The village is also right by the Ice Age Scenic Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, providing lots of opportunity for outdoor activities. In fact, there are a few towns and cities that are technically suburbs of Chicago. By Elanor Bock, and Jay Gentile. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Highlights: Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boise. One of the best things to do in Fort Wayne is visit the YLNI Farmers Market. It was exactly the experience I needed: waves, beaches, amazing food, brilliant art, and a community that preserves its past. So if you're not sure where to start when it comes to a Midwestern trip, we recommend you load up the car and hit the roadone of these road trips from Chicago could quickly turn into your favorite weekend getaway. Before you go back to Sandusky, get a scoop of Lake Erie Cookie Island Monster. Eighty-five percent of the furnishings in the house are original, including the bed that Lincoln slept in when he was a guest. Its relative isolation fostered a vibrant artists community, which thrives to this day. History buffs will get a kick out of exploring Janesvilles thirteen historic districts. I wont spoil it for you but this 292-acre lake and nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest is truly a place to unwind from the crowds. If not, then Im a fan of Staybridge Suites. Start your visit at the Kenosha History Center for an overview of the areas past. Planning a Road Trip in the USA: 13 Best Routes! Established in 2019, Indiana Dunes National Park is 15,000 acres along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. But away from the isolated and lush property of Candlewood Cabins are fields and hills that keep you outdoors all day. They offer both motorcycle and automobile driving schools. This dreamy lakeside town (and next-door neighbor Douglas) has long been a favorite of Chicagoans looking to spend time on the water, whether its a boat on the Kalamazoo River or a relaxing day on one of the areas six clean, inviting beaches. In addition to the manufacturing company and a nearby resort, theres also the Kohler Arts Center and the Kohler Art Preserve, which opened in 2021. 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. And in the summertime, when the heat gets a little unbearable, you could easily just jump into the lake in Chicago. One place you can only visit from a boat, unless you have physical limitations and cant climb the many stairs from the dock, is Black Point Estate. When temperatures are cold, cold, cold you might opt for staying indoors. Drive time: 32 hours. Pack your car with some picnic accoutrements, and maybe some hiking gear just in case, and head off. If youre looking for delightful towns with delicious food and drink, boutiques and artisan shops, intriguing history, outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and so much more, youre sure to find your perfect road trip from Chicago. California's Pacific Coast Highway is the road trip that dreams are made of with breathtaking views of the water and mountains. 1 hour Lake Kegonsa State Park. Traverse City is about five hours from Chicago. The de-facto capital of the region, Traverse City, is a city in name, but its population of around 15,000 means it's got small-town charm and accessibility, making it a perfect gateway to the region's breathtaking sights. Wind between the towns of Michiana, Grand Beach, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Lakeside, Union Pier, Harbert and Sawyer. The citys prime location acts as a portal to the Midwest from historical cities to sprawling state parks and urban-stress-relieving beer. Archive - Beasleys Orchard has the best apple cider. The road from Chicago to Ohio is filled with worthwhile attractions, including Indiana Dunes State Park and the Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. The charming resort town of Traverse City, located at Michigans northern tip, offers plenty to do for nature enthusiasts. Depending on your starting point, these destinations may provide more of a staycation than a vacation. For decades, Galena has been on a mission to preserve its rich history, meaning it has one of the most unspoiled historic town centers in the country. Nearby Ottawa is a charming town with lots of creative chefs, so you can have the best of both worlds. 1. Where to stay in Sandusky, Ohio: Hotel Kilbourne. From craft booze tours to fruit picking and corn mazes, its one of Chicagos best road trips. Brown County, Indiana, is known for its beauty when the leaves change colors, but that doesnt mean you can only visit in the fall. Its right downtown, providing easy access to the river walk. The Field of Dreams Movie Site is surprisingly moving, especially now that you can tour the house. Just don't forget to leave room for a meal atFeast Market & Cellar, a family-owned kitchen with a lovely corner porch where everything is made from scratch daily. Cities can sometimes feel like endless stretches of concrete especially in the hot summer months and Chicago is no exception. Summer is approaching, and it's the perfect time to embark on a scenic road tripfrom Chicagoto transport yourself to somewherecompletely different. Ready to plan your road trips from Chicago? One attraction with a direct tie to Chicago is the Yerkes Observatory (pictured above). Clinch Park and Bryant Park have gorgeous, popular beaches while the more remote Haserot and North Bar Lake beaches offer the chance for a secluded getaway. If you can spare a month, make it all the way down to the Pacific Ocean. 