A true nature lover's paradise, there are over 15,000 acres of beaches, hiking trails, prairies, and more. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Known for its raucous bowling nightsin a slight basement alley featuring two lanes that happen to be the oldest, sanctioned tenpin lanes in the United States, still set by handHoller House is where you can go to really let loose. Take a trip southwest of the city to Will County, where a herd of bison roam the 9,000-acre expanses of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as part of an ongoing habitat restoration project (the area once housed the Joliet Army Ammunition Plantand bunkers still remain). 10 Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago - Travel + Leisure Back in the late 1920s, Chicago Daily News publisher and owner Walter A. But no matter your budget, a quick retreat to this idyllic vacation town is sure to be a blast. July 4th Fireworks 2023 Around Chicago | Chicago, IL Patch Be sure to check the museums website to see if the scheduled activities align with your plans. Whether you pick Milwaukee or Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Oak Park or Mount Vernon, Illinois; or Holland, Michigan, these excursions prove the Midwest is anything but fly-over country. Don't think that you're a car person? From there, a three-mile round trip hike will lead you to an overlook point outfitted with viewing scopes and benchesto rest on. Chicago Weather: Several rounds of storms, potentially severe, forecast Thursday | Radar. A number of CDs and concert DVDs are also available in the stores collection, but management is positive it can track down any disc youre after. Travel Tip: Kids can become Junior Rangers and visit the park with a Discovery Guide. Want a taste of old-school Europe? 1. Bring the kids to Perry Farm Park, which features a childrens museum, nature trails, playground and picnic areas. Tate Fox; Posted on September 23, 2021; Updated on November 17, 2021; . Take I-94 east, exit 34 to I-196, and then exit 44 to Holland. Plan on spending a few hours here, exploring the grounds, having lunch or a snack at the Garden View Caf, and shopping for unique items in the Garden Shop. City Lights Brewing Company is another great option, especially for history buffsthe brewery is located in the 115-year-old Gas Light Building. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN. The shop is dedicated to elevating local authors and selections fit for all ages, including mystery and YA. Finally, grab your car and head to Butcher's Unionfor a dinner complete withprime cuts of beef and pours of whiskey. 5 Easy Day Trips from Chicago - U.S. News Travel Upon arrival, you'll be struck by it's rusty, red coloringa blend of red sandstone, red brick, and red terra cotta trim. So if you're looking for perfect one-day or weekend getaways, I've rounded up these 10 day trips from Chicago you need to check out! 30 Spontaneous Day Trips That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away From Chicago Travel Stories USA Chicago Where to go on a day trip from Chicago: the 7 best spots Save Karla Zimmerman Sep 5, 2022 6 min read Indiana Dunes, one of the country's newest national parks, is easily accessible on a day trip from Chicago Jon Lauriat / Getty Images You'll find everything from obscure conjuring tomes to equipment used in Harry Houdini's most famous escape acts at the American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan, home to the biggest collection of magic ephemera in the United States. Driving Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes. For a bit of the international in a day trip from Chicago, you can't beat a visit to Holland! Start at the north end, in Sawyer, where you can visit the original taproom of Greenbush Brewing Co. Summer and fall are peak seasons to visit Grand Rapids, but youd 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. Hop on the Amtrak at Union Station and youll be in Michigan City in just over an hour. A simple day trip offers a fun change in scenery and is cheap and easy. Plan to sit down for a meal at the distillerys Staymaker restaurant afterward; youll need some food before getting back on the road to Chicago. 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 worlds largest indoor carousel. Get your day-trip planning started with GOGO Charters! Driving time from Chicago: About two and a half hours. The Indiana Dunes Visitors Center is on Indiana State Road 49. Thanks to a highly successful funding program in the mid-20th century, the small-ish town of Columbus, Indiana is home to some of the Midwest's most stunning examples of Modern buildings, structures and public art, with works by Eero Saarinen, I.M. The market invites you to divide and conquer, so bring your most inquisitive or adventurous friend to sample each of the vendors. Circle K offers 40 cents off fuel ahead of Fourth of July travel The adventure park features laser tag, a zipline and ropes courses for all ages and skill levels. which offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday and a lovely beer gardenbut there are plenty of reasons to visit Americas Little Switzerland other than beer. The 10 Best Day Trips From Chicago Your Trip to Chicago: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Things to Do With Kids Chicago's Best Beaches Hikes Near Chicago Skiing Near Chicago Best Parks Top Museums Theater in Chicago Live Music Venues Shopping Guide Annual Festivals Top Restaurants