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The 21 most epic Metra day trips from Chicago

All aboard! These exciting adventures are just a train ride away.

Photograph: Shutterstock

Chicago is full of  festivals , attractions  and top-notch restaurants to keep you occupied, but sometimes we all need a little escape. However, figuring out driving and lodging can often prevent that group trip from making it out of the group chat. Fortunately, a  day-trip reprieve from the bustle of the city is just a short train ride away. Whether you live a car-free life or simply hate traffic, good news: Chicagoland’s Metra rail system isn’t just for suburban commuters. Shake up your routine with an adventure outside city limits, from exploring art sculpture gardens to playing games at the largest arcade in the country . So when you've had your fill of fun in Chicago, head to the nearest Metra station for an exciting suburban excursion.

RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips you can take from Chicago

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best Metra excursions from Chicago

Go zip-lining at the country’s largest adventure park.

• Things to do

Heritage Corridor, Lemont station Walking time from station: About 15 minutes

Multiple ziplines, climbing walls, a mountain bike course, hiking trails and more await you at The Forge: Lemont Quarries , a 300-acre recreation area stocked with just about every outdoor activity you can imagine, including mountain biking, kayaking and laser tag. Thrill-seekers should start with an unlimited explorer pass at the park's gigantic Eight Towers jungle gym and climbing course, where you can try your hand at a ropes course or cruise along two miles of ziplines. 

Hang out at the once “Summer Opera Capital of the World”

• price 3 of 4

Union Pacific North, Ravinia station Walking distance from station: About 1 minute 

One of the oldest and most genre-diverse music venues in the U.S. is just a short train ride north of the city—and steps away from the Metra stop through a turn-of-the-century gate. Since 1904, Ravinia Festival has hosted countless artists from Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to The Beach Boys and Aretha Franklin, and from 1919-1931 was even known as the “summer opera capital of the world.” You can catch year-round programming of headliners and up-and-coming artists, but the real magic happens May to September during outdoor concerts under the canopy of trees. Bring your own booze and bites for a cozy evening. And a huge bonus? If you’re visiting Ravinia for a summer concert, show your ticket for free Metra fare to and from the show. 

Geek out at a Doctor Who-themed coffee shop

Milwaukee West, Elgin station Walking time from station: Four minutes

Fans of the long-running British sci-fi series Doctor Who will feel right at home at the Blue Box Cafe and deli in charming downtown Elgin, where they can enjoy themed drinks like the Impossible Girl latte, delicious sandwiches and other delights alongside show-related ephemera and views of the Fox River. After you've had your fill, check out what else the walkable downtown has to offer, including the rotating exhibits at the Gail Borden Public Library or Side Street Studio Arts .  If you get hungry again, treat yourself to something sweet at Al's Café & Creamery . Those seeking a longer trek can head over to Lords Park , a 108-acre green space with a zoo where you can say hello to bison, elk and other animals.

Wander among 385 acres of flora

• Literary events
• price 2 of 4

Union Pacific North, Braeside station Walking time from station: About 25 minutes

You won't be able to explore the full extent of the sprawling Chicago Botanic Gardens in just one day, but a 2.3-mile narrated tram tour will help you get an overview of the lush landscape, from the Japanese garden to native plant-filled McDonald Woods. Don't miss the Garden's stunning collection of Bonsai trees (some of which are more than 100 years old) that's on display through October every year.

Meditate at the only Baha'i House of Worship in North America

• Religious buildings and sites

Union Pacific North, Wilmette station   Walking distance from station: About 25 minutes 

At a towering 191 feet, the gleaming white, ornately crafted dome of the Baha’i House of Worship overlooks the blue waves of Lake Michigan in the North Shore suburb of Wilmette. As the only temple in North America and one of just a few in the world, it’s a beacon for this faith’s followers. Stop to admire the architecture and the nine gardens–planted with the intention of holding a variety of colors and scents, or relax near one of the reflecting pools or fountains. Everyone is welcome at events ranging from introductions to faith to meditation and lectures. Photography is permitted—just be sure to follow the regulations and treat all subjects with dignity.

Tour inventive contemporary artwork exhibitions

• Classes and workshops
• price 1 of 4

Union Pacific West, Elmhurst station Walking distance from station: About five minutes

Want to plan an afternoon full of art and architecture? In addition to housing a rotating selection of contemporary art shows, the Elmhurst Art Museum includes the McCormick House, a sleek modern building designed by Bauhaus phenom Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Bonus: Your admission fee also comes with a self-guided audio tour of Elmhurst's modern architecture, which includes designs from Mies, Frank Lloyd Wright and more.

Learn about North America's most complete mammoth skeleton

Union Pacific North, Kenosha station Walking distance from train: About 15 minutes

Tens of thousands of years ago, wooly mammoths used to roam across the Midwest's icy expanses. You can witness that legacy firsthand just over the Wisconsin border at the Kenosha Public Museum , which features a permanent exhibition based around Hebior, the largest and most complete mammoth skeleton ever discovered on our continent. The skeleton—found in Kenosha County during the '60s—is housed in Milwaukee, but the exhibit takes a deep dive into its excavation and  archaeological  importance. While you're there, check out tons of other exhibits on fine art, Wisconsin history and more.

Find your bliss at this forest preserve and shoreline

Union Pacific North, Fort Sheridan station  Walking time from station: 9 minutes

What was once an army base in suburban Highwood is now a peaceful 250-acre forest preserve ( Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve ) with 3.65 miles of trails and one of North America's busiest flyaways for migratory birds—more than 200 species of birds have been spotted here. Take the winding path down to the   shoreline   for  one of just a few places in Lake County that offers free access to  picturesque views  of  Lake Michigan.  Walking along the shoreline is permitted; swimming is not.

After you've worked up an appetite from all that hiking, visit Doña Paty's steps away from the Metra station for tacos, towering cemitas and micheladas on the colorful patio, or Koya for inventive sushi rolls.

See over 3,000 animals

• Zoo and aquariums

BNSF Railway, Hollywood station Walking time from station: About 10 minutes

While Lincoln Park Zoo is a great (and free) way to spend an afternoon, Chicagoland’s largest collection of animals is found in Brookfield. Opened in 1934, the 235-acre Brookfield Zoo is home to over 3,400 animals and more than 500 species. See the orangutans, monkeys, gorillas and gibbons that populate Tropic World or stroll through Great Bear Wilderness for grizzly and polar bears, Mexican gray wolves, bison and bald eagles. The park prides itself on using moats and ditches instead of cages, and is open 365 days a year.

Explore the remnants of a once-thriving iron manufacturing site

Heritage Corridor, Joliet station Walking time from station: About 26 minutes 

Meander almost two miles along rows of abandoned concrete arches and cement staircases that lead nowhere at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site , an outdoor park that was once home to the second largest steel mill in the United States. After being left abandoned for decades, the Forest Preserve District of Will County acquired the land and preserved it for public use. Extend your visit in the “City of Stone” with a daytime or after-dark tour of the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site, an early 1800s facility located just north of Iron Works.

Hang out at the largest arcade in the U.S.

BNSF Railway, Congress Park station Walking time from station: About five minutes

Whether you're into classic hits like Space Invaders and Pac-Man or harder-to-find titles such as Hammer Away and Godzilla , you're sure to find something to love among the more than 900 arcade games at Galloping Ghost Arcade . No need to bring coins or stock up on tokens, either—visitors play a flat $25 entry fee and are free to play unlimited games all day long (or until the arcade closes at midnight or 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, at least).

Try coffee that’s served at Chicago’s best restaurants

BNSF Railway, Naperville station Walking time from station: About 15 minutes

If you've ever enjoyed a post-dinner cappuccino at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago (or similarly ritzy joints), you've probably had Sparrow Coffee. Notoriously exacting in its approach to roasting beans, the company provides custom roasts to two-thirds of the city's Michelin-starred chefs. You can try a cup for yourself—minus the four-star dinner tab—at the roaster's airy Naperville outpost, where lattes are foamed from the delicate milk of locally-farmed Jersey cows. Don't forget to grab a bag of beans on your way out.

Drink top-notch brews in an old-timey train caboose

Metra Electric, Flossmoor station Walking time from station: 1 minute

In 1996, Flossmoor natives Dean and Carolyn Armstrong turned the town's historic old train station into a popular neighborhood restaurant and brewery. Today, you can alight at the Flossmoor Metra station and head across the street to Flossmoor Station , where you can enjoy their award-winning standards like the Pullman Nut Brown Ale and the Panama Ltd. Red Ale, or intriguing seasonals like Do You Have a Moment To Talk About Skateboarding? Pale Ale and For the Sesh Irish Stout, a Celtic brew with molasses and vanilla. The best time to visit is naturally in the summer, when after you've explored the "brew caboose" taproom, you can sample your brews on their expansive deck, complete with cozy fire pits.

Catch a modern-day film in a 1920s-era movie palace

• Arts, crafts & hobbies

Union Pacific Northwest, Park Ridge station   Walking distance from station: About 2 minutes 

With an Indiana limestone facade with Minnesota granite, a 100-foot tower, cast-iron marquee and Mayan-inspired details, this art deco theater built completed in 1928 is one of the few of its kind to last into the next century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Park Ridge’s Pickwick Theatre almost closed for good in early 2023, but architecture and movie lovers can celebrate. The ornate palace survived the scare–and a controlled fire for a Chicago Fire filming in August 2022. You can also take the Metra to other similarly styled theaters in suburbs throughout the region like Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove, Glen Art Theatre in Glen Ellyn and Lake Theatre in Oak Park.

Visit a lesser-known Frank Lloyd Wright home

Union Pacific West, Geneva station Walking time from station: About 15 minutes

Once you've toured the Robie House and walked up and down the streets of Oak Park, turn your attention toward some of Frank Lloyd Wright's other Chicagoland masterpieces. The Fabyan Villa Museum in Geneva was once a country retreat for Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan; now, visitors are welcome to tour the couple's extensive Japanese art collection and learn more about the home's Prairie-style architectural flourishes from a trained docent. Tours of the home and the estate's tranquil Japanese gardens are available from May through September. 

Take a walk around a suburban sculpture garden

Metra Electric, University Park station Walking time from station: About 25 minutes

You'll find everything from a towering Paul Bunyan statue to abstract works of steel at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park , located on the campus of Governors State University in suburban University Park. Entry to the park is free, but keep an eye out for special events throughout the year like farm-to-table dinners, pottery auctions, trick-or-treating and more.

Hike through a coastal national park

South Shore Line, Dune Park station Walking time from station: About 14 minutes

One of the country's newest national parks, Indiana Dunes National Park is home to more than 2,000 acres of rolling sand dunes, beaches, forests and trails perfect for a long day of hiking. It's a bit of a walk from the train to the visitors center—about 1.3 miles—but easily accessible on the Dunes Kankakee Trail. 

Tour one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the world

BNSF Railway, Berwyn station  Walking time from station: About 40 minutes 

Want to know what happens to your poop after you flush? Tour the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant , one of the largest in the world, serving 2.3 million people from Chicago and 46 other communities. The plant cleans over 700 million gallons of wastewater per day—and it’s not all doo-doo. A snapping turtle, 50-foot extension cord, two opossums and a prosthetic leg are just some of the other unlikely items that ended up at facilities. Learn about reducing contaminants, removing organic material, a bunch of fun facts and more. And it doesn’t even stink. Tours by appointment only .

Transport yourself to a classic movie set in Woodstock

Union Pacific Northwest, Woodstock station  Walking time from station: About 5 minutes

Fans of Bill Murray’s classic 1993 film Groundhog Day can visit the actual filming location via the Metra. The Woodstock Opera House, a giant Victorian home portrayed as the “Cherry Street Inn” in the film, and a Groundhog Day mural in downtown Woodstock can all be spotted within a short walking distance from the Metra station. Visitors can also recharge at Ethereal Confections , a cafe and sweet shop specializing in homemade chocolate bars and tasty bark.

Get lost in the sights along the Naperville Riverwalk

We know—heading out to Naperville may not be Chicagoans’ favorite pastime, but the riverwalk is definitely a sight to see. Along the suburb’s branch of the DuPage River and central Centennial Park is a winding walkway with plenty to gaze upon.  The pathway features almost two miles of bridges, fountains and outdoor sculptures. On your way there from the train, take a stroll through the classic Midwestern architecture of Naperville’s Historic District.

Immerse yourself in history at the Pullman National Historical Park

Metra Electric, 111th Street (Pullman) station

Walking time from station: 4 minutes

Take the Metra straight to Pullman National Historical Park, the first model industrial community in the country. Although still within the city limits, it's definitely a site to add to your must-visit list and the Metra is easiest way to get there. Administrative buildings, the century-old Hotel Florence and original housing are all preserved in the historical district. Overflowing with history, the Pullman district is the perfect spot for an informative and educational day trip. Be sure to book a walking tour from May to October—and don’t miss out on the nearby Pullman Club Coffee House, too.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Illinois (IL) » 15 Best Day Trips from Chicago (by a Local, 2023)

15 Best Day Trips from Chicago (by a Local, 2023)

Lying on the shores of freezing Lake Michigan the city of Chicago is one of the most iconic cities in the United States of America. The settling for hit musical ‘Chicago’ and epic TV drama series ‘The Good Wife’, Chicago is a versatile and vibrant city that has a lot to explore.Once you have ticked off Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Willis Tower it’s time to look a little further afield.

Being right in the heart of the USA means that Chicago makes for the perfect base for further exploration. From breweries to national parks, there’s many options to choose from.

I’m a Chicago local and have explored the surrounding area extensively, so I’m sure you’re gonna enjoy my selection of the best day trips from Chicago.

1. 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. Did you know that south west Michigan has over 20 different wineries? It’s making quite the statement.

After the hustle and bustle of Chicago a day spent meandering through the vineyards and of course having your fair share of taste testing, offers a welcome contrast and a real breath of fresh air too. Michigan is home to a different species of grape; hardier to the cold than those used across France and California Michigan’s wines are distinct and rather palatable.

I’d rent a car to explore the region and map out the wineries beforehand.

2. Milwaukee

Just like Chicago, Milwaukee too lies on the shores of Lake Michigan but provides a completely different lakeside ambiance. Milwaukee is a great day trip from Michigan that I’d suggest for all the family, there’s genuinely something for everyone.

Milwaukee will be high on the bucket list of all you bikers out there for it is the home of the Harley-Davidson Museum. The Milwaukee County Zoo and Discovery World are fantastic interactive and educational places to visit with kids and have plenty to keep the adults entertained too.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is an impressive artistic structure in its own right but should you stray inside you’ll find the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and many more.

Be sure to read my guide on Milwaukee to get an idea of what this city has to offer.

If you like to get into the great outdoors and get active as much as I do then a trip to Oglesby is certainly in order. A sleepy town nestled on the conference of the Vermillion River and the Illinois River, Oglesby has a wealth of hiking and biking trails to explore.

Saddling the space between Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice as to where to start on a day trip to Oglesby. Everything from hiking to kayaking, from pony trekking to rafting can be arranged in this quaint town.

Home to just over 3000 people, locals are keen to offer directions and share their favorite trails with visitors.

Located just west of Milwaukee is the charming city of Madison . Home to the Wisconsin State Capitol and the truly beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens a day trip to Madison is steady paced and full of cultural experiences. If you’re into art then I recommend visiting the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art .

It is possible to take a tour of the State Capitol and it’s highly recommended that you do gain insights into the political system of the USA and learn about the influential historical figures who once roamed the corridors and occupied the impressive office spaces.

With Lake Monona on one side and Lake Mendota on the other there’s no escaping the lakes of the mid-west when in Madison.

But who would want to, it’s the Great Lakes region after all…

5. Michigan City

Michigan City is a thriving city that too lies on the shores of Lake Michigan; on the south-eastern side, unlike Chicago that lies on the south-west shore. The Old Lighthouse Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon and is home to a great selection of exhibits featuring local history and maritime history too. There’s some fascinating, and heartbreaking, accounts of shipwrecks from yesteryear.

The Washington Park Zoo spans over 15-acres and is home to tigers and native grizzly bears too. If you fancied an overnight trip you could explore Michigan City on day one, then before heading back to Chicago on day two, I suggest you head to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

6. North Utica

There are very few true villages in Illinois but North Utica is one of them and is something of a hidden gem . Home to just 1,300 people this sleepy village has a lot to explore.

Nestled on the border of the Starved Rock National Park, and naturally a short distance from Matthiessen State Park too, North Utica is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.

The Illinois River Winery is a popular spot to visit and a great opportunity to expand your cellar. For those interested in local history I would recommend the La Salle County Historical Society & Museum.

7. Lake Geneva

When looking for directions be sure to confirm to your GPS that you want directions to Lake Geneva WI, not Lake Geneva in Switzerland; you’d have more than a day trip from Chicago on your hands, that’s for sure.

Should you need to stretch your legs after the 1.5 hour drive from Chicago swing by neighboring Williams Bay. From here you can stroll the length of the lake’s shore without being disturbed in the slightest.

If you want a taste of the high life then make a beeline for Baker House, an exquisite Victorian mansion built back in 1885, they serve up a delightful selection of cocktails that provide the perfect accompaniment to the view.

8. St Louis

If you’re keen to tick off as many US states as possible then a trip to St Louis would see you cross Missouri off your list. St Louis is an exciting city home to the impressive, iconic Gateway Arch.

If you don’t suffer from claustrophobia then take a trip up and round the arch itself. Not for the faint hearted but the views are well worth the heart palpitations. With your feet firmly on the ground then you can head to the Missouri Botanical Gardens or Forest Park.

St Louis has its own Hard Rock Cafe which makes for a great lunch spot. That said, for the most authentic St Louis food you should head to the Soulard district and try out one of the many BBQ restaurants.

9. Apple River Canyon

Traversing 297-acres the Apple River Canyon is quaint by name and by nature. Providing a welcome calmness away from busy Chicago Apple River Canyon can be found in northwest of the state.

Featuring lush, green, rolling hills, creeks and criss crossing rivers aplenty Apple River Canyon is a great way to reconnect with nature and escape the city smoke.

There are five main trails through the park whose condition can vary across the seasons, be sure to read the updates at the visitors center before you head out.

Avid anglers should be on the lookout for trout and bass in the rivers; such a treat.

10. The Blaum Bros Distilling Co.

The town of Galena has a rich history when it comes to distilling spirits and brewing beers, it’s quite the boozy town in fact.

If you’re keen to sample some of the best booze being produced in the midwest then a visit to the Blaum Bros Distilling Co. is a great day trip from Chicago.

Strictly for over 21s only, during the tour of the distillery you’ll not only get to sample the brother’s gin, bourbon and legendary moonshine but also learn the creation process; from grain to glass and everything in between.

The team also shares some great cocktail making tips that should be noted down.

Tucked away on the conference of the Illinois River and Fox River Ottawa is best known as being the gateway to Starved Rock State Park but it’s certainly a destination in its own right. The Dayton Bluffs Preserve is a picturesque park featuring geological bluffs and resultantly mini waterfalls in the middle of the dense forest.

If you fancy a romantic dinner then I recommend to book yourself a candlelit table at Monte’s Riverside Inn. The Sunfield Restaurant serves up cracking American classics for lunch. Well deserved after a decent hike in the Dayton Bluffs.

12. Starved Rock State Park

Voted at the number 1 attraction in all of Illinois , Starved Rock State Park is a must-visit, a highlight of all the day trips from Chicago. The hiking trails are some of the best in all of the United States of America and although some are challenging overall this is a really accessible park.

