Rockford is the largest city in Illinois outside Chicagoland (the Chicago metropolitan area). Most people come to Saugatuck to spend time by the water, enjoying the sunshine and refreshing lake water by day then watching the sun go down with a local craft beer. Although it serves a lot of dishes to serve American tourist tastes, you can try the Wienerschnitzel (pan fried breaded veal cutlet) or the cheese fondue (dipping pieces of bread into molten cheese). 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! If you want to maximize your Swiss experience, then combine your road trip to New Glarus with a stop in Monroe - the Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA. Geneva, Illinois - 41.7 miles. It will satisfy a wide range of abilities, and you can also try out snow tubing and snowshoeing here. 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. 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. The cheapest month to fly from Chicago is January. Next, pick up I-40 which winds through a section of the Appalachian Mountains on its way to your destination, Asheville. Toledo is known as the Glass City, after the many glassmakers that set up here in the 19th century. Indiana Dunes, Indiana 1 hour from Chicago (50 miles) Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. The fast ferries will take under 20 minutes to get you there. Utica, IL 61373. 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 . Sitting on Lake Michigan with the Great Lakes and a number of states within easy reach, there is every reason to get in the car and explore the surrounding areas of Chicago whether you are looking for a day trip, a weekend out or a longer adventure. As Christmas gifts go, a whole city is one we wouldn't mind receiving! Back on dry land, if you're still feeling energetic you can explore the trails of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or follow the 300 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead to take in the lake view. 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. For a more magical festive feel, head to Frederick Meijer Sculpture Gardens. The 2,470-mile road trip from Chicago to San Francisco takes 38 hours to drive. Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night. Sept. 2, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. 24 Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago. There are a number of museums to explore - some of the main ones located along the Museum Row. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake. 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 . It's all a little strange, perhaps. Like Chicago, Saugatuck is also located on the Lake Michigan shore, but it couldn't be more different. Many visitors head to Denver en route to the Rockies, which are right on your doorstep if you're staying in the city. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. The dunes stretch along a 15-mile stretch of Lake Michigan and the National Park borders the State Park of the same name. There's another dozen smaller lakes dotted around which breaks up the city into smaller neighborhoods and adds a lot of character. 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. Went to New York (which was fun) so that is covered. When you're ready to head into the warm, make your way to Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. The Dells Boat Tours will take you through the narrow river passages - these Dells are gorges through layered rock formations that become small tall islands as the river widens. It's called - you guessed it - the Cheese Country Trail System (no, really)! The Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Biergarten are the home of Budweiser but there are loads of small local breweries where you will get a more authentic experience. Weather at the end of March can be iffy. For the perfect post-ski wind down, visit the Spa at Boyne Mountain before you head home. Tickets for guided tours at Wind Cave National Park often sell out, so advance booking is recommended, especially if you're travelling in the busier summer months or over holiday periods. You can see Cinderella's Castle made even more magical at Walt Disney World, or visit EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays to take a whistle-stop tour around the world's traditions. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). 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). You'll find yourself in a warm weather wonderland with trees, lights, skating and fireworks. So, pack up your skis and look out for your skates - but don't worry if you're not the biggest fan of the slopes, since you'll also find great restaurants, beautiful views and stunning spas at these weekend destinations. After crossing the border into Canada, the road becomes ON-401. 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. Nearby, Biltmore is a huge gilded-age mansion with vast formal gardens, trails to explore and its own winery. On the south side of the lake is the Black Point Estate. Why you should visit: Seeing the famous falls cascading through the snowy ground is a truly magical experience and one that's different to any other trip you might take. 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. Then there's dozens of amazing natural parks to explore, especially towards the northern tip of the lake. Our highlights: Granite Mountain is one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, and it's been at the forefront of innovation in the skiing industry. You'll have seen pictures of the beautiful and elaborate masks that are such a feature of the Mardi Gras parades. Our highlights: Roll back 100 years and one of the biggest draws of Lake Geneva, WI, wasn't its snow, but the ice! Our travel tips: This is a really popular ski area, and lift passes can sell out during the busiest periods. It's not all about the outdoors though. 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. All that snow means that you can ski in the area around Asheville. New this winter, try curling. 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. Make sure you visit the Heidelberg project - the outdoor art installation uses salvage materials to highlight the plight of Detroit and its ongoing period of change through loud modern sculpture. You might get spring, and then again, you might have winter still hanging on! Once Christmas and New Year are behind you, the party season in New Orleans really gets going. If you head further up the Michigan coast on a road trip around Lake Michigan from Chicago, you will get to Fennville - a small city in the Allegan County of Michigan's Agricultural Belt. You can get a tour of the mansion and explore the vast grounds which include 620 feet of shoreline. Distance from Chicago: 150 miles north, 2.5-hour drive This charming little hideaway about 30 minutes west of Sheboygan is often overlooked but shouldn't be. 