights awaits all visitors.

Photo by Dark Vader / Shutterstock

Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Distance: Around three hours and 45 minutes by car
• Best for: Adventures on the river

Activities for all seasons abound in Ann Arbor, best known as the home of the University of Michigan. Tube, kayak, SUP, or canoe down the peaceful stretch of the Huron River—accessed from the 69-acre Gallup Park—or stroll U of M’s famed Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum . Be sure to make time for the city’s Kerrytown Market and Shops , a picturesque neighborhood full of independent boutiques and restaurants. ( Zingerman’s Deli , one of the best spots in Ann Arbor for a sandwich, is here.)

An aerial view of Door County, Wisconsin

Photo by Matt Sampson Photography/Shutterstock

Door County, Wisconsin

• Distance: Four and a half hours by car
• Best for: Exploring rugged coastline

A 70-mile-long peninsula, Door County is often called the “ Cape Cod of the Midwest” —and rightfully so. Just 50 miles northeast of Green Bay, Door County has stunning coves, cherry orchards, harbors, lighthouses, wineries, and some 300 miles of coastline. Newport State Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve , and the 900-acre Rock Island State Park has no cars; for a dose of small-town charm, stop by Ephraim, a Scandinavian-style village .

Traverse City might be a bit further away, but it’s worth the drive—especially in the fall.

Photo by Gary R Ennis Photos / Shutterstock

Traverse City, Michigan

• Distance: Five hours by car
• Best for: Exploring shops and galleries in a justifiably popular small town

No wonder Traverse City was named one of the sweetest small towns to visit in summer : a lakeshore beauty with art deco architecture, the city is beloved by many Chicagoans (including Oprah herself). One of Traverse City proper’s most popular attractions is the Village at Grand Traverse Commons: a hospital complex from the 19th century, the historic venue has since been reborn into a mixed-use space, with shops, restaurants, footpaths, and art galleries. Northwest of Traverse City is Leelanau Peninsula, which is home to the striking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore .

Where can I go by train from Chicago?

No car? No problem. You can get virtually anywhere from Chicago by train: Memphis is 10 hours by rail; Seattle is 46. But for a weekend getaway, we’re partial to these picks:

• Indiana Dunes National Park (the South Shore Line from Chicago’s Millennium Station stops at four stations in the park )
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (about 90 minutes by Amtrak from Chicago’s Union Station)
• Kalamazoo, Michigan (about two hours by Amtrak from Chicago’s Union Station)
• Grand Rapids, Michigan (about four hours by Amtrak from Chicago’s Union Station)

Of course, there’s plenty to do in Chicago itself before you head off; it was ranked number 2 in the best cities in the U.S. for 2023 , after all, thanks to its top restaurants , world-class museums, and abundant hotel options. On the other hand, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could always take the ultimate epic road trip: 2,448 miles all the way to Santa Monica , California.

Happy weekending.

This article originally appeared online in 2020; it was most recently updated on August 31, 2023, to include current information.

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19 Awesome Road Trips from Chicago (with Timings)

Keeping your introduction to road trips from Chicago short and simple, let’s take a look at the summer, winter and weekend favourites!

The city of Chicago is awesome and all, but it’s also a great starting point for some great Chicago road trips. The city’s prime location acts as a portal to the Midwest – from historical cities to sprawling state parks and urban-stress-relieving beer. 

Best Chicago Road Trips in Summer

If you’re looking for one of the longest Chicago road trips, how about driving from Chicago to New Orleans ? If you’re thinking a little shorter, then read on…

Do you need a rental car for your road trip? Check out the award-winning comparison site Discover Cars for the BEST DEALS the world over. Book early for the best price!

Distance: as far as you can go

No American road trip is complete without covering some part of classic Road 66 – of which, lucky for us, kicks off in Chicago!

Snap a selfie at the official sign between East Adams and South Michigan Avenue then check-off stops such as the Gemini Giant, the Pontiac murals, Lincoln Presidential Library and more. If you can spare a month, make it all the way down to the Pacific Ocean.

2. Illinois’ Great River Road

Distance: 3.5-hour drive

In a seemingly never-ending chain of historical sites and activities, the drive along Mississippi River to East Dubuque is one of the best road trips from Chicago.

Moline and Rock Island are two cool detours but you can head straight for East Dubuque for its Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum. John Deere Pavilion lets you hop from car to farm machines, while the city Nauvoo shows off many historic homes. 

3. Lake Michigan to South Haven

Distance: 2.5-hour drive

Escape the heat by packing your car with beach gear and setting off for a nice drive around Lake Michigan and towards South Haven.

There are plenty of berry farms along the way so you can stain your hands with blueberries; or maybe you prefer to climb up a lighthouse?

To take your road trip even further, bring a bike! Cruise along the water front; take a dip or two. 

Do you have a favourite road trip quote? Click for the best long drive quotes to inspir e your next adventure!

4. Shawnee National Forest

Distance: 6-hour drive

One of the longest Chicago road trips on the list, it’s more than worth it to visit Shawnee National Forest. In fact, plan to camp amidst the spectacular range of landscapes for one of the best driving trips from Chicago!

Local favourites include the Garden of the Gods – you’ll find super special rock formations like Anvil Rock. Little Grand Canyon and Bell Smith Springs feature moderate hikes; Inspiration Point offers panoramic views over the prairie, Mississippi River and the forest.

Not convinced? Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a brilliant drive that links up vineyards and wineries in the area – a great stop on a road trip from Chicago.

How about driving from Chicago to Atlanta? Here’s my guide to the best stops on a Chicago to Atlanta road trip , just for you.

Best Chicago road trips in Winter

If you want the best road trips from Chicago when it’s colder and darker, then these are the best ones for you.

5. Grand Rapids

Distance: 3-hour drive

After just long enough of a drive, pull into Grand Rapids for a nice sweep of activities. The Beer City Ale Trail will keep you road-tripping on foot (or car, if you have a Designated Driver); or wander through Downtown Market for food adventures instead.

Warmed by booze, drop by the 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park where their installations are bright pops of colour against an all-white backdrop. 

6. Muskegon

Speaking of unusual winter activities, I’ve heard so much about Muskegon Winter Sports Complex. Just an hour from Grand Rapids, it’s a great next stop on your Chicago road trip.

Their Olympian-designed ice-luge course is perfect for beginners, spanning 850 feet of forested speed racing. Muskegon is also home to USS Silversides Submarine Museum if you’re into marine vehicles, and there’s a great pier and lighthouse too.

7. Indianapolis

When temperatures are cold, cold, cold – you might opt for staying indoors. The city of Indianapolis is one of the best road trips from Chicago during winter because of its incredible indoor entertainment: museums.

From the Indianapolis Museum of Art to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum to quirky Indiana Medical History Museum, you can escape the cold all day!

Of course, drop by famous City Market for great eats and then maybe go on a catacombs tour underground too. This makes for one of the best road trips from Chicago.

8. Boyne Mountain Resort

Distance: 5-hour drive

Michigan winters are best captured with the ski resort of Boyne. Drive past snowy landscapes to reach 850 acres of skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and photography escapades.

While the forested grounds offer romantic snow-covered views, don’t miss out on the epic zip lines that take you through the trees and slopes. 

If you like your road trips from Chicago with a bit of snow and ski thrown in, then this is a great option for you.

Your ESTA for the USA

Before you go to the USA make sure you have your ESTA organised. You can find help with this on this link: https://www.application-esta.co.uk/ESTA-guide . It doesn’t take long and organising it beforehand will make things go that bit smoother at the airport.

9. Apostle Islands

Distance: 7-hour drive

Does driving over ice count as going off-road?

It’s an unforgettable journey to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as winter ice freezes thickly to transform water into road, ending with stunning ice caves!

Make sure to visit the only inhabited Madeline Island as well for a cool wind sled experience and hot tub stay. 

Day Road Trips from Chicago

10. lake geneva.

Distance: 1.5-hour drive

Chicago’s number one when it comes to day trips, Lake Geneva is one of the best lake town’s in the US.

Downtown boasts all the food and drinks you need for the inevitable food baby; you might even land a booze cruise.

Hot air balloon rides, Lake Shore Path, ziplines and even ski slopes make it a year-round place to visit. It’s a multi-visit destination for sure!

11. Harbor Country

Distance: 1-hour drive

Wind between the towns of Michiana, Grand Beach, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Lakeside, Union Pier, Harbert and Sawyer. This Chicago road trip will have you hopping between wineries and breweries, not to mention the beach.

It’s so close to the city, but the sand dunes and soft grasses make it a wholly different world. 

12. Starved Rock State Park

Distance: 2-hour drive

Families and romantics will love Starved Rock State Park for reasons that include: 13 miles of hiking, 18 canyons, free entry and nature-surround lodge.

It’s a great location to unplug for a day as you hunt down natural rock pools, waterfalls and incredible moss-strewn glades. You can even visit in the winter for cross-country skiing and cuddles in front of expansive mountain views. 

13. Saugatuck 

Making up Lake Michigan’s “art coast of Michigan”, Saugatuck and its neighbours (Fennville and Douglas) are house dozens of art galleries!

Unique and LGBTQ+-friendly shops feature alongside artsy hubs to make it a super welcoming town. Of course, famous Oval Beach appeals with soft dunes and paddleboat rides too. From craft booze tours to fruit picking and corn mazes, it’s one of Chicago’s best road trips.

14. Elkhart Lake

I won’t spoil it for you but this 292-acre lake and nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest is truly a place to unwind from the crowds.

You can hike the epic Ice Age National Scenic Trail or bike down Old Plank Road Trail. Pumpkin patches, race-tracking and fishing are all inclusive!

Want a charming hideaway? This is it.

Road Trips 4 hours from Chicago

Want your road trips from Chicago for a special weekend? Then these Chicago road trips are only 4 hours away.

15. Ann Arbor

If you’re looking for an all-season destination, Ann Arbor is the perfect road trip from Chicago.

Huron River entertains with kayaking, paddle-boarding, tubing and swimming; Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum displaying beautiful foliage. Definitely spare some time for Kerrytown Market and Shops for all their indie offerings! 

16. Door Country

Also called ‘Cape Cod of the Midwest’, Door Country is a 70-miles-long basket of fun!

You’ll never get tired of exploring its orchards, coves, lighthouses and wineries. Away from the light pollution, Newport State Park offers stunning starlit skies while Ephraim is all the small-town charm you need. Just imagine – 300 miles of coastline.

You can reach Galena under 4 hours but I recommend taking your time. Pull up through scenic rolling hills to go back in time because the Galena Historic District is made up of cobblestone streets and over 1,000 buildings from the 19 th century.

For those non-history buffs, Chestnut Mountain opens as a ski resort in the winter; Stagecoach Trail and Apple River Canyon State Park are open year-round. 

18. Richland County

To really escape from people, Richland County is a rural road trip destination where you can bunk for the night. But away from the isolated and lush property of Candlewood Cabins are fields and hills that keep you outdoors all day.

The Ridge Road and Pine River Recreation Trail fulfils all your adventurous needs – where else would you find wildlife while biking over abandoned railroads?

You also have three rivers and five state parks within an hour’s distance, and the lovely 100-mile Lower Wisconsin River Scenic Byway for more driving way. 

19. Huron-Manistee National Forest

Michigan really surprises us again and again!

Along the peninsula is the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forest, one of the best road trips from Chicago if you are a nature enthusiast. A single paved road takes you through dense forest (beautiful in the fall) to parking areas so you can hike your way through the serene space or canoe on the rivers. 

Road trips from Chicago

Of course there are loads of great things to do in Chicago but visiting Chicago really opens up a world of opportunities when it comes to road trips.

Whether you’re taking the car out for an hour-long spin or you’re willing to buckle down for a few hours, you won’t be disappointed by the scenery along your journey or the fantastic destinations ahead. 

Related Posts:

• 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget
• 57 Coolest Things to Do in Chicago for 2023
• Planning a Road Trip in the USA: 13 Best Routes!
• Christmas Things to Do in Chicago in Winter: 21+…
• 11 Unique Stops on the Drive from Chicago to Atlanta
• 14 Awesome Stops on a Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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24 Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago

From beaches to ballparks and trails to rails, explore top breaks from the Windy City.

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Hike along Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on your next weekend getaway from Chicago.

Known as the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is home to award-winning restaurants , top sports teams and prized cultural treasures. But when you need a break from the excitement of the nation's third largest city, there are countless getaways within easy driving distance. You can explore rural Illinois or enjoy neighboring Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa or Michigan all within a weekend. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway to a small-town bed-and-breakfast or a family-friendly trip to a water park resort, these nearby Midwest destinations will relieve the stress of big city life.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago:

About two hours or less:, fox river valley, illinois, harbor country, michigan, st. joseph, michigan, milwaukee, wisconsin, south haven, michigan, starved rock state park, illinois, gurnee, illinois, wilmot mountain, wisconsin, lake geneva, wisconsin, grand geneva resort & spa, wisconsin, about three hours or less:, turkey run state park, indiana, the american club resort hotel, kohler, wisconsin, whistling straits golf course, sheboygan, wisconsin, saugatuck, michigan, wisconsin dells, wisconsin, about four hours or less:, parke county, indiana, galena, illinois, dubuque, iowa, and the field of dreams, ann arbor, michigan, madison, wisconsin, about five hours or less:, traverse city, michigan, louisville, kentucky, st. louis, missouri, a quick flight:, minneapolis – st. paul, minnesota.