Starved Rock State Park featured a whopping 18 canyons each distinct and beautiful in their own way. Some feature waterfalls , others are speckled with moss.

The bluffs and canyons have been created by glacial meltwater that has sliced through the landscape like a hot knife through butter.

A nature lover and geography geek’s paradise, Starved Rock State Park is not to be missed.

13. Grand Rapids

Falling on the east of Lake Michigan is Grand Rapids , undoubtedly one of the best cities to live in the USA. Increasingly popular and developing fast, Grand Rapids is a modern city home to a diverse set of communities and in turn a diverse range of cultures too.

Beer lovers will be in heaven in Grand Rapids, home to dozens of craft breweries you could easily spend a day trip from Chicago sampling some of the city’s innovative and award-winning brews.

The Frederik Meijer is a real gem, a sculpture garden that spans over 158-acres and often provides a backdrop for comedy shows and live music concerts.

Depending on your preference you can either walk then drink, or drink then walk during a day trip to Sawyer. Home to a number of great craft brewing companies, namely the Greenbush Brewing Co and the Journeyman Distillery, Sawyer is a bit of a haven for small-scale liquor houses. I’ve had to pleasure of visiting and had a great (tipsy) experience.

Wine lovers shouldn’t miss a chance to visit and learn about the winemaking process at Round Barn Winery that lies just outside Sawyer township. You’ve got to earn your booze so before you take your place at the bar perhaps spend a morning exploring the Warren Dunes State Park and swish your toes between the soft, creamy sand. What better way to work up a thirst?

15. Indianapolis

If you’re an avid city slicker then a day trip to Indianapolis from Chicago will certainly keep the city vibes in check. Engine enthusiasts may be interested in visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world’s largest racetrack; pretty impressive.

The White River State Park in the heart of Indianapolis is a lovely, calm way to spend an afternoon. Featuring water features, gardens and more you can explore the park however you choose. Throughout the park there are vendors offering bicycles for hire and gondola rides too.

Should you be feeling a little more adventurous then hire a Segway and whizz around the smooth paved paths, great fun.

Check out my guide on Indianapolis .

15 Best Day Trips from Chicago (by a Local, 2023):

• Michigan Wine Country
• Michigan City
• North Utica
• Lake Geneva
• Apple River Canyon
• The Blaum Bros Distilling Co.
• Starved Rock State Park
• Grand Rapids
• Indianapolis

The 7 best day trips from Chicago

Dec 11, 2023 • 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

Chicago has enough cloud-poking towers, rockin’ live-music clubs and world-class museums to keep you occupied for weeks. But just beyond city limits, you can also scale sand dunes at a national park, rev a Harley and amble around wineries.

Here are seven easy day trips that are no more than two hours away from the Windy City .

1. Get into nature at Indiana Dunes National Park

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Rustling grasses, bird-filled marshes and white-pine forests fill a whopping stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline at Indiana Dunes National Park , which feels a world away from the big city. Rugged beaches beckon, and sweet hiking trails meander up the sand and through the woodlands.

Try the 3 Dune Challenge, a view-tastic 1.5-mile climb to the park’s highest dunes: Mt Jackson, Mt Holden and Mt Tom (just to confuse you, these are in Indiana Dunes State Park , a pocket within the national park.) Biking, paddling and winter snowshoeing are other fun activities available in the park.

How to get to the Indiana Dunes from Chicago: South Shore Line commuter trains make the 80-minute trip several times daily from downtown Chicago to Dune Park station. By car, the 50-mile trip takes one to two hours, depending on traffic.

2. Admire Harleys and artwork in Milwaukee

Milwaukee  is  Wisconsin 's largest city, and it's a rollicking day trip from Chicago. Stop by the Harley-Davidson Museum to gawk at hundreds of motorcycles, including Elvis’s custom-built hog. Harleys were invented in Milwaukee, hence the big bike love. The Milwaukee Art Museum drops jaws with its kinetic “wing” that soars open and shut, as well as its outsider art and Georgia O’Keeffe paintings.

During baseball season,  Miller Park is the place to be for beers, bratwursts and the oddball sixth-inning foot race between people dressed in giant sausage costumes. Milwaukee has a reputation as a drinker’s paradise, with more bars per capita than anywhere in the US besides New Orleans. Friendly neighborhood taverns pop up on almost every corner.  Champion’s shows the local spirit.

How to get to Milwaukee from Chicago: Amtrak runs seven trains daily to downtown Milwaukee, with a journey time of 90 minutes. By car, take the I-94 for the roughly two-hour trip.

3. Tour the lakeside hamlets of Harbor Country

Harbor Country comprises several lakeside hamlets just over the Michigan border, where Chicagoans retreat for a taste of small-town life. New Buffalo is the most resort-y of the bunch, where you can catch a wave at the public beach and follow it up with suds at the Beer Church .

Three Oaks is a bohemian farm-and-arts village where you can browse Elm Street’s galleries and design shops. Antique stores and folksy delis abound in Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert and Sawyer. Several wineries, such as Tabor Hill , surround the communities and offer tastings. 

How to get to Harbor Country from Chicago: Harbor Country is a 90-minute drive east from downtown Chicago via I-90 and I-94. While Amtrak stops in New Buffalo, the times aren’t convenient for day trips, and you’ll need your own wheels to access the other towns. 

4. Encounter the thought-provoking Illinois Holocaust Museum

Travel time: 25 minutes

The  Illinois Holocaust Museum is the third-largest Holocaust Museum in the world, after those in Jerusalem and Washington, DC. Besides its haunting Nazi-era rail car and videos of survivors' stories from WWII, the venue contains thought-provoking art about genocides in Armenia, Rwanda, Cambodia and other countries. The special exhibitions are particularly impressive.

How to get to the Illinois Holocaust Museum from Chicago:  By car, take I-94 – the 18-mile trip takes about 25 minutes. On public transportation, take the Union Pacific North (UP-N) train at Ogilvie Transportation Center to Davis Street/Evanston. Catch the 208 bus at the Davis and Maple stop and get off at Golf Rd and Woods Dr. It's a two-minute walk to the museum. The trip takes a little over an hour.

5. Walk a section of the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path

Old-money Chicagoans fled to Geneva Lake in the late 1800s to escape the urban heat and chill in the true-blue, spring-fed water. It’s still high on the getaway list, and while the mansion-strewn shoreline is sometimes called “the Hamptons of the Midwest,” visitors of more modest means are just as welcome.

Nowhere is this more evident than on the Lake Shore Path, the 21-mile public trail that goes through all water’s-edge properties – right through their front lawns! – for close-up views of the mega estates. Taking a boat ride with Lake Geneva Cruise Line is a must, as is a trip to the old-school Cheese Box for hunks of aged cheddar, havarti and other Wisconsin-made goodness.

How to get to Geneva Lake from Chicago: You need a car for this day trip. Lake Geneva, the main town on Geneva Lake, is 80 miles northwest of Chicago. Take I-94 north to Wisconsin highway 50 west. The trip takes 90 minutes to two hours by car.

6. See the home of modernist architecture in Oak Park

Travel time: 45 minutes

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright lived in the leafy suburb of Oak Park, next door to Chicago, for 20 years. Fans come from all over the world to tour his home and studio where he developed the famous Prairie style, as well as to gawp at his  Unity Temple  – named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019 – that’s considered to be the first modern-style building.

Ernest Hemingway is Oak Park’s other famous son. He was born in a sprawling Victorian home just a few blocks from Wright’s pad. It’s now maintained as the Hemingway Birthplace Museum and gives a peek at Papa’s formative years.

How to get to Oak Park from Chicago:  It’s a simple excursion via Chicago’s public transit system. Take the Green Line L train from downtown to Oak Park station, from which everything is within a mile's walk.

7. Explore Evanston, one of the top college towns in the US

Travel time: 40 minutes

Evanston is Chicago’s neighbor to the north, a lakefront town of sprawling old houses, artisan shops and bookish cafes where college students caffeinate. Check out the quirky American Toby Jug Museum , with the world’s largest collection of character-shaped jugs (think Barack Obama, Mick Jagger and R2-D2 as ceramic pitchers), and the Baha’i House of Worship , an eye-popping temple surrounded by peaceful gardens.

Both are free, which leaves money in your pocket to rent a sailboat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the Northwestern University Sailing Center and get out on glimmering Lake Michigan. Otherwise, wander among the boutiques, brewpubs and brioche-laden bakeries like Hewn that pepper the walkable downtown.

How to get to Evanston from Chicago: Chicago’s L trains go to Evanston. During weekday peak times, take the Purple Line direct from downtown Chicago or take the Red Line to Howard station and switch to the Purple Line. It’s about a 40-minute trip, with departures every 10 minutes or so.

This article was first published Sep 12, 2019 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

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15 Spectacular Day Trips from Chicago IL

• Illinois / In the City / USA

These are the best day trips from Chicago IL.

I grew up in Iowa, and Chicago was the major city near us. I remember my older cousin taking road trips and returning with exciting stories of the big city. It wasn’t until college, after I had moved to the South, that I visited Chicago for the first time.

Chicago is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and is a vibrant city famous for its deep-dish pizza, museums, and instantly recognizable architecture.

There’s a lot to do in Chicago already, but it also makes a great base to explore the Midwest (especially Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan) when you need to escape the city.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

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When you think of the Midwest, you picture endless corn farms (there’s that, too!). But beyond the cornfields, it’s a region filled with culture and stunning landscapes, as these day trips from Chicago will prove.

1. Oak Park, Illinois

193 N Marion St #208, Oak Park, IL 60301, map

Distance:  9.1 / 15 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Ernest Hemingway Birthplace, Unity Temple What to Eat:   Pete’s Red Hots ,  Freddy’s Pizza ,  Rustico

Oak Park is right next to the West side of Chicago. Before the world discovered Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect spent his early days designing homes for the residents of Oak Park, and the city is a gold mine for his work.

First, take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Afterward, visit his Unity Temple, considered the first modern building in history. Then, stroll around a small section of Oak City to appreciate Wright’s remaining 25 homes.

There is more than one famous resident from Oak City. Renowned author Ernest Hemingway was born here, and you can tour his Victorian birthplace too. If you need a respite from architecture and interiors, you can enjoy the exotic plants at the Oak Park Conservatory.

2. Glencoe, Illinois

42.1342106,-87.7985822, map

Distance:  24.3 mi / 31 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Chicago Botanic Garden, Skokie Lagoons, Home Alone House What to Eat:   Frank & Betsie’s Restaurant ,  Bake Homemade Pizza

The village of Glencoe on Chicago’s north shore is a quick and easy day trip from Chicago. The main attraction is the Chicago Botanic Garden. Spend the day in any of the 27 gardens and stop to smell the roses (and all the other flowers).

If you’re not in a hurry to get back to the city, explore the Skokie Lagoons Nature Preserve, where you can walk around lagoons looking for wildlife or rent a kayak and enjoy the tranquil waters.

Don’t leave Glencoe without exploring the village itself. Besides charming boutiques and restaurants to peruse, there are historic homes, including 13 by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the most famous house in the area that was featured in Home Alone.

3. Morton Arboretum, Illinois

4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, map

Distance:  26.1 mi / 36 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Hiking Trails, Acorn Tram Ride What to Eat:   Manna Kitchen ,  The Bavarian Lodge ,  Burrito Parrilla Mexicana

Lisle is part of Greater Chicago, but there’s plenty to do to make it a day trip. The Morton Arboretum is a living museum encompassing 1,700-acres and hundreds of varieties of trees and plants. Spend a leisurely day immersed in green forests on any of its 16-miles of hiking trails.

Highlights include a gentle walk around the Meadow Lake or a trip into woodlands via the Heritage Trail. You can also see the entire park on the narrated Acorn Tram Ride, and in the course of an hour, you tour the arboretum’s woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.

4. Illinois Beach State Park, Illinois

1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, map

Distance:  47.5 mi / 1 h 5 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Swimming, Hiking Trails, Fishing What to Eat:   Taqueria Los Naranjos ,  The Shanty

Who doesn’t love a day out on the beach? The Illinois Beach State Park is no ordinary beach outing. Located along a 6.5-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan, this state park offers an assortment of landscapes from sand dunes, wetlands, and black oak forests.

Explore the area on any of the 5 miles worth of trails including the easy Camp Logan Trail. Afterward, relax on the sand and discover why it’s one of the most scenic beaches in the Midwest.

5. Indiana Dunes National Park, Illinois

1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, map

Distance:  48.9 mi / 59 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Sand Dunes, Historic Homes, Hiking Trails What to Eat:   Fiddlehead Restaurant ,  The Polish Peasant ,  Mucho Mas

Indiana Dunes National Park is a perfect escape from the city where you can breathe in the fresh air. Sand dunes hug the shore along a 15-mile stretch of Lake Michigan.

Enjoy the cover of black oak forests or appreciate the beauty of the wetlands and marsh, an ideal spot for birding and wildlife viewing. Other outdoor activities include swimming and fishing. With 50 miles of trails, you are sure to stay active.

Don’t miss the Dune Ridge Trail (0.7 miles), Paul H. Douglas Trail (3.4 miles), and the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk (0.9 miles). The national park also protects 60 historical structures including the Bailly Homestead and a series of houses from the 1933 World’s Fair that you can tour.

See More: Complete List of National Parks by State

6. Kankakee River State Park, Illinois

5314 W, IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, map

Distance:  57.8 mi / 1 h 7 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Kankakee River, Hiking, Canoeing What to Eat:   Burgers & Beer ,  BrickStone Brewery ,  New York City Deli

Unspoiled landscapes make up the beauty of the Kankakee River State Park. Though it’s approximately an hour from the city, this one day trip from Chicago will make you feel like you’ve entered another world.

For hikers, there’s a 3-mile trail showcasing the beauty of the canyon walls featuring a waterfall. If you have a bike, enjoy the 11-mile bike path that follows along the river. You can also rent a canoe and spend the day on the river.

7. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Illinois

30239 IL-53, Wilmington, IL 60481, map

Distance:  60.1 mi / 1 h 06 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Tallgrass Prairie, Bison Herd What to Eat:   The Launching Pad ,  Nelly’s Restaurant on Rt 66 ,  New China Restaurant

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is the only tallgrass prairie east of the Mississippi River. This unique spot guarantees a tranquil day of bird watching and hiking any of the 22 miles of trails. Hikes you can’t miss include Turtle Pond (4.0 miles), Prairie Creek Woods Loop (2.0 miles), and Henslow’s Trail (5.3 miles). You also can’t leave without seeing the wild bison herd reintroduced into the region in 2015.

8. Dayton Bluffs Preserve, Illinois

2997 IL-71, Marseilles, IL 61341, map

Distance:  79.9 mi / 1 h 21 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Fox River, Waterfalls, Native American Burial Mounds What to Eat:   Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company ,  Sandi’s Bar & Grill ,  Court Street Pub

A true hidden gem in Illinois is the Dayton Bluffs Preserve, where you can experience acres of prairies, woodlands, Native American burial mounds, waterfalls, and the Fox River.

As a relatively new park, you feel like you’re in the wilderness. A 2.7-mile loop mixes the prairie and woodlands features. If you have a full day, there are smaller trails to explore in the park, too.

9. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

201 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, map

Distance:  82.8 mi / 1 h 31 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Lake Geneva, Big Foot Beach State Park, Black Point Estate and Gardens What to Eat:  Fitzgeralds Genoa Junction ,  Mars Restaurant & Resort ,  Joni’s Diner

In the summer, bring your swimsuit and cool off in the water, or cruise around Lake Geneva. In the winter, you can visit the Ice Castles.

On Lake Shore Path, you will pass mansions from the Gilded Age. If you have the energy, hire a bike and complete the 20-mile circuit around the lake.

To see how people lived in splendor in the past, take a tour of the Black Point Estate and Gardens or relax at Big Foot Beach State Park.

10. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, map

Distance:  92.2 mi / 1 h 34 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley Davidson Museum, Mitchell Park Domes What to Eat:   St Paul Fish Company ,  Swingin’ Door Exchange ,  The Vanguard

Milwaukee is renowned for its beer, but there is much to discover. The Milwaukee Museum not only offers visitors a cultural experience inside with its massive collection (including the most extensive collection of Georgia O’Keefe), but the outside leaves you in awe with its modern design and moveable wings.

When you think of motorcycles, Harley Davidson immediately comes to mind. Experience the history of this cultural company and view over 400 motorcycles. Or, take in the living museum of the Mitchell Park Domes, where plants from around the world thrive in different ecosystems.

11. Oglesby, Illinois

41.2954236,-89.1032013, map

Distance:  101 mi / 1 h 42 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Starved Rock State Park, Matthieson State Park What to Eat:   Uptown Grill ,  Haze Smokehouse ,  Stone Jug Barbecue

Towering sandstone canyons and picturesque waterfalls combine to make Starved Rock State Park, a must-visit if you love the outdoors. With 18 canyons and 13 miles of trails, there is endless beauty from a bird’s eye view or deep within the canyons.

Popular trails include the Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail, Saint Louis Canyon Trail, and French Canyon Trail.

Deep canyons and bluffs are also the dominant features of Matthieson State Park. Follow the river into the canyon to Cascade Falls. Unusual rock formations dot the 5 miles of hiking trails within the park. Take a turn on the easy Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail, or go for a more involved hike to the Vermillion River.

12. Fennville, Michigan

42.5943816,-86.1151028, map

Distance:  140 mi / 2 h 24 min Things You Can’t Miss:  West Side County Park, Fenn Valley Vineyards, Crane Orchards What to Eat:   Blue Goose Café ,  Salt of the Earth

It’s easy to forget time as you enjoy the simple pleasures found at Fennville, Michigan. Lose yourself in the stunning views across Lake Michigan at West Side County Park or relax while sipping a glass of wine at the Fenn Valley Vineyards.

You can also feel like a kid again as you pick fruit fresh from the orchard at Crane’s U-Pick Farm. The different seasons dictate what fruit is available, and the 20-acre corn maze is the highlight.

13. Apple River Canyon State Park, Illinois

8763 E Canyon Rd, Apple River, IL 61001, map

Distance:  144 mi / 2 h 23 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Nature Trails, Limestone Bluffs What to Eat :  JJ & Freddies ,  Stella’s Café & Catering

The passage of time is beautifully on display at the Apple River Canyon State Park. For millions of years, the Apple River slowly carved its way through the rocks, creating the canyons seen today. There are roughly 5 miles of trails to spend the day in serenity.

14. Holland, Michigan

78 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423, map

Distance:  150 mi / 2 h 31 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Downtown, Windmill Island Gardens, Big Red Lighthouse, Beaches What to Eat:   Salt & Pepper Savory Grill and Pub ,  El Huarache ,  New Holland Brewing

Imagine traveling to Europe without having to leave the country. That is what it feels like as soon as you set foot in Holland, Michigan. Dutch influences are everywhere making Holland one of the prettiest cities in the US.

Downtown Holland is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and breweries. You especially can’t miss the magical Windmill Island Gardens, where over 10,000 tulips erupt in color in spring. Also, check out DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill in the US, in action.

Finish the day by relaxing on one of the many beaches and the Big Red Lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan.