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. The first week of December is particularly busy, but many travellers report that the crowds and prices calm down a little mid-month. 1 hour 35 minutes from Chicago (83 miles). It is a huge historic mansion built by Chicago beer tycoon Conrad Seipp in 1888. 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. Muskegon Farmers Market operates indoors on Saturdays through the winter so you can warm up and stock up on some fabulous local produce. Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin/Shutterstock.com, Road Trip From Chicago To Mackinac Island, Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park, 22. But did you know that every single participant has to wear one? Your email will not be provided to third parties. The theme parks of Orlando are popular year-round, but during the winter you get to experience them all dressed up for the holiday season, and without the heat and humidity that can be a feature at other times of the year. 8 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (530 miles). The detour will add around two and a half hours so bake that into your planning and consider stops along the way. One of the great things about Toledo is that although it's one of the largest cities in Ohio, visiting is relatively straightforward. Morning departure is around 5% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*. As you make your way from Chicago to Philadelphia, make sure to fit in a visit to Bethlehem, PA, too. Don't forget to check out some of the Smithsonian museums too they're free to enter so you can visit one or many, and enjoy some of the more popular sites without the crowds, especially if you're visiting after the holiday period. A Little History. 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. 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. Though it was longer drive but not bad. Our highlights: You can see all the historic gems of Philly decked out with lights and trees for the holiday season, and the city's beautiful riverside setting just adds to the magic. Save 1. If you're able to visit mid-week, you'll probably find the slopes are quieter. Within a short distance of the city you can ski, skate, snow tube and sled, sometimes with beautiful views across Lake Mendota. 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. If you're in Philadelphia towards the end of the holiday season, you'll be able to watch the Mummers' Parade on New Year's Day. 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. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. If you want to get better scenery, you can always cut across to the Mississippi and drive up the Great River Road (see #18 above). The must-see attraction on your trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the famous cliffside sculptures of the presidents, which you can see up close if you follow the short Presidential Trail. If 21 miles seems a little much, focus in on the 2-mile stretch on the West End. Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Chicago. Here you will find a great white sand beach and stroll along the boardwalk, watch local boats go by or explore the shops along the docks. It took 14 years to complete the huge memorial sculpture at Mount Rushmore. After heavy rainfall - this is also the perfect time for viewing colorful wildflowers. 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. 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. Exhibits are very interactive and fun for the whole family. Given the city's mild winter climate, it's the perfect place to end the day with a romantic stroll. Located 90 . How to get there: Follow I-90 east across Indiana. Our travel tips: The town will be extremely busy while the Christmas market is running, so book accommodation and any special activities well in advance. 8 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (550 miles). Boyne Mountain Resort Distance: 5-hour drive Michigan winters are best captured with the ski resort of Boyne. There are festivals throughout the year from the world's largest Bratfest (you can eat a lot of sausages here!) (866) 399-3866. www.grizzlyjacksresort.com. 2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (150 miles). If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Back in the city, entry to the world-class Toledo Museum of Art is free all year round. The lake freezes over right through the winter, so you can head out with a guide for a unique ice-fishing experience. 809 Civic Center Dr., Niles; 847-972-2540 or kingspa.com. The fastest way to get to Minneapolis from Chicago is to go the I-90 and I-94 route across Wisconsin. 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. 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! 12 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (800 miles). Outside of the downtown Fennville, you'll find rolling fields and orchards that are both pretty and make some great food. The long rows of vines stand out proudly in the snow and make a beautiful backdrop while you're learning about Icewine production or, more importantly, tasting a glass or two. After passing New Baltimore and Everett, change onto I-70 and continue on through the Appalachians before joining I-270 at Frederick and following it right into the center of Washington DC. Head across the border to see the falls from a different perspective, or visit the fabulous wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. Some travellers prefer to make this journey on a longer route via the I-90, heading south near Mount Rushmore to reach Denver. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (130 miles). This tradition has grown into thriving arts scene, making Toledo a great place to visit if you like exploring street art, outdoor sculpture or a trip to the theatre or concert hall. Or if you're in town with romantic intentions, a stroll through the Diamond District might go down well. Getting to St Louis is easy - the I-55 will take you all the way to the Gateway City. One interesting place to visit is Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House. Highlights include the cities of Indianapolis, Dayton and Columbus; as well as Wayne National Forest, Seneca Rocks, Shenandah National Park and Monongahela National Forest. Expect congestion on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially if you visit at weekends. 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. Other activities include spending the day at Kalapaki or Po'ipu beaches, setting. 