Located along the picturesque Fox River on the western outskirts of Chicago lie the small towns that make up Illinois' Fox River Valley. Stretching from the village of Antioch in the north to Ottawa – the gateway to Starved Rock State Park – in the south, this area is an ideal daytrip from the Windy City. Go biking, hiking and cross-country skiing along the 32-mile Fox River Trail or rent a kayak for paddling on the Fox River. In addition to outdoor pursuits, unique cultural attractions abound, including Broadway productions and musical events in Aurora's historic and beautifully restored Paramount Theatre. Visitors rave about its exquisite decor and top-notch performances, applauding the Paramount for offering Broadway-caliber performances at Main Street prices. If you choose to overnight in the Fox River Valley, the Herrington Inn & Spa , which overlooks the Fox River in the small town of Geneva, would make for a romantic getaway.

New York has the Hamptons; Boston has Cape Cod . The summer playground for Chicagoans consists of eight glistening lakeshore towns dotting the coastline of southwest Michigan, collectively known as Harbor Country. Here you'll find beaches, orchards and plenty of outdoor activities. At the southern end of Harbor Country, just over the Michigan-Indiana state line and about 70 miles from Chicago's downtown loop, New Buffalo lures Chicagoans with its casual beach vibe and proximity. Families line up for burgers at The Stray Dog, but only adults can head up to the rooftop bar and patio. Patrons praise The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach for its modern design combined with cozy common areas, fire pits, ping pong tables and board games; they also appreciate the short walk to the beach and the heated pool.

[Read: The Top Things to Do in Michigan .]

Families will want to make the scenic 25-mile drive from New Buffalo north through the Harbor Country towns of Union Pier and Lakeside, past grand lakefront estates and bucolic farms, to St. Joseph, commonly called St. Joe's. The family-friendly Silver Beach Pizza is housed in St. Joe's former train depot, with diners saying it's well worth what can be a half hour wait for the amazing pizza. Across the street is the restored 1910 Silver Beach Carousel, a great option for passing the time while waiting for your table if you've got kids along. St. Joe's offers visitors the chance to step back in time with a beach, pedestrian-friendly downtown, boutiques and old-fashioned chocolate shops. One of St. Joe's more unique shops is Third Coast Surf, where you can rent a surfboard and sign up for surfing or sandboarding lessons. Not expecting a surf shop in the Midwest? Visitors are often surprised when they first see Lake Michigan, known to Midwesterners as the Third Coast: It resembles an ocean more than a lake.

Located about 80 miles north of Chicago on Lake Michigan is the Brew City of Milwaukee , which boasts more than 200 breweries, museums, festivals and the Harley-Davidson Museum . As this city is home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, no trip is complete without getting a taste for Milwaukee's beer heritage. Visitors give Lakefront Brewery tours high marks for entertaining guides, extensive selection, riverfront views and its popular Beer Hall restaurant with live music on Fridays. Families will enjoy the lakefront museum campus, which includes the Discovery World science museum and Betty Brinn Children's Museum, while culture lovers can visit the architecturally stunning Milwaukee Art Museum when the building's "wings" open and close several times a day. Motorcycle enthusiasts will be in hog heaven at the modern steel-and-glass Harley Davidson Museum, which celebrates the machine invented in Milwaukee that's come to symbolize the freedom of America and the open road.

Winters are harsh, so summer is one endless celebration, with a multitude of neighborhood festivals, outdoor concerts and ethnic celebrations – check out German Fest at the end of July, honoring the city's largest immigrant group. Summer excitement reaches a crescendo at the end of June with Summerfest, the world's largest music festival. After a day of sightseeing or revelry, a top lodging choice is Milwaukee's stately grand dame, the historic Pfister Hotel , offering Gilded Age elegance alongside 21st-century amenities like a pool with panoramic city views and a popular top-floor cocktail bar.

[See more of Milwaukee:  Things to Do  | Hotels  |  Photos ]

South Haven is a fun-loving beach town with a population that swells in the summer – especially in August for the National Blueberry Festival, since this Michigan destination claims to be the blueberry capital of the U.S. About 110 miles from Chicago, you'll hear a lot of Jimmy Buffett playing in the bars and restaurants of this laid-back boating town where the harbors take center stage. Kick off your visit by learning about the area's rich Great Lakes boating history at the Michigan Maritime Museum.

Along with its seven public beaches – some of the best beaches in Michigan – and iconic red lighthouse, South Haven also has a pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants. Climb aboard the stationary Idler Riverboat, where casual dining combines with world-class waterfront views. Clementine's is another local favorite, as is Captain Lou's, which serves fresh perch and live music on the weekends. For a romantic getaway, consider Inn at the Park, a bed-and-breakfast one block from Lake Michigan: Guests praise the beautiful decor and sumptuous breakfasts, using locally grown blueberries. Travelers also love Yelton Manor Boutique Hotel for its manicured gardens, spectacular sunset views of Lake Michigan and proximity to town.

Looking for an active adventure? Only about 100 miles southwest of Chicago, this wilderness known for its deep sandstone canyons and waterfalls is perfect for daytrips – though with 18 canyons to hike, there's plenty to keep you busy for a whole weekend. Walking along bluffs that lead to scenic lookouts over the Illinois River makes visitors feel immediately transported out of the flat Midwest heartland. Starved Rock State Park can be a weekend escape any time of year, but spectacular fall foliage makes it a favorite getaway for autumn in particular.

Starved Rock State Park has its own historic lodge with top-notch cabins , but kids may prefer going across the street to the family-friendly Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort, with its massive water park, mini-golf, indoor arcade and Northwoods decor. Camp Aramoni is a great choice for a romantic getaway, with luxury glamping in safari tents outfitted with hardwood floors, air conditioning and heating, and full bathrooms with showers. Nightly stays include chef-prepared farm-to-table dinner and breakfast using produce grown in on-site gardens that guests are welcome to visit. End your day at Camp Aramoni's repurposed Airstream trailer that's been turned into a bar.

Looking for high-adrenaline family fun? About 35 miles north of Chicago, just south of the Wisconsin border, lies the village of Gurnee, home to the Six Flags Great America amusement park . Thrill-seekers will love the 17 heart-stopping roller coasters, but dozens of other rides mean you'll also find plenty for younger kids. Reluctant riders who want to steer away from high-speed coasters and intense drop rides can also enjoy the park's shows and other entertainment. On a hot day, plunge down steep waterslides or splash around the wave pool at Six Flags' 20-acre Hurricane Harbor water park. When it gets cold, a favorite local pastime is a stroll around Gurnee Mills, an outlet mall housing more than 170 stores.

Continue your Gurnee adventure with a stay at the Northwoods-themed Great Wolf Lodge, the most family-friendly hotel option in this destination. Guests say this water park resort makes even adults feel like kids again and rave about the endless family-friendly amenities, which include bowling, mini-golf, a ropes course and arcade – and, of course, the massive water park.

Since 1938 Wilmot Mountain has drawn visitors seeking wintertime leisure in the Midwest. About 25 miles northwest of Gurnee, just over Wisconsin's state line, Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort makes for a great cold-weather attraction when Six Flags is closed. The big-name Vail Resorts purchased Wisconsin's little ski hill in 2016 and rolled out plenty of upgrades, from improving terrain parks and snowmaking to adding chairlifts and elevating the dining experience. Enjoy winter sports over a variety of terrain at this alpine destination, whether you're looking to ski, snowboard or snow tube. There's no on-site lodging, but Gurnee's Great Wolf Lodge is still a relatively short drive away.

[Read: The Top Things to Do in Wisconsin .]

This Wisconsin resort city makes for an idyllic weekend or daytrip. About 70 miles northwest of Chicago, Lake Geneva is described as the " Newport of the Midwest" because of its opulent lakefront mansions. You can come surprisingly close to these impressive residences by ambling along the Geneva Lakeshore Path, a rustic 25-mile walkway that encircles the lake, cutting right through the backyards of magnificent mansions and second homes. Amazingly, there aren't any "No Trespassing" signs to scare away walkers; just beware the path is not intended for strollers, roller blades or bikes, since you'll have to maneuver past steps and other obstructions. When you've finished your stroll, a lakefront cruise is another fun way to enjoy this city. Visitors give Lake Geneva Cruise Line excellent reviews for being informative and entertaining. A variety of daily cruises are offered, but one of the most unique is the mail delivery cruise. As Lake Geneva is one of the few remaining places in the U.S. where mail is still delivered by boat, about 75 lakefront homes receive their U.S. mail service via boat – and passengers are invited to come along for the ride.

Consider a stay at the Abbey Resort, the only full-service resort directly on the shores of Lake Geneva, during a summer visit. This lodging option offers complimentary adult and kids bikes, ideal for use on the Lake Geneva Bike Path, which connects many of the resort town's amenities. The trail has five unique, color-coded segments, making it easy to find your way around. Things quiet down a bit in the fall, when the vibrant autumn colors set a serene scene.

[Read: The Best Midwest Vacations for Families .]

Tourists descend on Lake Geneva's charming downtown shops and restaurants in the summer, but the town has plenty to do year-round. One of the best winter attractions in this city is the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa , whose modest ski hill has three chair lifts, 20 runs and a terrain park. Grand Geneva Resort also has access to 5 miles of wooded trails for cross-country skiing and offers a limited number of ski rentals. Kids will love overnighting at Grand Geneva's family-friendly Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark for indoor aquatic fun while adults relax at the spa. Time your winter visit to coincide with Lake Geneva's Winterfest so you can observe one of the country's biggest snow sculpting competitions.

Turkey Run State Park is the crown jewel of Parke County and one of the Hoosier State's oldest and most popular state parks. Eleven trails ranging from a half-mile to 2 miles wind through rugged ravines surrounded by the park's signature sandstone cliffs – providing Midwest hiking at its best. Turkey Run Inn, a popular lodging option situated within the park, is appreciated by guests for its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. There's an indoor pool and plenty of public sitting areas with fireplaces, whether you want to play a board game or read a book. Choose from rooms within the historic lodge or the adjacent cabins. Even if you don't stay at Turkey Run Inn, you can still enjoy its restaurant, The Narrows, which diners recommend for the catfish dinners as well as the fried biscuits and hot apple butter.

Most have never heard of this tiny town 140 miles north of Chicago, but Kohler is home to Wisconsin's only hotel to receive AAA's highest five diamond rating. The American Club Resort Hotel – part of the Destination Kohler Resort – is still owned by the family who built it: The Kohlers are best known for high-end plumbing and bathroom fixtures. The American Club's luxurious Kohler Waters Spa specializes in hydrotherapy, giving guests a chance to experience all the legendary bath and shower products Kohler is known for. Should you want to recreate that luxury spa experience in your own bathroom at home, a few steps away from the spa is the sleek, multistory Kohler Design Center, filled with model bathrooms and design ideas sure to give most of us bathroom envy. Amid your self-care ventures in Kohler, enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. Fall brings a boisterous bounty of color to this rural area, while winter experiences at The American Club include ice skating, curling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across miles of trails that wind through woodlands and meadows.

Ten miles from American Club Resort Hotel sits the Kohler-owned Whistling Straits Golf Course, which some golfers describe as reminiscent of the legendary Pebble Beach . Whistling Straits ranks among the top public courses in the country and has hosted 2021's Ryder Cup and three PGA championships. The two Pete Dye-designed courses at Whistling Straits offer stunning views of Lake Michigan or rolling green hills. Golfers will feel transported to Ireland's tranquil grassland or its rugged coastline as this course winds its way along the bluffs and dunes overlooking Lake Michigan.

It's easy to see why Saugatuck is one of the best places to visit in Michigan . Nicknamed the Art Coast of Michigan, this hip resort town about 130 miles from Chicago is stocked with galleries, boutiques, excellent dining and beaches. Perhaps surprisingly for a town of less than a thousand people, Saugatuck is also known for its lively nightlife and for being an LGBTQ-friendly destination. Take a seat at the counter of the century-old Saugatuck Drug Store and you'll get a taste of the town's more traditional side, served up via a classic malt or ice cream soda. Visitors are in for another nostalgia trip when you board the chain ferry: Operating since 1838, it claims to be the only remaining chain-driven ferry in the U.S., transporting passengers across the Kalamazoo River between downtown and Oval Beach. After disembarking on Oval Beach, active beachgoers love climbing the 302 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead – known as Mt. Baldy – and getting a bird's eye view of the area. Overlooking Lake Michigan, Saugatuck's Lake Shore Resort is applauded by patrons for its breathtaking views and many complimentary amenities, including bikes, kayaks, yoga and a heated pool.