15. Grand Rapids, Michigan

171 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, map

Distance:  181 mi / 2 h 54 min Things You Can’t Miss:  Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Museum of Art What to Eat:  Butcher’s Union ,  The Green Well ,  The Mitten Brewing Co.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is part garden and part art museum and is the one spot you shouldn’t miss in Grand Rapids. Strolling in the 158-acre site is an experience you won’t forget, with over ten different gardens and sculptures by renowned artists like Rodin and Degas.

Continuing your artistic experience, traverse Calder Plaza to behold the mammoth red sculpture La Grande Vitesse, an icon of the city. Then, continue to the Grand Rapids Museum of Art to appreciate not only 19th and 20th-century art but also the first certified LEED museum in the US.

If you’re a history buff, step back in time as you explore the museum detailing the life of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States. Tour a replica of the Oval Office and pay your respects to Ford and his wife, Betty, at their final resting place on the museum grounds.

• Six Flags Great America ( 44.6 mi / 51 min,  map )
• Rockford, IL ( 88.6 mi / 1 h 31 min,  map )
• University of Notre Dame ( 94.3 mi / 1 h 42 min,  map )
• Madison, WI ( 147 mi / 2 h 23 min,  map )

Best Places to Stay in Chicago

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Chicago hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Chicago travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with Go City .
• 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago: Including Wisconsin and Northwest Indiana
• Eastern USA Travel Guide
• Chicago Travel Guide
• Rand McNally Road Atlas

How many of these day trips from Chicago have you done? Any others we should add to our list?

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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The 10 Best Day Trips From Chicago

The city of Chicago has much to offer locals and tourists; however, getting out of town and seeing what’s nearby is worthwhile. From brewery tours in Milwaukee to Dutch heritage in Holland, Michigan, to hiking in state parks or along rivers and lakes, you’ll find that the surrounding areas of the Windy City offer a plethora of experiences. Pick and choose from these nearby adventures and plan your great escape. 

Holland, Michigan

 Holland Area Visitors Bureau

While Holland is a year-round destination, with lots of Dutch shops, architecture, windmills, restaurants, and museums to explore, spring is really when this city shines. See 4.5 million tulips in bloom around the town at Veldheer Tulip Gardens and Windmill Island Gardens. The Tulip Time Festival kicks off in May with Dutch food, music, parades, and Klompen dancing.

No matter when you visit, however, be sure to stop by the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory and the Holland Museum. Also, the Dutch Winterfest and Parade of Lights are worth a look-see in November.

Getting There: Located midway between Chicago and Detroit, Holland is a three-hour drive away. Take I-94 east, exit 34 to I-196, and then exit 44 to Holland.

Travel Tip: Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse is Big Red Lighthouse in Holland. Visit Holland State Park for the best view of the tower—walk the boardwalk to the north pier (wheelchair accessible). 

Indiana Dunes National Park

 Wendy Altschuler

Our country’s 61st National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park , has much to offer in a tight package. Swim and hike in the summer or snowshoe and cross-country ski in the winter. Play on 15 miles of Lake Michigan’s southern shore, watch for migrating and regular nesting birds—hawks, wetland birds, woodpeckers—and hike on 50 miles of trails that cut through and over dunes, wetlands, prairies, forests, and rivers. Keep your eyes out for threatened Pitcher’s thistle and snap photos of white-tailed deer, the largest herbivore found here. The Great Blue Heron rookery can be found along the national lakeshore as well.

Camp overnight at Dunewood Campground or fish in the Little Calumet River during the warmer months. Get the Geocaching app on your phone and find hidden containers while also enjoying nature and being outside. History buffs will enjoy visiting one of the sixty historic structures—the Bailly Homestead, Camp Good Fellow, Chellberg Farm, and a handful of houses from the 1933 World’s Fair are the most significant.

Getting There: To get to the park, take Interstate 94, exit 26 north; the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90), exit 31 north; U.S. Highways 12 and 20, or other state roads. The Indiana Dunes Visitors Center is on Indiana State Road 49.

Travel Tip: Kids can become Junior Rangers and visit the park with a Discovery Guide. Also, park rangers can lead tours throughout the park. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to map out your adventure. 

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Getty-Wirepec 

Home to 30,000 tree-filled acres with rolling hills, grasslands, lakes, and forests, Kettle Moraine State Forest is the ideal place to enjoy the outdoors. Ride horses and bicycles, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and drive the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive to explore the kettles (depressions) left by the Ice Age. Only two hours and 40 minutes from Chicago, this destination is ideal for a day trip.

Getting There: To get to this Wisconsin State Park, located between Madison and Milwaukee, take I-90/94 west toward Milwaukee, exit 344 to US-12 west.

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. 

Lake Geneva

Daniel Nicholson / 500px / Getty Images

If you want to see Gilded Age mansions built by well-heeled Chicagoans, visit the lakeside Shore Path in Lake Geneva. The area also offers shopping, diverse dining, local beaches—including Big Foot Beach State Park—and outdoor fun. Stay overnight at a campground or Bed and Breakfast, ride the U.S. Mailboat and watch jumpers deliver mail while the boat keeps moving, go kayaking, visit a winery or brewery, or hit a round of golf—there’s something to do for every age and ability at Lake Geneva.

Getting There: Take 294 north toward Wisconsin, continue to I-94 west, and exit at 344 onto WI-50 toward Lake Geneva.

Travel Tip: Request a free Visitors Guide at Visit Lake Geneva.

Chicago Botanic Gardens

 Getty/N. Vivienne Shen Photography

Just one hour north of Chicago sits Chicago Botanic Garden , a haven for plants and flowers from around the globe. Plan on spending a few hours here, exploring the grounds, having lunch or a snack at the Garden View Café, and shopping for unique items in the Garden Shop. 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.

Admission is per person; buy tickets in advance to get the best pricing and to ensure your preferred date and time; a parking fee is purchased separately. Admission includes summer attractions such as Butterflies & Blooms, Grand Tram Tour and Model Railroad Garden.

Home to nearly 30 different display gardens spread over almost 400 acres; these gardens give visitors a chance to learn about various plant collections. This living museum is well-known for its Bonsai Collection, Japanese Garden, English Walled Garden, Dwarf Conifer Garden, and multiple greenhouses that nurture rare, edible, seasonal, and flowering plants from around the world.

Getting There: From Chicago, take the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) west to Edens Expressway (I-94) and U.S. Route 41. Take the Lake Cook Road exit and drive a half-mile east to the destination.

You can also take the Metra train on the Union Pacific North Line and get off at the Braeside station. From there, walk just under a mile to the gardens on the North Branch Trail, which is quite lovely.

Travel Tip: Kids love the Model Railroad Garden, open half of the year, which features 18 trains chugging along over bridges, through tunnels, and past nearly 50 different American landmarks. 

Starved Rock State Park

Getty/Rudy Balasko

Starved Rock State Park is a family-friendly—and dog-pro—park that features lofty sandstone bluffs that loom large, especially in contrast to the flatlands that the state is known for. See 15 canyons, towering trees, flora and fauna, and waterfalls while you hike along the Illinois River. The most scenic waterfalls—especially after snowmelt or rain—can be found in French, Wildcat, and Kaskaskia canyons.

Getting There: Starved Rock is about 90 miles west of Chicago, south of I-80, near the town of LaSalle.

Travel Tip: Crowds over holidays and weekends in the summer months can be obtrusive—visit during the week if possible or in the off-season.

Six Flags Great America

 Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America has a brand new ride to lure in visitors: Maxx Force, a record-breaking roller coaster. Reaching speeds of 78 miles per hour in just under two seconds, this ride features the fastest and tallest inversion of any roller coaster in the world. Also, the park has over 30 different rides and attractions, a 20-acre water park, various shows and themed entertainment, character meet-ups, and four different children’s areas for the younger crowd.

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. Six Flags will be just off the ramp on the right.

Travel Tip: The entrance to the park is often busy during peak summer months (parking in the overflow parking is a good sign that there’s a long line at the door). Arrive early, before the gates open, to avoid long waiting times. Also, park hours are subject to change and do so seasonally, so be sure to check the website for operating hours. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

From macro to micro, Milwaukee, also known by the moniker Brew City, has pints for everyone’s taste buds. Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, Miller—all well-known Milwaukee favorites. This beer-happy city’s roots trace back to German immigrants from the 19th century—they brought their brewing know-how with them.

The Bavarian Bierhaus , a German beer hall with a restaurant, beer garden, and brewery, is a resident favorite. City Lights Brewing Company is another great option, especially for history buffs—the brewery is located in the 115-year-old Gas Light Building. Historic architecture and modern-day brewing techniques are the highlights of the tour, available on Fridays and Saturdays. 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.

Getting There: Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, 90 minutes from Chicago, Milwaukee is accessible by train or car. From Chicago, by car, take I-294 north to 94 west. Exit at I-794 east (exit 310 C). Or, take the Amtrak from Chicago to Milwaukee, getting off downtown at Milwaukee Intermodal Station.

Travel Tip: Of course, there are lots of breweries to choose from, and you may want to join an organized walking or shuttle tour. Visit Milwaukee is an excellent resource for planning out a beer tour. 

Abraham Presidential Library and Museum

Randy von Liski / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 / Flickr

Learning activities, hands-on exhibits, civil war artifacts, and more bring people from all over the world to this museum and library. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the history and stories of America’s 16th president of the United States.

Getting There: Take I-290 east to I-355 south to I-55 south, exit at 98 B onto IL-97 west.

Travel Tip: Many events and special happenings occur throughout the year. Be sure to check the museum’s website to see if the scheduled activities align with your plans. 

Morton Arboretum

Special days throughout the year allow dogs inside the Morton Arboretum . For only $5 per dog, leashed animals can hike the trails, receive a bandana, and meet other canines as you explore the arboretum. The Tails on the Trails event is full of vendors, activities, and contests (how fast do you think your dog can lick peanut butter off of a spoon?).

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.  

Travel Tip: Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and is friendly around humans and other dogs. 

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Posted on Published: December 23, 2022  - Last updated: October 3, 2023

If you’re looking for a quick break away from Chicago, the great news is that you don’t have to look very far—the Windy City is surrounded by beautiful spots that make great day trips, some as close as 15 minutes away!

Everything from Illinois to Indiana is reachable, including all its impressive attractions.

Need help deciding where to go for the ultimate relaxation?

There’s no need to look far for those either–the best day trips from Chicago are right below.

1. Gurnee, IL

With 23 million visitors making their way to Gurnee every year (including Chicagoans), you know you’re dealing with one of Illinois’s most popular tourist hubs.

Sitting right off the I-94 and an hour’s drive away from Chicago, Gurnee is a hotspot, a regular feature on the list of Chicago day trips for those looking for world-class entertainment and shopping.

Start your day out with The Chocolate Sanctuary’s excellent brunch buffet and work it all off by checking out the 160-plus shops that pepper Gurnee Mills.

If you’ve got tots and adrenaline junkies in the clan, Six Flags Great America is a must-visit, with enough kiddie rides and thrilling coasters to keep everyone satisfied!

2. Cedarburg, WI

Wichita’s Cedarburg is located just two hours away from Chicago—time slows down in this delightful town, so head here if you want a leisurely day of unwinding surrounded by small-town charm.

In Cedarburg, friendly folks, rich culture, and gorgeous period architecture abound—you could spend your day here simply exploring and soaking all these in.

If you want to dive deeper into these, the Cedarburg Art Museum, a 19th-century-home-turned-art-museum is a good idea; you can also view some stunning pieces by local artists here.

The town also plays host to many fun seasonal events, including its very own Oktoberfest, but you can also enjoy great wine otherwise at the Cedar Creek Winery.

3. Evanston, IL

Want a break from the city but don’t want to travel too far, either?

Evanston should feature among the options on your Chicago trips list, being that it’s only 33 minutes away.

This little college town is home to gems such as the ethereal Baha’i House of Worship, one of only eight around the world and the oldest of the lot—the beautiful architecture, manicured grounds, and peaceful atmosphere of the temple draw hordes of visitors each year.

From here, art enthusiasts can head to the Block Museum of Art, on Northwestern University’s premises, to see the lovely sculptures, whereas food enthusiasts should consider digging into the fare at Bennison’s Bakery.

Beer enthusiasts, on the other hand, should consider making a stop at Temperance Beer Co. for the brewery tour and delicious brews.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Graduate Evanston

4. Kankakee County, IL

If you’re looking for outdoor fun on your day trip, consider Kankakee County.

Just an hour and a half away from Chicago, the land surrounding the Kankakee River served as home to many indigenous people through the centuries and is still revered ground for many.

The Kankakee River State Park sits close to the river, sprawled across 4,000 acres of preserved land, and is a popular hub for hiking, bicycling, fishing, and canoeing.

If you’ve got kids in the clan, Perry Farm Park is a good idea, with its nature trails, children’s museum, picnic areas, and playground, whereas fans of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright may enjoy visiting his 20th-century B. Harley Bradley House.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Bourbonnais Kankakee

5. Fairbury, IL

Foodies will enjoy a day out in Fairbury, home to the popular Slagel Family Farms and Kilgus Farmstead, both favorites among top chefs in the state.

Fairbury sits at the heart of Illinois, two hours away from Chicago.

Here, you can meet Kilgus’s lovely doe-eyed residents (of the human and Jersey variety!), get a 101 on milking, and even sample the freshly spun ice cream, all on a one-hour tour that takes you through the farmstead.

You can even stock up on their amazing ice cream if you bring a cooler with you!

At Slagel Family Farms, enjoy well-curated farm dinners that are on offer through the summer and fall months; the family-style dinner is served in a lovely barn, but not before you get an engaging tour of Slagel!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn-Pontiac

Related: Activities in Chicago

6. South Bend, IN

A little under two hours away from Chicago, South Bend itself may not ring a bell—most people only hear of it through the close-by Notre Dame University—but you should consider familiarizing yourself with the city if you adore culturally rich spots.

Learn about the city at the History Museum, housed in inventor James Oliver’s Victorian manor, and if you want more museums to check out, add the Snite Museum of Art and the Studebaker National Museum to your itinerary.

From there, head to the South Bend Farmers’ Market for the gorgeous local produce.

A trip to South Bend doesn’t end without visiting Notre Dame, so make a stop here to see the lovely campus, stadium, and the stunning, Gothic-style, Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago

7. Oak Park, IL

If you worship at the altar of Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is a pilgrimage that you must make.

Just 17 minutes away from downtown Chicago, Oak Park is a historic neighborhood whose primary identity is Lloyd Wright’s home and whose secondary identity is Ernest Hemingway’s home—a treat for architecture, art, and literature enthusiasts!

Start with a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum and proceed to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, both within walking distance of each other.

Other houses designed by the architect also dot the city; see if you can spot these on your trip!

End the day chilling in downtown Oak Park, or with a chilled lager at the Kinslahger Brewing Company.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Carleton of Oak Park

8. Madison, WI

What could a capital city offer other than the usual capital-style entertainment, right?

Well, that may also be the case with Madison, but the entertainment here is top-notch and definitely worth a visit for an urban getaway.

Apart from its lovely cityscape, capitol-dotted skyline, and world-class beer, Madison offers visitors tons of attractions such as the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, city trails winding around the city’s lakes (the Capital City Trail is Insta-worthy), plenty of museums, and the Henry Vilas Zoo.

When it comes to beer, Madison leaves you spoilt for choice—take your pick from a Civil War-era taproom (The Malt House), an upscale lakefront restaurant at the University of Wisconsin (Terrace at Memorial Union), or any of the top-rated taprooms abundantly sprinkled across the city.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Premier Park Hotel

9. Fennville, MI

Foodies don’t need much motivation to visit Michigan’s fruit belt, but if you do, petite Fennville might do the trick, with its excellent eateries that showcase the local bounty in manners that can have your tastebuds singing.

Visit Fennville at the right time of the year and try your hand at picking ripe cherries and peaches, or get your fill of these fruits in Crane’s Pie Pantry’s delicious offerings year-round, seated in a 150-year-old barn with a fine glass of wine.

Virtue Farms, a cider farm founded by brewmaster Greg Hall, is another great spot if you’re interested in cider and the cider-making process (and sampling some great cider!).

All of these are just two and a half hours away, easily accessible to all foodie travelers.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AmericInn by Wyndham Douglas/Saugatuck

Related: Beaches in Chicago

10. Oglesby, IL

Oglesby isn’t just another quiet, Illinois-Valley river town—it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with enough recreational activities to suit any adventurer’s palette.

Sitting at the confluence of the Vermillion and Illinois rivers, Oglesby also sits close to the popular Starved Rock State Park (Illinois’s most visited) and Matthiessen State Park.

Between these two, you can cover horseback riding, golfing, rafting, fishing, canoeing, camping, kayaking, and hiking lovely forest trails (over 13 miles of it across 18 canyons in Starved Rock) in a day.

Springtime at Starved Rock also means a spectacular canyon waterfall.

If family-friendly festivals are your thing, plan your trip around the Harvest Fest in October, where fun events and cider abound!

Travel’s only under two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to visit the attractions.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Oglesby Inn

11. Harbor Country, MI

Harbor Country makes for a good one day trip from Chicago if you’re a fan of urban comforts, especially good beer and shopping.

An hour and a half away from Chicago, Harbor Country is home to spots such as Greenbush Brewing Co.’s original taproom and the Journeyman Distillery (housed in a former corset factory) in the north, and the Red Arrow Highway with its plentiful shopping venues spanning the lakeshore.

If you’re a fan of antiques, you’ll enjoy shopping at the Harbert Antique Mall, but even otherwise, a day spent in just the north, sampling IPAs and spirits, is a day well spent in Harbor Country!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn and Suites New Buffalo

12. Lemont, IL

Lemont is one of America’s oldest communities, having been established in 1836, and is of historic importance for the part it played in converting the state’s northern region to a commercial hub; it is from the limestone in the quarries here that many of Illinois’s iconic structures materialized.

An hour away from Chicago, Lemont is brimming with history, from its past to its authentic and preserved historic district that’s been in use since the 1800s and features on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can take a break from the history by biking, fishing, and walking in the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, or get your thrills at The Forge: Lemont Quarries adventure park, with its rope courses, zipline, and laser tag.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft Bolingbrook

13. Long Grove, IL

The brainchild of 19th-century German farmers, Long Grove’s selling point is the many original homes and authentic period buildings that populate it—a history and architecture lover’s dream!

Long Grove sits just 35 miles (49 minutes away) from Chicago’s northwest, making it an easy day trip option.

Long Grove is also known for its many food-centered festivals, such as the Strawberry Fest and the Apple Fest, held in its historic downtown district.

Long Grove also has its own Bavarian-style alehouses, such as Buffalo Creek Brewing and Biergarten, where you can enjoy food trucks, live music, and of course, excellent beer.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Arlington Heights

Related: Fun Weekend Getaways in Illinois

14. Galena, IL

Galena ticks all the right boxes if you adore spots where history and small-town charm ooze through every pore!

Often counted among the best small towns in the country, Galena is versatile—it’s just as great for a romantic getaway as it is for a family trip.

If you’re here for the historic sites, you won’t be disappointed—the town’s past remains nearly untouched in sites such as the Belvedere Mansion, Ulysses S. Grant Home, Galena and U.S. Grant Museum, and Dowling House (Galena’s oldest building), among others.

However, it’s not just about the history at Galena—the town also has many excellent resorts, as well as outdoor attractions such as Horseshoe Mound Preserve and Apple River Canyon State Park.

