CVB: Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, harborcountry.org. Advertising - Plus, the. Their Olympian-designed ice-luge course is perfect for beginners, spanning 850 feet of forested speed racing. It adds a couple hours and 140 miles to the journey. All are local; all are family-owned; all are delicious. Once you're in Eau Claire, trade in the car for a kayak:Riverside Bike & Skatein downtown Eau Claire rents canoes and kayaks and has shuttles that will drive you upstream so you can hit the Chippewa River. Where to stay near Indiana Dunes State Park: Camping is available within the park itself, and there are several hotel chains in Michigan City. Madison is about two and a half hours from Chicago. There may be affiliate links in this post, which means we may get a small commission if you make a purchase. Wisconsin, Washington DC, and Tennessee are out. This is an incredible destination for music lovers. California's Pacific Coast Highway is the road trip that dreams are made of with breathtaking views of the water and mountains. Make a quick escape and spend a few nights amidst nature. History buffs will get a kick out of exploring Janesvilles thirteen historic districts. Sheboygans known as the Malibu of the Midwest, so of course I had to get out on the water. Foodies and beer nerds will love this low-key vacation spot for its pletehora of good restaurants and breweries. Making up Lake Michigans art coast of Michigan, Saugatuck and its neighbours (Fennville and Douglas) are house dozens of art galleries! 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. Where to stay in Brown County: Abe Martin Lodge is located within Brown County State Park. Starved Rock is a choice destination for camping, hiking, kayaking, and white-water rafting, and after you're exhausted from a day of physical exertion, it's also got a place to hang your hat: the Starved Rock Lodge. The Julien Dubuque Monument resembles a rook and overlooks the Mississippi; Dubuque is buried on the site. From the Indianapolis Museum of Art to the Indianapolis Childrens Museum to quirky Indiana Medical History Museum, you can escape the cold all day! To really escape from people, Richland County is a rural road trip destination where you can bunk for the night. Nature lovers can explore trails along the nearby Mississippi River, and golfers will love a few rounds at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. 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. My grandparents lived in West Lafayette, Indiana, so I grew up visiting. A fun way to get an overview is to take a Segway tour. One of the most scenic treks is the mile and a half hike to Devils Staircase. Heres my guide to the best stops on a Chicago to Atlanta road trip, just for you. While there, visit the nearby Tippecanoe Battlefield. While youre on the island, dont miss Glacial Grooves State Memorial. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. The streets are filled with an eclectic mix of professors, politicians, businesspeople, street performers, and health nuts, and if you ask any of them for their favorite spot, you'll likely get a range of answers as large as the city's 250,000-plus population: American small bites at the new and renowned Mint Mark, tacos and margaritas at Canteen, Lao-Thai noodles from Vientiane Palace, and the list goes on and on. Drive past snowy landscapes to reach 850 acres of skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and photography escapades. Another favorite is Hard Truth Hills. OK, just hear us out. Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is my home away from home when Im in Galena. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a brilliant drive that links up vineyards and wineries in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts will find everything from kayaking and paddle boating to fishing, surfing, and golf. PensionBee Review: Best Self Employed Pension for Your Money in 2022. Related: before you go, check out all my tips for planning a road trip. Cincy has been undergoing a major glow-up over the past decade or so, from the ever-evolving Smale Riverfront Park, which offers lots to do and gorgeous views of the skyline and the Ohio River to the revitalization of the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Theyve also got a whole water park, on-site dining, and easy access to the beach. However, if you feel like experiencing a bit more of the local flavor, the towns around the river valley provide it in buckets. If you count yourself among them, a road trip from Chicago to Indianapolis is certainly warranted. Located just 94 miles southwest of Chicago, the landscape is an unexpected tableau of bluffs, steep trails, and waterfalls. Does driving over ice count as going off-road? A stroll down Main Street feels like a step back in time. Race fans not only have easy access to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they can also see the NHRA Finals at the Lucas Oil Raceway within Hendricks County. And while I love Chicago (I even wrote a book about it) and The Local Tourist began as a guide to the citys River North neighborhood, sometimes even I just need to get away. 