Kid-Friendly Restaurants From cask-poured stouts to limited releases, growler fills and special brewpub-only offerings, New Holland serves upwards of 20 brews at any given time. Taking its name from the region of the Netherlands, the city's Dutch heritage is evident in its . Unwind from your nature adventures by grabbinga nostalgic treat at The Rootbeer Standor check out "farm to foam" at The Lone Buffalo byTangled Roots Brewing Companyin nearby Ottawa. The company's repetoire is mostly classical (Hamletand Sense and Sensibilityare playing this summer), though you'll findmore contemporary works on the lineup as well. Dj vu! Or if youre feeling adventurous, fly above it all in a hot air balloon. Scenic, lakeside paths and parks are calling your name. Youll notice antiqued windmills, re-envisioned Germanic villages, dainty gardens, and millions of tulips, which give it the nickname Tulip City. The charming small town is brimming with old-world architecture, friendly Midwesterners and culture galore. Milwaukee Brewing Co. offers weekend Beer in Hand tours through its craft brewery, where you can sample seasonal delights and use the token for a free beer at bars nearby. A simple day trip offers a fun change in scenery and is cheap and easy. The Kankakee River has been a treasured area for centuries, occupied by the Illini and Miami tribes in the 17th century. Travel Tip: Wade House Stagecoach Inn, Holy Hill Basilica, Cushing Memorial Park, and numerous geological landmarks and small towns can be seen along the drive. 1. But make sure to save room for unique ice cream flavors, like Mackinac Island Fudge and Jacked Up Tennessee Toffee, at Oinks Dutch Treat. Holland's Windmill Island Gardens, a 36-acre park of even-keeled fallow land, manicured gardens, and quaint recreation Dutch shops is such an escape. From here, a five-minute drive will deliver you to Virtue Cider, founded by former Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall. 15 Spectacular Day Trips from Chicago IL Local Adventurer While theres plenty of activity to occupy you during the day, the star-gazing Hollands country outskirts allow for is unparalleled. With over five million tulips planted annually, Veldheer Tulip Gardens is a sight to behold come spring-time. This unassuming gyro shop has been a Mt. 2023 Cond Nast. Whether you're itching totour stunning mid-century architecture,watch live theater in the open air or gohiking near Chicago to spot herds of wild bison, these Midwest attractions offer a change of pace from the usual day trip suspectsand best of all, they're all easily reachable by car. If yourehoping for a bit more excitement, visit The Forge: Lemont Quarries. When hunger hits, make your way downtown for lunch and a beer at New Holland Brewing, one of the Midwests best-loved brewpubs. Only two hours and 40 minutes from Chicago, this destination is ideal for a day trip. When youre hungry, Egg Harbor Caf and Simple Cafe, both in the town center, offer delicious, no-fuss diner eats. If you visit between May and October, dont miss the seasonally-open. Ad Choices. CHICAGO Thursday was a busy day at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport for many travelers, many of whom were dealing with delays and cancelations . is a town that needs to be seen to be believed. Enjoy its homegrown Arts District, unique boutiques, cafs, and rich cultural recordincluding being the home of actress Betty White and novelist Ernest Hemingway. Getting There: The Morton Arboretum, just west of I-355 and north of I-88 on Illinois Route 53, is located 25 miles west of Chicago. Chicago 3 Day Itinerary Gwen Hotel, Chicago. Driving time from Chicago:About two hours. Driving time from Chicago:One and half hours. Published June 29, 2023 10:24AM. 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. Faster Amtrak trips between St. Louis and Chicago start today - KMOV The bakery bustles with to-go diners in the mornings, with cafe bar seating, benches, and banquettes for restaurant diners. When youve had your fill of architecture or funky assorted collections, get a taste of traditional Wisconsin hospitality at, . You can rent a bike from dozens of BCycle stations, allowing you to make 30-minute trips. If its summertime, you, , where youll find a recreated 16th century port city populated with fairgoers dressed as knights, maidens and much more. The most scenic waterfallsespecially after snowmelt or raincan be found in French, Wildcat, and Kaskaskia canyons. Getting There: From the city, take I-94 or I-294 west, drive for just under an hour, and exit at Grand Avenue (Route 132) in the village of Gurnee. Georgi Presecky , Patch Staff Posted Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 9:00 am CT . Twenty-two acres of lakefront trails and paths look out onto Lake Michigan, with fishing areas, a watercraft landing for canoes and kayaks, and connecting access to Summerfest, Milwaukee's annual large-scale music festival. Vernon might not be what immediately comes to mind when one thinks about visiting the Prairie Statebut its surprising creative spirit may just capture a spot on your return travel list. Designed by landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu, the 12-acre gardens feature trails, waterfalls, tranquil ponds, gravel gardens and an abundance of Japanese maples, among other plant life. Book the best day trips from Chicago, IL directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Break the mold with these