The drive is about three hours long, but the knowledge you’ll gain is well worth the trip.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Galena, IL

15. Apple River State Park, IL

8763 E Canyon Rd Apple River, IL 61001 (815) 745-3302

Apple River deserves its own column—there’s an impressive plethora of things to do here for nature lovers and those wanting to unplug from the city for a day.

Nestled in northwest Illinois’s rolling hills, the state park gets its name for the Apple River that carves its way through the area’s limestone gorges.

Apple River is a hub for small-mouth bass and summer sunfish fishing, as well as trout fishing in early spring.

There are four designated picnic areas on the river’s banks, cocooned by beautiful flora and fauna, where you can use the park’s tables and grills for your own barbecue picnic.

After driving two and a half hours from Chicago, relax, take in the view, and breathe in some fresh air.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Stockton, IL

16. Lake Geneva, WI

This idyllic resort town gives you all the right reasons to visit if you’re looking for “outdoor fun meets leisure meets small-town charm”.

An hour and a half away from Chicago, Lake Geneva perfectly balances its resort-town qualities with its history and charm, thanks to a quaint downtown area, with its many local shops and eateries, and several historic buildings that offset its commercial side.

Lake Geneva is also home to many opulent Gilded-Age estates, built by affluent Chicagoans in the late 1800s; you can see these on a stroll through the 26-mile lakefront Lake Geneva Shore Path or onboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line.

If you have an adventure in mind, there are plenty of opportunities for zip-lining, hiking, skiing, biking, water sports, and snowboarding in this year-round destination.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mill Creek Hotel

17. Grand Rapids, MI

Despite being geographically quite small, the city of Grand Rapids packs quite a big punch, with an international art festival that bathes the whole city in art displays and exhibits, parks sprawled across acres, and an impressive culinary scene.

A day-trip option for all ages, Grand Rapids highlights are the outdoor Sculpture Park, the Japanese Garden, the Butterfly Maze, and the Caterpillar Room.

Another interesting standout is the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 158 acres of park and museum combined.

What might also please some readers is that Grand Rapids is also Beer City USA, with craft brews that few can rival—the Beer City Ale Trail affords the best way to explore the city’s 80-plus breweries.

The travel takes about three and a half hours, but the experiences more than compensate for the time.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canopy By Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

18. Holland, MI

Like the actual Holland, Michigan’s Holland comes alive with over 4.5 million tulips in early May, with tons of tourists from around the world flocking to the city for its famed Tulip Time Festival.

You can enjoy these blooms in Windmill Island Gardens and Veldheer Tulip Gardens, among other spots in the city, along with Klompen dancing, delicious Dutch food, fun parades, and foot-tapping music.

You may visit Holland for the tulips, but you’ll end up staying for the rich Dutch culture and heritage, evident in the city’s cuisine, historical architecture, windmills, the art in the Holland Museum, and the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory.

Come November, the Dutch Winterfest and Parade of Lights bring their own beauty to the city; the rest of the year offers excellent shopping, dining, and beaches.

Whenever you decide to visit, keep in mind that it’s two and a half hours from Chicago.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: CityFlatsHotel Holland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

19. Monroe, WI

If you think “cheese” when you think Monroe, you’ve hit the nail on the head—head to the “Swiss cheese capital of the USA” for some high-quality cheese, from pungent Limburger to mild Swiss cheese.

Sitting in central Wisconsin, Monroe’s cheese history goes back a long way; you can learn all about this in the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, where volunteer-led tours will take you through Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory.

If you want to pick up some cheese, take your pick from over a hundred varieties at Alp and Dell, along with accompaniments such as beer, sausages, and wine.

The charming downtown area is great for a leisurely stroll, with the historic Green County Courthouse at the center.

If you love cheese, traveling for 2 hours and 38 minutes will be the simplest drive for you.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Super 8 by Wyndham Monroe WI

20. New Glarus, WI

If you already know New Glarus, you probably do so from its world-class brewery of the same name, which is all the reason you need to visit this lovely village, but if you need more, New Glarus is also “America’s little Switzerland”.

Cute shops, charming eateries, and fun annual events shine a spotlight on the village’s Swiss roots, such as the Wilhelm Tell Festival.

The village center is especially lovely, with specialty shops, museums, and chalet-style structures with a midwestern tinge.

For a literal taste of Swiss food and beer, try Glarner Stube, Chalet Landhaus, or the New Glarus Brewing Co. (duh!), and for a historical/cultural taste of Switzerland, try the Swiss Historical Village Museum.

No need to travel thousands of miles to the Playground of Europe—it’ll only take 3 hours.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Madison Verona

21. Spring Green, WI

Spring Green takes a little more driving to get to (it sits three and a half hours away) but this little town draws visitors with its large architectural treasures—House on the Rock and Taliesin.

The former is artist Alex Jordan’s work, a house full of dollhouses, ephemeral circus gear, infinity mirrors, and the largest indoor carousel in the world; the latter is Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio and estate.

When the hunger pangs hit, grab a bite at the iconic Last Leaf Public House or Arthur’s Supper Club and round off the day with a performance at the American Players Theater.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Round Barn Lodge

Related: Weekend Getaways From Minneapolis

22. Michigan City, IN

Michigan City, close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, can be easily reached in a little over an hour by road or rail and is worth visiting for its urban attractions.

Make your first stop at the Washington Park Zoo, where the tots can (safely) get up and close and personal with the residents, ranging from wolves to lions to several exotic species from different parts of the world.

Next, head to Washington Park and Beach Area for a beach picnic, walks on the pier, boat tours, kayaking, fun in the water, and plenty of family-friendly activities on the Lake Michigan coastline; if the tots don’t mind some more learning, you could alternatively visit the Old Lighthouse Museum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Michigan City, an IHG Hotel

23. Huron-Manistee National Forests

1755 S Mitchell St Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 775-2421

Though many folks wouldn’t consider Huron-Manistee a day trip, given that it’s four hours away, it’s still an excellent option if you can make it work (and that’s highly possible!).

Occupying almost a million acres of forestland, the Huron-Manistee National Forests are Lower Michigan’s sole national forests.

Here, a ton of recreation opportunities await visitors, from fishing, off-roading, and snowmobiling to birding and wildlife watching.

The Au Sable National Scenic River, which runs through the forest, is one of the prime spots for trout fishing.

Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the North Country National Scenic Trail winding through the forest, while the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary are great spots for naturalists.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cadillac, an IHG Hotel

24. Chicago Botanic Garden, IL

1000 Lake Cook Rd Glencoe, IL 60022 (847) 835-5440

If you’re looking for an easy drive and glorious natural beauty, look no further than the gem that is the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Drive half an hour to the garden and be treated to 30 individual landscaped and themed gardens and natural areas spread across 385 acres, with seemingly infinite flower varieties and verdant foliage.

While walking around is the best way to immerse yourself in the spot’s beauty, there’s also a tram that will take you through the popular spots; there are also many bike trails.

Families with kids may enjoy the Children’s Growing Garden and the Nature Play Garden.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Chicago Northbrook

25. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, IL

212 N 6th St Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 558-8844

While several resources exist online and in books, there’s nothing like learning about the country’s 16th president at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

A range of immersive and interactive exhibits, such as traveling displays, documents, and Civil War-era artifacts, will teach you all about Abraham Lincoln, “The Great American Story”.

The museum also hosts several annual events, such as a scavenger hunt and art competitions that are relevant to both the president’s life and the current times, while the library is decked with newspapers, manuscripts, and tons of printed resources that unravel one of the country’s most influential leaders.

For such an Abe Lincoln fan, traveling 3 hours is going to be a breeze.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Clearlake Plaza

26. Old State Capitol Historic Site, IL

526 E Adams St Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 785-7960

While we’re on the topic of Abraham Lincoln, here’s another Lincoln-related must-see if you’re a fan of the erstwhile President of the United States—the Old Capitol Historic Site.

This entirely reconstructed building, built in the Greek Revival style, is the site of President Lincoln’s prominent “House Divided” speech, and where he was laid in state after his assassination.

A short video in the onsite theater will give you a brief history of the Old Capitol, following which you can either take a guided or self-tour.

There are also several annual events dedicated to President Lincoln’s legacy, such as the Old Capitol Art Fair, the Abraham Lincoln Symposium, and an Annual Civil War Encampment.

Stop by from the Abraham Lincoln Library—it’s only a 3-minute walk.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From St Louis

27. Peoria, IL

Peoria, once the “whiskey capital of the world”, sits in the center of Illinois, made up of four distinct neighborhoods that display its vibrant culture and art.

For interesting history lessons, head to the Warehouse District, where historic buildings find a new purpose as residences, shops, studios, and restaurants.

For upscale dining, visit the Central Business District, which also houses the Peoria Civic Center, but to truly feel the city’s pulse, head to any of the restaurants, breweries, and museums (especially the Peoria Riverfront Museum) in the Riverfront District.

For a more quirky, eclectic experience, West Main Street, sitting next to Bradley University, is a great choice.

From Chicago, it only takes under a 3-hour drive to reach this boozy city.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Peoria

28. Kettle Moraine State Forest, WI

30,000 acres of breathtaking natural splendor await visitors to the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

A great getaway for nature lovers, the state forest is a little under three hours’ worth of driving from Chicago and is full of hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities.

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive will take you through the best of the state forest’s sights and is among the most scenic places near Chicago.

The drive will also take you through the historical Cushing Memorial Park, Wade House Stagecoach Inn, Old World Wisconsin Outdoor Museum, and Holy Hill Basilica, along with several communal, geological, and natural landmarks.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites West Bend

29. Door County, WI

This is another one for nature lovers, though at four hours away, it can be quite a drive, however scenic.

If you do make the drive to Door County, though, you’ll be rewarded with splendid natural views, a ton of outdoor activities, and beautiful parks.

The star attraction is Lake Michigan, where you can take in your gorgeous natural surroundings by swimming, hiking, kayaking, and climbing up to Cave Point for ‘gram-worthy views of the area’s limestone bluffs.

A truly unique activity to enjoy at Door County is shipwreck diving and exploring the county’s 11 lovely lighthouses, with their stunning vistas.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Gordon Lodge

30. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co, IL

9380 US Hwy 20 W Galena, IL 61036 (815) 777-1000

What started off as a rivalry between two brothers turned into a partnership, all thanks to a shared love of whiskey, giving the world the Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. and some mighty fine spirits.

Visitors are taken through the distilling process through a sensory tour, where they can smell, touch, taste, and see the various ingredients that go into the distillery’s handcrafted liquor.

The tour aptly ends in the cocktail bar and tasting room, where guests can get their fill of the distillery’s superb vodka, bourbon, moonshine, and gin—a designated driver is a must!

Gather your bibulous friends and drink to your heart’s content after a 3-hour ride.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

31. Cantigny Park, IL

1 S, 151 Winfield Rd Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 668-5161

A gift to Illinois’s Wheaton by well-known philanthropist Colonel Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny Park’s doors were thrown open to the public in 1958.

Visitors flock to the park for the many educational and recreational opportunities it presents, including two museums that pay tribute to military history and the colonel himself, respectively.

The park also has beautiful formal gardens spread across acres, a picnic area, and three miles of trails, which you can explore through walking tours.

You’ll also find an education center, a visitors’ center, a full-service clubhouse, and a youth golf academy with a 27-hole golf course to boot at Cantigny, as well as many seasonal activities for children and onsite food joints.

All these attractions are at your disposal with just a 45-minute drive.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt House Naperville/Warrenville

Related: Places to Eat: Wheaton, IL

32. North Utica

If you adore sleepy towns and the slow-paced life, it rarely gets better than North Utica, nestled into the banks of the Illinois-Michigan canal and the Illinois River.

North Utica will especially appeal to nature, wine, and antique lovers, with its many parks, trails, proximity to four state parks, antique stores, wineries, flea markets, collectibles stores, and pottery studios.

If you’d like to learn about North Utica’s history, the LaSalle County Historical Museum is a good idea.

If it’s a family day out, get a day pass at the Grand Bear Resort and make the most of the massive indoor waterpark, sports bar, and restaurant.

Visit North Utica and see its underrated beauty; it’s only an hour and 40 minutes away.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Peru

33. White River State Park, IN

801 W Washington St Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 233-2434

This urban, 267-acre, award-winning waterfront park sits in downtown Indianapolis and is one of the seven districts designated as cultural districts in the city.

In White River State Park, you’ll find plenty of attractions, both historical and contemporary.

Contemporary curated attractions include the likes of Celebration Plaza, Eiteljorg Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, the NCAA Hall of Champions Museum, Victory Field, and the Indiana State Museum.

Historical attractions include Old Washington Street Pedestrian Bridge, Historic Central Canal, and the Historic Pumphouse.

All in all, a great family-friendly day-trip option if you’re seeking 3-hour trips.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Conrad Indianapolis

Related: Weekend Getaways From Indianapolis

34. Napierville, IL

Napierville may be small, but as the old adage goes, size doesn’t matter—this former prairie town is now an award-winning city, earning awards that designate it the best place to live and the top kid-friendly city, among others.

Despite this, Napierville still retains its small-town charm, with friendly folks and plenty of quaint attractions such as the gorgeous 158-fool Moser Tower (though now closed, you can view it from the outside), and the covered bridge, fountains, clock tower, heritage sculptures, paddle boats, and labyrinth at the Riverwalk Park.

The city’s other highlights include the 1.75-mile Riverwalk walkway that runs along the DuPage River and Centennial Beach and Grill, a restaurant-cum-beach-waterpark!

All these are only 40 minutes away from Chicago!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Chicago Marriott Naperville

35. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

1215 N State Rd 49 Porter, IN 46304 (219) 395-1882

Tucked into the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes National Park is a stone’s throw away from Michigan City at 48 minutes, so you could either combine the two or make a separate trip—it’s worth it, either way!

Open to visitors throughout the year, Indiana Dunes boasts pristine beaches and towering sand dunes.

There’s plenty on offer here for outdoor enthusiasts, from swimming, birding, and hiking in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter.

Try to catch a sunset here; if you’re lucky and the day’s clear, you’ll even be able to see Chicago’s twinkling skyline.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Spring House Inn

36. Morton Arboretum, IL

4100 IL-53 Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 968-0074

In existence since 1922, the Morton Arboretum is an outdoor museum and a naturalist haunt 40 minutes from Chicago.

With over 200,000 live plants from around the world thoughtfully exhibited across 1,700 acres, the Morton Arboretum reinforces the significance of protecting nature’s gifts and actively participating in conservation.

Despite the wide variety, each plant variety thrives in the arboretum, having been optimally placed for the best growth.

If you’re not big on learning about plant species, you can simply enjoy strolling through the tree-lined paths that circle Meadow Lake or any of the annual events hosted here, if your visit coincides.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Chicago Marriott Suites Downers Grove

37. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, IL

1354 N 2nd St Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 987-8858

Sitting on the banks of the Rock River, the Nicholas Conservatory is 11,000 square feet of flowers, trees, tropical plants, garden sculptures, an infinity pond, a koi pond, and benches for visitors to sit and soak in all the natural beauty on display.

There are paths outdoors that lead to attractions such as the Riverview Terrace, waterfall gardens, lovely teahouses, Eclipse Lagoon, the Sinnissippi rose garden, Forest City Queen Riverboat dock, and Trolley Car 36 station.

For a lovely dining experience, come here on a Wednesday night in the summer and enjoy a rooftop meal on their viewing deck.

At different times of the year, you can also enjoy several temporary displays such as Breakfast with Santa and Lorikeet House.

Travel a mere 1 hour and 44 minutes to this wonderland and indulge your inner aesthete.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites By Hilton Rockford Riverfront

38. Anderson Japanese Gardens, IL

318 Spring Creek Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 229-9390

An hour and forty minutes away from Chicago sits the gorgeous Anderson Japanese Gardens, a garden that business John Anderson commissioned expert craftsman Hoichi Kurisu to design.

The gardens sit in the bustle of Rockford but are a world away at the same time.

The gardens are focused on three primary elements—plants, stone, and water—which Kurisu has used to build this oasis.

Guided tours will take you through the seasonal beauty on offer here, as well as the garden’s history and principles.

If you enjoy calm spaces in the midst of nature, this site must feature on your list of places to visit near Chicago.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Extended Stay America Suites – Rockford – State Street

39. Milwaukee, WI

A slow day with plenty of great beer and Harley-Davidson—if this sounds like your jam, head to Milwaukee for your day trip.

The city celebrates its German brewing heritage, a fact that’s evident in the tons of brewpubs and breweries, historical or contemporary, spread out across the city and serving excellent craft beer.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you can’t leave Milwaukee without a visit to Harley-Davidson Museum to see the world’s oldest-known Harley and several other motorcycle memorabilia.

Milwaukee also plays host to over two dozen festivals throughout the year (hence known as the “City of Festivals”), but if that doesn’t interest you, maybe the 25 theaters, 150 parks, 75 golf courses, and the lakefront Milwaukee Art Museum will!

The quick one and a half hour travel time is a huge plus, too.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Pfister Hotel

40. Rockford, IL

An hour and 40 minutes away from Chicago is Rockford, a family-friendly destination with enough to keep the young and not-so-young equally engaged (yes, involving beer!).

A great way to start the day is to visit the Discovery Center Museum, where over 250 exhibits covering a range of subjects will work off all that excess energy in the kids, or the Burpee Museum with its amazing dinosaur exhibits.

After lunch, head to any of the arboretums, gardens, or conservatories in the “city of gardens”, such as the aforementioned Nicholas Conservatory or Anderson Gardens, for some quiet time before you grab a beer at the Prairie Street Brewing Company and responsibly hit the road again.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford

Related: Best Restaurants in Rockford, IL

41. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, IL

IL-53 Wilmington, IL 60481 (815) 423-6370

If you want to see for yourself why Illinois is the Prairie State, visiting Midewin should top your list of things to do outside Chicago .

About an hour away from Chicago sit this 9,000-acre expanse, home to a roaming bison herd that you may spot if luck is on your side (it’s a large park!).

However, that shouldn’t stop you from bringing your binoculars and starting your search at the Iron Bridge Trailhead and hiking three miles to the overlook point, where viewing scopes better your chance of seeing the stars of Midewin!

And there it is—a list of the best day trips from Chicago.

Since so many of these locales involve some form of alcohol, ensure that your enjoyment is responsible and always take along a designated driver.

That apart, here’s to the beauty that surrounds Chicago and a happy day out!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hollywood Casino Joliet Hotel

Map of Day Trips Near Chicago, IL

41 Best Day Trips from Chicago, IL for [currentyear]

• Cedarburg, WI
• Evanston, IL
• Kankakee County, IL
• Fairbury, IL
• South Bend, IN
• Oak Park, IL
• Madison, WI
• Fennville, MI
• Oglesby, IL
• Harbor Country, MI
• Long Grove, IL
• Apple River State Park, IL
• Lake Geneva, WI
• Grand Rapids, MI
• Holland, MI
• New Glarus, WI
• Spring Green, WI
• Michigan City, IN
• Huron-Manistee National Forests
• Chicago Botanic Garden, IL
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, IL
• Old State Capitol Historic Site, IL
• Kettle Moraine State Forest, WI
• Door County, WI
• Blaum Bros. Distilling Co, IL
• Cantigny Park, IL
• North Utica
• White River State Park, IN
• Napierville, IL
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15 Best Day Trips From Chicago Worth The Effort

August 13, 2022 by //  by  Midwest Explored

Are you looking for the best day trips from Chicago that are actually worth the effort? Then this list is for you!