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. Starved Rock has one of the best campgrounds in the Midwest. For a great view, check out Wyndham Garden Kenosha, right on the harbor. Dubuques location on the Mississippi means its filled with river lore. There's a surprising amount to explore in a weekend in Des Moines, from more than 20 breweries in the metro area to the six-mile Art Route, which showcases 87 public art pieces from sculptures to murals. Driving time: 5 hours, or as long as youd like! Starved Rock State Park is about an hour and a half from Chicago. He was one of the five members of the acclaimed Hoosier Group. Chicagoans will recognize the famous landscapers name from the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition and the University of Chicago, among others. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. The initial part of our journey is almost painfully straightforward. Located right on the Fox River, its filled with public art and historic buildings. After a morning of browsing and bargaining, youll work up an appetite for some Amish home cooking, which you can even sample in. Try another? That in itself is worth the trip. No problem. Ive also included suggestions for places to stay, as well as links to each destinations official Convention and Visitors Bureau, or CVB. We have lots of things we want to do and see in Chicago but as 10 days is a lot we are considering renting a car and doing a road trip for a few days. 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. You also have three rivers and five state parks within an hours distance, and the lovely 100-mile Lower Wisconsin River Scenic Byway for more driving way. Ive got even more places to visit in Lafayette. 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. 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. You might say I like it. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Whyte Horse Winery: a Wonderful Winery Adventure, Joyful Janesville Wisconsin: a Festive Holiday Weekend, Complete Road Trip Planner: Get 35+ worksheets, checklists, and itineraries to help plan your next road trip, New Glarus, Wisconsin; 2 hours 45 minutes, Traverse City, Michigan; 4 hours 55 minutes. CVB: Visit McHenry County, visitmchenrycounty.com. A . 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. 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. 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. 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. Here are six of them. Where to stay in Dubuque, Iowa: since its right downtown, you cant get much more convenient than Hotel Julien Dubuque. Looking for a good family vacation destination for the last week in March around 10-14 hour drive from Chicago. March 31, 2021. Along the peninsula is the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forest, one of the best road trips from Chicago if you are a nature enthusiast. History geeks will want to stop at Sheboygan Indian Mound Park and the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum. Chicagos number one when it comes to day trips, Lake Geneva is one of the best lake towns in the US. Theres a fee to access the park: $15 per person (up to $25 per family group) and $25 per carload. Highlights: Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boise. From shopping along its historic main street to the many wineries in the area, its a great spot for a romantic weekend or a girls getaway. Memphis is the home of bluegrass, soul music and rock and roll. Make reservations for both Brazen Open Kitchen and Pepper Sprout and youll be one happy diner. It's about 1,000 miles, but what about Denver area/'Rocky Mountin Nat. Several of these road trippers would even drive eight hours for a weekend vacation! How far will you drive for a weekend trip? Road trip Minneapolis, Minnesota to Asheville North Carolina 4:05 pm. I visited in August 2021, and it was my first press trip post-cancer. Their legacy endures to this day. 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. 1. Then these Chicago road trips are only 4 hours away. 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. From Traverse City's quaint streets, you can head north and explore the Leelanau Peninsula, or veer west to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can even stay in the same bed and breakfast where Bill Murrays character woke up again, and again, and again. Outside Chicago! Just an hour from Grand Rapids, its a great next stop on your Chicago road trip. Get around easily when you take a rental car to this west side hub known as the longtime home to Frank Lloyd Wright. 