Fun/Scenic Places within 10 hours hour or less roadtrip from Chicago - Yelp With its artisan produce, a relaxed country vibe and outdoor activities on and off the lake, Harbor Country is a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. For those who want to go on a longer road, trip, the options above may not quite cut it so here are some longer routes that you might like the sound of: By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Winter Weekend Getaways Near Chicago - Chicago Parent 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. From wherever you're starting in Chicago, pick up I-90 E and follow it out of the city then right the way across Indiana passing La Porte and Shipshewana. It's a great way to spend time with friends, get into the festive mood, as well as to find some unique Christmas gifts. There's another dozen smaller lakes dotted around which breaks up the city into smaller neighborhoods and adds a lot of character. 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. So if you are already in Chicago then you should explore these 12 best road trips from Chicago. It's the perfect way to enjoy the snowy conditions, and there are ski runs here to suit many different abilities. Why you should visit: This beautiful little lakeside town hosts a magical Christmas market every year. It's a tiny city with less than 1000 residents but its white-boarded houses, scenic sand dunes and fabulous beach make it a popular place to come to escape the city. To help you make the most of this great drive, we've set out the best routes and places to stop . Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you can also spend time exploring the stunning Black Hills and surrounding area. 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. Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. How to get there: Follow I-90 east towards Cleveland, switching onto I-80 just before you reach the city. 20 Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago - Time Out Chicago 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. You can also tour a museum ship to get a feel for the history of the lakes. Spring Break Family Destinations Near Chicago - Chicago Parent How to get there: Follow I-90 west out of Chicago, passing Rockford and Madison. 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. Best road trips from Chicago Shutterstock 1. Of course, there are two sides to every story, and a few miles from Mount Rushmore you can visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. Weekend Getaways from Chicago: Market Street Inn - 3 hours . From here, pick up I-76 and follow it straight down to Denver. The same road takes you right into Philadelphia. It is a huge historic mansion built by Chicago beer tycoon Conrad Seipp in 1888. The name gives away what this place is all about - everything here stems from Holland's Dutch origins. 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. 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. Wisconsin Dells is known for two things - its scenic Wisconsin River gorge and the high number of waterparks which has given the town its nickname as the Waterpark Capital of the World. As well as being a relaxed and varied city, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, so a trip here offers a great combination of city vibes and the great outdoors. Back outdoors, visit DC's largest outdoor ice rink at Washington Harbour, 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. With art, culture, caf patios and waterfront dining, Toledo is a great short trip if you want a change of scene from Chicago. The detour will add around two and a half hours so bake that into your planning and consider stops along the way. When it's complete the statue of Crazy Horse will be taller than the presidents at Mount Rushmore. Originally a very rural part of Michigan with a few small towns and their corresponding harbors on the lake, the area has grown into a popular tourist destination. Everything here is about cheese. 15 Best Winter Road Trips from Chicago - LazyTrips 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. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (130 miles). But that's just the welcome mat to this SoCal haven. 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. Our highlights: The nation's capital is a fantastic place to visit during the holiday period. Where's the warmest, sunniest place in Chicago during the winter months? If you're here in winter, check out the National Gingerbread House Competition visitors can view entries into this big-money event. This idyllic shoreline in Michigan's southwestern corner stretches from the Indiana border to the town of Sawyer. Although there's the regular rush hour traffic that might slow you down a little, the city doesn't experience significant congestion. The small town of Oglesby, home to 3,600 people, is renowned for its natural beauty. Back in town, tour the River Arts District on foot to meet artists at work in their studios. If you're in Grand Rapids earlier in the season, you can enjoy some great skiing at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Drive past snowy landscapes to reach 850 acres of skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and photography escapades. A Little History. Saugatuck, which sits at the center of the state's Art Coast, has been voted the Midwest's Best Beach Town, and its gently sloping sandy beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Back in the city, entry to the world-class Toledo Museum of Art is free all year round. 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. 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. The dunes stretch along a 15-mile stretch of Lake Michigan and the National Park borders the State Park of the same name. 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. Check ahead to find details of live performances and special events that are taking place. Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. It's not all about the outdoors though. Several of the hotels in town have excellent in-house spas, so you can treat yourself to some relaxation time during your trip. This popular vacation town is also less crowded in winter compared to the summer months. also, you have the option of taking the ss badger car ferry across Lake Michigan to avoid traffic around the bottom of the Lake and to add an Follow this road all the way across Illinois to Davenport, where you'll cross over the Mississippi River which forms the border between Illinois and Iowa. The biggest ski area in the state is perfectly set up for skiers, with fast lifts and dozens of trails to follow. The 2,470-mile road trip from Chicago to San Francisco takes 38 hours to drive. As Christmas gifts go, a whole city is one we wouldn't mind receiving! 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. Here you can see works by some of the great European artists as well as a wide collection of American art. 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. Take I-290 W from Chicago's downtown, which leads you out onto I-88. How to get there: This is a really simple trip just follow I-90 all the way from Chicago. RV campgrounds 500 miles from Chicago. You will be forgiven for thinking you were teleported to central Europe the moment you get to New Glarus. At Louisville, change onto I-64 and follow it towards Lexington onto I-75 which takes you across into Tennessee. 