1. Stop in for a glass of beer or wine at one of the many famous wineries and brewpubs, like Mari Vineyards or Mackinaw Brewing Company, before heading into the wilderness. That's what's figuratively the case when you drive west from Chicago to Galena, consistently rated as one of the best small towns in America. Waterfalls, storybook towns, incredible food, and more await just a short drive from Chicago. Built in 1857, its been a museum since 1951. I hope these delightful road trips from Chicago will help you find someplace wonderful to visit for your weekend getaways. Contact Us - Plus, the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the best in the country, and the only place you can see Internet icon Fiona the Hippo in person. Beer lovers will have a blast exploring Milwaukees breweries. There are also several historic buildings, and the Ulysses S. Grant Home is one of the most popular places to visit for a look into the past. CVB: Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette, homeofpurdue.com. His work has appeared in. Another one of the great things to do in Elgin is visit Lords Park and Zoo. Indiana Dunes, Indiana 1 hour from Chicago (50 miles) Delmas Lehman/Shutterstock.com Only an hour away from downtown Chicago, Indiana Dunes became the newest National Park in the United States in 2019. Just an hour from Grand Rapids, its a great next stop on your Chicago road trip. Just don't forget to leave room for a meal at, Despite what Blackhawks fans may chant, there is plenty about Detroit that doesnt suck. Its named for the mines that Julien Dubuque, the towns founder, worked with permission from first the Mesquakie and then the Spanish. With the mouthwatering breakfasts served each morning at Cherry Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast, though, you wont mind if the same thing happens to you. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Starved Rock State Park is about an hour and a half from Chicago. And if youre hungry, Green Bay will keep you fat and happy. If Skyline Chili is not your bag, dont worrytheres a whole lot more to the Queen City than its most famous tourist foodstuff. If you plan on spending time outsideand you shouldbe sure to pack accordingly with warm layers, protection from the sun, and sturdy closed-toed walking shoes. Definitely spare some time for Kerrytown Market and Shops for all their indie offerings! Galena is about three hours from Chicago. He was one of the five members of the acclaimed Hoosier Group. Inside youll discover stories behind the filming of this beloved classic. Kohler also manages the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden, one of several artist-built environments throughout the state. Road trips are the equivalent of human wings. The Kohler name is prominent in the area. Located just 75 miles northwest of Chicago on the other side of the Wisconsin border, Lake Geneva provides a year-round escape from hectic city life and is a short day trip from Chicago or great weekend destination. One of the most famous attractions is in nearby Dyer. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Lake Geneva, WI. You might say I like it. Discover the best things to do in St Louis. You can take a steamboat tour or an American Lady River Cruise aboard a yacht. The heart of Indiana Amish country is a great option for a convenient road trip perfect for families, history buffs and, most of all, antiquers. Everybody wins! You could also head southeast from Lexington and visit Berea (artisans/craft galleries) and Cumberland Falls (home of the moonbow). It spans the Ohio River. Make a quick escape and spend a few nights amidst nature. 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. For dining, dont miss Black Pig, Il Ritrovo, and BoMallies. 10 Best Road Trips From Chicago for a Weekend Getaway Escape Chicago for a few days with one of these 10, drivable weekend getaways and short road trips starting in Chicago. But what about that food, you ask? The road trip doesn't end when you reach Door County; There's plenty to navigate by car as you wander the series of small towns located ona beautiful 75-mile peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Just outside the city you'll also find fall-harvest overload in the way of apple and pumpkin farms where you can pick your own fruits and veggies and gorge on baked treats. Breakfast should absolutely begin at Paradigm Coffee and Music. The Best Road Trips from Chicago February 15, 2021 / by Lo. bagel. In addition to being the only Sandusky hotel thats on the water, its also got a rooftop bar and an on-site restaurant. Another is SAMARA. Where to stay in Brown County: Abe Martin Lodge is located within Brown County State Park. Despite what Blackhawks fans may chant, there is plenty about Detroit that doesnt suck. Photo: Thomas Barrat on Shutterstock. Road trips from Chicago. Douglas, Saugatuck, and Holland and Fennville, though it's not right on the water epitomize small-town charm, while still offering some truly city-sized amenities for city-sized appetites. However, if you feel like experiencing a bit more of the local flavor, the towns around the river valley provide it in buckets. Discover the best things to do in Louisville. Another way to see the mansions is to walk the path that surrounds the lake. 45 minutes Rockford. This historic mansion has many ties to Chicago, including