Maybe you want a break from the city, or maybe you just want to explore a new city.

Planning your trip to Chicago last minute?

Make sure to book ahead. Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for Chicago!

Top Experiences And Tours In Chicago:

• Chicago River Architecture Cruise (Skip the Ticket Office!)
• Willis TowerSkydeck & The Ledge Ticket (Elevator express entry!)
• Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket (Panoramic views of Chicago!)
• Big Bus Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tours (24, 48, or 72-hour options available.)

Hop Hotels In Chicago:

• Eurostars Magnificent Mile (In the heart of Chicago!)
• The Peninsula Chicago (Near museums)
• Club Quarter Hotels Wacker (Overlooking the Chicago River!)
• Hotel Blake (Close to Millennium Park.)

No matter your interests you’ll find a great day trip option on this list.

I’ve found some of the most unique, fun, and adventurous day trips to make from Chicago.

There are beautiful state parks, metropolitan cities, unique and charming small towns, and so much more.

So, lets take a look at the 15 Best Day Trips from Chicago Worth The Effort!

Cedarburg, Wisconsin

In just under 2 hours, you can find yourself in the charming small town in Wisconsin called Cedarburg.

Cedarburg is an excellent day trip from Chicago for those looking for small-town charm, but with plenty of activities.

Because Cedarburg is know for its small town atmosphere, you’ll find some really unique shops and resturants.

There is a Candy Kitchen, an Amish Craftsmen Guild, stores full of items made by local artisans, and even a shop where you can search for unique gemstones.

Cedarburg also has a wide variety of unique museums.

There is a local art museum, a local history museum, a woolen mill and textile museum, and even a museum depicting early life in Cedarburg.

No matter your interests, Cedarburg is guaranteed to have something fun for you to do, and you’ll find it was worth the drive.

Rockford, Illinois

If you drive for about an hour and a half West of Chicago, you’ll find yourself in Rockford Illinois.

The best way to describe Rockford is to call it a big-little city. It’s the fourth largest city in Illinois, but still feels welcoming in a small-town sort of way.

Rockford is also bursting with things to do.

Music lovers will enjoy checking out one of the many spots home town band Cheap Trick helped make famous.

If museums are more your thing, don’t worry, Rockford has those too. Stop by the Burpee Museum of Natural History or the Discovery Center Museum.

If none of that sounds interesting, then maybe you’ll like the Anderson Japanese Garden. It is consistently rated as one of the best Japanese Gardens in North America.

There is so much to do that you may want to turn your day trip into a Midwest weekend getaway . With the endless list of activities in Rockford, it absolutely makes it worth the hour and a half drive from Chicago.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids Michigan is one of the perfect day trips from Chicago for lovers of art, food, and beer.

In fact, Grand Rapids is known as Beer City USA.

For those who want to take full advantage of all Beer City USA has to offer, you’ll want to download the Brewsader App.

The App gives you a full map of all the breweries in Grand Rapids, and after you check in at 8 of them, you’ll earn a fun Brewsader shirt to commemorate your trip.

If beer isn’t your thing, not to worry.

There are still some absolutely amazing and unique restaurants in Grand Rapids you can check out. Or you can stop into one of the cities popular art galleries.

There really are so many cool things to do in Grand Rapids .

Oak Park, Illinois Is One Of The Best Day Trips From Chicago

Oak Park Illinois is the shortest distance you’ll have to travel for a day trip on this list as it’s just under 20 minutes outside of Chicago.

Despite that, many people in Chicago, or even visiting Chicago, don’t think to explore Oak Park.

Admirers of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most prominent architects will know Oak Park though.

Wright called Oak Park home, and left his mark on many of the cities most popular homes and buildings.

Oak Park was also home to another famous architect, George W. Maher, who also designed many of the cities most prominent homes and buildings.

Ernest Hemingway was also born in Oak Park, and you can visit his childhood home that has now been turned into a Hemingway Museum.

Book Tickets Here: Ernest Hemingway Boyhood Tour

Because of Oak Park’s proximity to Chicago, many gangsters in the early 20th century called the area home, and you can now take a Gangster tour.

Oak Park is a tremendously unique option for a day trip from Chicago and you don’t even have to travel far!

Michigan City, Indiana

Michigan City Indiana is about an hour away from Chicago, and you’ll spend the whole trip driving along Lake Michigan.

So it’s no surprise that Michigan City also has its fair share of lighthouse history.

In Michigan City you’ll be able to explore the Old Lighthouse Museum and even take a tour of the Michigan City Lighthouse and Pier.

Stroll along the beach or maybe head over to the Washington Park Zoo, which is full of more interesting architecture, and of course animals.

Travelers also enjoy touring the Barker Mansion and sipping on local wines at some of the best wineries in Indiana

Monroe, Wisconsin

Monroe Wisconsin is the Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA, and just over 2 hours away from Chicago.

Cheese lovers will delight in the many, many, cheese related activities that abound in Monroe.

Monroe is a cute small town that takes cheese very seriously, and for good reason. The city has thrived for over 100 years because of it’s cheese industry.

You can pair some locally made cheeses with local beers or just explore the numerous cheese shops.

Or watch a movie at the local drive-in theater while munching on cheese curds.

The small town even holds a yearly Cheese Days Festival where you can sample all of the local cheeses while sipping a cold local beer.

Monroe is perfect for your next day trip from Chicago the next time you’ve got a serious craving for all things cheese.

This cool town is one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin.

Kankakee, Illinois

Kankakee Illinois is a cute town in Illinois just over an hour south of Chicago.

It’s full of small town charm but it still has a lot of interesting things to do, making it perfect if you’re looking to escape the city for a day.

One of visitors favorite things to do in Kankakee is taking a tour of the B. Harley Bradley House, a famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Kankakee is also amazing for those looking for a little outdoor adventure.

The entire Kankakee County and parts of the city of Kankakee are bursting with outdoor activities.

You can enjoy some of the best hiking in Illinois , along with canoeing, kayaking, and even scuba diving in the Haigh Quarry.

Kankakee is one of the best day trips from Chicago Illinois if you’re looking for fresh air, beautiful views of nature, and plenty of small-town charm.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

America’s Little Switzerland is in New Glarus Wisconsin, just 2 and half hours outside of Chicago.

New Glarus is a small town that loves beer, cheese, and festivals. In the warmer months, they may have 3-4 festivals a month.

Typical New Glarus festivals include Polkafest, The Beer, Bacon, & Cheese Festival, The Heidi Folk Festival, Blues Brews & Food Trucks Festival, Maxwell Street Days, and so many more.

New Glarus is also known for having a selection of brews that you can only buy in Wisconsin, and some of them you can only buy in New Glarus.

If you are a beer connoisseur, you’ll love checking out one of the local beer gardens. And if you decide to stay longer here are some epic Wisconsin Airbnbs to look into.

Foodies will love checking out one of the many restaurants that serves up Swiss and Swiss inspired fare.

New Glarus is a cute romantic getaway in Wisconsin!

Holland, Michigan

Holland Michigan is a little over 2 hours away from Chicago and is one of the best day trips from Chicago that is definitely worth it.

Named after the home country of it’s original settlers, Holland is bursting with Dutch charm.

In the Spring it’s host to the Tulip Time Festival where you will get to see a riot of colorful tulips with a windmill that is straight from Holland.

Even if you can’t make it to the Tulip Time Festival, you’ll love exploring this cozy small town.

There are plenty of unique shops, restaurants, breweries, and unique Dutch gardens.

Holland is also home to one of the coolest lighthouses in Michigan , The Big Red Lighthouse.

Visitors love to view the iconic lighthouse standing proudly on it’s pier, with the bright red façade making a striking contrast against Lake Michigan.

Holland is a small town in Michigan full of charm that is definitely worth the effort to visit, any time of year.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you are looking to explore a city, but you want a break from Chicago, then I suggest driving the hour and half to Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee.

Because Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s biggest city, it is full of unique things to do making it one of the best day trips from Chicago!

And there are so many things to do in Milwaukee!

If you’re on a budget, take a stroll down the streets and admire the many murals on the sides of buildings. Or go window shopping and one of the many boutique stores.

You can also check out a play or musical, go on a boat tour of Milwaukee, or explore one of the amazing restaurants in Milwaukee.

If you’re a sports fan, you may want to check out one of Milwaukee’s home teams. Afterwards, you can talk about the game at one of the cities awesome bars or resturants.

Milwaukee is an amazing city that often gets overlooked, but you won’t regret making the trip out there.

Oglesby, Illinois

In just under two hours you can be in beautiful Oglesby Illinois.

Oglesby is perfect for day trippers looking for a break from the city as it is home to two beautiful State Parks.

If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure and clear air, then you’ll find that this is one day trip that is worth the effort.

At Starved Rock State Park you’ll find trails that lead you along the Illinois River and into steep sandstone canyons.

It is Illinois’ most popular State Park and for good reason. It’s accessible for all skill levels and you get to experience some beautiful views.

The other state park near Oglesby is Matthiessen State Park. The entrance for this park is just a few miles South of Starved Rock State Park.

Matthiessen State Park has similar views, but it is often far less crowded.

It is a great choice to experience fall in Illinois.

You’ll still be able to hike beautiful trails, see gorgeous Illinois waterfalls, and enjoy nature, but you’ll be far less crowded.

If you have plenty of time on one of your day trips from Chicago Illinois, you should definitely check out both state parks.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva is a Wisconsin town about an hour and a half outside of Chicago.

It has a history of being the go-to spot for Chicago’s wealthy families during the summer.

Lake Geneva is a beautiful small town that thrives because of the large Lake Geneva, and it’s a budget-friendly day trip option.

There are so many things to do in Lake Geneva all year long that include lake activities.

But you’ll also find a charming town full of unique boutiques, restaurants, and even outdoor activities like hiking and snow sports in the winter.

In early February the town holds a Winter Fest which features the only snow sculpting championship in the United States.

Visitors get to experience massive snow sculptures, food from local restaurants, and so much more – and it’s free to attend!

In the summer, enjoy boating, swimming, and kayaking on Lake Geneva before having a meal at one of the amazing local restaurants in Lake Geneva .

No matter what time of year you visit, Lake Geneva is a Chicago day trip that is worth the effort.

Highwood, Illinois

Highwood Illinois is another small town that goes big when it comes to festivals.

Just 35 minutes North of Chicago, this charming small town is the perfect day trip from Chicago Illinois for festival lovers

There’s almost a festival every month, and they all have different themes.

For foodies, there is a Taco Festival, a Bloody Mary Festival, and a Garlic Festival.

There are also smaller music festivals, fun runs, and a Pride Festival.

One of Highwood’s most iconic festivals though is probably The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival every October.

It is one of the coolest things to do in Illinois .

The Festival benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation and attendees get to check out rows and rows of carved pumpkins.

Attendess of Pumpkin Fest can even bring their own pumpkins and carve them before adding them to the walls of carved pumpkins.

Highwood is a truly unique town, full of really cool festivals that are sure to make the trip out there worth the effort, no matter what time of year you go.

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Is One Of The Best Day Trips From Chicago

Just under an hour outside of Chicago, the Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the coolest national parks in the Midwest.

The Indiana Dunes National Park is on 15 miles of beach on Lake Michigan’s South shore.

It is a nature lover’s dream with over 15,000 acres of preserved land full of unique hiking trails, wetlands, prairies, woodlands, and of course beaches.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a $6 entrance fee to enter the park. During the ‘off season’ though, it’s free to enter.

The Indiana Dunes is full of fun things to do, and you could spend days exploring the park making it a fun weekend getaway in Indiana!

It’s a beautiful spot, and it is definitely one of the day trips from Chicago that is worth the effort.

Madison, Wisconsin Is One Of The Cool Day Trips From Chicago

In just over two hours you can find yourself in Madison Wisconsin.

If you’re looking for a fun Chicago day trip in the summer, Madison is perfect for you.

With five lakes, spanning over 15,000 acres, in summertime there are so many things to do in Madison.

There are water sports, festivals, water front dining, and so much more.

But Madison isn’t just a fun place to visit in the summer.

You’re sure to find fun no matter what time of year you go.

There are dinner theaters, breweries, delicious restaurants, and unique boutiques. Put treating yourself at some of the restaurants in Madison on your list!

You’ll find that Madison Wisconsin is one of the most entertaining day trips from Chicago that is definitely worth the effort.

Packing List For Daytrips From Chicago

Here are some  tips on how to pack lightly

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring along when on one of your Chicago day trips! 

It is  always   important  to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these  RFID  sleeves  are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery .

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it!

It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies with all those nature shots while on your Chicago day trips..

Hydration is so important when hiking. You want to remain hydrated throughout your hikes to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. 

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance to Chicago Illinois and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when on one of your day trips from Chicago Illinois. No matter the time of day or evening.

This   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack!

I hope you enjoyed this list of the 15 Best Day Trips From Chicago Worth the Effort! There are so many great big cities and little towns outside of Chicago just waiting to be explored.

If you are spending a weekend in Chicago , one of these trips from Chicago would def be fun!

If you take a trip to one of these awesome places, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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[…] Starved Rock State Park is about 2 hours west of Chicago. […]

The 25 Best Day Trips from Chicago for Every Style of Adventure

Whether you’re looking to escape your hometown or planning a trip to the Windy City and seeking some detours, try any one of these day trips from Chicago!

Chicago Illinois is one of America’s great cities. It is also perfectly situated for exploring. Home to the world’s first skyscrapers, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, and rather surprisingly so, as it seems to rise out of nowhere, from the middle of the cornfields. The city buts up against vast Lake Michigan and is home to the Cubs, The White Sox, and ‘Da’ Bears, and has the “world’s largest free-admission food festival:” The Taste of Chicago . It also happens to be home to the world’s best pizza (sorry New York). Chicago is an awesome city to explore, but nature lovers, and those looking to escape the city life, will find no shortage of great day trips from Chicago!

If the Windy City is your home, or you have spent a few days exploring, and you are ready to head for less hectic surroundings, Chicago is also perfectly situated for great day trips and weekend getaways. In this guide, we will show you some of the best day trips from Chicago to catch your breath and slow down a bit. Within a three-hour drive from Chicago, you can find wineries, amusement parks, charming Dutch towns, and beautiful state parks, a trip for every kind of adventurer!

Scavenger Hunts in Chicagoland

Before you head out to the surrounding areas, let us take you on a proper tour of the Windy City, with our Chicago Loop Scavenger Hunt . This app-led adventure will take you through the heart of Chicago on a journey filled with photo and trivia challenges meant to rack the brain and cause intense laughter. Our hunts are informative and tons of fun!

25 Day Trips From Chicago

Disclaimer: The distances and time recorded in this guide were taken from Google Maps at the time of writing. They are driving distances from Downtown Chicago. They may vary drastically depending on what day and time you choose to make your trip. We advise that you double-check the timing while planning your day. Also, bear in mind that many of these destinations can be reached by train or metro and may be faster that way!

1. Rockford

​Distance: 95 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 40 mins

Rockford is a great day trip from Chicago for those with kids on board. Head straight for Discovery Center Museum , and let your kids dive into more than 300 interactive exhibits. They will playfully learn about air and flight, agriculture, their own bodies, and even the science behind color, light, and electricity. The museum is part of the great Riverfront Museum Park Campus. So, you can very easily make a full day (or two) without even leaving the park. Stop next door at the Rockford Art Museum, and then head to the Burpee Museum of Natural History(they have a baby T-rex.) 

Once you’ve had your fill of artifacts and art, the Anderson Japanese Gardens offer some much-needed fresh air. The gardens cover 12 acres and are filled with beautiful koi ponds and walking paths through the well-manicured flower and botanical gardens. The gardens are actually on the private property of businessman, John Anderson. After visiting the Japanese gardens in Portland, he fell in love with the zen and brought it home to his very wet backyard in Rockford. 

If you prefer your plants tropical, then head for the 11,000 acres of Nicholas Conservatory . Rock Cut State Park is a great place for a picnic or to stretch your legs on the lovely trails. Rockford also has a distinctly Swedish history on display at the Erlander House Museum. You can also try out traditional Swedish food at the Stockholm Inn . From exploring the land of ancient dinosaurs to chowing down on Swedish meatballs, Rockford Illinois is the perfect day trip from Chicago for families.

2. Chicago Botanic Garden

Distance: 25 miles

Travel Time: 43 mins

The Chicago Botanic Garden is in the suburb of Glencoe, just north of the city. Not only does the garden boast over 385 acres of natural beauty. They also have fun programs throughout the year to entertain your crew. The model railroad is interesting and displays scale models of several popular American landmarks. Make sure to download the Model Railroad BINGO game before you go. 

From November to January, The Chicago Botanic Gardens are transformed into one of the most impressive Christmas light installations in the Midwest. It’s so much more than Christmas lights, with a cacophony of light art installations falling from the sky and popping up from the earth. Traversing the gardens during the holidays is nothing short of magical! Tickets sell out very fast though, so make sure to book early.

The gardens are a quick trip from Downtown Chicago and the perfect place to get away from the city for a little nature break.

3. Oak Park 

Distance: 9 miles

Travel Time: 22 mins

Oak Park is a suburb just east of Downtown Chicago. The city prides itself on diversity in every walk of life. So, it is an eclectic city, where everyone, and every way of thought, are not only accepted but treasured! It also happens to be the perfect day trip for architecture lovers. Oak Park was the home to the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and showcases his own home, plus several more of his perfectly designed houses. Guided tours can be booked through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust . You can also do a walking tour through Wright District, just make sure to see the incredible Unity Temple, a church Wright designed that is stunning and unexpected, in that FLW kind of way. 

4. Brookfield Zoo

Distance: 17 miles

Travel Time: 29 mins

The iconic Brookfield Zoo has been entertaining and educating families since 1934. The zoo covers 216 acres of natural animal habitats that are home to more than 2,000 animals. Visit the new baby wallabies, see the dolphin show, or get up close and personal to the resident Polar Bear. Travel to the Savannah to meet giraffes, rhinos, and zebras, before heading for Tropic World and coming face to face with a giant gorilla. Brookfield is a leader in conservation and animal care, as well as public and advanced zoological education. If you are unable to visit, send them a donation instead. They are doing some great work!

5. Springfield, Illinois

Distance: 218 miles

Travel Time: 3 hrs

Okay, Springfield is pretty far for a day trip, definitely pushing the boundary, but it can be done if you leave early. Springfield is a great destination if you are interested in history. It’s Illinois’ capital city and home to the beautiful Old State Capitol building. The old girl is a Greek-Revival masterpiece that is full of history. Honest Abe gave his famous “House Divided” speech from here, and he also lay in state here for a couple of days after his 1865 assassination. 

Visitors can tour the Capitol on their own or take a 30-minute docent-guided tour. The grounds also host several special events throughout the year including Civil War Encampments and Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

While in Springfield, you can also tour Lincoln Home , a national park celebrating the life and legacy of the 16th president. It was the only home ever owned by President Lincoln and the docents here do a great job walking you through his life from rural Kentucky to the White House. After that, you might as well stay on the Lincoln train and head for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum . You will be a bonafide Lincoln expert by the end of the day!

For a little fresh air, head over to the trails at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary . This urban park is 40 acres of trails and woodlands, right in the center of Springfield. The estate belonged to long-time Springfield natives, the Adam’s Family (not the creepy ones). The home was built in 1869 and inhabited by the family until the death of Miss Margery Adams in 1983. It’s quite an oasis and definitely worth a stop. 