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. Established in 2019, Indiana Dunes National Park is 15,000 acres along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Now its in West Lafayette and is filled with impressionist paintings and historic furniture. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. You could easily spend a day or two on art alone, thanks to world-class museums like the, ; powerful, immersive public art like the, . It just depends how far you're willing to drive and how much time you have! We already have this email. Park? Kentuckys largest city, located just across the Ohio River from southern Indiana, is steeped in bourbon and long on charm. Since that walking will make you hungry, grab a sandwich at Blue Box Caf or head up to West Dundee for a burger and a pint at Emmetts Brewing Co., an award-winning brewery. 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. They offer both motorcycle and automobile driving schools. 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. In the late 1800s, that group put Indianas art scene on the map, and Brown County in particular. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. (Speaking from experience here.) Ready for a drink? Here are 5 destinations that make great stops along this stretch of highway that used to be called Route 66, plus tips on what to do when you get to Phoenix. Best. Unique and LGBTQ+-friendly shops feature alongside artsy hubs to make it a super welcoming town. Kohler also manages the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden, one of several artist-built environments throughout the state. I want to use my travel experience to help you plan your trips, and introduce you to some new and special spots Ive loved around the world. Where to stay in Janesville, Wisconsin: Renovated in 2019, the Hampton Inn provides comfortable rooms with modern dcor. Lake Geneva, WI. . This route seems less popular than the other because it's a bit longer. Festivals, concert cities and museums are all waiting in memphis. 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. We are willing to drive for 600 or 700 . If theyre booked, Lafayette has a gazillion hotel options since its a college town. Beer fans will want to belly up at Junk Ditch, The Hoppy Gnome, and Hop River Brewing Company. In addition to being the only Sandusky hotel thats on the water, its also got a rooftop bar and an on-site restaurant. McHenry Countys county seat is Woodstock, which you might recognize. Its a large county comprised of several towns. The Civil War Museum is an impressive look at Wisconsins role in the war. About twenty minutes from Sheboygan is another delightful road trip from Chicago. This place puts the boutique in boutique hotel. Take a high-speed ferry to the largest American island in Lake Erie for a day of art, shopping, and wine. Opened in 2016, this collection of pristine vehicles span over a century of automotive history. My girlfriend and I are planning to take a road trip from Chicago in the last week of March. Breakfast is included, and its one of the better spreads Ive seen. CVB: Visit Kenosha Wisconsin, visitkenosha.com. Cincy has been undergoing a major glow-up over the past decade or so, from the ever-evolving Smale Riverfront Park, which offers lots to do and gorgeous views of the skyline and the Ohio River to the revitalization of the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Despite it being the start of spring, weather in the Windy City is still quite chilly this month. If not, then Im a fan of Staybridge Suites. Not going to make it to Napa this year? Its one of the oldest family-owned breweries, not just in Wisconsin, but in the United States. The Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market is a bargain-hunters dreamthe largest flea market in the Midwest, with lively auctions Wednesday mornings. For something completely different, feed an ostrich. Where to stay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin: Osthoff Resort is an historic inn that offers a variety of room options, including suites and villas, and features amenities such as an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center. 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. Of course, drop by famous City Market for great eats and then maybe go on a catacombs tour underground too. Its a gorgeous Flemish Renaissance Revival mansion thats on the National Register of Historic Places. Well stop in every small town and learn the history and stories, feel the ground and capture the spirit. This cozy college town offers some big-city amenities, but it's the surrounding hills, forests and lakes that make it special. Outside Chicago! 