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! 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. Southern Illinois Distance: 6-hour drive Southern Illinois has a hilly landscape and a rural vibe. Fridays at the Hollywood Beach Theatre feature free live jazz, blues and pop music at oceanfront cafes. 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. After a rapid period of growth through the first two thirds of the 20th century, Detroit suffered an economic collapse and a massive decline since the 70s. The famous architect built the house in 1951 and it is interesting to see how far ahead of its time it is in terms of its design and accessibility - the look is incredibly modern despite some 70 years passing! Harbor Country is one of the most popular getaway destinations for Chicagoans. St Julian Winery or Lemon Creek are great to visit and well located just off the interstate. Rockford lives up to its main nickname with plenty of outdoor spaces to explore - the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Klehm Botanic Garden and the Rock Cut State Park are all within the metropolitan area. How to get there: Follow I-90 out of Chicago and east towards Cleveland. Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night. As with everywhere in Wisconsin, the food and drink scene takes center stage. Why you should visit: Pennsylvania combines the kind of winter fun you might expect, like sledding and skating, with some unique winter traditions. 506 miles southeast of Chicago: Toe River Campground. Car production moved to other cities in the US, factories in Asia and Mexico and large blocks of Detroit became ghosts of their own past. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake. If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. If you've had about enough of cheese, you can go on an ATV ride around the trail network around Monroe. Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa is located on one of the island's best beaches, and offers a variety of family-friendly amenities. First is the village of New Glarus. 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 . Hot Springs (Arkansas) Distance: 650 miles. The key message is to wrap up warm and be prepared for whatever weather the city throws at you - pretty standard for DC! The cheapest month to fly from Chicago is January. The festival also hosts many fun events. Fennville has a few quirky local museums and things to see. 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. 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. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). 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. 6 Best Road Trips From Chicago | Travel + Leisure You can survey the options from atop the California Tower in Balboa Park. 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. 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. Featuring city breaks, small coastal harbor towns, outstanding natural parks and the occasional wineries and breweries, here are our 20 best road trips from Chicago ordered from closest to furthest away - make sure to read further down for more epic road trip itineraries! Just after crossing the Ohio River at Evansville, turn onto I-69, continuing south on I-169 where the interstates divide. New this winter, try curling. A lot of these are built indoors so you can enjoy a weekend swimming, relaxing and going down crazy slides when everything outside is frozen! During the daytime, Saugatuck Interurban Transit Authority provides an on-demand bus service which takes you to your destination of choice within the local area for just $1. The Cinco de Mayo festival is one of the biggest in the country, with parades, live music and dozens of food stalls to choose from. These Are the 5 Warmest Places in Chicago Right Now - PureWow Then head quickly back into the warmth of your hotel to warm up. As well as being beautiful, the crowds that flock to Niagara Falls are slightly less during winter. The whole town gets decked out in style for the holidays. Another is called the " Fire Sudatorium. From here, turn onto Route 31 which takes you on to Muskegon. Parking can be difficult, especially in the summer months when hundreds of visitors head to town. This after-dark spectacle sees City Park lit up with more than a million lights. Named after the tall cedar trees, it is particularly well known for its lush forests that cover the hills around Cedarburg. Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of Chicago Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. 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. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (155 miles). Asheville is packed full of history, but the modern city has a distinctly creative vibe that makes it really unique. Seeing the falls in winter is a magical experience, with massive icicles and undulating snow drifts surrounding the famous vistas. You can easily do a day trip from Chicago, but if you decide to come for the weekend, you can stay over at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge that comes complete with a pool and spa to unwind after your hiking. 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. Bozeman, MT. To make the most of the trip, take a couple of weeks and make a lot of stops along the way. Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock.com, Sidra Monreal Photography/Shutterstock.com, Road Trip From Chicago To Mackinac Island, Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park. Around 20 miles south of New Glarus and a little closer to Chicago is the city of Monroe. This is a trip that will show off the best of what Lake Michigan has to offer - a complete circle of the lake, heading to Mackinac Island on the opposite corner before making the return trip. It is the only working Dutch windmill in the United States and it is beautiful in May when the weather gets good and the thousands of tulips flower. The fast ferries will take under 20 minutes to get you there. Thousands of people in absolutely dazzling costumes parade through the city in a historic tradition. There are a lot of activities for children - special rides and a petting zoo so bring the family and enjoy a great weekend out of the city! Best attractions: The Museum of the Rockies, which has the largest collection of dinosaur bones in the U.S. Also, just a 90-minute drive . Otherwise you can find a selection of different cheese styles and types. Also running from Thanksgiving right up to New Years Day is Celebration in the Oaks. You might not have heard of it, but the United States has its very own Gevena Lake and it's located in Wisconsin, just across the border from Illinois. With many travelers heading to Asheville to see the stunning display of foliage in the fall, we'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your choice of accommodation at this time of year. As you approach St Louis, you will see the first and main sight in the city - the huge 630-foot tall steel Gateway Arch. The best thing about Grand Rapids, however, is the food and the drink. A work on this scale had never been attempted in the country before and Gutzon Borglum, who led the project, quickly identified that chisels would hardly make a dent on the vast rockface. Go snowshoeing at Quit Qui Oc golf course or ice skate at June Vollrath Park. Muskegon Farmers Market operates indoors on Saturdays through the winter so you can warm up and stock up on some fabulous local produce. While both parks are not as large as some, there is plenty to explore with trails going through canyons and some amazing rock formations. For something a little different, visit Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum to see a large collection of planes, including many vintage models. A wide selection of breweries includes European-style beers and the pizza-serving Harmony. 