About 190 miles northwest of Chicago is the ultimate Midwest family getaway: the "Waterpark Capital of the World." If traveling with kids to Wisconsin Dells, stay at one of the immensely popular water park resorts , such as the flagship property of Great Wolf Lodge. Guests appreciate the original Great Wolf Lodge for its signature Northwoods decor, endless amenities and the feeling of being in a tropical paradise year-round.

Beyond its myriad indoor and outdoor water parks, Wisconsin Dells boasts a wide variety of kid-friendly entertainment options, from zip lines to animal parks. Catch a performance at the Palace Theater, which offers everything from concerts to comedy shows to children's plays and Broadway-style productions; some theatergoers swear there isn't a bad seat in the house. More fun for the whole family can be found at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater shows, which wow audiences with both humor and illusions that keep you guessing. Want to escape the indoor attractions for a natural one? Head over to Mirror Lake State Park for a scenic hike along a tranquil, no-wake lake set among sandstone bluffs. Pontoon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent here.

[Read: The Top Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells .]

Billing itself as the covered bridge capital of the world, Parke County, Indiana – about 160 miles south of Chicago – maintains 31 of these Instagram-worthy symbols of a bygone era. Visitors descend on the area every October for the Parke County Covered Bridges Festival, Indiana's largest annual festival. The popular biker bar Thirty Six Saloon is a family-friendly roadhouse in Rockville, the town where the popular fall festival is headquartered. Kids may be mesmerized by Thirty Six Saloon's vast collection of taxidermy, with animals from the region mounted throughout the restaurant. Diners compliment everything from the burgers and ribs to the fish sandwiches and unique decor. Another popular culinary option is the tenderloin sandwich at the Mecca Tavern in Mecca. Parke County's oldest tavern overlooks Mecca's historic schoolhouse and covered bridge. Locals and visitors alike say stopping by Wheelhouse Donuts is another must: This adorable bakery lets you design your own doughnut.

About 150 miles west of Chicago, in the northwest corner of Illinois, the charming Mississippi River town of Galena regularly makes national lists of best small towns . Its elegant dining, historic sites, quaint shops and bounty of bed-and-breakfasts make Galena an excellent choice for a romantic getaway. Because the glaciers that flattened most of the Midwest didn't reach here, the pastoral farmland is hillier, perfect for a Sunday drive. The 19th-century buildings in this old mining town have been painstakingly preserved, with 85% on the National Register of Historic Places – including the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, a residence gifted to the nation's soon-to-be 18th president in 1865 by Galena citizens.

One memorable overnight option would be a stay at the former county jailhouse – now the luxurious Jail Hill Inn. For a more romantic atmosphere, the Goldmoor Inn is beloved by guests for its stunning views of the Mississippi River, in-room fireplaces and two-person hot tubs. Galena is gorgeous any time of year, with plenty of travelers drawn here during harvest time for apple and pumpkin picking amid the abundance of fall colors. Winter brings its own charm with shops along Main Street resembling something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The small town also houses a popular old-school ski resort: Guests say Chestnut Mountain Resort's decor and amenities are a bit dated, but its 19 ski runs provide scenic views of the river below.

Head 170 hundred miles west of Chicago, cross the Mississippi River, and you'll be in Dubuque, Iowa. Get a feel for how important the river is here by visiting the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, or take a ride on a riverboat for another scenic way to experience the Mississippi. Visitors give the Celebration Belle river cruise high marks for being fun, informative and affordable. Another must-see attraction is Fenelon Place Elevator, a steep funicular railway providing fabulous views of the surrounding area. History lives on at the elegant Hotel Julien Dubuque, which guests compliment for its charm and friendly service. Baseball fans will want to make the additional 25-mile drive west to the town of Dyersville to explore the Field of Dreams, one of the best tourist attractions in the U.S. Play on the baseball diamond and tour the home where the movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed.

About 230 miles northeast of Chicago, Ann Arbor is a quintessential college town, filled with independent bookstores and great live music. University of Michigan alumni are a proud bunch – and not just on game days, when they march clad in blue and yellow to what's known as The Big House, the largest sports stadium in the country. Ann Arbor also scores an A when it comes to food and culture. The world-class University of Michigan Museum of Art displays works by Picasso, Monet and Warhol. A few blocks away on Liberty Street is the edgier public art canvas known as Graffiti Alley, just steps from the historic Michigan Theater and State Theatre, which delight visitors with film screenings, festivals and live music throughout the year (as long as you follow the theaters' COVID-19 regulations ). A pastrami sandwich at Zingerman's Deli is a 40-year tradition, but if you're hungry for a more budget-friendly option head to Frita Batidos and take a seat at one of the communal tables for Cuban-inspired street food. Hit the books at Literati, a beloved independent bookstore. A fun hotel choice is Graduate Ann Arbor with its University of Michigan-themed decor.

[See more of Ann Arbor: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

About 140 miles northwest of Chicago, Madison is more than just a cool college town: It's also the capital of Wisconsin. No trip here is complete without visiting the beautiful, white-domed Wisconsin state Capitol building; free tours are given throughout the day. Madison's isthmus location on a narrow strip of land between two lakes means waterfront biking and hiking trails abound. Foodies will also get their fill at Fromagination, a cheese lover's paradise popular with Wisconsin cheeseheads as well as out-of-town visitors. Located across from the Capitol, this delightful cheese shop features dozens of one-of-a-kind artisanal Wisconsin varieties. If visiting Madison between April and November, head to Capitol Square on Saturday morning for the Dane County Farmers' Market, the country's largest producer-only farmers market. The 72-room, collegiate-themed Graduate Madison hotel is an easy walk to campus, dining, shopping and nightlife. Decorated in the University of Wisconsin colors of red and white, the hotel gets high marks from guests for its nostalgic decor and artwork, including collages of political buttons, a nod to the town's legacy of social activism.

[See more of Madison: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Those who have more time could leave the bright lights of Chicago for the serenity of Michigan's Traverse City to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and its 64 miles of pristine coastline and mountains of sand dunes. Traverse City is about 300 miles from Chicago, but you'll be rewarded with breathtaking beaches, peaceful hikes, top-notch cuisine and the added perk of what's considered the " Napa Valley of the Midwest": the 24 wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. When the temperatures drop and the snow arrives, a great winter weekend getaway involves cross-country skiing in Pere Marquette State Forest or the Leelanau Trail, which runs from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. Traverse City and northern Michigan are also filled with summer lake resorts: Top options include Lake Leelanau's Fountain Point Resort, the upscale Homestead Resort and the all-inclusive White Birch Lodge in nearby Elk Rapids. With White Birch known for its water sports program, teens and tweens will love water-skiing, tubing and ending the day swapping adventures with new friends around a beach bonfire.

[See more of Traverse City: Things to Do | Hotels | Tours | When to Visit | Photos ]

Best known as the location of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville sits 300 miles south of Chicago and has a whole lot more going on than just horse racing. About 95 percent of the world's bourbon is made in Kentucky ; for a taste of the state's signature liquor, head to downtown Louisville's historic Whiskey Row. Here you'll find distilleries, unique restaurants and live music. Topping any sports lover's itinerary should be a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center , which visitors applaud for honoring the boxer's life, faith and humanitarian service. Art lovers would enjoy staying at the 21C Museum Hotel Louisville , which houses its own contemporary art museum.

[See more of Louisville: Things to Do | Hotels | Photos ]

About 300 miles southwest of Chicago, just over the Illinois border along the Mississippi River, sits this Missouri city. St. Louis is well worth a weekend trip for its plethora of restaurants, breweries and cultural treasures. Nicknamed the Gateway City for its iconic Gateway Arch , St. Louis gives travelers the chance to take a tram ride to the top of this engineering marvel. After getting a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area, head over to the nearly 1,300-acre Forest Park , site of the 1904 World's Fair, now home to the Saint Louis Zoo and several museums. Music lovers can't miss the National Blues Museum, which sings the praises of that melancholy American music form. If you find yourself in need of more music lessons, make your way to the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, where the king of Ragtime lived. After a busy day sightseeing, Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch makes a good place to rest. Guests rave about the unbeatable value of the hotel's free breakfast and happy hour with complimentary hot food and drinks.

[See more of St. Louis: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis − St. Paul straddle the Mississippi River, about 450 miles northwest of Chicago, with Minneapolis as Minnesota's most populous city and St. Paul as the state capital. Minneapolis is known as a city of lakes, but visitors also like to walk along the riverfront, taking in the magnificent Mississippi. Groundbreaking pop musician Prince was born in Minneapolis; now his legacy lives on at Paisley Park, a sprawling complex in the nearby town of Chanhassen that was once the artist's studio and home. Millions more travel here to visit the largest mall in the Western hemisphere, Mall of America , located in the nearby suburb of Bloomington. As much an entertainment complex as a retail center, this mall houses the indoor amusement park Nickelodeon Universe, a highlight for kids. Guests give Minneapolis' Hewing Hotel stellar reviews for its character, charm and stunning views from the rooftop lounge.

[See more of Minneapolis − St. Paul: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Weekend Getaways
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Illinois
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Wisconsin
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Michigan
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Ohio
• The Top Fall Weekend Getaways
• The Top Travel Neck Pillows
• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Duffel Bags

Tags: Travel , Midwest Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago

By Nina Kokotas Hahn

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Chicagoans itching to travel right now should not underestimate the power of a great winter road trip, and not just because it may feel like the only safe option at the moment. In a break from the norm, we’ve found exciting places offering something fresh and surprising for the Midwest, making them well worth the drive. A fun, elegant cocktail experience, lakefront retreats that offer stunning views, snowy ski trips with plenty more to do off the slopes—it’s all available. Here are the best weekend getaways from Chicago .

(Editors note: Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic , the hours and accessibility of many venues are fluid and subject to change. Make sure to contact them before visiting.)

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS

Distance from Chicago 33 miles

The Deer Path Inn

In less than 60 minutes by Metra or just over 30 minutes by car, find yourself feeling far from the city in this pretty Northshore town off of Lake Michigan. No doubt Lake Forest is fancy with its sprawling estates, Market Square, and upscale shops (check out the all-women-run Lake Forest Bookstore and Valentina boutique), and coveted waterfront views. Being here also puts you 20 minutes closer to the 385-acre Chicago Botanic Gardens , where the Japanese and dwarf confider gardens are especially sublime in winter.

Where to Stay

The main reason to go to Lake Forest now is a weekend away at the 57-room Deer Path Inn ( from $329 per night ), a fabulous, little-known gem that puts you in arm's reach of the shops and lake, and offers many experiences available only to guests. Opened in 1929 with the style of an authentic manor house, the elegant inn feels as storied and local as it does far-flung and English. Spacious, modern, and sophisticated rooms offer upscale amenities (think Frette linens and bathtubs that fill from the ceiling); recently, the inn began in-room delivery of its popular Afternoon Tea service, complete with a tower of tea sandwiches, petit fours, and tartelettes. Patio dining in the English Garden at Deer Path is scenic and doable in winter with heaters. Guests at the hotel can also reserve the inn’s hidden cellar for a new, private, and totally custom cocktail or wine tasting paired with dinner that's led by Deer Path’s fun and expert chief spirits officer, Jorge Centeno.

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK, IN

Distance from Chicago 49 miles

The dunes overlooking Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park

Drive just 60 minutes and find yourself surrounded by beauty in the 15,000-acre Indiana Dunes National Park , which packs in an astounding amount of botanical diversity thanks to its variety of lowlands, highlands, prairies, wetlands, forests, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Time your visit with cool winter conditions, when snow cloaks the park in white, and there’s a chance to see spectacular shelf ice formations on the water, not to mention you’ll get a far more secluded experience. Venture out on cross-country skis or snowshoes—the latter of which can be borrowed for free at the park’s Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. All of the park’s 50 miles of trails are available for winter activities, but opt for a one-mile loop or three-mile route on the Paul H. Douglas Trail, which takes you to the beach through a rolling black savannah, one of the rarest habitats in the country. Often confused with the national park, the two-acre Indiana Dunes State Park , immediately next door, is also open and admission is waived on weekdays in winter.

Nearby Chesterton offers a good location central to both parks, and interesting B&B’s are the way to go. Within walking distance to restaurants and shopping, Riley's Railhouse Bed & Breakfast ( from $140 a night ) is housed in a former New York Central style freight station and has rooms in real rail cars. The family-friendly DunesWalk Inn at the Furness Mansion ( from $125 a night—you can also rent the entire place out on Airbnb ) is another historic option that balances digs in an 1881 mansion with modern comfort, just a few minutes from the beach.