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. You can take a steamboat tour or an American Lady River Cruise aboard a yacht. It was exactly the experience I needed: waves, beaches, amazing food, brilliant art, and a community that preserves its past. Galena is about three hours from Chicago. Lets just say Ive been to a LOT of towns, villages, cities, parks, etc., that are within easy driving distance from the Windy City. Indianapolis is about three hours from Chicago. Wisconsin, Washington DC, and Tennessee are out. We have about 14 days to get to Vegas (should be plenty of time i think) but haven't really decided on the route. Planning a Road Trip in the USA: 13 Best Routes! Route 66 in Illinois is only 301 miles, but its nearly a century of Illinois history, so take your time. For dining, dont miss Black Pig, Il Ritrovo, and BoMallies. The Children's Museum is sure to be a hit for younger travellers - it's the world's largest children's museum. The instantly recognizable Milwaukee Art Museum is definitely worth visiting, and after youve browsed its collections you can take a walk along the lakefront. 2. The lakefront path is one of the most popular things to do in Lake Geneva. Contact Us - First off, it's the 15th-largest city in America, with a vast population and penchant for festivals, parties, and overall pageantry (it is the Racing Capital of the World, after all, and its famous month of May includes tons of smaller celebrations leading up to the Indy 500). 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. Not only can you see locomotives like the iconic Big Boy No. One of the highlights of any visit to Janesville would be the Lincoln-Tallman House. Nearby Ottawa is a charming town with lots of creative chefs, so you can have the best of both worlds. Where to stay in Harbor Country: You can find inexpensive hotels as well as private homes in New Buffalo, Michigan. And thirsty. Combine history and beer at Gray Brewing Co. Theyve been brewing beer since 1856, except during that pesky Prohibition when they turned to sodas. Breakfast should absolutely begin at Paradigm Coffee and Music. Need a pit stop? Thats right you can learn how to sail on a weekend trip to Sheboygan. Make sure to visit the only inhabited Madeline Island as well for a cool wind sled experience and hot tub stay. These include not only places Ive been, but also spots recommended by students at Purdue University. If you'd rather stick to less-crowded cities, skip Detroit and opt for Ann Arbor instead. The charming resort town of Traverse City, located at Michigans northern tip, offers plenty to do for nature enthusiasts. Get a two-for-one cultural experience at Country Heritage Winery. Pumpkin patches, race-tracking and fishing are all inclusive! Further up the road, you'll find a truly unique destination in Holland, where Dutch colonists established a foothold in the 1800s, bringing with them their culture, architecture, pastries (check out DeBoer Bakkerij), and even fields' worth of tulips, which you can find at Veldheer Tulip Gardens. A must-visit restaurant is House of Gerhard, featuring traditional German specialties. An experience thats both fun and tasty is taking a class at Lake Geneva Cooking School. 2. One of the best things to do in Fort Wayne is visit the YLNI Farmers Market. Cities can sometimes feel like endless stretches of concrete especially in the hot summer months and Chicago is no exception. The climate is very similar to Napa Valley, and the areas known for its award-winning wines. To see them is to witness the power of the glaciers that shaped North America. Where to stay in Hendricks County: Natural Valley Ranch is great if theres a big group of you exploring the area. Within a 6-8 hour range of Chicago, you could do a multi day trip and see Louisville (Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs, Mohammed Ali Center), Lexington (KY Horse Park, Keeneland), Bardstown (My Old Kentucky Home), and Mammoth Cave/Bowling Green area. In fact, plan to camp amidst the spectacular range of landscapes! Happy trekking! CVB: Explore Elgin Area, exploreelginarea.com. For outdoorsy types, nearby Mongo offers canoe and kayak rentals for a relaxing day on the water. The home of the old fashioned and mint julep embraces its role as the gateway to Bourbon Country. Another great thing about the area is the food. Another vote for St. Louis. From there, mosey up M-22 to continue exploring the Leelanau Peninsula, where wilderness encroaches a bit further and small towns, each with a population under 1,000, dot the roads. For more art, book a room at Saint Kate The Arts Hotel. More road trips from Chicago between 3 and 5 hours: Want an epic trip from Chicago but dont feel like driving? There are many reasons nearly a million people visit the former mining mecca each year. Some are large, like Plainfield and Avon, and others are small, like the tiny Lizton, which is home to the best barbecue and pecan pie in Indiana (and possibly the Midwest). to Visit March 10, 2021 / by Lo. Goldmoor Inn Bed and Breakfast is an elegant getaway overlooking the Mississippi River. Now known as the U.S. Highway 30, the Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway is a historic road trip. Folks head to the Chippewa Valley in northern Wisconsin for its rolling hills and colorful foliage (plus plenty of beer and cheese to smuggle back to Chicago), but there are some worthy sights along the road as well. 45 minutes Rockford. 