Jane Addams. Whether its hiking the Saugatuck Dunes, window shopping on Butler Street or enjoying dinner and drinks alfresco, there are many ways to get some much-needed fresh air here. However, if you want a break, drive a little further east to Michigan City. One of my favorite things to do was take a first sailing lesson in Lake Michigan. If you need more than wine to prompt a trip, there's plenty of nature in the vicinity and the nearby town of Murphysboro is home to some of the finest BBQ in the Midwest at 17th Street Barbecue. Chicagoans might recognize that name: he built Fort Dearborn when he was a Captain. Within 3 Hours The better driving route from Chicago to New York comes in at a shade under 900 miles and will take between 14 and 15 hours of driving time. There are historic accommodations, unique boutiques, and delicious dining. And of course, make sure you have some cheese curds, brats, and beer. Sandusky is most famous for being the home of Cedar Point amusement park, but this city on the shores of Lake Erie is much more than roller coasters and funnel cakes. Expect adventure, road trips, camping, festivals and food! Yes, its highest natural point is Charles Mound, a diminutive 1,235-foot hill. 12 Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Families, Best Road Trips for Every Decade of Your Life, 16 Best Places to Visit in Michigan, According to Locals, 12 Romantic Getaways in Michigan From Small Towns to Car-free Islands. Tiny, charming Utica is home to the August Hill Winery and some wonderful antique stores, while the historic towns of Oglesby and Ottawa are chock-full of Americana: small museums, galleries, and great food, particularly at the Red Dog Grill in Ottawa and The Rootbeer Stand in Oglesby. But hey thats what being a Local Tourist is all about, right? I visited in August 2021, and it was my first press trip post-cancer. To see them is to witness the power of the glaciers that shaped North America. Fennville is about two hours from Chicago. One of the most surprising aspects of the area is the sheer number of parks. The only Doctor Who Museum and Store is in Hendricks County, as is the Tie-Dye Lab, where you can make your own tie-dye apparel. Consider a train to Seattle heres what its really like to ride the Amtrak Empire Builder! One of the highlights of any visit to Janesville would be the Lincoln-Tallman House. Need a pit stop? The Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market is a bargain-hunters dreamthe largest flea market in the Midwest, with lively auctions Wednesday mornings. The Ridge Road and Pine River Recreation Trail fulfils all your adventurous needs where else would you find wildlife while biking over abandoned railroads? Janesvilles dining scene is relatively new, but with restaurants like Genisa Wine Bar and the Sandwich Bar, its gaining steam and there are enough unique spots to keep your palate happy. From the Indianapolis Museum of Art to the Indianapolis Childrens Museum to quirky Indiana Medical History Museum, you can escape the cold all day! Nashville - Florence - Memphis - Oak Alley Plantation - NOLA 5:58 pm. Road trip to Washington, DC 6:49 pm. Fennville is known as the fruit basket of Michigan, with apple orchards, vineyards, and berry farms alongside delightful creameries and even corn mazes, while Saugatuck and Douglas consistently take the cake as two of the best lakeside towns in the Midwest, with incredibly charming downtown areas, gorgeous undulating sand dunes, pristine blue water, and more art galleries than you can shake a stick at. Where to stay near Indiana Dunes State Park: Camping is available within the park itself, and there are several hotel chains in Michigan City. These include not only places Ive been, but also spots recommended by students at Purdue University. We drove there from Chicago last summer on a whim and had the best time! There are many reasons nearly a million people visit the former mining mecca each year. When people ask me the destination that surprised me the most, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, tops the list. Youll learn about the towns very beginnings, as well as its role in the Underground Railroad. Wine tasting in Galena, Illinois. Think boutique instead of big box, locally owned versus chain. Hot new restaurants like Bluebeard, Milktooth, Crispy Bird, Oca, and more have all contributed to its reputation as a gastronomical powerhouse, while iconic institutions like Workingman's Friend have been, well, working behind the scenes to keep Hoosiers well-fed for decades. Another vote for St. Louis. There are several places that make this a great place for a road trip from Chicago. Inspired by Sierra Nevadas set-up in Asheville, North Carolina, this is a multi-purpose destination with a brewery, a distillery, a restaurant, and an outdoor stage. We are laid back people who enjoy small towns, beautiful drives and maybe one night of hustle and bustle (optional). This is about as far south as you can drive from Chicago in 8 hours, so if you are looking to warm up Memphis is a great destination. In fact, it's here that two School of the Art Institute of Chicago instructors founded their own art school and residence, Ox-Bow, establishing an artists' colony right on the shores of Lake Michigan. My girlfriend and I are planning to take a road trip from Chicago in the last week of March. Looks like everyone's concerned with building a legacy here. No coast? 