HARBOR COUNTRY, MI

Distance from Chicago 75 miles

A view of Lake Michigan from the Water's Edge house

Didn’t score a Michigan beach house last summer? Winter isn’t hot, but it’s a gorgeous and secluded time to experience the dramatic Lake Michigan coast from the comfort of a luxury beach home, most of which can be had now at low season rates. Take your pick of towns on the state’s south coast like Union Pier, New Buffalo, and little-known Harbert. Sans summer crowds, this is the time to stop at the harborside Stray Dog Bar & Grill . Even better, book an igloo for outdoor dining at small-batch Beer Church Brewing , try alfresco wine tastings at Round Barn Estate , or get takeout from Red Arrow Roadhouse (try the buffalo cauliflower and nachos) and locally made whiskey from the Journeyman Distillery to bring back home. As everyone does, give into the pull of the lovely Lake Michigan coast, where dune walks and sledding at Warren Dunes State Park should be high on your list.

Bluefish Vacation Rentals (from $100 a night ) is your best option for a well-curated assortment of homes throughout Harbor Country, plus the bonus concierge-like guidance of the local husband-and-wife team who run it, Jason and Erika Milovich. In winter, most of their homes can be had at low season rates and don’t require summer’s usual full week stay. The scenery can’t be beat in Harbert at three-bedroom Water’s Edge , a splurge-worthy find tucked into a forested bluff overlooking a private stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline; spend $750 a night in winter verses the nearly double rate of $1,429 a night in summer. Walk the beach and watch glacier-like ice form with the waves, warm up in the hot tub, and light a bonfire under starry winter skies framed by trees. Other notable options include the three-bedroom Harbor Time , new five-bedroom Darby Cottage with its massive showroom-worthy open kitchen, and new four-bedroom Lake Life that puts spectacular lake views right in your lap.

KOHLER, WISCONSIN

Distance from Chicago 149 miles

Jessica Puckett

Cassie Shortsleeve

Arati Menon

One of the Kohler luxury Cabins

On a drive of just over two hours, cruise past Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha (hit the brakes to load up on Wisconsin gold), and lakefront Milwaukee, on your way to Kohler. Popular in temperate months for its jaw-dropping golf courses, which regularly feature on the PGA Tour, Destination Kohler is a find in winter with fewer visitors, killer spa treatments at its Kohler Waters Spa, and invigorating outdoor adventures at its lesser-known River Wildlife preserve. Like Kohler’s golf courses, the 500-acre wilderness playground showcases the natural beauty of the landscape here. Try hikes and horseback rides through rolling trails, ice skating and curling at Winter Wonderland, guided trap shooting in a forest canyon, and brunch or hot toddies at River Wildlife Lodge, the preserve’s atmospheric log cabin outpost.

Options at the resort include classic hotel rooms at the 241-room American Club ( from $189 ), but four chic and splurge-worthy cabins (f rom $842 a night ) are the way to go, especially if you want privacy and space wrapped in some gorgeous nature. The two-bedroom Lake Cabin ( from $1009 a night )—one of two opened just last summer—positions you on a staggering bluff just above Lake Michigan. The beach is inaccessible from this rugged perch, but you won’t care with endless, ocean-like views from the back porch and firepit, and the sprawling evergreen forest at the front of the house that doubles as a wildlife crossing (watch for deer and wild turkeys). It’s all the more magical with a dusting of snow on the beach grass, a warm fire, and dinners inside your own beautiful kitchen—everything from tenderloin and ricotta gnocchi takeout from the new Taverne on Woodlake to whiskey pairings, curated Wisconsin cheese boards, and gourmet groceries delivered from Woodlake Market .

Distance from Chicago 164 miles

Downtown Galena

With rolling forested landscapes, an historic downtown on the Mississippi River, and the best (one of the only!) ski mountain in Illinois, Galena is as charming as ever in winter. Even the two-hour-and-45-minute drive sets the mood as flat highways turn to one-lane roads that climb gentle hills and weave through farmlands and woods, eventually dropping you into this once-thriving river port town. Stroll the downtown’s Main Street for a superb array of local shops and studios; new options include Galena Book & Paper , the Galena Spoon Company for handcrafted spoons and carving classes, and Scent Workshop , where you can learn French perfuming techniques. There are loads of restaurants and boozy options here, too; go for especially good take-home dining and cocktail kits from French-meets-German Fritz and Frites , Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape , and the drive-thru Galena Brewing Co . Downhill skiers won’t want to miss Chestnut Mountain Resort, just 15 minutes from the downtown, with 19 runs that race to a halt at the bank of the Mississippi River.

It’s a-okay to vape in the new guest-only “potting shed” outside the pretty five-bedroom Aldrich House , Illinois’ only cannabis-friendly bed and breakfast ( from $145 a night ). For something upscale and romantic, it’s hard to do better than the luxury six-suite Jail Hill Inn , set in a former jailhouse at the end of Main Street and serving a three-course breakfast ( from $345 a night ). Families settle in nicely at the stylish, condo-like Ulysses Suites ( from $214 a night ), while south of downtown on 6,800 acres of Galena Territory, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa offers a robust nordic activities program and everything from simple hotel rooms to full homes ( from $99 a night ).

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Distance from Chicago 185 miles

The Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis' Bottleworks District

Every worthwhile weekend getaway from Chicago isn’t a charming small town or lakeside retreat. For those who want some city culture that isn’t their own, Indy’s Bottlework’s District is calling. Stop in Merrillville for proper road trip junk food—fresh Indiana-made gummy bears—at Alabanese Confectionery Group on the three-hour drive south to Indy. Once there, head to the new 12-acre, mixed-use neighborhood that spans the north side of Mass Ave in downtown Indianapolis and brims with local indie shops in historic industrial buildings. Explore the mix of offerings at Circle City Industrial Complex , a 500,000 square-foot warehouse opened in the old Schwitzer car manufacturing facility, where you should check out newly opened SoChatti dairy-free chocolate tasting room and a class at Indy Fused Glass. Other new places worth a visit are Good Neighbor for fresh duds and the Living Room movie theater. For dinner, head out of the district for romantic outdoor dining in the new fireside greenhouse huts at Public Greens , a modern, community-driven restaurant that shares its profits to feed nearly 2,000 of Indy’s less fortunate youth every week.

Opened in December in what was formerly the world’s largest Coca Cola bottling plant, the 139-room Bottleworks Hotel ( from $249 a night ) is the stylish new anchor for the Bottleworks District. The industrial, art-deco-inspired hotel occupies the top two floors of the historic building, showing off a white terra-cotta exterior and brass-patterned doors. High-style rooms have velvet couches, loft ceilings, and terrazzo-tiled floors. Adjacent to the hotel, find more dining options at Garage Food Hall , Indy’s first food hall opened this month in the factory’s former garages, with nearly two dozen vendors serving everything from lobster rolls and poke to Pakistani-Indian fare and Brazilian steak.

BOYNE, MICHIGAN

Distance from Chicago 346 miles

A look down Boyne Mountain

Make your winter ski trip happen at Boyne Mountain Resort , one of the most exciting ski mountains within a reasonable drive of Chicago—five and a half hours, plus a one-hour time change. Rising up from the northern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula, the mountain offers 500 feet of vertical with 60 downhill trails for a range of skiers and riders, though the biggest perk of a visit here is the abundance of high-quality outdoor adventures that go beyond skiing. Rent a new sno-go ski bike and shred downhill runs, fat-tire bike on forest trails, zipline 50 feet in the air across the mountain, cross country ski or snowshoe on dedicated trails, ice skate or snow tube, and even dine outdoors in one of five igloos serving at Forty Acres Tavern. If you have a little extra time you can also tack on the 40-minute drive north to Boyne Highlands , the mountain’s sister resort, for even more challenging ski terrain plus the new “Enchanted Trail,” an illuminated two-mile trail for nighttime winter walks and snowshoeing. NOTE: Like other ski resorts around the country, both mountains are limiting capacity during the pandemic and booking lift tickets and gear rental in advance is recommended.

Spread out in one of the fully-equipped three- and four-bedroom Mountain Cabins that are part of the resort (f rom $607 per night ). Each is set in the woods with a hot tub on the deck, fully equipped for cooking your own meals, and offers ski-in/ski-out access. Some of the cozy one- and two-bedroom condos at the Village at Disciples Ridge also offer ski-in/ski-out access ( from $488 per night ). Pro tip: the best way to guarantee access to the slopes this season along with your accommodations is to book a “ Ski & Stay Package ,” which bundles lodging and lift together and lets you ski both resorts.

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9 easy must-do weekend trips from Chicago

Chicago is blessed with world-class museums, an amazing food scene, some of the best breweries in the country, and everything else you’d ever want to do. But even the most passionate Chicagoans need to escape the city every now and then. Luckily, there are dozens of superb weekend getaway destinations, all within a few hours’ drive of the Windy City. 

There are miles upon miles of Lake Michigan coastline to explore, there are national and state parks with gorgeous nature, and there are charming cities and towns all over the Great Lakes region where you can find a little bit of quaint comfort. Planning will go a long way to ensure a successful weekend trip. So research where to go, find luggage storage in Chicago if you need to drop the bags off, book lodging, plan where to eat and what to do, and hit the road. 

Here are the best weekend getaways from Chicago: 

Dubuque, Iowa 

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Dubuque is the ideal weekend getaway for history buffs and older tourists. Baseball fans will want to visit the famous “ Field of Dreams ” ballpark, which is now the home of special events hosted by Major League Baseball. 

The town itself has been revitalized somewhat in recent years, with art galleries, breweries, murals, and restaurants opening in downtown Dubuque. Dubuque is heavy on the small-town charm and well worth a visit. 

Distance from Chicago 

It takes just under three hours to reach Dubuque from Chicago. Driving is the only option for transit. 

Our activity recommendations

This historic town is a delightful change from downtown Chicago, with a picturesque old-school Main street with many pre-Civil War buildings, like the Black Horse Inn. There’s also the Febekon Place Elevator, which is a scenic railway that overlooks the city and provides a spectacular aerial view. 

Best season to visit

Summer, fall, and spring are the best times of year to visit Dubuque. 

Holland, Michigan 

Western Michigan has a ton of delightful towns for weekend getaways, and Holland is one of the best family-friendly options. Located less than a mile from the stunning Lake Michigan coastline, Holland is famous for its large Dutch immigrant population and its furniture-making industry. 

Distance from Chicago

You’ll have to drive south and east for about two and a half hours to get to Holland. Driving really is the best way to get there, although Amtrak runs a train as well. 

Explore Holland’s (aptly-named) Dutch heritage by exploring delightfully kitschy attractions like Nelis’ Dutch Village, De Klomp Wooden Shoe, and the Windmill Island Gardens . 

In proper Dutch fashion, Holland (Michigan) celebrates the annual blooming of tulips every springtime. With millions of tulips planted across the area, it’s a gorgeous time of year to visit. Summer is also ideal, with the Lake Michigan shore and beaches only a mile away from town and gorgeous Lake Macatawa providing plenty of outdoor recreation. 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 

While far from the largest city in the country, Grand Rapids has a massive beer scene. Since the industry’s boom in the past two decades, Grand Rapids has quickly become one of the craft beer meccas, drawing thousands of beer nerds to its taprooms and breweries. 

It’s a three-hour drive from Chicago to Grand Rapids, probably less if you miss Friday traffic. Amtrak also runs a service from Union Station directly into downtown Grand Rapids, the train ride is about four hours. 

Beer truly is the main draw for visitors, with companies like Founders, Brewery Vivant, Saugatuck Brewing, and Grand Rapids Brewing all operating popular taprooms. The food isn’t bad at all either, with local favorites Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Terra GR being high-end dining options.

When you’re not drinking, renting kayaks or bikes to enjoy the riverfront are great ways to stay active. Lake Michigan is less than 30 minutes away by car too.

Summer and fall are perfect for enjoying some time outdoors, especially if you’re looking at kayaking and swimming along the river or Lake Michigan. Winter is also a great time to do a long weekend because you can hit the slopes at the nearby Cannonsburg Ski Resort. Also, the many Grand Rapids breweries are great for a cozy pint to warm up.

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

The sandy dunes overlooking Lake Michigan have finally gotten their due and were made into a national park. Indiana Dunes National Park is the closest conservation and recreation area of its kind to Chicago and the perfect weekend getaway (or day trip) for outdoor enthusiasts.  

It’s only about 90 minutes by car (which is the most convenient way to get there) from downtown Chicago. Unless you want to explore the whole area and stay in a cabin, Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the best day trips from Chicago. The South Shore Line will also take you to the Indiana Dunes, but driving is easier and more flexible. 

There are over 15 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline to explore and enjoy. You can enjoy the beach, go for a swim, hike the trails along the dunes, and even go horseback riding. 