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. You could come to Cedarburg on a long day drive, but it's really perfect as a weekend getaway destination. The route up to La Crosse will pass a few great stop off points - check out the steel Black Hawk Bridge over the Mississippi at Lansing and the Nelson Dewey State Park has some of the best panoramic views of the river and surrounding forests. And if you're missing that traditional winter vibe, visit Now Snowing in Celebration, where frosty views meet Florida sun including hourly snow flurries. A little further north from Chicago than Milwaukee is the town of Cedarburg. 13 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (925 miles). 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. Seeing as you've travelled from one Great Lake to another, a visit to the National Museum of the Great Lakes seems like a good place to start when you arrive in Toledo. Plus, you can fill yourself with festive cheer with a visit to the traditional market at Love Park's Christmas Village, or a stroll through streets filled with fabulous Christmas lights. 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. But that's just the welcome mat to this SoCal haven. Traffic in Denver is heavy at rush hours as you might expect, but the Friday peak is a little earlier than other days so factor this in if you're trying to beat the crowds. Ride down the Kalamazoo River on a paddle steamer, explore the lakeshore and river in a kayak, or charter a yacht. Overnight on the California Zephyr gets you to Denver where the weather is just as cold as Chicago but you'd be in a cosmopolitan city. 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 . How to get there: Head north on I-90 out of Chicago then join I-94. Why you should visit: Orlando is known as a winter sun favorite so pack your sun cream and enjoy some time outdoors. Things to do on Kauai include exploring the Waimea Canyon, Kkee State Park, Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. The smell is so bad, the United States Postal Service banned the posting of Limburger because of the stench. The Windy City also boasts a stellar location, just a drive away from fascinating landmarks, charming small towns, scenic lakes and iconic cities if you'd like to venture out to explore. The Louisville Muhammad Ali Center and the Frazier History Museum will keep you busy! Heading towards Lake Michigan, you will find the small harbor village of Saugatuck. 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 The 830-mile road trip from Chicago to Washington DC will take you around 14 hours to drive non-stop. 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. If you want to encourage a little less screen time during the summer break, take your family to explore the great outdoors in a Budget rental. Back in town, Denver has one of the largest Hispanic populations in the US, so the city's Museo de las Americas is well worth a visit, covering Hispanic culture and art. 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. If you're feeling active, there are places where you can sled on the frozen sand dunes. 4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). If you're visiting later in the season, check out Winter Restaurant Week. A new report shows the most dangerous cities in the USand the safest places. If it's your first time in Toronto, you'll probably want to see some of the city's sights while you're in town too. With a lot of water activities on the lake, the parking lots can fill up quickly so make sure you get here in the morning to get a spot. Where to Stay. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, fishing, climbing, boating and more forge incredible nature experiences in some of the most unique settings of the Midwest. Constructed between 1906 and 1907, the Conservatory was conceived and designed by Chicago's West Park Commission's general superintendent and chief landscape architect, Jens . September and October are the best times to come to Cedarburg - the trees glow with their oranges and maroons and the locals celebrate Oktoberfest with special events, seasonal beers and great food. The area is also home to a number of very decent wineries. 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. The city is in a prime spot with a lot of road trip options for you to escape to the surrounding destinations within 5 hrs drive. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to just relax and unwind, maybe after a tour round the Christmas market or some time on the ice rink, head to the luxurious Aspira Spa to round off your trip. Kentucky might only provide about a twenty-degree warm-up, but during the super cold times, those twenty degrees can feel like heaven. 11 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (700 miles). How to get there: Head east out of Chicago and join Interstate 90, then just keep going! Just after London, the road merges with ON-403, which will take you right into the center of Toronto. You might not have thought of Minneapolis as a city break destination from Chicago, but Minnesota's largest city is an amazing mix of culture, music, awesome food and the outdoors which you really have to visit. Then, follow the Christmas Parade, which makes its way through the city's streets and squares in early December. At Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, you can follow the beautiful light trail through the magical gardens, for example, or take a holiday trolley tour or boat trip to see the city decked out in festive finery while enjoying a wonderful warm cider. As well as sliding the high-speed downhill ice track, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at the park. You might consider day trips from Chicago to Milwaukee on the train. As you approach St Louis, you will see the first and main sight in the city - the huge 630-foot tall steel Gateway Arch. Cool down in warmer weather by riding the natural waterslide at Sliding Rock. The main attraction is a 21-mile loop around the lake with stunning forest scenery and great views of the water. Rib Mountain, part of the ski area here, is Wisconsin's tallest mountain so you'll find plenty of downhill runs here to suit all abilities. Also running from Thanksgiving right up to New Years Day is Celebration in the Oaks. Fridays at the Hollywood Beach Theatre feature free live jazz, blues and pop music at oceanfront cafes. If you want to test your senses, the Limburger cheese holds the title of the world's worst smelling cheese and is only made in Monroe. If there's one reason to visit Milwaukee, it is to see for yourself what the beer capital of the United States really looks like! The name gives away what this place is all about - everything here stems from Holland's Dutch origins. Continue along the interstate then, after skirting the west side of Lake Pontchartrain, merge onto I-10 which takes you into the center of New Orleans.
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