2. If youre looking for an all-season destination, Ann Arbor is the perfect road trip from Chicago. Even New York City and the west coast are within reach. Plus, the. I even taught the first writing workshop for Midwest Travel Network (Ive now taught three) at Natural Valley Ranch, a cabin with that private pond out its back door. . Wisconsin, Washington DC, and Tennessee are out. For more art, book a room at Saint Kate The Arts Hotel. Like Chicagos lakefront with its public beaches, Geneva Lake is surrounded by a trail thats open to everyone. Its a multi-visit destination for sure! 6 reviews Road trip Chicago - Las Vegas 5 years ago Save Doing an RV road trip from Chicago to Las Vegas at the end of february, beginning of march. If you count yourself among them, a road trip from Chicago to Indianapolis is certainly warranted. Lakefront Brewery is known for its fun tours. You could easily spend a day or two on art alone, thanks to world-class museums like the, ; powerful, immersive public art like the, . For a true escape from Chicago's steel-and-stone skyscrapers that is still within the state limits, drive to the area around Starved Rock State Park. When you visit Janesville, make sure youve got your walking shoes and plenty of room on your SD card, because the town is filled with vibrant and colorful murals. Chicago to Madison. Chicagos number one when it comes to day trips, Lake Geneva is one of the best lake towns in the US. The Windy City's location, in this case, is your ally. Galena's best eating institutions don't necessarily date all the way back to 1850, but that doesn't mean they aren't also great Durty Gurt's Burger Joynt was founded in 2007 and serves gigantic, almost architecturally impressive stacks of meat and cheese. St Louis, MO Driving time from Chicago: 4 hrs 30 min While beer, blues and BBQ are likely on the top of your St Louis bucket list (and rightfuly so), there's a lot more to discover in the. History geeks will want to stop at Sheboygan Indian Mound Park and the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum. Breakfast is included, and its one of the better spreads Ive seen. (Yeah, I know you're from Chicago). . A must-visit restaurant is House of Gerhard, featuring traditional German specialties. Get the history of the area at the Elgin History Museum (pictured above). Hikers can traverse dunes, wetlands, prairies, rivers, and forests, all in one park. Kenosha is the fourth largest metro area in Wisconsin, as well as the fourth-largest city on the shores of Lake Michigan, and there are TONS of things to do. Ready for a drink? Known as the home of Purdue University, West Lafayette, and its sister city Lafayette, have history, art, culture, delicious food and drink, and a vital sense of community. ever. Thrill-seekers will love a visit to Long Hollow Canopy Tours, a zipline adventure through the woods. Located 164 miles (264 kilometers) west of Chicago, Galena, Illinois, is one of the best road trip destinations from Chicago for history buffs. It adds a couple hours and 140 miles to the journey. Where to stay in Milwaukee: Saint Kate The Arts Hotel for a modern art experience, The Pfister Hotel for a dose of history, and Iron Horse for more industrial dcor and easy access to the Harley-Davidson Museum. Keeping your introduction to road trips from Chicago short and simple, lets take a look at the summer, winter and weekend favourites! CVB: Visit Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com. We already have this email. While it may seem blasphemous to some to suggest driving to the home of the Packers from the home of the Bears, I guarantee theres a lot more going on than gridiron battles. Make reservations for both Brazen Open Kitchen and Pepper Sprout and youll be one happy diner. Not going to make it to Napa this year? Waterfalls! Along the peninsula is the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forest, one of the best road trips from Chicago if you are a nature enthusiast. If you're going on a road trip from Chicagoto Nashville, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way withLouisville, Indianapolis, and Bowling Greenand top places to visit like Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park, or the ever-popular Horseshoe Hammond. 4 The Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway. You can hike the epic Ice Age National Scenic Trail or bike down Old Plank Road Trail. view all routes. 12 Super Road Trip Destinations from Chicago Perfect for Your Next Adventure With warmer days hopefully upon us soon, time is here to think about road trips! Do you have a favourite road trip quote? I have read and agree to the terms & conditions, Copyright 2023 VickyFlipFlopTravels | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget, 13 Best Ways to Save Money on a USA Road Trip. For transportation of another kind, visit the National Railroad Museum. Not convinced? Cruise along the water front; take a dip or two. Its a great location to unplug for a day as you hunt down natural rock pools, waterfalls and incredible moss-strewn glades. There's also a ton to see on the five-hour drive from Chicago: Stop off at Wilmington, IL to see a roadside attractions called theGemini Giant, or in Atlanta, IL to take a photo with Paul Bunyon holding a massive hotdog. Now known as the U.S. Highway 30, the Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway is a historic road trip. Ive partnered with a 400-level travel-writing class since 2018, and many of their submissions are local to the college town. Squeee! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! That in itself is worth the trip. Brown County is one of those places where you can choose to go-go-go, or you can kick back and relax. It's also a museum hub, with the world's largest children's museum, several art museums with broad and granular focuses, and small museums focusing on its favorite children, from Vonnegut to President Benjamin Harrison. A stroll down Main Street feels like a step back in time. One of the most scenic treks is the mile and a half hike to Devils Staircase. Youre also within a stones throw of the coastal M-22, one of the most scenic drives in America, as well photo-ops at the Grand Traverse and Little Sable lighthouses. You can take a pontoon boat ride, or go kayaking or paddle boarding. Ive stayed there at least five times. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a brilliant drive that links up vineyards and wineries in the area. How about driving from Chicago to Atlanta? Festivals, concert cities and museums are all waiting in memphis. But what really makes Des Moines worth visiting are its summer events, like the eclectic 80/35 music festival, and, of course, the festive juggernaut that is the Iowa State Fair, where you can get 69 different food-on-a-stick creations (nice). You wont want to miss their Holiday Light Show. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Leave behind the skyscrapers and city traffic and enjoy the great outdoors around the Midwest, where you can experience great lakes and sandy dunes, weather permitting, of course. CVB: Visit Kenosha Wisconsin, visitkenosha.com. Away from the light pollution, Newport State Park offers stunning starlit skies while Ephraim is all the small-town charm you need. Theres a fee to access the park: $15 per person (up to $25 per family group) and $25 per carload. We are willing to drive for 600 or 700 . I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. You didn't say when you were coming; if it's late April/May, take in a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. Foodies and beer nerds will love this low-key vacation spot for its pletehora of good restaurants and breweries. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. 1 hour Harvard. During the summer there are festivals just about every weekend, so check Visit Milwaukees events calendar to find out whats happening. Located right off I-90, Janesville is an ideal weekend road trip from Chicago, especially if you like the great outdoors, art, and history. The Rotary Botanical Gardens is a non-profit garden covering twenty acres. 2. The city of Chicago is awesome and all, but its also a great starting point for some great Chicago road trips. Road trip Minneapolis, Minnesota to Asheville North Carolina 4:05 pm. Depending on when you leave for your weekend road trips from Chicago, traffic could increase times by at least an hour, so check Google maps or Waze before you go. Enjoy a leisurely morning browsing at at Eastern Market showcasing dozens of artisan food producers, makers and crafters, and then check out the tempting restaurant and bar options nearby. While youre on the island, dont miss Glacial Grooves State Memorial. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. If youre short on time, I-55 will take you from one attraction to the next, but the fun of driving one of the countrys most historic byways is in following its original path. For a great view, check out Wyndham Garden Kenosha, right on the harbor. Downtown boasts all the food and drinks you need for the inevitable food baby; you might even land a booze cruise. Where to stay in Kenosha: you can stay in Kenosha hotels that are conveniently located off I-94, or you can choose an historic inn like The Stella Hotel and Ballroom. Lake Geneva has long been a playground for Chicagoans. This state capital could have been a destination in its own right for its unique geography located on a narrow isthmus surrounded by two large lakes, it's beautiful even during cold Wisconsin winters or its remarkable breadth of shopping, cultural events, and festivals, and architecture, but its food scene is virtually unrivaled for a city of its size. Moline and Rock Island are two cool detours but you can head straight for East Dubuque for its Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. To really escape from people, Richland County is a rural road trip destination where you can bunk for the night. Just a quick drive from Chicago is Lake Geneva, a popular destination that offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including ziplining, kayaking, and boating. Lake Geneva is one of the few places left in the country where mail is delivered by boat. MN, SD, MI, WI mini road trip 10:18 pm. Ive hand-picked some of my favorite Midwest road trips from Chicago. Since there are only four rooms, if theyre full, you can find hotels in Crystal Lake, the largest town in the county. Located just 94 miles southwest of Chicago, the landscape is an unexpected tableau of bluffs, steep trails, and waterfalls. Outside Chicago! Sandusky Segwave offers guided tours through the historic downtown. While beer, blues and BBQ are likely on the top of your St Louis bucket list (and rightfuly so), there's a lot more to discover in the Gateway to the Westlike custard from Ted Drewes and a walk around Forest Park. Basically, go to Hendricks County.
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road trips from chicago in march