under-the-radar, kitschy or otherwise unique trips within a few hours' drive from Chicago. The working mill still grinds flour, available for purchase in the "Little Netherlands" shops, which also sell kitschy crafts like pottery and wooden shoes. BEST Day Trips From Chicago (By Car, Bus & Train) - The Savvy Globetrotter Luckily, there are many exciting destinations within driving distance or, that provide the perfect getaway. No matter when you visit, however, be sure to stop by the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory and the Holland Museum. If the kids are in tow, start the day with a visit to the Discovery Center Museum, which boasts more than300 hands-on exhibits focused on everything from light and art to color and electricity. Finally, make your way to Salt of the Earth for wood-fired pizza and seasonal dishes made from scratch with local and sustainable ingredients. Book a spa treatment at, for a re-energizing experience; adventurers can rent a kayak or paddleboard from, and go exploring on the Galien River. Fun fact: Whether you're visiting on a hot summer day or during the frigid depths of winter, the subterranean expanse is always a cool 50 degrees, so be sure to dress accordingly. After youve 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. Distance: 93 miles. That history is also on display at Galena Brewing Company, where you can sip Ults Dark oatmeal stout while listening to live music and feasting on abison burger or a giant pretzel with beer cheese and house mustard. With its down-home appeal, pies, pecan rolls, biscuits, donuts, and scones all have the feel of grandmas hands. While we love Lake Geneva and Saugatuck as much as the next Chicagoan, sometimes it's nice to explore a place that's a little more out of the ordinary for a breezy change of pace (and to escape the worst of summer tourism crowds, too). Driving time from Chicago: About an hour and a half. First stop: Brewery Vivant for poutine and a German- or Belgian-style beer. Michigan Wine Country Source: Naraoneil / shutterstock Michigan Wine Country Giving the well known wine regions of Sonoma and Napa a run for their money, little ole Michigan is becoming a thriving hub for vineyards and wineries. Even though there are a ton of things to do in Chicago, from visiting beautiful Lake Michigan and the variety of outdoor fun, to more unique things like taking a Chicago haunted tour sometimes you just want to get away for a day or a weekend. Driving time from Chicago:About an hour and a half. Pick up a few cans of Screw City Lightwith notes of fresh-baked breadto take home and extend your day trip. Driving time from Chicago: Three and a halfhours. Located right off I-94, the village of Gurnee is a shopping and entertaining hub that draws 23 million visitors each yearincluding plenty of nearby Chicagoans. If you're got time after the tour, head to the nearby Castle Rock State Park (unaffiliated with the aforementioned castle, in case you were wondering) to hike among gorgeous sandstone bluffs. But theres 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. 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). Historic architecture and modern-day brewing techniques are the highlights of the tour, available on Fridays and Saturdays. Special days throughout the year allow dogs inside the Morton Arboretum. You should make a stop at the house if you have timeWright's estate offers a huge variety of guided toursbut the 1,089-seat outdoor ampitheater at American Players Theatre is an equally unbeatable summertime attraction. Pick and choose from these nearby adventures and plan your great escape. With boutique amenities, lovely gardens, and owner Mr. Sidwell's library of books and art collection, this stay encourages serenity at both the start and end of your day. If youre hungry, you wont have to wander far for good grub, as, located inside a century-old train depotslings dependable tavern-style pies. Throughout this suburban attraction's 33 exhibits, you can ogle everything from '50s-era Thunderbirds and Oldsmobiles (Vintage Cars), to Britney Spears' 2006 Mercedes-Benz and Elvis Presley's 1974 Cadillac (Cars of the Rich and Famous), to Scooby Doo's Mystery Machineand the Subaru driven by Paul Walker in Fast & Furious 7(TV and Movie Cars). Lea Rose Allbaugh Updated on October 21, 2022 Chicago, Illinois, USA Looking for the best day trips from Chicago? A cart positioned just over the bridge from the Visitor Center lets you know what is currently in bloom so that you can make the most of your visit. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best Chicago staycation ideas, Driving time from Chicago: One and half hours. Randy von Liski / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 / Flickr. One of the best perks about a day trip from Chicago to Kalamazoo, Michigan, is that you don't need a vehicle! If you're short on time but craving a day away from the city, hop on the Purple Line and head to Evanston. Today, Milwaukee 's German brewing heritage is alive and well. While getting out of town for a week (or even a weekend) can sometimes be impossible, just a day away can refresh and recharge. Plan ahead and book the "Frank Lloyd Wright Meets 16th Century Japan Tour" that guides visitors through the garden's 16th century Sukiya-style tea house and the Laurent House, which has the distinction of being the only home Wright designed for a client with a physical disability.
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