Summer and fall are the best times to go. Visiting during winter is absolutely inadvisable because of lake effect weather. Spring is better, but the weather brings frequent rain that impacts the hiking trails and terrain.

Kohler, Wisconsin 

Located north of Milwaukee along Lake Michigan, Kohler is famous for its resorts and golf courses. The American Club is a bucket-list course for golfers, and there are a number of spas and restaurants that make Kohler a relaxing destination. 

Kohler is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago. A great way to break up the trip is to stop in Milwaukee for lunch.

Our activity recommendations 

The upscale resorts and golf courses are the main draw at Kohler, which makes them frequent weekend getaway destinations for older travelers. The Kohler Waters Spa is the perfect place to unwind, and the American Club boasts one of the best golf courses in the country. 

For weekend getaways based around golf, summer and fall are the best times of year to head up to Kohler. Kohler is also a wonderful destination for spas and resorts during the winter. 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 

Of all the weekend getaways from Chicago, this one has to be the most popular. Lake Geneva is Chicago’s equivalent of The Hamptons. Basically, everyone knows someone with a house up there. This makes sense, given it’s only a 90-minute drive from Chicago, just over the Wisconsin border. There are plenty of hotels, like The Abbey and Grand Geneva Resort . Multiple golf courses surround the lake as well. But the main reason to head to Lake Geneva is to appreciate the natural beauty with friends and family. 

Lake Geneva is about as close to Illinois as you get, and it only takes about 90 minutes to get there from Chicago by car, which is the only real way to get there. 

All the best activities in Lake Geneva are based around the water. Renting a boat from one of the marinas is a great way to get the family out on the water. There are multiple public beaches as well. 

During the winter, there is a village of ice castles made by expert sculptors that’s worth checking out. Alpine Valley Ski resort is nearby, which also hosts concerts during the summer. 

Summer is the best time to take a weekend trip to Lake Geneva, but it does get busy during this time of year. During the fall, Lake Geneva gets a boost when the leaves change color, despite it being too cold for boating and swimming. 

Madison, Wisconsin 

Wisconsin’s capital city is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Chicago. All the best Wisconsin culture is represented in Madison, which mostly consists of beer, brats, and Badger Football. The University of Wisconsin’s gorgeous campus is located right in Madison, which gives the city energy when students are on campus. But there’s a nice variety of outdoor activities and culture in the city as well. 

Madison is a three-hour drive from Chicago. There are also bus routes between downtown and Madison that take about three hours and 30 minutes. 

For such a small city, there’s plenty to do in Madison. Snowshoeing in the winter, hiking in the summer, appreciating the leaves in the fall, and drinking all year long. 

Just outside of Madison is the Wisconsin Dells area, which has indoor and outdoor water parks and other outdoor activities. It’s a great excursion from Madison and less than an hour’s drive from the capital. 

Summer and fall are the best times to visit, especially when the leaves change and the University is in full swing.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicago’s neighbor to the north is an obvious choice for weekend getaways. There is culture, there’s beer (and plenty of it), there are several pro sports teams, and there’s a lot of character. Milwaukee has all the amenities of a larger city, just without all the inconvenience of getting around a place like Chicago. 

If you’re driving up to Door County or Kohler, it’s well worth it to stop in Milwaukee for lunch. 

There is a train from Union Station that lands you right in downtown Milwaukee. This takes less than two hours and can save you some traffic headaches. The drive up to Beer City only takes about 90 minutes. 

There are a number of amazing museums to visit, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is a gorgeous modern building along the lakefront. There’s also the Harley Davidson museum which details the story of how Milwaukee became the largest builder of motorcycles in the world. 

Outside of that, there are world-class breweries, restaurants, and bars. Definitely make sure to try a famous Bloody Mary dressed up Wisconsin-style. 

The Milwaukee lakefront is incredible, and there are frequent festivals and events going on, so summer is an amazing time for a weekend trip. But there is enough culture that visiting Milwaukee is fun year-round. If you’re free during the first few weeks of July, hit up Milwaukee Summerfest , which is the largest music festival in the world. 

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

As far as outdoor activities go, Chicago is hardly the best city in the world. But the area’s best hiking area is absolutely worth visiting. Starved Rock State Park, with waterfalls and topography (rare in a painfully flat state like Illinois), makes for a perfect weekend getaway for outdoorsy types.  

It’s only a two-hour drive from Chicago, but you’ll want to leave early to beat traffic and have a head start on the other hikers. Leaving yourself a full day to explore the nooks and crannies of this park is the best way to go. 

Essentially, there’s really only one thing to do at Starved Rock, and that’s hiking. With 13 miles of trails winding through glacier-carved canyons and terrain, it’s the best hiking Illinois has to offer. There are gorgeous waterfalls and winding streams to take a dip in if you’re hiking during the sweltering Illinois summer. 

Late spring, summer, and early fall are the best times of year to explore Starved Rock. Winter is basically out of the question. Early spring and late fall are entirely weather-dependent.

It’s hard for locals and transplants to find a place they love more than Chicago because there is a lot to love. But getting out of the city for a weekend getaway is a necessary way to recharge and reset. You’ll be more in tune with nature, you’ll feel a little more relaxed after taking a break from traffic, and you’ll have a new appreciation for the gorgeous region surrounding Chicago. If you’re short on time, you can always opt for a fun day trip from Chicago as well, and if you only have a limited time in the city itself, check out our guide on how to spend 3 days in Chicago to maximize your itinerary.

Planning one of the many fun weekend getaways from Chicago is a great way to find a new appreciation for not only the Midwest but also Chicago. Because you can only stay away from that deep dish for so long… 

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15 Best Winter Road Trips from Chicago

Chicago is a fantastic city, known for its stunning lakeside location, the Magnificent Mile, and its world-class museums and galleries. However, it's also famous for its harsh winters, so there might be times you want to head out of the city during the coldest months of the year.

Whether you want to enjoy the winter weather or escape from it, a winter road trip from Chicago can mean hitting the slopes at a ski resort, viewing iconic landmarks, taking a festive shopping trip or relaxing in the winter sun in the Southern states.

Whatever kind of winter road trip you're interested in, we've put together some of the key facts for a whole host of fabulous destinations. Keep reading to find out where you could go, how to get there, and our pick of what's waiting for you when you arrive.

Best winter road trips from Chicago: a quick overview

Single-day trips (under 3 hours each way).

Snow in the city often isn't much fun, so head out to one of the mountains or lakes for a one-day road trip that lets you enjoy the winter weather at its best.

If you're thinking of setting off on a road trip from Chicago in another season, check out our ultimate guide for Best Road Trips from Chicago for ideas and inspiration.

1. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

1 hour 50 mins from Chicago (80 miles)

Why you should visit: The shortest trip on the list, Lake Geneva makes a great weekend getaway due to the short driving time, plus the area is perfectly set up for visitors to enjoy the winter weather.

There's a real variety of activities to enjoy here – take to the snow for an active day outside, then relax at a beautiful spa. This popular vacation town is also less crowded in winter compared to the summer months.

How to get there: Head north on I-90 out of Chicago then join I-94. After around an hour, exit at Kenosha and pick up WI-50 west which will take you to Geneva.

Our highlights: Roll back 100 years and one of the biggest draws of Lake Geneva, WI, wasn't its snow, but the ice! Lake ice was harvested and taken to nearby towns and cities - it was big business here as late as the 1940s.

Through the rest of the season, winter sports fans will love to ski at Wilmot Mountain, a popular ski resort with over 20 ski runs suitable for a wide range of abilities. Or explore the wintery wilderness of Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy - you can rent snowshoes if you don't have your own.

Back in town, the Ice Castles at Geneva National Resort & Club are a must-see. Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night.

Bonus: Early in February Lake Geneva's Winterfest bursts into action, with an ice sculpting competition and snow races!

Our travel tips: Book in advance if you're visiting Winterfest, as the town gets really busy.

2. Madison, Wisconsin

2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (150 miles)

Why you should visit: Wisconsin's state capital has all the cultural and foodie delights that you'd expect in a big city, with added snow that opens up a whole range of other activities to enjoy.

Within a short distance of the city you can ski, skate, snow tube and sled, sometimes with beautiful views across Lake Mendota.

How to get there: This is a really simple trip – just follow I-90 all the way from Chicago.

Our highlights: Just outside the city at Cascade Mountain and Devils Head Resort you'll find some exhilarating downhill skiing as well as snowtubing and sledding. It's the perfect way to enjoy the snowy conditions, and there are ski runs here to suit many different abilities.

When it's time to warm up, head back into town to Old Sugar Distillery, a small local spirits producer, for a warming taster.

While you're in town you can take a magical snowy hike through the trees at Madison Arboretum, then round off your day with outdoor dining - several Madison restaurants have heated outdoor domes so you can enjoy snowy views while dining al fresco.

Bonus: After Christmas, a free maze is built on the lake shore out of the branches of discarded Christmas trees, a custom that has become firmly cemented in Madison's holiday traditions now.

Our travel tips: Check ahead for dates of candle-lit snowshoe trails across the city. They don't run every day, but when they do they're really magical.

3. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (150 miles)

Why you should visit: This beautiful little lakeside town hosts a magical Christmas market every year. It's also a great place to enjoy fabulous snow-based activities - the temperature usually sits around freezing and the area experiences heavy snowfall, so conditions are perfect.

How to get there: Follow I-90/I-94 north out of Chicago, then continue north on I-94 when the interstate divides. In Milwaukee, switch onto I-43 and continue north, before leaving the interstate just after Saukville. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake.

Our highlights: For many visitors, the main draw is the Olde World Christmas Market, a 10-day festive spectacular bringing together Czech, German and Russian Christmas traditions. It's a great way to spend time with friends, get into the festive mood, as well as to find some unique Christmas gifts.

If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. The lake freezes over right through the winter, so you can head out with a guide for a unique ice-fishing experience.

Also, although this isn't a ski destination like some of the other trips, you can still enjoy some winter sports in Elkhart Lake. Go snowshoeing at Quit Qui Oc golf course or ice skate at June Vollrath Park.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to just relax and unwind, maybe after a tour round the Christmas market or some time on the ice rink, head to the luxurious Aspira Spa to round off your trip.

If you're wondering how the town got its name, it's as simple as it sounds – it's because the lake is shaped like an Elk's heart.

Our travel tips: The town will be extremely busy while the Christmas market is running, so book accommodation and any special activities well in advance.

4. Grand Rapids, Michigan

2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (180 miles)

Why you should visit: From January to March the town hosts the World of Winter Festival, which sees dozens of huge ice sculptures on display and special events held across the town.

The World of Winter Festival is the perfect post-holiday pick-me-up - the ideal way to brighten up the dark, cold months after Christmas. Or if you're here a little earlier in winter, you can get yourself into the holiday spirit with a snowy visit to the Sculpture Gardens or enjoy some exhilarating winter sports.

How to get there: Head east out of Chicago on I-90, keeping Lake Michigan on your left, then continue on I-94 as far as Lake Joseph. From here, follow I-196 further around the lake shore. It eventually turns inland to take you right to Grand Rapids.

Our highlights: The World of Winter Festival usually starts in the first week of January, and as well as ice sculptures you can see interactive installations from artists all over the world, with walking tours taking you through some of the outdoor art highlights.

The festival also hosts many fun events. These change year on year, but in the past have included things like silent disco, outdoor musical performances, and storytelling to mark Native American traditions or Chinese New Year.

If you're in Grand Rapids earlier in the season, you can enjoy some great skiing at Cannonsburg Ski Area. It will satisfy a wide range of abilities, and you can also try out snow tubing and snowshoeing here.

If your time is limited, take your sled and enjoy a free downhill ride at one of the several hilly public parks in the city.

For a more magical festive feel, head to Frederick Meijer Sculpture Gardens. This park is illuminated with amazing twinkling lights all through the holiday period and is a really popular local attraction. Then, for a unique and romantic end to your trip, you can even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the city.

Bonus: As well as being known for its winter sports, Grand Rapids is famous for its many craft breweries - in fact, it's been given the title of Beer City USA! So if time allows on your trip, you might like to tour a brewery or two or try some of the locally produced beers.

Our travel tips: You don't have to have your own equipment to enjoy skating, snowshoeing or skiing – it's available to rent at many of the attractions.

If you're coming for the World of Winter Festival, remember to wrap up warm. Many of the events and installations are outdoors, so, this being Michigan, chances are you'll be enjoying them in the snow.

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Weekend trips (3-6 hours each way)

As you'd expect, with much of the Midwest sitting under snow through the winter, the weekend trips you can take from Chicago all have a winter sports element to them.

So, pack up your skis and look out for your skates - but don't worry if you're not the biggest fan of the slopes, since you'll also find great restaurants, beautiful views and stunning spas at these weekend destinations.