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. CVB: Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette, homeofpurdue.com. Where to stay in Galena, Illinois: While there are hotels that are closer to Galenas historic Main Street, two of my favorites are a short drive from downtown. 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. Check out my guide to see many more things to do on Kelleys Island. This assumes youll be driving interstates and wont be avoiding toll roads. 1 hour Lake Kegonsa State Park. 1. Another nautical stop is North Point Lighthouse. Adam Lapetina is a Chicago-based writer, editor, and content strategist who works in the travel, food and drink, and lifestyle spaces. You're within driving distance of some truly great, out-of-the-ordinary places that make for wonderful road trips. When I stayed, the hot items were frequently replenished and there were several options including both waffles and mini-waffles. Visit Brown County and you can see the home and studio of one of the founding artists T.C. This four-mile road course is considered the best in the United States and one of the top in the world. It will be myself, my 16wk pregnant wife, our. His work has appeared in. The Best Road Trips from Chicago February 15, 2021 / by Lo. This makes for one of the best road trips from Chicago. Youll never get tired of exploring its orchards, coves, lighthouses and wineries. No matter the time of year, though, you'll find Indianapolis in full swing, whether you're in the midst of its rollicking IndyFringe Festival in August and September or its Wine & Food Festival in June. When people ask me the destination that surprised me the most, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, tops the list. Hot air balloon rides, Lake Shore Path, ziplines and even ski slopes make it a year-round place to visit. However, if you want a break, drive a little further east to Michigan City. Snap a selfie with Pinkie the Elephantin Deforest, WI and sample cranberry-flavored everything at the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Centerin Warrens, WI. This Chicago road trip will have you hopping between wineries and breweries, not to mention the beach. Expect adventure, road trips, camping, festivals and food! The best way to see them is to take a boat tour, especially if you can ride along when theyre delivering the mail. 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. Eighty-five percent of the furnishings in the house are original, including the bed that Lincoln slept in when he was a guest. You didn't say when you were coming; if it's late April/May, take in a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. Chicago Weather in March. But that doesn't mean that hidden gems don't exist here. One of the most surprising aspects of the area is the sheer number of parks. To take your road trip even further, bring a bike! 1. Chicagos location makes it an ideal place to get in the car and go, whether you live in the city or you make it your home base for some Midwestern exploration. The Kohler name is prominent in the area. Cruise along the water front; take a dip or two. 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. Auto enthusiasts will love The Automobile Gallery. Discover the best things to do in St Louis. Depending on your starting point, these destinations may provide more of a staycation than a vacation. Where to stay in Green Bay, Wisconsin: Stay in the heart of Green Bay at the historic Hotel Northland. 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. The 35-mile scenic drive meanders through Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois and features11 award-winning wineries in cute towns like Cobden, Alto Pass, and Pomona. If youre looking for a quick getaway or even a day trip, these locations are short road trips from Chicago and all within two hours of the Windy City. Archive - Lakefront Brewery is known for its fun tours. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Built in 1857, its been a museum since 1951. Ive hand-picked some of my favorite Midwest road trips from Chicago. Another fascinating spot is Prophetstown State Park, combining a landscape thats distinctly Indiana with the history of theNative Americans who fought the settlers encroachment, and the farmers who eventually tilled the land. If bourbon and honkytonk aren't for you, downtown Louisville has an incredible art scene and is booming with independent businesses and charming shops. Oh, the food! Having a hat, scarf, and gloves on hand will be helpful. It's about time their city gets noticed. One is the Haan Mansion Museum of American Art. When you go to Fort Wayne, go hungry.
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