Truthfully, Springfield is much better suited to a weekend getaway or more. In addition to what we already detailed, the city also offers modern government sites like the Ilinois Governor’s mansion. It’s the home of the 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour, The Air Combat Museum, and The Camp Butler National Cemetary. There are plenty of great restaurants and breweries to explore too!

6. Kalamazoo, Michigan

Distance: 146 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Kalamazoo is loaded with fun activities. Gilmore Car Museum has a huge collection of vintage and antique cars. Actually, it has one of the top five automobile collections in the US, with more than 300 fully-restored pieces including rare Studebakers and Model A’s. The museum covers 90 acres and is a must-see for car and motorcycle lovers. 

The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum is a blast. See a replica of the Wright Flyer, WWII Hellcats, and the final remaining Blackbird Stealth Plane. The museum also has a spacecraft wing with a 1970s replica command module and shuttle. The kids will love the interactive exhibits and flight simulators. 

Other things to do in Kalamazoo: (yes, Kalamazoo is the funnest word ever, and it is very hard to refrain from over-rhyming) Anway, visit the Kalamazoo Nature Center with its forest footpaths and butterfly gardens, and the oldest brewery in Michigan, Bell’s Brewery . While you certainly can’t cover all of Kalamazoo in a day, you can see a lot. It’s one of the best city getaways from Chicago.

7. Skokie, Illinois

Distance: 15 miles

Travel Time: 23 mins

Skokie is home to The Illinois Holocaust Museum , the second-largest Holocaust museum in the United States. It covers over 65,000 square feet, all dedicated to the horrors of the Holocaust and the memories of the survivors. The museum is a labor of love from the Chicago area Holocaust survivors. They opened the tiny, store-front memorial, in Skokie, in the 1970s, when the city was being threatened with neo-nazi marches and parades. In 2009, they scored a major upgrade to the new, modern museum, and it is definitely worth a visit!

Just in case a trip to Italy isn’t in your near future, no worries, Skokie also randomly has a half-sized replica of The Leaning Tower of Pisa known as “The Leaning Tower of Niles.” The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is also the perfect place for a picnic and a stroll!

8. Evanston, Illinois

Distance: 14 miles

Travel Time: 37 mins

If you are looking for a true day trip, Evanston is an easy jot north of Chicago. We recommend starting at the Baha’i House of Worship , which is actually a bit north of Evanston, in Wilmette. The architecture is out of this world. It’s unique and extremely beautiful! 

Evanston also has some quirky museums. The Block Museum of Art is located on the camp of Northwestern University. It’s an outdoor sculpture museum showcasing 16 works of art. Take a walking tour for something free to do in Evanston. The Halim Time and Glass Museum has an incredible collection of stained glass, as well as clocks from around the globe. The American Toby Jug Museum has the largest collection of its kind in the world, with over 8,000 Toby jugs (Philpots) and character jugs. Evanston also contains several small house museums detailing the history and culture of the area. It’s the perfect day trip for the art and history lover!

9. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

​Distance: 83 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Lake Geneva is a resort lovers paradise. It has long been a haven for wealthy Chicago families. If you want to spend your day sipping cocktails and gazing at the natural beauty of Geneva Lake, then there is no shortage of fancy resorts to choose from. 

However, you don’t need to be super wealthy or even step foot on a resort to enjoy Geneva Lake. Outdoor sports are king here too. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to cruise the lake or stroll around Lake Shore Path, where you can admire the incredible mansions. The 26-mile trail was once a Native American path used to travel between several Potawatomi Tribal villages. The trail was later used by migrant workers, and finally, after The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, several wealthy families escaped the city and built their new summer palaces on the shores of Geneva Lake. 

You can now stroll the path with the beauties of nature on one side and man-made beauty on the other. The mansions are inhabited, so please stay on the trail and be respectful of private property. Once you are done strolling, take a dip in the cool waters and relax in the sun on Riviera Beach. Lake Geneva is the perfect day trip from Chicago for water lovers and those who just want a relaxing day outside!

10. Morton Arboretum

Distance: 26 miles

Just west of Downtown Chicago, in the suburb of Lisle, the Morton Arboretum where you can learn everything ever wanted to know about trees. These guys are a little obsessed, in the best way! The arboretum is exceptional in the fall when the leaves are changing colors, but they also have special events year-round for adults and children, including marathons, holiday light installations, and whiskey dinners. The park offers a guided tram tour that is well worth your time as well. There are over 16 miles of trails to explore and a Children’s Garden where kids can splash in the streams and climb and slide on nature-themed exhibits made just for them! It’s beautiful. It’s fun, and it’s a great relaxing day away from the city. 

11. Michigan City, Indiana

Distance: 60 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Michigan City lies on the southern border of Lake Michigan. The Century of Progress Historic Homes is a collection of buildings from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair that was moved by barge to Beverly Shores. Once a year the buildings are open for tours in conjunction with the National Parks Service. The houses are incredibly modern-looking and must have been a sensation in 1933. Four of the houses are inhabited by sub-leasers who worked in conjunction with the park service to renovate and preserve the homes.

Move on to the Old Lighthouse Musem , the oldest lighthouse in Indiana, or stroll around the Washington Park Zoo . Michigan City has some great breweries to explore as well, but its real claim to fame (and the reason it makes this list) is Indiana Dunes National Park . This park is beautiful with over 50 miles of trails and 15 miles of shoreline. It used to be called the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and the wide swaths of beach, flanked by towers of sand are still certainly the main attraction. The state park of the same name is right next door, and it showcases the three tallest sand dunes. Bird-watching is a favorite past-time here, along with horseback riding in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. Kayaking or fishing on the lake is also a great way to spend a few hours! 

12. Holland, Michigan

Distance: 151 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Holland is in one word … adorable! Dutch, Calvinist settlers arrived in the region, in the mid-1800s. They built a village resembling their homeland, and Holland is still the go-to place to experience Dutch culture in the area. There is even a tulip garden, how very Dutch! Veldheer Tulip Gardens has over 5 million tulips. We would suggest visiting Holland in the spring so that you get to experience the flowering! 

Several restaurants and breweries around town offer traditional foods from the Netherlands, and when you feel sufficiently fat, head for Windmill Island Gardens , because no Dutch town would be complete without some windmills. The center-piece mill is over 250 years old and was transported to the area in the 1960s. For a bit of the international in a day trip from Chicago, you can’t beat a visit to Holland!

13. Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby Illinois

Distance: 93 miles

Starved Rock State Park is just outside the city of Oglesby. It is the go-to hiking location for Chicagoland. The beautiful park includes strange rock formations, that are unexpected in the Illinois flatlands, and over 13 miles of hiking trails along the Illinois River. The park is beautiful year-round. In the spring, all the waterfalls are at peak flow, tumbling over the walls of the 18 canyons in the park. A visit in the autumn will treat you to all the fall-foliage color changes. 

While you are in the area, be sure to check out Matthiessen State Park as well. It is only 3 miles away from the more popular (and crowded) Starved Rock State Park , and as you would imagine, it has all the same beautiful waterfalls and forested trails.

Nearby, at the Vermillion River, adventurers can enjoy some of the best river rafting in the region. The river has 14 rapids, mostly Class 1 and II, so it’s manageable for families, even with young kids. The Starved Rock Lodge is a great place to catch lunch or dinner, or should you decide to stay the night, you can snag a beautiful room. For nature lovers and adventurers, you really can’t beat a day trip to Oglesby. 

14. South Haven, Michigan

Distance: 123 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 56 mins

South Haven is one of the best small towns on Lake Michigan. It is the home of the Michigan Maritime Museum The museum has permanent and rotating exhibits, highlighting Michigan’s maritime history and shipwrecks, but the favorite is the interactive Friends Good Will . It is a replica of an 1810 Top-Sail Sloop that is available for sailing tours. Guests can take a cruise on the replica tall ship, just like a sailor in the War of 1812. While the old girl is a bit creaky, it’s a pretty cool experience. 

Other than the museum, South Haven also offers some great outdoor activities. Bikers will love the over 30-mile Kal-Haven Trail, which links South Haven to Kalamazoo. Bikes can be rented from several shops in town. Van Buren State Park offers beautiful Lake Michigan beaches to lounge on too. If you happen to be in town during August, you can celebrate with the locals at the Blueberry Festival . The town comes alive with live music, pie-eating contests, a 5K, and all other-manner of blueberry-themed events. 

15. Galena, Illinois

Distance: 164 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 40 mins

Galena is a great day trip destination for history buffs. Galena was home to General Ulysses S. Grant and his family and features several prominent historic sites. Grant had actually ended his military service by the time he moved to Galena in 1860 and was working as a store clerk, but when the Civil War broke out, he was called back into action. The Ulysses S. Grant Home was presented to the war hero upon his return in 1865 by the citizens of Galena. He lived there until taking his spot in the White House years later. 

For more Grant-centered info, head to Galena & U.S. Grant Museum . It explores the history of Galena, including exhibits on blacksmithing, leatherworking, and lead mining. Both the Gran Home and the museum are housed in beautiful, red-brick Italianate villas. Speaking of Italianate mansion, consider spending the afternoon at the Belvedere Mansion and Gardens !

For the paranormal folks out there, Galena also happens to have several haunted locations. Join a ghost tour for an evening of spooky fun!

16. Fairbury, Illinois

Distance: 107 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 45 mins

Fairbury is a road trip for the foodies. Fairbury is the location of two farm-to-table sites that service restaurants all over Chicago. Kilgus Farmstead is a dairy farm offering 1-hour tours detailing the milking process and the making of homemade ice cream, complete with samples! Slagel Family Farms specializes in hormone-free, farm-raised meats. They also offer interactive tours, complete with butchering demonstrations, followed up by a full farm-fresh dinner. The dinners take place in their charming barn, and make for a perfect date night! Make sure to stop by each farms’ grocery store to stock up on fresh eggs and other local goodies from nearby farms.  

17. Monroe, Wisconsin

Distance: 137 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 12 mins

Our second foodie location is the village of Monroe. Monroe is in the middle of cheesemaker territory! Learn all the ins and outs of the cheese industry at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center , then head for Alp and Dell where you can find more cheese varieties than you ever imagined. They are almost all local, and the staff there are experts. They can help you make wine and beer pairings like a pro. Take a walking tour of the town and visit cute Courthouse Square. The Green County Courthouse is on the National Registry of Historic Places and has lovely Romanesque architecture. Take the interactive tour and have your picture made in a judges gown and gavel!

If you want to spend a bit of time outside, hike part of The Badger Trail, a 40-mile journey that links to Madison. It traverses several small towns, wooded areas, and old tunnels, and it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors. 

18. Peoria, Illinois

Distance: 128 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 28 mins

Peoria has had a huge revitalization over the last few decades. The old Warehouse District is now a conglomerate of unique art galleries, funky boutiques, and yummy eateries. The Riverfront District has seen even more gentrification and is full of breweries, museums, and even a really great farmer’s market on the weekends. Peoria seems to always be having a festival by the water, and when they aren’t, you can take a ride on a historic riverboat. 

Wildlife Prairie Park is located just outside Peoria. It consists of 1800 acres and is home to over 150 animals. The park has its own tourist train and a safari bus, so you have two choices for tours. You can make a full day of the park. Encounter the animals. Hike or bike the miles of trails, play disc golf or go visit the lakes.

Whether you are a shopper, a group of friends looking for a unique night out, or a nature lover, Peoria is a great day trip for you!

19. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Distance: 86 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 25 mins

The little city of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan has made quite a name for itself. It is famous for Summerfest Music Festival . The Milwaukee fest has been rocking for over 50 years and plenty of Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have graced the stage there. With 11 stages rocking at once, it is a pretty epic show. 

The Milwaukee Art Museum has a stunning collection and is housed in a seriously innovative building. Many families argue that the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is one of the best in the USA. Betty Brinn spent her childhood in foster homes and orphanages, so her rise to a successful place in the Milwaukee business world was an impressive one. She spent her life advocating for disadvantaged women and children, and the museum is her legacy.

Milwaukee is home to legendary beer maker, the Pabst Brewing Company. The Pabst Mansion is now on the National Register of Historic Places and offers guided tours. It’s a monster. The huge Harley-Davidson Museum is a top tourist attraction as well. 

Honestly, we would recommend that you give Milwaukee a full weekend unless you just want to visit one or two specific sites. It’s a great city, and there is a lot to see!

20. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Distance: 179 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 45 mins

Grand Rapids is the premier location for beer lovers. The city is loaded with great microbreweries. Grand Rapids is also home to some great museums, including the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 

If you happen to be in town during ArtPrize, then lucky you. The annual event wraps the city in new and innovative art. It’s an outdoor/indoor art competition usually lasting 18 days. Artists create works that are displayed in galleries, museums, public parks, and even restaurants and bars. The whole city is transformed, and it is definitely worth seeing if you are in the area1 

Our ultimate guide to “ The Best Things to Do in Grand Rapids ” will give you more great ideas should you decide to stay a little longer in Grand Rapids.  

21. Explore the Sunflower Fields

Distance: 41 miles to Johnson’s (Other farms vary.)

Travel Time: 47 mins to Johnson’s (Other farms vary.)

From early July to late September, the fields surrounding Chicago are ripe with happy Sunflowers. The yellow beauties are not only soothing to the soul, but they are the perfect day trip for photographers. Whether you are a landscape photographer, you need a perfect family photo, or you just want a color Instagram selfie, the flower fields are for you! There are many private farms with varying degrees of availability, but one of the biggest and best is Johnson’s Farm. Not only do they have over 20 acres of sunflowers, but you are also allowed to pick them! They also offer a Fun Farm for children complete with an obstacle course, pedal karts, train and tram rides, a goat farm, and a jump pad. It’s a full day of fun!

Each farm has different rules about photography. Some require you to book an appointment in advance and pay a photographer’s fee if you plan on bringing professional camera equipment. 

22. Fennville, Michigan

Distance: 141.3 mi

Travel Time: 2 hrs 15 min

Fennville is in Michigan’s fruit belt. Chicagoans flock in droves to the country to pick peaches, cherries, and apples, depending on the season. Fennville is our favorite town to make a home base. Crane Orchards is popular for U-pick tours, and the hard ciders at Virtue Farms are top-notch. They supply many of the local restaurants in town with fresh goodies, but you can also sip a cider right on their beautiful property. Featherstone Antique Mall is a great place to peruse for treasures. There is no better pie than what you will find at Crane’s Pie Pantry . Plus the adorable restaurant/bakery/winery is located in the most charming centuries-old barn! It’s lovely. 

In June, you can enjoy the Fenn Valley Wine Festival , a celebration of live music and local wines. No matter what you do in Fennville, end your day at Salt of the Earth , everyone’s favorite farm-to-table local eatery.

23. Southbend, Indiana

Distance: 96 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 35 mins

Home to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Southbend India is a pretty typical Midwestern city. There is a great History Museum housed in a lovely Victorian Mansion, and the city has a wonderful farmer’s market, but Notre Dame really runs the show here. The student population is 20,000 strong and the campus is beautiful. Take a tour of the campus noting the gold dome of the Main Building, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart , and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes . The University of Notre Dame is older than the city of Southbend, itself, and tradition runs deep! It’s the perfect day trip for football lovers!

24. Madison, Wisconsin

​Distance: 147 miles

Flanked by lakes, Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and a long but good day trip from Chicago. Madison is another university city, so the vibe is young and fresh. History lovers, start with a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Not only do you learn a little about the city and see some beautiful architecture, but you will also walk through one of the best farmer’s markets in the region, so come hungry! It’s open every Saturday from April to November.

The farmers’ market isn’t the only place to get good food, though, Madison is loaded with fancy cheeses and craft beers. One of the local favorites is the Malt House . The dive has been serving up brew since the Civil War years and has plenty of local goldens on tap. For those fancy cheese lovers, head to Fromagination , where you can sample artisanal cheese and learn all about pairings from the cheesemongers. 

Biking is a big thing in Madison, and their local BCycle stations allow you to rent a bike for 30 minutes segments and explore the trails around Lake Monona. We also highly recommend a stroll through the Olbrich Botanical Gardens !

Tired and ready for a beer? Try our Madison Bar Crawl Scavenger Hunt and find all the best brews!

25. Gurnee, Illinois

Distance: 44 miles

Travel Time: 45 mins

Gurnee is a getaway for shoppers! Gurnee Mills is a huge shopping complex with over 150 stores. Whatever it is you need, you can find it here. If you hate shopping, no worries. Gurnee is famous a popular destination for one other reason— Six Flags Great America . The giant amusement park is full of traditional coasters and waterslides and wave pools at Hurricane Harbor Water Park.

For thrills seekers, shoppers, and families, Gurnee Mills is the perfect Chicago day trip!

Closing Thoughts

Chicago Illinois is a thriving city with plenty of action, but within just a few hours of the chaos, you can explore quiet state parks, wander lush sunflower fields, learn Civil War history, and enjoy the fruit of the vine. We hope you found your next day trip idea here. Use the comment section to let us know where you’re going!

For more vacation ideas, check out our guide to the best day trips from Boston ! And keep your eyes on our travel blog for more tips and travel ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several great day trips from Chicago ! The city is perfectly situated to visit small towns around Lake Michigan. Popular choices include Grand Rapids, Madison, and Milwaukee.

Start with a scavenger hunt of the city , then take a day trip from Chicago to the Dutch village of Holland, tour Notre Dame in Southbend, or spot wildlife in Peoria.

The windy city is surrounded by rural areas, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring. That means there are some fantastic day trips from Chicago , like Starved Rock State Park and the Indiana Dunes.

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25 Best Day Trips from Chicago

Last Updated By VI in Illinois on June 14, 2024

• Milwaukee (1 hour 35 minutes)
• Holland, Michigan (2 hours 30 minutes)
• Kettle Moraine State Forest (2 hours 40 minutes)
• Lake Geneva (1 hour 40 minutes)
• Complete List & Map
• 1. Milwaukee (1 hour 35 minutes)

Today, Milwaukee ’s German brewing heritage is alive and well. Here you will find numerous microbreweries, historical brewery tours, and brewpubs along with farm-to-table eateries serving local craft beers. Milwaukee’s other cultural icon, Harley-Davidson, offers museum tours that showcase motorcycle artifacts like the oldest-known Harley in the world. Also nicknamed the “City of Festivals”, Milwaukee is home to over two dozen celebrations, including Summerfest, the world’s biggest music fest. Seventy-five golf courses, 25 theaters, and 150 parks round out this day-trip getaway.

• 2. Holland, Michigan (2 hours 30 minutes)

Late November brings the Dutch Winterfest and its Parade of Lights.

• 3. Kettle Moraine State Forest (2 hours 40 minutes)

N1765 Highway G, Campbellsport, WI, Phone: 262-626-2116

• 4. Lake Geneva (1 hour 40 minutes)

Chicagoans may wonder why they should leave Lake Michigan for Lake Geneva , but the two experiences are worlds apart. Lake Geneva is a Wisconsin resort city on the shores of a small lake by the same name. It’s where wealthy Chicagoans came to build their mansions during the Gilded Age. You can walk or bike the 21-mile shoreline along the Lake Geneva Shore Path for an up-close view, or see them from the water with the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. This year-round getaway offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, nightlife, outdoor activities, and points of interest.