5. Muskegon, Michigan

3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles)

Why you should visit: As you'd expect in a town that sees significant snowfall from December to February, you can enjoy a range of winter sports. A particular highlight in Muskegon is its Luge track, which is open to the public.

There are only 3 other Luge tracks in the whole of the United States, so if you've always fancied trying out this exhilarating sport, this is probably your best chance.

How to get there: Similar to the Grand Rapids trip, follow I-90 then I-94 east out of Chicago as far as St Joseph. Then join I-196 and follow it north along the lake shore until you reach Holland. From here, turn onto Route 31 which takes you on to Muskegon.

Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. As well as sliding the high-speed downhill ice track, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at the park.

Back in town you'll get beautiful winter views over icy Lake Michigan. Wrap up warm and walk out towards Muskegon South Breakwater Lighthouse – a really stunning sight – or take a walk on the lake's frozen beaches. If you're feeling active, there are places where you can sled on the frozen sand dunes.

Staying by the lake, seeing as the water freezes over, you can go ice fishing here with a guide, who can provide all the equipment you need if you don't have your own.

It's not all about the outdoors though. Muskegon Farmers Market operates indoors on Saturdays through the winter so you can warm up and stock up on some fabulous local produce.

Olympian Mark Grimmette trained on the Luge track here when he was young and went on to compete at five Winter Olympic Games, winning medals at two of them. The track is open to kids as young as 8 so bring the whole family and see if any of them catch the sliding bug.

Our travel tips: Visit the Luge in the evenings and you can warm up by a bonfire after your slide down the track. We'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your entry, especially if you're visiting at busy times,.

You won't need any previous experience or equipment, as your entrance to the track includes a lesson and all the equipment you'll need to enjoy your visit safely.

6. Granite Peak Ski Area, Wisconsin

4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (280 miles)

Why you should visit: As its name suggests, Granite Peak is a fabulous and long-established ski destination with some top-class runs and luxurious resort choices.

The biggest ski area in the state is perfectly set up for skiers, with fast lifts and dozens of trails to follow. You can easily fill a weekend here with fun and varied runs.

How to get there: Follow I-90 west out of Chicago, passing Rockford and Madison. Then, shortly after crossing the Wisconsin River, turn onto I-39 and follow it north to Granite Peak Ski Area.

Our highlights: Granite Mountain is one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, and it's been at the forefront of innovation in the skiing industry. It was an early adopter of snowmaking technology in the 1950s.

Two different types of ski lifts were invented here - so when you ski here in modern times you'll be following the lead of some of the country's ski pioneers.

With fast lifts, extensive ski runs and stunning views, you'll probably want to spend most of your time here on the slopes. Rib Mountain, part of the ski area here, is Wisconsin's tallest mountain so you'll find plenty of downhill runs here to suit all abilities.

In Wasau, the nearest town to Granite Peak, there are some great food and drink options for the essential apres-ski part of the day! Visit in early February when the Winter Carnival comes to town and you can see firework displays or catch a fun ride on one of the resort's snow groomers.

When you're ready to head into the warm, make your way to Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. This award-winning, community-focused gallery always has something new to see, and with sculptures and exhibits inspired by nature, it makes the perfect complement to a day enjoying the views out on the mountain.

Our travel tips: This is a really popular ski area, and lift passes can sell out during the busiest periods. It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February.

7. Boyne Mountain Resort, Michigan

5 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (350 miles)

Why you should visit: This is a year-round resort, but with 140 inches of snow, it comes into its own during winter. The extensive and varied ski slopes here are great for a wide range of skiing abilities.

This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place.

How to get there: Follow the interstate east out of Chicago and then continue north, keeping Lake Michigan on your left. After Grand Rapids, turn onto Route 131 and continue north past Big Rapids and Cadillac, until you reach Boyne Mountain.

Our highlights: Boyne Mountain is primarily a ski resort, so take to the slopes and explore more than 415 acres of ski runs. You can also snowshoe, tube or skate if you want a break from the slopes.

If you want to strike out a little further and explore, you can go horseback riding or cross-country skiing through the woodlands or try out snow biking for something new.

For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. These will carry you up to a quarter of a mile across the resort's valleys, giving you a bird's eye view of your stunning surroundings.

For the perfect post-ski wind down, visit the Spa at Boyne Mountain before you head home. Book a fantastic treatment or simply hang out in the sauna, steam room or heated outdoor pool to enjoy the mountain vibes from a different angle.

Our travel tips: Equipment can be rented at this resort but arrive early on weekends or holidays as it's first come, first served. It's a popular place to visit, so book lift passes in advance if you know when you're traveling. If you're able to visit mid-week, you'll probably find the slopes are quieter.

Longer trips (Over 6 hours each way)

Whether you're looking for a festive shopping experience to ease you into the holiday mood, or a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are plenty of fabulous longer road trips that start out from Chicago.

8. Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, New York

8 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (550 miles)

Why you should visit: Seeing the famous falls cascading through the snowy ground is a truly magical experience – and one that's different from any other trip you might take.

Head across the border on this road trip to see the falls from a different perspective, or visit the fabulous wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Canada produces a significant proportion of the world's Icewine, a dessert wine created from grapes left on the vine to freeze before being harvested.

Seeing the falls in winter is a magical experience, with massive icicles and undulating snow drifts surrounding the famous vistas. As well as being beautiful, the crowds that flock to Niagara Falls are slightly less during winter.

How to get there: Head east out of Chicago and join Interstate 90, then just keep going! The same road takes you right across Indiana and Ohio then along the whole length of Lake Erie, before you finally turn onto NY-5 through Buffalo around 5 miles before you reach your destination.

If you want to head across the border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake make sure to pack the required travel documentation, and allow extra time to make the border crossing, especially if you're heading across Rainbow International Bridge.

Our highlights: The highlight of most people's visit to Niagara Falls is to see the mighty waterfalls up close, but if you visit in winter you can also marvel at the massive icicles that form right by the viewing platform on the Journey Behind the Falls. For amazing views of the snow-covered landscape, head up the Skylon Tower.

At night, you can see the falls lit up in spectacular illuminations as part of the Winter Festival of Lights. Then head quickly back into the warmth of your hotel to warm up. Several of the hotels in town have excellent in-house spas, so you can treat yourself to some relaxation time during your trip.

If you're crossing over the Canadian border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Icewine vineyards and wineries are probably the first thing that will get your attention. The long rows of vines stand out proudly in the snow and make a beautiful backdrop while you're learning about Icewine production or, more importantly, tasting a glass or two.

NOTL is also a really charming little town, and while you're here you might like to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through its historic streets - a wonderfully atmospheric way to travel through the snow-covered streets.

Bonus: Right through January you can enjoy the Icewine Festival, which celebrates this delicious local tipple. There's a real art to making Icewine and the conditions have to be just right to freeze the grapes for long enough on the vine.

This means you probably won't see the grape harvest unless you're out in the vineyards at night - pickers tend to work by hand to make sure of the most perfect harvest possible. All things considered, it's easy to see why Niagara-on-the-Lake's Icewine is such a special product to try during your visit.

Our travel tips: Some of the outdoor activities that Niagara Falls is famous for, notably the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, do not operate in winter, but as we've identified, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy views out across the falls.

Note that to enjoy all the attractions Niagara Falls has to offer, you might need to factor in crossing the US/Canada border so make sure you have any paperwork you need (dependent on nationality).

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls

9. Toronto, Canada

8 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (530 miles)

Why you should visit: With festive lights, winter markets, a good chance of snow, and plenty of big city attractions, Toronto is a picture-perfect winter city trip . Located right by Lake Ontario, you can enjoy frosty views out across the water, then head back into the city to indulge yourself in some culture or plain old festive cheer.

It's the perfect place for a romantic getaway - wrap up warm and enjoy snowy views over the beautiful city and lake before warming up with a hot chocolate and a loop or two around an outdoor ice rink.

How to get there: Follow I-90 out of the city then pick up I-94 and head east towards Detroit.

After crossing the border into Canada, the road becomes ON-401. It runs parallel to Lake Erie, so if you have a little longer to make your trip then you might like to pause along the way to admire views across the lake.

Just after London, the road merges with ON-403, which will take you right into the center of Toronto.

Our highlights: Toronto is a vibrant cultural melting pot, so when you spend time in the city you'll be able to enjoy influences on food, art and recreation from all over the world.

Less than half of Toronto's residents were born in Canada, making for a varied and welcoming city that's the perfect place to head to on a road trip.

For added romantic charm, put your skates on and have laps on one of the city's many ice rinks - there are over 50 to choose from. The rinks are super-festive in the run up to the holidays, and you can relax with a hot chocolate or a local craft beer afterwards.

If you're not planning a trip until after Christmas, you'll be able to visit the Toronto Light Festival, when fabulous installations brighten up the city through the cold winter nights. Check ahead to find details of live performances and special events that are taking place.

If it's your first time in Toronto, you'll probably want to see some of the city's sights while you're in town too. Head up the CN Tower for great views of the city and Lake Ontario, which is particularly stunning when it starts to freeze over through the winter.

Then warm up in one of the city's fantastic museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum where you'll find a fascinating and diverse collection.

Bonus: If you're here before the holidays, get into the festive spirit at the Distillery District Christmas Market, which runs from mid-November until New Year. It's a great way to experience this historic part of the city, full of character.

Our travel tips: Although temperatures are at or below freezing through most of the winter, you're not always guaranteed snow in Toronto, so be prepared that you might miss out on the insta-perfect images of this particular winter road trip.

As you can see, there are still plenty of wintery attractions to enjoy in the city, just wrap up warm and see where your trip takes you.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to Toronto

10. Washington, DC

11 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (700 miles)

Why you should visit: You can see the Nation's Christmas Tree, a century-old tradition in the city - it's illuminated from early December in a popular ceremony that for many marks the start of the holiday season.

You can also enjoy a number of holiday markets, to really get you into the festive spirit. You have a few to choose from, including the outdoor Downtown DC Holiday Market, the Swedish Christmas Bazaar in Georgetown, and the Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt.

As well as all the holiday attractions and the chance to see some of the world-famous monuments beautifully surrounded by snow, the crowds at the city's museums are likely to be quieter during the winter.

How to get there: Follow I-90 out of Chicago and east towards Cleveland. Then, join I-80 and follow it around the south of Cleveland before switching onto I-76 and continuing southeast past Pittsburgh.

After passing New Baltimore and Everett, change onto I-70 and continue on through the Appalachians before joining I-270 at Frederick and following it right into the center of Washington DC.

Our highlights: The nation's capital is a fantastic place to visit during the holiday period. As well as the festive markets that take place across the city, where you can admire beautiful decorations and gifts or enjoy some fabulous food and drink, you can take in a carol concert at the National Cathedral.

Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle.

Back outdoors, visit DC's largest outdoor ice rink at Washington Harbor, for views out across the waterfront, or see the Holiday Boat Parade, which includes fireworks and live music as well as festively decorated boats parading down the Potomac River.

If you're visiting later in the season, check out Winter Restaurant Week. The event runs in late Jan or early Feb, and hundreds of the city's restaurants showcase their best meals at reasonable prices - the perfect way to brighten up a long, cold winter.

Don't forget to check out some of the Smithsonian museums too – they're free to enter so you can visit one or many, and enjoy some of the more popular sites without the crowds, especially if you're visiting after the holiday period.

Bonus: The capital hosts a fabulous Lunar New Year Parade in January or February depending on when the new year begins. The parade brings together dragons and lions dancing through DC's streets, as well as drummers, dance troupes and firecrackers - it's a real feast for the senses.

Our travel tips: Don't go to DC expecting reliable snowfall – daytime temperatures are milder than the more northern destinations (in the mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit and above), though it still gets pretty cold at night, and snow is likely but not guaranteed in January and February.

The key message is to wrap up warm and be prepared for whatever weather the city throws at you - pretty standard for DC!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to Washington DC

11. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

11 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (760 miles)

Why you should visit: Pennsylvania combines the kind of winter fun you might expect, like sledding and skating, with some unique winter traditions.

Visitors and locals alike flock to the Macy's Light Show, running for over half a century, and the charming Dickens Village, also found at the store.

Plus, you can fill yourself with festive cheer with a visit to the traditional market at Love Park's Christmas Village, or a stroll through streets filled with fabulous Christmas lights.

How to get there: Follow I-90 east towards Cleveland, switching onto I-80 just before you reach the city. This leads you south to join I-76, which you'll then follow past Pittsburgh, all the way across Pennsylvania. The same road takes you right into Philadelphia

Our highlights: You can see all the historic gems of Philly decked out with lights and trees for the holiday season, and the city's beautiful riverside setting just adds to the magic.

As you make your way from Chicago to Philadelphia , make sure to fit in a visit to Bethlehem, PA, too. The whole town gets decked out in style for the holidays. Take a magical horse-drawn carriage ride, check out entries for the Gingerbread House competition, and enjoy endless festive lights.