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. You can see how every aspect of the village life would have been complete with the blacksmith shop, school and church buildings. When you're ready to head into the warm, make your way to Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (140 miles). 12 Short & Long Road Trips From Chicago | Budget Car Rental Best Travel Destinations Within Driving Distance of Chicago - Essence Whether you're looking for a rural, lake or city getaway, here are a few ideas all within 6 hours of driving distance. Alexander Molony as Peter Pan, Ever Anderson as Wendy, Joshua Pickering as John Darling and Jacobi Jupe as Michael Darling in "Peter Pan & Wendy," directed by David Lowery. 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. 12 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (800 miles). The capital of Wisconsin is often overlooked in favor of its bigger brother Milwaukee 80 miles east. After taking I-90 E towards the edge of the city, turn onto I-65 and follow the interstate south, driving past Indianapolis and right the way across Indiana until you reach Louisville, Kentucky. 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. 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. With large distances to cover, some of the early pioneers of flight lived and worked in this part of the country and you can also find out about the former Air Force base where the museum is located. 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. Not far away, Wind Cave is one of the world's longest. Whether you're looking for an active break or a peaceful boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water. Where to Stay. Lake ice was harvested and taken to nearby towns and cities - it was big business here as late as the 1940s. 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! 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. Many of the events and installations are outdoors, so, this being Michigan, chances are you'll be enjoying them in the snow. Here are several interesting options that make a great family road trip and all within easy driving distance of Chicago. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. 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. Plus the views from the vineyard are sublime! Only an hour away from downtown Chicago, Indiana Dunes became the newest National Park in the United States in 2019. You can also find out more about the site at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, or visit the Sculptor's Studio to find out more about how the monument was created. Combined with St Paul, the two merged metro areas are known as the Twin Cities and are one of the largest in the Midwest. 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. Next, turn onto I-80 and head west past Des Moines and Omaha. Why you should visit: New York City puts on an amazing display for the holidays from festive lights to Christmas trees and fabulous window displays throughout the city, all with a thick covering of snow. The town transported a 250-year old windmill from the Netherlands to Holland and placed it on its very own island that is now called the Windmill Island. For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. You'll learn about the many faces of Lake Erie, from the Underground Railroad which ferried slaves to safety across the lake, to prohibition bootleggers. No, it's not a typo - this is the third destination on our list of road trips from Chicago that is exactly 300 miles away! Change your settings: from RV campgrounds 300 miles from Chicago 299 miles north of Chicago: Mowe Lake - Manistique Rapid River Dispersed 297 miles northeast of Chicago: Aloha State Park 300 miles east of Chicago: Orchard View Park Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds 301 miles southeast of Chicago: It was founded by a group of Swiss settlers from the Swiss canton of Glarus in 1845. 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. Winters are bitterly cold and very snowy - that drive from Chicago might not be the best idea in the middle of February! From jazz to soul, St Louis has been one of the most prominent musical cities in the US - Tina Turner and Scott Joplin started their careers here among others. Our highlights: Roll back 100 years and one of the biggest draws of Lake Geneva, WI, wasn't its snow, but the ice! 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. You could probably make the return trip in a day, but the journey can take up to 3 hours one way from Chicago so make it into a weekend and add a few stops at Fennville and the Harbor Country (see both above) on your way. 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 . 13 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (925 miles). 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. To make the most of it, though, you really should consider stopping the night and exploring the local beer scene. From here, follow I-196 further around the lake shore. With heavy snowfall possible, parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway and other smaller roads are likely to be closed at times in the winter, so check ahead if you're hoping to travel a particular route. 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). 4 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). As far as Nashville I-55 runs parallel to the Mississippi before passing through Jackson. As you make your way from Chicago to Philadelphia, make sure to fit in a visit to Bethlehem, PA, too. 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. 'Peter Pan & Wendy' review: A real-live adventure this time from Disney You'll find yourself in a warm weather wonderland with trees, lights, skating and fireworks. Bonus: Early in February Lake Geneva's Winterfest bursts into action, with an ice sculpting competition and snow races! You can also snowshoe, tube or skate if you want a break from the slopes. You can join the river at Savanna or a little further down at Clinton depending on the route you take. You can't take your car with you to Mackinac - you'll have to park it at one of the designated ferry parking lots and make your way across. 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. 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.

Mississippi State Auditor Investigations, Merritt Island, Fl Death Records, Please Keep Her In The Loop For Further Emails, Articles W