• 5. Naperville (40 minutes)

Besides Naperville’s small town charm, the best reason for a day trip here is Riverwalk, the city’s 1.75-mile walkway along the DuPage River. Highlights include Moser Tower – a beautiful 158-foot bell tower, a clock tower, three fountains, a covered bridge, heritage sculptures, an amphitheater and labyrinth, and paddle boats. You can also visit the popular Centennial Beach and Grill , a sandy beach waterpark and restaurant. More ideas: Beaches in Illinois

• 6. Village of Oak Park (15 minutes)

In other words, everyone is welcome here. History buffs will want an Oak Park day trip to include a walking tour of the Wright District, an area of prairie-style homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; his personal home and studio are open to tour. You may also like the Oak Park Conservatory, and Brookfield Zoo. There are numerous independent shopping boutiques, a robust culinary scene, and a Saturday farmers’ market.

• 7. Six Flags Great America (1 hour)

1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL, Phone: 847-249-1776

• 8. North Utica (1 hour 45 minutes)

Four nearby state parks provide outdoor recreational opportunities.

• 9. Chicago Botanic Garden (35 minutes)

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, Phone: 847-835-5447

• 10. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (1 hour)

1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN, Phone: 219-395-1882

• 11. Old State Capitol State Historic Site (3 hours)

Old State Capitol Plaza, 6th and Adams Streets, Springfield, IL, Phone: 217-785-7960

• 12. Apple River Canyon State Park (2 hours 30 minutes)

8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, IL, Phone: 815-745-3302

• 13. Starved Rock State Park (1 hour 35 min)

2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL, Phone: 815-667-4211

• 14. Brookfield Zoo (25 minutes)

8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL, Phone: 708-668-8000

• 15. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (3 hours)

112 N. Sixth Street, Springfield, IL, Phone: 217-557-6250

• 16. Anderson Japanese Gardens (1 hour 40 minutes)

318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL, Phone: 815-229-9390

• 17. The Morton Arboretum (35 minutes)

4100 Illinois Route 35, Lisle, IL, Phone: 630-968-0074

• 18. Cantigny Park (40 minutes)

1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL, Phone: 630-668-5161

• 19. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (20 minutes)

209 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 118, Chicago, IL, Phone: 312-994-4000

• 20. Huron-Manistee National Forests (4 hours)

1755 S. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI, 49601, Phone: 231-775-2421

• 21. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (2 hours)

1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL, Phone: 815-987-8858

• 22. Oglesby (1 hour 40 minutes)

The town hosts a Harvest Fest in mid-October with family-fun activities, and a Santa’s Holiday Open House in mid-December, featuring carriage rides and other holiday activities.

• 23. White River State Park (3 hours)

801 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, Phone: 800-665-9056

• 24. Peoria (2 hours 40 minutes)

Visitors will revel in the breweries, restaurants, museums, festivals, historic riverboat rides, and weekend farmers’ market.--->

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21 Best Day Trips From Chicago In 2024

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Welcome to the Windy City! Whether a local or a traveler eager to explore beyond the skyline, our guide to the best day trips from Chicago is your ticket to adventure. We’ll show you how to swap city streets for scenic escapes, all within a day’s reach of Chicago. From charming small towns to natural wonders, get ready to discover the Midwest’s most unforgettable experiences. Pack your sense of adventure, and let’s hit the road – Chicago-style day trips await!

Table of Contents

Incredible Day Trips from Chicago

In this guide, we give you ideas for the top day trips from the third most populous city in the US. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, many places will tempt you away from the city center. After exploring all of the awesome things to do in Chicago , from the Chicago River to historic landmarks, head to these fantastic places located within easy reach of the city.

The city is ideally located with easy border-crossing into Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. It is also a great starting point for a day trip further south into central Illinois. You have four states at your fingertips – so you should carve out time for a day trip while visiting.

1. Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee is a big deal. This major city is located on the shores of western Lake Michigan in Wisconsin – just a 1.5 hour train ride or drive north of Chicago. We’d suggest catching the train if possible, as Milwaukee is best known for its breweries. Taking guided brewery tours is one of the  best things to do in Milwaukee . Aside from its alcohol, though, it is also home to the Holler House and Milwaukee Art Museum. Don’t forget the Harley-Davidson Museum, which hosts a beautiful display of motorcycles and documents iconic biker culture. The Milwaukee Public Museum also has a large-scale European village.

If you want a fantastic day out from Chicago, Milwaukee is ideal. It has a strong sense of culture and many niche pockets of interest, like Harley-Davidson bikes and breweries. It is also a breeze to reach by train or car.

• Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours
• How to get there: Train, bus or coach

Suggested Tour: A Group Tour to Discover Milwaukee

2. south bend, in.

South Bend has a different vibe as a university city on the St. Joseph River. It is fantastic if you are looking for a more sedate city experience. You can visit the University of Notre Dame’s iconic campus, with its classic gold-domed building. There’s also plenty of local history that you can experience in the city center, like car manufacturing from years gone by at Studebaker National Museum and the regional history at the History Museum.

South Bend is definitely slower-paced than quick-footed Chicago. However, it has lots of attractions too. Think of it as a relaxing and intellectual place to spend a day sightseeing. It has lots of fun and student twists, like cheap bars and coffee spots.

The city is located just east of Chicago, on the other side of Indiana Dunes National Park, and on the lower east shore of Lake Michigan. It is best reached by car, and we’d recommend stopping off at the national park en route.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 to 3 hours
• How to get there: Car or train

3. Madison, WI

Small Madison might not seem capital-worthy, but it is actually the capital city of Wisconsin, not the major, sprawling giant of Milwaukee. This smaller city has beautiful architecture galore. You can get up close to the historic domed Wisconsin State Capitol and walk the Capital City State Trail to sightsee different city attractions. There’s a botanic garden experience, too, at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, plus a quirkier downtown area with bars and coffee shops. Madison is your best choice if you fancy a political sightseeing day trip from Chicago.

Madison is also beautifully located next to two huge lakes – Lake Mendota and Lake Waubesa. Summer leaves plenty of opportunities for water sports and sunny waterfront hiking trails. Follow this walking tour to see the city’s architecture including the State Capitol, Der Rathskaller, Bascomb Hill, and Memorial Union.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 to 4 hours
• How to get there: By car or shuttle bus

4. Starved Rock State Park, IL

Starved Rock State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Illinois. The park sits on the banks of the Illinois River and holds a collection of sandstone canyons amidst beautiful forests. The canyons were initially cut with glacial meltwater, and you can explore the scenery using a network of clearly marked wooden boardwalks. Starved Rock State Park also has tons of waterfalls, which get impressively powerful in wetter months.

Nature lovers will adore this day trip choice. Not only is the natural scenery astounding, but you can also spot wildlife like white-tailed deer and bald eagles. Starved Rock State Park covers over 2,600 acres and has 13 miles of trails, with 18 canyons to admire. It is located inland from Chicago and Lake Michigan.

• How to get there: Car

5. Cedarburg, WI

Cedarburg has serious charm. It has old-school-style houses and is frequently compared to a movie set. The town was founded in the 1840s by a mixture of predominantly Irish and German settlers and is now considered a suburb of Milwaukee. Cedarburg has many cute and aesthetic things to do, with the bonus of brewery and winery tours. You can walk the vineyards and tour brewing rooms or head to unique attractions like the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fine Arts. Cedarburg is a real gem and beats to its own drum, making it a memorable day trip from Chicago.

This Wisconsin town is located just north of Milwaukee’s city center. It is best reached from Chicago by car, and you can always incorporate a stop-off in Milwaukee’s city center – parking in the outskirts and commuting in.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 hours
• How to get there: By car

6. Illinois Beach State Park, IL

If you want beaches, Illinois Beach State Park is the place to be on a Chicago day trip. The park covers over 4,000 acres, with a beautiful shore path and network of hiking trails. It is an ideal place for a beach day along the shores of Lake Michigan. However, Illinois Beach State Park is equally more than just a beach destination.

It has campgrounds and playgrounds, plus shower blocks and a nature center. Illinois Beach State Park is somewhere to spend an entire day. Start with a hike and visit the nature center before heading to Isherwood Beach, and even camping overnight if your schedule allows it.

The park is quite close to Chicago, taking less than an hour to reach by car. It’s a great day trip if you have a warm day or fancy a beach trip. Or it is the perfect adventure if you fancy camping a night to break up your classic city break.

• Distance from Chicago: 1 hour

7. Lake Geneva, WI

Lake Geneva is a beautiful resort city along the banks of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, northwest of Chicago. As a small city out of the leading public transport lines, it is best reached by car.

Once you arrive, you are greeted by Gilded Age mansions with dramatic architecture and a scenic Shore Path that snakes around the city’s section of Geneva Lake. Historically, Lake Geneva was used as a bolt-hole for affluent Chicago residents, and looking at the city’s surrounding natural beauty, it’s easy to see why.

Admire Victorian history and Gilded Age architecture, and visit the Lake Geneva beaches. Big Foot Beach State Park has brilliant beaches, especially for a lazy afternoon. Lake Geneva is a beautiful day trip destination to unwind before revisiting Chicago’s chaotic sightseeing scene.

8. Rockford, IL

Rockford is a major city located on the banks of the Mississippi River, giving it the nickname’ River City’. Rockford is also called the ‘Forest City’ because of its history of tree felling, forests, and furniture-making industries. It is a shapeshifter with a long history and a prominent place in Illinois’ society. Nowadays, though, it is an ideal day trip candidate and is full of popular attractions and historic places. You can stop by the koi-filled ponds at Anderson Japanese Gardens, kick back in numerous public parks, or head to the Rockford Art Museum. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens is also brilliant.

Rockford is located in northern Illinois, right under the Wisconsin border. We’d recommend combining it with a trip to Madison, located roughly an hour above the city. It is a great stop-off point for those driving to the Wisconsin capital.

9. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

Forget state parks if you like natural beauty – aim big with Indiana Dunes National Park. This stunning park is far more than just sand dunes and covers 15 miles of beautiful shoreline perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Indiana Dunes National Park is also a hot spot for bird watching and hiking. The national park is located on the southern end of Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful spot to visit to embrace the lake’s beauty. An entrance ticket costs around $20, and you can spend the whole day exploring the park.

Indiana Dunes National Park is located just southeast of Chicago and is ideally combined with visits to South Bend or day trips into Michigan or Indiana.

• Distance from Chicago: 50 minutes

10. Lakeshore State Park, WI

Everyone loves an urban park. This stunning park sits just off Milwaukee’s coastline. Still, we will include it as a standalone attraction since it justifies a visit on its own merit. Lakeshore State Park is best explored on foot by walking the Hank Aaron State Trail. You can enjoy city skyline views and expansive vistas over Lake Michigan. And if you are looking for a romantic day trip from Chicago, head to Lakeshore State Park at sunset with a picnic.

The state park is obviously well combined with a visit to Milwaukee. This little island state park is a beautiful spot near the city. It is located off the Historic Third Ward and accessible by a pedestrianized bridge connecting it to the mainland.

11. Monroe, WI

Monroe is pretty cool. The quirky city is known as the Swiss cheese capital. It has a vast history of dairy farming that has given it a massive cheese reputation. You can visit to take food tours – highly recommended – and try local products and produce. You should visit the National Historic Cheese Making Center Museum and the Chalet Cheese Cooperative. There’s also beautiful architecture and historic places, like the Green County Courthouse, completed in 1891. The Monroe Historic Square is in the city’s center, surrounded by shops and aesthetic scenery.

Monroe is a tiny city compared to some of Chicago’s neighboring giants. It is roughly located halfway between Madison and Rockford. It is definitely best accessed by car.

12. St. Joseph, MI

St Joseph is a scenic coastal city in southwest Michigan and an ideal day trip if you want to venture into MI on a day trip from Chicago. It sits along the shore of Lake Michigan with beautiful attractions like Silver Beach County Park and Lions Park Beach. Silver Beach is particularly cute to visit, with a 1910 carousel and restored pavilion that bring a wonderful, vintage-style aesthetic to the city. A classic red and white lighthouse is near the city’s North Pier.

St Joseph is a beautiful choice if you want one of those traditional seaside day trips. It is only a short drive from Chicago, despite the fact that you’ll be venturing through Indiana and crossing the Michigan border. Hooray for Lake Michigan’s close network of US states. It is fantastic to combine with Indiana Dunes National Park and Michigan City.

• How to get there: By Car

13. Channahon State Park, IL

Channahon State Park is an absolute must. The state park sits on some of the most historic Illinois canals, housing a restored lock tender’s house for extra historical value. You can enjoy a network of hiking trails with waterfalls, birds, and historic towpaths to snap photos of. Distance isn’t an issue when visiting inland Illinois; Channahon State Park is less than an hour’s drive from central Chicago. It is a great day trip if you want minimal travel time and an insight into Illinois’ canal history.

You can organize guided tours around Channahon State Park, including canoe trips. The state park is a designated part of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. It is widely hailed as an essential part of the state’s history. It is a nature-given adventure park.

14. Oak Park, IL

Oak Park is a beautiful village in the suburbs of Chicago. It really packs a punch beyond pretty architecture for such a small area. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Ernest Hemingway’s Boyhood Home, the National Historic Landmark of Mills Park and the Oak Park River Forest Museum. Oak Park is a quickfire selection of museums in a tiny area, accessible from central Chicago using public transport. What’s not to love? It is the perfect choice if you want trips from Chicago done easily.

It is so handy to jump on a train and be amongst dozens of museums. Additionally, its Unity Temple was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2019. Despite all its existing attractions and offerings, Oak Park is very much up and coming in terms of visitor recognition and value for tourism.

• Distance from Chicago: 15 to 20 minutes
• How to get there: By train

Suggested Tour: Private Frank Lloyd Wright Tour from Chicago

15. grand rapids, mi.

Grand Rapids is another major city – think skyscrapers and a beautiful riverside setting with dramatic bridges. Grand Rapids has plenty of culture, with museums like the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum. It also has a cool, safe, and walkable downtown district, which includes the Grand Rapids Art Museum, an attraction and initiative that spotlights local artists.

We like to catch a shuttle to Grand Rapids, as it has an illustrious brewery history. In particular, it is known for New Holland Brewing, and you can take guided tasting tours at the local breweries that are still running. Otherwise, driving is quicker, and you can stop off at spots like Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, St Joseph, and South Bend. You hug the lower shoreline of Lake Michigan, which is a long but very scenic drive. Ideally, rotate drivers and have a few different stops en route.

• Distance from Chicago: 3 to 5 hours
• How to get there: By car in just under 3 hours or by shuttle in under 4
• Suggested Tour: Grand Rapids Ghost Tour

16. Windmill Island Gardens, MI

Chicago might be known as ‘Windy City,’ but check out Windmill Island Gardens. This seasonal park features a 250-year-old windmill in an ode to the city’s Dutch influence. You can take self-guided tours of the park, admire the windmill, and meet guides in traditional Dutch costumes. There’s also a tulip garden, which is stunning in spring.

This is one of the leading day trips from Chicago if you want Dutch heritage, and it is even located outside of a city named Holland. Windmill Island Gardens is located in Michigan, so you’ll be driving the south coast of Lake Michigan, cutting through northern Indiana and across the Michigan border. When it comes to visiting Michigan, distance can be a concern. Is it a long day of driving? Yes. But it is incredibly scenic and a great way to combine several attractions. If you have a few drivers, you won’t have any trouble as you can just rotate driving time.

• Distance from Chicago: 2.5 hours

17. Galena, IL

Galena is an absolute gem of a charming small town, sitting on the banks of the Galena River with tons of Civil War history. The town was home to the Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant, and his former home is a State Historic Site. Of course, Ulysses S. Grant later became a US president, so his story is immortalized. Galena is a great place to visit if you are interested in politics and history. Its town center is relatively walkable and is full of stories and scenic 19th-century architecture.

Galena is right in the top left corner of Illinois, on the border of Iowa and Wisconsin. It is a fabulous add-on from Rockford or Starved Rock State Park, around 1.5 hours away by car.

• Distance from Chicago: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Suggested Tour: Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour

18. Michigan City, IN

Michigan City is just an hour away and is brilliant, accessible day trip material. If you want an easy trip from Chicago, Michigan City is it. Fancy a drive? You can drive there in an hour, passing Indiana Dunes National Park. Fancy a train ride? You can read or nap and reach the city in less than 2 hours. There’s lots of lakeside culture and history, with multiple lighthouses to admire and the quaint Washington Park Beach.

There’s also period history at the Barker Mansion, which showcases English-inspired decor and furnishings in a 19th-century mansion. Admire the history, have a beach day, or enjoy inner-city shopping at outlet stores. Michigan City offers loads and, at the very least, is a change of scene.

You can easily visit Michigan City; proper day-long trips are low on travel time and high on attractions. And that sums up this lakeside city.

• Distance from Chicago: 1 to 2 hours
• How to get there: 1 hour by car or 2 hours by train

19. Peoria, IL

Peoria is a beautiful city in Illinois. It was primarily established as a port city and trading center thanks to its position on the Illinois River. It is located much further inland in central Illinois. It is just an hour or so further central than Starved Rock State Park – hello, potential combined day trip.

Peoria has beautiful riverside parks, including Peoria Riverfront Park and Liberty Park. There’s also the Riverfront Museum and Peoria Historical Society. It is a lovely place to just walk and explore on foot. And the contrast between hectic Chicago and sedate Peoria is vast, making it a worthwhile day trip.

The city is located southwest of Chicago and is best accessed by car. This way, you can also stop off at Starved Rock State Park on the way.

20. Six Flags Great America, IL

What about a day at an amusement park? Six Flags Great America is a chain of amusement parks scattered across the US. And there is one on the outskirts of Chicago, creating the best day trip for fun-loving tourists. The park has water park rides, rollercoasters, and all-round fun entertainment. You can get adrenaline on rides like Sky Striker or the American Eagle. Alternatively, try the sedate, family-friendly rides like the Big Easy Balloons or Cubasco tea cups.

Everyone loves a fun day out. And Six Flags Great America is the perfect day trip to skip sightseeing and escape the city to enjoy some quality ‘fun’ time. It is the ideal place to let your hair down and has an impressive range of rides, making it suitable for adults and children. Six Flags Great America is located north of Chicago, just under the Wisconsin border. Get your tickets in advance here.

• How to get there: 1 hour by car or 2 hours by train then bus

21. Glacial Park Conservation Area

Finally, there’s the beautiful Glacial Park Conservation Area. This 3,400-acre reserve is a stunning mix of wetlands and prairie, with glacial kames and ample scenic canoeing or fishing opportunities. It is one of the most photogenic places to experience natural beauty on a day trip from Chicago. You can explore Glacial Park on foot or by water or shake things up and book a horseback riding tour. The park has a grand total of 8 miles of shared-use trails, and you’ll definitely want to bring a camera.

Glacial Park Conservation Area opens from sunrise until sunset all year round. It is ideal if you want to switch from the standard suburban park experience to a bit of rugged, remote nature.

• Distance from Chicago: 1 hour and 20 minutes

There’s so much to experience on day trips from Chicago – whether that’s Dutch heritage, rich history related to the Civil War, or riding water park rides at Six Flags America. You can embrace small-town charm at Oglesby, natural beauty and natural wonders at Indiana Dunes National Park, or craft beer at a local brewery. Chicago’s location right next to three other state borders means you have lots of diversity when choosing day trips. And the ever-presence of beautiful Lake Michigan means a constant barrage of water sports and beaches. Hopefully, you have at least 5 or 6 day trip choices.