Once you've arrived in Philadelphia, you can ice skate beside the Delaware River at Winterfest, then warm up with a hot chocolate - or something stronger - with a view out across Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Then, check out the Christmas Village or the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. If you're looking for unique and often hand-made gifts for family and friends, you'll find plenty of choice here.

The city's popular Longwood Gardens is transformed with amazing lights and live music, so it makes a great place to spend some time after the sun goes down (which happens early in winter!)

If you're in Philadelphia towards the end of the holiday season, you'll be able to watch the Mummers' Parade on New Year's Day. Thousands of people in absolutely dazzling costumes parade through the city in a historic tradition.

Bonus: Macy's Christmas Light Show – another of the city's festive traditions – is a record breaker! It features more than 100,000 lights and is the largest pipe organ in the world.

Our travel tips: Timed tickets are needed for some of Philadelphia's winter attractions, including Longwood Gardens and Dickens Village.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to Philadelphia

12. New York, NY

12 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (800 miles)

Why you should visit: New York City puts on an amazing holiday display – from festive lights to Christmas trees and fabulous window displays throughout the city, all with a thick covering of snow. This road trip from Chicago to New York is truly nothing short of magical!

Plus, if you're in the market for some Christmas shopping you can take your pick of fabulous department stores, designer brands and boutique sellers.

Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the iconic holiday views of the city - if it feels familiar, it's probably because they've featured in so many films and TV shows over the years. You should definitely visit New York in winter so you can say you've experienced them all first-hand.

How to get there: Follow I-90 east across Indiana. Just before Cleveland, merge onto I-80 and follow this all the way across Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey before crossing into Manhattan via George Washington Bridge.

Our highlights: There are so many memorable festive moments to fit into a winter trip to New York City that it's hard to know where to begin. Skate beneath the massive Christmas tree at the famous Rockefeller Ice Rink, before heading up to the Top of the Rock to take in the view of New York in the snow.

Take a carriage ride through Central Park, which is even more magical when there's snow on the ground. Or if you're feeling more active, there are sledding slopes in the park, too.

Of course, NYC is famous for its shops, so leave some space in your case for whatever gifts and treats you might pick up while you're in town. Head to Macy's, Bloomingdale's or Saks Fifth Avenue for wall-to-wall shopping opportunities, or take a walk along Fifth Avenue to indulge in designer brands.

Further afield, the city is packed full of other shopping districts, including the West Village, Bleeker Street, Union Square and the Meatpacking District to name just a few. Or if you're in town with romantic intentions, a stroll through the Diamond District might go down well.

For a different experience of New York in winter, skip the crowds and visit in January to enjoy the NYC Winter Jazz Fest or NYC Restaurant Week, where restaurants put on their best fare at affordable prices.

If you're traveling at this time of the year, you can also stop off at New Hope, PA, as you make your way from Chicago to New York City. Here you can join in with the 9-day Winter Festival (late January).

Galleries, restaurants, and local businesses come together to bring some warmth and cheer to the new year, with a legendary chili cook-off, Soup-A-Thon, and ice sculptures dotted around town.

Bonus: These days, you usually need to take a ferry across from Manhattan to Staten Island, but back in 1780, the entire harbor froze so hard that it was possible to walk all the way across the river.

Our travel tips: Parts of the city get extremely crowded in December, and accommodation prices rise accordingly. The first week of December is particularly busy, but many travelers report that the crowds and prices calm down a little mid-month.

If you'd like to learn more about the best areas to stay in NYC before you plan your trip, you can find our detailed area-by-area guide here .

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to New York City

13. New Orleans, Louisiana

13 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (925 miles)

Why you should visit: Mild weather and weeks of flamboyant parades makes New Orleans the perfect contrast to snowy Chicago. The city is famous for Mardi Gras, which takes place in late February, but warm-up events actually start in January, so you can enjoy week after week of enjoyment.

As well as Mardi Gras, New Orleans is also a vibrant city where you can enjoy live music, fabulous food and warm winter weather - perhaps the closest you can get to a trip overseas without needing a passport!

How to get there: On this road trip , join I-57 and follow it south all the way to Cairo, on the Illinois/Missouri border. Then, soon after crossing the Mississippi River, change onto I-55 and follow it south.

As far as Nashville, I-55 runs parallel to the Mississippi before passing through Jackson. Continue along the interstate then, after skirting the west side of Lake Pontchartrain, merge onto I-10, which takes you into the center of New Orleans.

Our highlights: From Thanksgiving onwards, enjoy a Reveillon Dinner – a local tradition that now sees restaurants across the city offering seasonal Creole-inspired food all through December.

Also running from Thanksgiving right up to New Year's Day is Celebration in the Oaks. This after-dark spectacle sees City Park lit up with more than a million lights. Given the city's mild winter climate, it's the perfect place to end the day with a romantic stroll.

If you're in the city for Christmas itself, head out along River Road on Christmas Eve, where you'll see bonfires lit on the night of the 24th so that Papa Noel can find his way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

Once Christmas and New Year are behind you, the party season in New Orleans really gets going. From mid-January, you can see parades and events starting up, then the main event, Mardi Gras, starts on Shrove Tuesday and carries on for two weeks. Expect fabulous parades, live music and all-night parties.

You'll have seen pictures of the beautiful and elaborate masks that are such a feature of the Mardi Gras parades. But did you know that every single participant has to wear one?

That way, current and future visitors will be guaranteed the same fabulous experience of NOLA's longstanding and unique traditions.

Our travel tips: Although average temperatures sit around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, they can drop much lower or rise as high as 80, so it's wise to pack for three seasons to be prepared for a winter trip here!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to New Orleans

14. Savannah, Georgia

15 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (960 miles)

Why you should visit: The weather stays mild all year round in Savannah, so it's a great place to come and escape the Midwest chill. You can enjoy spending time outside, take a walk along the river, or just relax in one of Savannah's beautiful squares - the polar opposite of a Chicago winter.

Don't worry about missing out on too much of that winter snow either - your drive will take you through the Appalachians so you can take in some stunning views as you make your way south to Georgia.

Savannah is a great place to visit all year round but come in winter to enjoy this fabulous city without the summer crowds or humidity.

How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville.

At Louisville, change onto I-64 and follow it towards Lexington onto I-75 which takes you across into Tennessee. Then, take I-40 from Knoxville to Asheville then join I-26 south passing Spartanburg and Columbia.

This leads you eventually onto I-95, which you'll follow south to Savannah.

Our highlights: There might not be snow and ice on the ground, but Savannah manages to fill the holiday season with its very own brand of festive charm.

At Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, you can follow the beautiful light trail through the magical gardens, for example, or take a holiday trolley tour or boat trip to see the city decked out in festive finery while enjoying a wonderful warm cider.

Then, follow the Christmas Parade, which makes its way through the city's streets and squares in early December.

All through the winter, you can also enjoy the shops and restaurants on fabulous River Street, the perfect place to spend some time whether you're looking for gifts to take home or just something special for yourself.

The city was offered up to President Lincoln as a Christmas Gift during the Civil War. As Christmas gifts go, a whole city is one we wouldn't mind receiving!

Our travel tips: Winter weather in Savannah is changeable, but the year-round humidity can make even warm days feel chilly when you're outdoors for a while.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to Savannah

15. Orlando, Florida

17 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (1,130 miles)

Why you should visit: Orlando is known as a winter sun favorite – so pack your sun cream and enjoy some time outdoors.

The theme parks of Orlando are popular year-round, but during the winter you get to experience them all dressed up for the holiday season, and without the heat and humidity that can be a feature at other times of the year.

How to get there: Follow I-90 out of Chicago then merge onto US-41 at the southern tip of Lake Michigan and continue south past Terre Haute and Vincennes.

Just after crossing the Ohio River at Evansville, turn onto I-69, continuing south on I-169 where the interstates divide. After Hopkinsville, join I-24 and follow it through Nashville to Chattanooga, where you'll switch onto I-75 which runs all the way to Florida.

After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando.

Our highlights: Florida is the warmest part of the continental US through the winter - perfect for escaping the sub-zero temperatures of the Midwest on this road trip from Chicago to Orlando !

Visit the theme parks in their holiday finest – whether your first choice is Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld or Legoland Florida, each one will be suitably festive with parades and events to match.

You can see Cinderella's Castle made even more magical at Walt Disney World, or visit EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays to take a whistle-stop tour around the world's traditions.

One that stands out for its festive themes is the Grinch-mas Who-liday Special at Universal Islands of Adventure. And of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes into its own during the winter.

If you have time to head out of town, make your way to Tampa to see Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. You'll find yourself in a warm weather wonderland with trees, lights, skating and fireworks.

Outside of the theme parks, you can enjoy the Winter Park Christmas Parade, a long-standing Florida tradition, with dozens of troupes followed by Santa.

And if you're missing that traditional winter vibe, visit Now Snowing in Celebration, where frosty views meet the Florida sun – including hourly snow flurries.

Our travel tips: Pack layers, as even Florida can experience cooler days, but rest assured that with heated pools and plenty of daytime sunshine, you can enjoy yourself outdoors right through the winter.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to Orlando

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PEOPLE'S 24 Hour Food Tour: Chicago

It may be known as the Second City, but Chicago is second to none when it comes to a memorable and diverse food scene. We pick the best places to eat in one delicious day

Writer Ari Bendersky has covered Chicago’s dining scene for nearly 20 years. From serving as founding editor of Eater Chicago to writing for many local and national publications (including WSJ magazine, New York Times, and Food & Wine) to launching his own Substack newsletter, Something Glorious , he continues to deliver the goods on where to eat, what wine and spirits to drink, and what’s happening in the lives of some of the world’s top chefs. 

Chicago is inarguably one of the top culinary destinations in the U.S. From its legendary humbler fare (Chicago-style pizza and the requisite Chicago hot dog "dragged through the garden") to on-the-rise young chefs cooking the food of their cultures to some of the most lauded high-end cuisine in the country (there’s a reason the annual James Beard Foundation Awards are held here each year), there's something for everyone within the city limits.

That, of course, makes it almost impossible to put together an itinerary for a visitor looking to try the best of the city's eats in just one day. In fact, narrowing down your options might be some of the toughest decisions you ever make, up there with "Do I go to a top college to study engineering or go straight to work in a hot tech company?" and "Is a ticket to see Taylor Swift more important than covering my rent this month?"

Like we said, these aren't easy decisions, but you have to make the choice and just go with it. From breakfast to dinner to a late-night indulgence, Chicago has more options than you have time, so choose wisely — ideally with some guidance from those of us who take this "research" seriously. Here are our picks for where to dine during one day in one of the country’s best food cities. 

Breakfast: Tiztal Cafe

Tiztal Cafe

No matter where you’re staying, grab a rideshare or hop on the “L” train and head to Uptown to this super cute Latin women-owned gem. Yes, you can get pancakes, scrambled eggs or an omelet, but Tiztal’s Mexican breakfast, especially the chilaquiles, is why you come here. Made with fresh crisp tortillas and green salsa, the dish gets topped with warm baked chihuahua cheese and cilantro (go extra and top it with steak and eggs, their specialty). Or opt for the huevos rancheros or chorizo scramble. But if you want simple eggs, be sure to ask for some pico de gallo and tortillas on the side. Pro tip: if it’s warm out, ask to sit on their recently renovated hidden backyard patio filled with Mexican art.

Lunch: Lula Cafe

Kyle Kissel

A mainstay in Chicago’s culinary world, Lula Cafe has been serving some of the best lunch (and let’s not forget dinner) for 25 years. The restaurant is led by chef/owner Jason Hammel, a multiple James Beard Award nominee and champion of the farm to table movement. Lula elevates brunch — you can order off the full brunch and lunch menu between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. — while remaining utterly cozy.

Keep it simple with buttermilk pancakes, or opt for a perfectly cooked French omelet filled with butternut squash, ricotta, and pear mostarda that’s served with a petit salad of local greens. Or go for baked French feta with marinated olives and a punchy jalapeño basil oil; the classic Lula ‘99 turkey sandwich layered with avocado, lettuce, and chili oil; or this writer’s favorite warming chickpea and fennel tagine with spiced green harissa and sweet golden raisins. Your table might be about to buckle after ordering everything that sounds delicious, but you should also treat yourself to one of their brunch cocktails — you’re on vacation, right?   

Sweet Treat: Mindy’s Bakery 

Aliza J Sokolow

After winning a James Beard Award for outstanding pastry chef, running a successful restaurant, and launching a massively successful edible cannabis brand, what’s left for Mindy Segal to do? Open her namesake bakery. Set in Wicker Park, Mindy’s Bakery sees people lining up early for an array of baked goods pulling from European and Middle Eastern traditions. Her housemade bagels and bialys are a huge draw, but if you're indulging an afternoon sweet tooth, you can’t pass up a twice-baked almond croissant, hot fudge glazed donuts, marbled sour cream coffee cake with cocoa nib streusel, and the smattering of hot-out-the-oven cookies, bars, brioche tarts, and cakes.

(Bonus pick: If you're here on a hot day and need to chill out, check out Pretty Cool Ice Cream , with locations in Logan Square and Lincoln Park, for inventive ice cream pops from award-winning pastry chef Dana Cree.)

Dinner: Shaw’s Crab House

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

There are any number of newer hotspots we could send you to (some recent favorites include Maxwells Trading , Obelix , Brasero , or Daisies — and frankly, if you have more time, definitely go to any one of these). But for a true "classic Chicago" dinner out, the city's 40-year mainstay Shaw’s Crab House is a fun stop with something for everyone.

It's two restaurants in one – the more formal dining room that throws back to the Rat Pack era and a casual and boisterous oyster bar. You can get steak or chicken, but it is a "crab house," after all, so definitely indulge in some of its popular seafood. Start with a dozen oysters flown in fresh from around North America. Move on to jumbo lump crab cakes or a cup of creamy New England clam chowder. Then settle in for seared Alaskan halibut, a lobster roll, or chilled stone crab claws (when in season).

Late Night Snack: The Wiener's Circle

Gabriella Zammuto

When you want a side of sass with your Chicago dog, head to the infamous Wiener's Circle . With a counter team known for dishing out fiery insults to an often drunk late-night (and even daytime) crowd, Wiener’s Circle has all the classic Chicago hot dog stand staples: Chicago dogs, char cheddar burgers, char Polish, cheddar fries, and more.

You might also get a side of a celeb sighting with your ketchup-free dog: Ed Sheeran has served food from behind the counter; Eagles center Jason Kelce arrived to find the restaurant’s sign reading “Welcome Taylor's Boyfriends Brother” (and gave back as good as he got), and global DJ Marshmello recently performed from the rooftop. This spot is definitely a vibe.

Spot a Celeb At: RPM Steak

Lindsay Eberly / Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants 

This Chicago steakhouse, located in the heart of busy River North, has long been a beacon for the rich and famous. That should come as no surprise, since RPM Steak is owned in part by Bill and Giuliana Rancic.

Recent visitors include Chris Rock, Sophia Bush, Mariah Carey, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and they’re not just coming for its welcoming hospitality. It’s all about the food and drinks here.

The draw is the nearly 20 steak options like the 28-day dry-aged, 16-ounce New York Strip and four cuts of Japanese wagyu (priced per ounce) you can pair with decadent sauces and butters like black truffle bearnaise or king crab Oscar. But the giant seafood towers, warm Parker House rolls, spicy miso lobster, and whole roasted Dover sole add to the appeal. The extensive and impressive wine list? The cherry on top of it all. 

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Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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Migrant, Chicagoan plead guilty in theft of radio from Chicago police station

CHICAGO — A Chicago man and a Venezuelan migrant have pleaded guilty to participating in the theft of a CPD officer’s radio from the front desk of a Near West Side police station.

Elvis Antunez, 31, entered the station at 1412 South Blue Island around 6:40 a.m. on September 6 and ran out with a police radio that had been sitting on the front desk, officials claimed.

Diomedes Torres-Hidalgo, a 23-year-old migrant living at or near the police station lobby at the time, allegedly ran into the path of police officers who were chasing Antunez, apparently in an attempt to help him get away, police said.

When officers tried to arrest Torres-Hidalgo, he evaded them and was nearly struck by a passing cement truck, police said in his arrest report.

Officers caught Atunez about a block from the station.

Torres-Hidalgo pleaded guilty last week to misdemeanor resisting, a charge that was reduced from a felony, according to court records. Judge Thomas Byrne sentenced him to 193 days, which he had already served by being on electronic monitoring while the case was pending.

Antunez pleaded guilty to felony theft earlier this year. Byrne sentenced him to 24 months of probation and 100 hours of community service. He must earn a GED, submit to random drug testing and drug treatment, and submit DNA for indexing by law enforcement, court records show.

Similar thefts of police radios were reported last year after the Chicago Police Department encrypted the bulk of its radio transmissions, making it impossible for the public to listen to police activity in real time.

Just a month before the Near West incident, a similar radio theft occurred at the Near North (18th) District station, 1160 North Larrabee. At about 8:30 a.m. on August 13, a teenage boy stepped into the lobby, reached between two people filing a traffic crash report, and snatched a radio from the front desk, a CPD report said. That thief got away.

Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.

© 2024 CWBChicago LLC. All rights reserved.

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When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Your guide to the 2024 total solar eclipse: Path, time, glasses, live stream, more

It's april 8, 2024, the day of the great american eclipse. we explain how to watch it, how to get glasses, how to live stream the celestial experience and more..

It's finally April 8, 2024, the day of the total solar eclipse . We've waited for this day for years , and we won't have another one like it for decades .

Starting at 2:27 p.m. Eastern time, the Great American Eclipse's path of totality crosses the continental United States, from southern Texas to nothern Maine, over the course of 68 minutes. The path is also predicted to cross portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan , Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

An estimated 34 millions Americans are expected to witness the celestial phenomenon. But the rest of America, weather permitting , will have a chance to view a partial eclipse with proper eclipse glasses or an eclipse viewer, such as a pinhole projector or even a kitchen colander . Do not dare try to look at it with your bare eyes or sunglasses !

Have you procrastinated on preparing for today? Not to worry; we have your guide on everything you need to know about the 2024 solar eclipse.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth’s orbits , creating an eclipse of Earth’s view of the sun. The term "eclipse" traces its roots to the Latin  “eclipsis,” drawn from the Greek  “ekleipsis.”

The  path of totality  is the predicted path of the eclipse; in this case, from Mexico, through the U.S. across Texas and North America to the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. States  in the path of totality  for the 2024 solar eclipse include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

What is the 2024 solar eclipse path?

Use the map below to see NASA's prediction of the April 8 solar eclipse's path of totality. Keep in mind that this is a prediction, and predictions can vary, but they may only affect you if you're on the very edge of the path .

When is solar eclipse 2024? When does the solar eclipse start near me?

The 2024 solar eclipse is Monday, April 8, 2024. Its path of totality will cross the United States from approximately 2:27 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. Eastern time. That's when, if you're in the path, the sky will darken for several minutes and the air will get colder.

Use the ZIP code locator below to find out when the eclipse begins and ends in your area — and what it will look like. Plan for up to 2.5 hours for eclipse viewing . (Can't see it? Hit refresh.)

What time is the solar eclipse in Michigan?

Only one small sliver of Michigan is in the 2024 eclipse's path of totality, in southeastern Monroe County. That includes Luna Pier, which sits along Lake Erie, just north of Toledo. Its residents are getting excited , albeit a little concerned about potential traffic snarls.

Most of the rest of Michigan will see somewhere between 90-99% coverage of the sun , though it won't be visible to the naked eye; you'll need special glasses or a viewer (more on that later).

When is the solar eclipse in Detroit?

In Detroit, where there will be 99.4% coverage of the sun, the 2024 solar eclipse will begin at 1:58 p.m. and reach maximum totality, or coverage, around 3:14 p.m. It will conclude with a final partial eclipse at 4:27 p.m.

What is the eclipse weather forecast in Michigan?

Clear skies will be essential to viewing the eclipse, especially since most of Michigan doesn't fall in the path of totality. The good news is forecasters are predicting the lower part of the state to be in "good shape" for viewing .

As of Monday,  AccuWeather  predicts a high of 69 degrees in Detroit on Monday, with a mixture of clouds giving way to sunshine. Weather.com is predicting the same clearing of clouds in the afternoon with a high of 73. Forecasters at the  National Weather Service  are predicting a 30% chance of sky cover during the eclipse time in southeastern Michigan.

If these predictions hold up, that would give eclipse viewers in southeast Michigan  a chance to see the eclipse at least somewhere within the 2.5-hour window, as long as the clouds break at any point.

How to find 2024 solar eclipse glasses

First of all, make sure the eclipse glasses you're searching for are safe. According to  NASA's eclipse safety website , the agency does not recommend specific eyewear for eclipse viewing but  does  recommend glasses that come with an IOS compliance label, or standard, of 12312-2, on the packaging. The eyewear may also be labeled IOS 12312-2:2015. According to NASA, torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged eyewear should be discarded.

While local hardware and big box retailers may have eclipse eyewear on their shelves, buyer beware, especially if they claim to be endorsed by NASA. NASA does not make specific recommendations.

Here's where you can try to find eclipse glasses , though keep in mind they could be sold out in many places. Try calling ahead to be safe:

• Check your local library: You also may be able to find free eclipse glasses at your local public library in Michigan, along with special programs. Check your library nearest you for details.
• Check these retailers: The American Astronomical Society says some locations of these retailers may sell eclipse glasses: Walmart, Lowe's, Menards, Kroger, Meijer, Staples and 7-11.
• The American Astronomical Society  has a list of approved solar-eclipse glasses suppliers  here , though it's too late to order online.

Here's more information on how to safely view the eclipse. Also try the the American Astronomical Society's website  or  NASA .

Watch for eclipse glasses scams!

Please don't forget the scams. Consumers should exercise caution when buying eclipse-related experiences or goods, according to Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of BBB Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

So far, she said, the Michigan BBB has not received eclipse-related complaints or scam reports. Even so, you want to take extra care to avoid fake products, like counterfeit eclipse glasses, and rip-offs, like too good to be true deals for  special tickets  or deals on hotel rooms. Here's finance columnist Susan Tompor with more tips on avoiding eclipse glasses and hotel scams.

How to make an eclipse viewer

Want to watch the eclipse without glasses? You don't necessarily need special glasses or filters, but it takes a little creativity and a handful to household supplies to make your own pinhole box or pinhole projector, also known as a pinhole camera.

Here's what to know, including step-by-step instructions , about building your own eclipse viewer.

Will the eclipse affect my pets? Will it affect other animals?

There are four things likely to happen to animal behavior during the April 8, 2024 eclipse, according to Erica Cartmill, professor of anthropology, animal behavior and cognitive science at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana:

• Animals won't do anything unusual.
• Animals will do evening behaviors. For example, if a dog is used to a bedtime treat, he may go to the kitchen to wait for it.
• Animals will display signs of increased anxiety such as scratching, yawning, circling and pacing or if they are animals that typically flock together, they will start grouping.
• Animals display unexpected behavior.

Here's more on what to know from reporter Jamie LaReau .

Will schools close during the solar eclipse?

In Michigan, most schools don't appear to be closing for the April 8 solar eclipse, though other states in the path of totality are doing so .

Is it safe to drive during the solar eclipse?

Yes, but exercise caution. There doesn’t appear to be a ton of data on how eclipses affect road safety, but places that saw a total eclipse in 2017 attracted lots of visitors and extra road activity. Officials are asking drivers to be extra cautious on the roadways, especially near the path of totality.

Here’s what AAA Michigan recommends:

• Keep your vehicle’s headlights on.
• Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.
• Don’t wear eclipse glasses while driving.
• Don’t try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.
• Don’t pull over to the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.
• Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse.
• Be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around with their eyes on the sky.

Here's Eric D. Lawrence with more .

Solar eclipse viewing tips

• We can't say this enough: Don't stare at an eclipse without proper eyewear! Here's the kind of damage you can do to your eyes if you do so.
• Looking for a viewing party? Here is a list of events happening for the April 8 solar eclipse in metro Detroit. Also check your local and state parks for potential gatherings.
• Wear red or green today! The Purkinje effect is a real thing , and it causes certain colors to either pop or vanish during a total solar eclipse.
• During a total solar eclipse, you might be able to catch a glimpse of 5 plants and 1 star. Here's how .
• Today's Spotify playlist: Songs about eclipses, the sun and the moon .

When is the next solar eclipse after 2024?

Not for another 20 years. According to NASA, after the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044 . Here's how we're able to predict eclipses so far ahead of time.

It'll be much longer before another solar eclipse's path of totality crosses Michigan. The next solar eclipse to cross the state will be Sept. 14, 2099, when  the path of totality crosses the southwest Lower Peninsula .

How to watch the 2024 solar eclipse live stream

There are a few ways to watch the 2024 solar eclipse from your device, if you're watching from afar:

• NASA plans to live stream the total solar eclipse as it crosses the United States, starting around 1 p.m. You can watch the NASA live stream here . You also can watch it on  NASA+  or on  YouTube ,  Facebook  or  Twitch .
• USA TODAY will live stream the eclipse across the United States here .
• The United States Space Force will host a  live stream of the eclipse , starting at 1 p.m. 
• The Detroit Free Press will live stream the 2024 solar eclipse from northern Ohio, within the path of totality, starting a little before 3 p.m. Stay tuned for the live video link here.
• Disney Plus will air a live stream of the solar eclipse as it passes over parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. Look for "Eclipse Across America" on the streaming service.

Happy viewing!

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