Are you looking for more inspiration? Why not check out our guides on the  best things to do in Wisconsin  and  the best places to visit in Michigan ? We’ve also got notes on the best, most  unique things to do in Northern Michigan  specifically, so check that out if you have time to add a couple of days to the end of your Chicago trip. If you have longer, why not take a 2-3 day excursion from Chicago? It is a brilliant launchpad to discover more of the experiences in the states around Lake Michigan. Chicago’s location is by far its winning quality, and you should take advantage of it when planning day trips and excursions.

Plan your trip to Chicago with these Resources

• 29 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago
• Where to stay in Chicago: Best Areas and Hotels
• Top 10 Hot Spots to Eat in Chicago
• 23 Cool and Unique Things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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9 Spectacular Must-Do Day Trips From Chicago (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for a good day trip from the Windy City? Here are 9 amazing day trips from Chicago that include state parks, beaches, historic sites and more.

Chicago is a city of mouthwateringly good deep-dish pizza, pristine architecture, and an enriching atmosphere. Full of top-notch restaurants, eye-catching fashion, and upscale attractions, the Windy City is a place people travel from all over to visit.

A place of innovation, Chicago is constantly up to speed with new trends – or establishing the trends for everyone to catch onto.

Of course, as the birthplace of modern architecture, this is not a big surprise. Still, a visit here catches one’s eye with the fascinating designs and structures of the buildings within the third largest city in the United States. 

While visiting this trendy city, we recommend spending a day outside Chicago to see nearby top attractions like state parks full of hiking trails. There is so much to see outside the town center of Chicago, so why not add a day trip or two to your Chicago itinerary ?

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Table of Contents

What Is There To See And Do?

Getting there and away, best time of year to visit, the 9 best day trips from chicago.

It’s time to spread your wings and leave the city on an incredible day trip. Take your pick from our curated selection of the 9 best day trips from Chicago. From living in luxury in Lake Geneva to exploring the rich history and architecture of Oak Park, get ready to have the time of your life.

Find more of the best things to do in Chicago here !

1. Starved Rock State Park

• Distance from Chicago: 91 miles/146 km
• How Long it Takes: 1½ Hours

Settled along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is an oasis teeming with seasonal waterfalls, towering sandstone canyons, thriving wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.

However, the most well-known landmark at the park is the cliff the park is named after – Starved Rock. This imposing sandstone cliff is a natural landmark that holds history. 

Archaeological excavations have been run at Starved Rock for further research to verify information shared throughout history. In 1683, the French used Starved Rock to establish a fort called Fort St. Louis. It was later abandoned in 1691. 

The sandstone cliffs were named “Starved Rock” by Native Americans in 1770 after what is estimated to be about 2,000 Native Americans died atop the cliffs. This was after the Potawatomi Indians attacked the Peoria Indians.

As a result, the Peoria Indians were trapped on the rock and suffered starvation. 

Today, Starved Rock State Park has become a favored spot to sink into nature’s beauty. People come from all over to see Starved Rock and other popular landmarks, including the St. Louis Canyon Falls.

The St. Louis Canyon Falls towers an impressive 80 feet, one of the highest waterfalls in Illinois. In summer and spring, visiting these falls is one of the top activities to do at the park. You can also go kayaking , canoeing, or try other water sports.

Top attractions in the park include:

• St. Louis Canyon Falls
• Aurora Canyon
• Illinois Canyon
• Starved Rock State Park Lodge 

Popular hiking trails:

• St. Louis Canyon Trail
• River Trail
• Bluff Trail
• French Canyon Trail

There are two popular methods of getting to Starved Rock State Park from Chicago without a car. The first is taking the train from Chicago Union Station to Mendota Amtrak Station. The second would be to take a taxi, which can be much more expensive but is a quicker route.

We recommend visiting from April to September as it’s ideal weather for outdoor activities. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, then the best time of year to visit Starved Rock State Park to see the eagles is in January and February. 

The spring is the best time to see the waterfalls as they are seasonal and fed by heavy rains often experienced during the spring.

The summer is the most popular time to visit Starved Rock State Park. Unfortunately, this is when the park can get overcrowded, resulting in the park cutting off entry for visitors, as many people come to kayak and raft on the river. 

2. Lake Geneva

• Distance from Chicago: 83 miles/134 km
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

A resort city, Lake Geneva, was named “Newport of the West” after the American Civil War. The year-round resort city was where rich Chicago residents constructed their summer homes. Some famous names that visited the area include General Sherman and Mary Todd Lincoln. 

This area has a rich history, where ancient Oneota Tribes of the lost Hopewell Culture Indians once thrived. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Oneota Tribes had an advanced civilization here in 1,000 BC.   

Today, Lake Geneva is one of the best weekend getaways from Chicago. A day trip or weekend trip here is worth taking because of its natural beauty, impressive architecture, and luxurious resorts.

Take your pick of boating on the lake, hot air ballooning over the resort city, joining a history tour, or sinking into luxury with a spa day at The Abbey Resort.

Examples of popular things to see include:

• Riviera Beach
• Big Foot Beach State Park 
• Lake Geneva Shore Path
• Royal Oak Farm 
• Safari Lake Geneva

There are no trains directly connecting Chicago to Lake Geneva. Another option would be to take the train from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake. From there, snag a taxi to this Wisconsin resort city. 

To catch some sun outdoors by the lake, the best time to visit Lake Geneva is in the summer. This is the optimal time for weekend getaways or day trips from Chicago. The days get hot, so wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Have 3 days to spare in Chicago? Check out our ultimate 3-day itinerary ! 

3. Indiana Dunes National Park

• Distance from Chicago: 39 miles/62 km
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour

One of the best day trips from Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park is thriving with natural wonders with over 50 miles of scenic trails to observe these eye-catching features. A road trip through here is sure to be a beautiful one!

The park has one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the United States, including wetlands, shorelines, prairies, and sand dunes. This includes the 15 miles of Indiana Dunes National Park beaches stretching down Lake Michigan’s southern tip. 

Though the beach is one of the top things to do when visiting Indiana Dunes National Park, the park is also notorious for its rich history.

The Bailly Homestead, a National Historic Landmark, was the home of one of the first settlers in the area, Joseph Bailly de Messein. This fur trader’s trading post acted as an in-between for travelers from Detroit to Chicago. 

Top attractions in the park:

• Chellberg Farm
• Bailly Homestead
• Kemil & Dunbar Beaches
• Paul H. Douglas Trail 
• Great Marsh Trail
• Cowles Bog Trail
• Dunes Succession Trail (Diana of the Dunes Dare)

The best way to get to Indiana Dunes National Park is by renting a car. Unfortunately, there are no methods of transport that take you directly to the park. You can take a taxi, but it will be quite expensive!

Summer is the best time of year to visit Indiana Dunes National Park. This is when the beaches are open and prime for sunbathing and swimming. Other activities like fishing and hiking to see the sand dunes are also great at this time. 

4. Silver Beach County Park

• Distance from Chicago: 98 miles/157 km 
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour 45 Minutes 

Bordering four states, Lake Michigan seeps into Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Though Lake Michigan is technically within access of Chicago, with popular attractions like the Navy Pier and Millenium Park, one of the top day trips from Chicago is Silver Beach County Park.

Located at the mouth of the St. Joseph River on Lake Michigan’s southern shore, Silver Beach County Park has lots of picturesque viewpoints.

The long, clean stretch of beach has become a top tourist destination with upgraded renovations made to the park to promote accessibility and convenience. 

Access to Silver Beach County Park is free, though parking can be tricky depending on how busy it is. The barrier-free walkway gives easy access to the South Pier, Dunes Pavilion, concession stand, Shadowland Pavilion, and restrooms.

Using the park’s sidewalks along the beach, you can reach the Silver Beach Center, find the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and take a refreshing stroll to downtown St. Joseph.

Cool things to see in the area:

• Silver Beach Carousel
• Krasl Art Center
• Harbor Shores Golf Club
• Whirlpool Compass Fountain

There are several ways to get to Silver Beach County Park from Chicago without a car. The first is a train ride from the Chicago Union Station to St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Michigan.

The second is a bus ride from the Chicago Bus Station to Benton Harbor and a taxi to Silver Beach County Park. The third would be getting a taxi or renting a car to reach Silver Beach County Park. 

Silver Beach County Park is open daily from dusk to dawn. For swimming, the best time of year to visit is usually anywhere from July to September. Lifeguards are on duty at the park from June to August. 

Exploring more of the Midwest? Check out our list of the best things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota !

5. Anderson Japanese Gardens

• Distance from Chicago: 85 miles/137 km

One of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in the United States, the Anderson Japanese Gardens is among the most rewarding Chicago day trips.

The authentic Japanese garden inspires by its refined outdoor setting that has been maintained and designed with the highest standards.

The Anderson Japanese Gardens were designed by Hoichi Kurisu, who established many other Japanese gardens, including the one at the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital that won the Healthcare Environment Award in 2006 for Landscape Design. 

Exuding eloquence and grace, this location soothes the soul as guests stroll through the thriving landscapes.

Yoga sessions are taught within the gardens in the Hatha Yoga tradition amongst the refreshing air of the gardens. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes for Tai Chi led at the gardens to encourage relaxation and mental focus. 

Fun things to do here include:

• Amanda Stivers yoga
• Sound & gong bath
• Awareness walks

Other fun things to do in the area include:

• Rockford Art Museum
• Laurent House
• Prairie Street Brewing Company
• Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
• Burpee Museum of Natural History
• Discovery Center Museum

Take the bus from the Chicago Union Station to Rockford Amtrak Station. From there, hitch a ride on a taxi.

Another option is to take the subway Jackson-Blue to O’hare in Bensenville. Once you reach the station, hitch a bus ride from the Chicago – O’hare Airport to the Rockford Bus Terminal. Then, grab a taxi to reach the gardens.

Taking a car is the second best option for a more cost-effective option, but it is more convenient than taking the bus and taxi to reach Anderson Japanese Gardens.

The best time to witness the stunning transition of the leaves as they turn color at Anderson Japanese Gardens is in Fall, from September to October. However, summer is the peak season, so if you want to avoid the crowds stick to visiting in the spring or fall. 

6. Oak Park

• Distance from Chicago: 10 miles/15 km
• How Long it Takes: 20 Minutes

Within a short distance from Chicago, Oak Park is a historically rich village place to visit. It is also considered one of the best places to live in Illinois, intertwining suburban and urban living in one favorable family-friendly location. 

There are plenty of activities in the area, with family-friendly attractions like the Brookfield Zoo and the Galloping Ghost Arcade. The arcade is the largest video arcade in the United States. Oak Park is notorious for its trendy restaurants like Maya Del Sol or Hemmingway’s Bistro. 

If you’re a history buff or appreciate architecture, you’ll love this beautiful spot. Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright showcased his talent here for the first 20 years of his career.

Walking tours take visitors past significant historical and architectural sites such as Wright’s home, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. 

There is also the home of famed author Ernest Hemingway, who grew up in Oak Park. The Ernest Hemingway Foundation restored Hemingway’s home, and now tours of the author’s birthplace are given. Join a guided architecture tour to learn all about the history and creativity of the area’s top attractions!

Top sights here include:

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
• Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum
• Brookfield Zoo 
• Oak Park Conservatory

There are lots of convenient ways to get from Chicago to this charming village. The train at Chicago OTC and the subway both head straight to Oak Park at inexpensive prices. The fastest way to get there would be a taxi, though this will run a little more costly than the subway or train. 

The Line 20 bus also comes here at an affordable price, though it will take longer to reach your destination as stops are included. 

Oak Park’s busiest month is from May to July. However, we recommend visiting anywhere from August to October if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices for these tourist-heavy months. 

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In St Louis, Missouri

7. Holland, Michigan

• Distance from Chicago: 152 miles/245 km
• How Long it Takes: 2½ Hours

Notorious for its award-winning breweries, Holland, Michigan, is only a few hours from Chicago and worth the trip. 

Holland’s natural beauty and charm are one for the books, with its lush nature, flower-speckled fields, and waterfront views.

The city is home to numerous parks to choose from for a picturesque stroll through nature with outstanding vistas. Holland’s downtown is thriving with locally-owned businesses to shop at.

The historic area was named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by Forbes magazine, with its cobblestoned sidewalks, live performances, and award-winning eateries and breweries to choose from. 

The Windmill Island Gardens is one of the top attractions in Holland. The gardens feature a 251-year-old windmill called De Zwaan. It is the only authentic Dutch windmill working in the nation.

Holland State Park is another largely popular attraction. The park showcases its iconic “Big Red” lighthouse for breathtaking sunset scenery and long stretches of beach on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.

Many travel to the park to go camping, fishing, paddleboarding, sunbathing, and more for one of the best weekend trips from Chicago.

• Windmill Island Gardens
• Holland State Park
• Holland State Park – Macatawa Campground
• Big Lake Brewing
• Saugatuck Dunes State Park

For those without a car, there is a direct connection by train from the Chicago Union Station to the Holland Amtrak Station. However, if you have a car or can rent one, that is the only other option to get back and forth to avoid ridiculous fees for a taxi. 

We recommend visiting Holland in spring when the flowers bloom to see the tulips that the area is known for. They usually bloom around late April and continue to bloom to mid-May.

Visiting Holland in the summer is extremely popular, so if you don’t mind crowds and want to catch some sun, take a trip to the city to soak in the sun and picturesque views. 

8. Peoria, Illinois

• Distance from Chicago: 173 miles/267 km
• How Long it Takes: 3 Hours

Nestled along the Illinois River, Peoria is a bustling shipping center and agricultural production zone. Presenting a suburban feel, the city has family-friendly attractions to savor. It was once known as the Whiskey Capital, with 40% of alcohol produced in the United States coming from Peoria in 1890. 

On the city’s historic Distillery Row along the Illinois River, visitors can taste Peoria’s specialized whiskey distilleries that have maintained the city’s legacy.

There is much to see and do in Peoria. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects John Burgee and Philip Johnson, the Peoria Civic Center is a hotspot attraction in downtown Peoria. The center showcases an exhibit hall, an arena, and a theater that hosts live entertainment for comedians, Broadway shows, concerts, and more.

The Luthy Botanical Garden is a refreshing stroll through themed gardens, including a children’s, Japanese, rose, and herb garden. It was also the first botanical garden in the state.

For a fun new experience, hitch a ride on this guided architecture cruise to experience the iconic architecture along the Chicago River. 

Top things to do include:

• Peoria Civic Center
• Peoria Riverfront Museum
• Louisville Slugger Sports Complex
• Forest Park Nature Center
• Luthy Botanical Garden

The cheapest method of getting to and from Peoria from Chicago is by driving. Another method of taking the train from the Chicago Union Station to Peoria Amtrak Station. This route will take longer than the alternative of going by car. 

The most popular time to visit Peoria is in the summer. However, if you’re looking for cooler weather, we recommend visiting the city in September to early October when the weather is getting cooler.

Read next: 23 Best Things To Do In Kansas City, Missouri

9. Michigan City

• Distance from Chicago: : 60 miles/96 km
• How Long it Takes: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

The source of Michigan City’s name is initially confusing for many. The city was not named after the state of its namesake but Lake Michigan that it is near. Michigan City is a favored tourist spot thanks to its convenient location near top attractions such as Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. 

The city has a rich history with a small-town charm, and history buffs will be pleased to find the city flooded with attractions.

The historic city preserves its oldest structure, a lighthouse established in 1858, at the Old Lighthouse Museum. It was the home of the creator of Wikipedia, Howard G. “Ward” Cunningham, who grew up in the city.

The Barker Mansion is an English manor built in 1857, preserving period furnishings from the Gilded Age. It is part of the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours.

Michigan City is a rewarding day trip from Chicago. Other than its historical attractions, there are nature-based activities such as Friendship Botanic Gardens and Indiana Dunes National Park. Go for a relaxing evening or tour the vineyards at Shady Creek Winery. Or test your luck at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa.

Top attractions include:

• Washington Park Zoo
• Friendship Botanic Gardens
• Shady Creek Winery
• Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa
• Michigan City Lighthouse and Pier

In Chicago, there are direct routes to take on the buses and trains that head to Michigan City from Chicago. Other than that, the only other inexpensive way to reach Michigan City is by driving. 

Ideally, summer or early fall in September is the best time to visit Michigan City to savor outdoor activities while in town.

Unfortunately, the winter months are frigid, from November to February. Therefore, we recommend not visiting during these months if you plan on spending time outdoors at the parks or gardens. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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BEST Day Trips From Chicago (By Car, Bus & Train)

Looking to leave Chicago for the day or even a few hours? Fortunately there are many amazing places to visit in the Midwest near the city whether you love nature, beaches, cities or small towns. Here are the best day trips from Chicago all less than 2 hours from the city.

If you don’t have a car or would rather not drive, you can also visit most of these places by train, bus or through a guided day tour.

Best Day Trips From Chicago

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you.

Starved Rock State Park

Distance from Chicago: 95 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour and 40 minutes Address: 2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, Illinois

Starved Rock State Park is one of the top attractions in the state of Illinois. The park is an ideal spot to enjoy nature and is filled with stunning sandstone canyons and beautiful waterfalls. This is a great place for hiking with 13 miles (21 kilometers) of trails.

In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year round, including horseback riding, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, as well as fishing, kayaking, rafting on the Illinois River.

Matthiessen State Park

Distance from Chicago: 96 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour and 40 minutes Address: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, Illinois

Matthiessen State Park is not as popular or crowded as nearby Starved Rock State Park (less than 3 miles away) but it is just as beautiful with similar natural features such as canyons and beautiful waterfalls.

Oak Park, Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 10 miles Time from Chicago: 15-20 minutes from downtown

Oak Park is a suburb on the outskirts of Chicago. The village prides itself on its racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and religious diversity . Downtown Oak Park is home to a variety of shops and restaurants but the main draw for visitors is the architecture.

Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of designed sites by Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect. Take a walking tour of the Wright District, an area of prairie-style homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright including the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and Unity Temple, a Wright–designed church considered to be one of his most important structures.

For those who would rather not drive, Oak Park is easily accessible from Chicago by train (Green Line and Blue Line on the CTA and Union Pacific / West Line on the Metra ). Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option.

Evanston, Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 14 miles Time from Chicago: 30 minutes from downtown Chicago

Looking for an easy day trip from Chicago? Visit Evanston, a nearby suburb located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Visit and relax at the beautiful Northwestern Campus. Evanston is home to six public swimming beaches which are less crowded than Chicago beaches.

If you have more time, you can explore more of the North Shore suburbs . Must see attractions in the North Shore include the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette and the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview.

For those who would rather not drive, Evanston is easily accessible from Chicago by train (Purple Line) on the CTA and the Union Pacific North Line (UP-N) on the Metra . Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option.

Illinois Beach State Park

Distance from Chicago: 45 miles Time from Chicago: 1-1.5 hours drive

Illinois Beach State Park , part of the Illinois state park system, is located along Lake Michigan in northeast Illinois. It is known primarily for the beach with over six miles of shoreline. The park also includes dune areas, wetlands, prairie, and black oak savanna. Activities at the park include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and more.

Indiana Dunes, Indiana

Distance from Chicago: 50 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour

The Indiana Dunes National Park borders the State Park of the same name. The national park offers 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan’s southern shore with wide sandy beaches and towering dunes. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

The three highest sand dunes are all in the Indiana Dunes State Park.

In addition to beaches and hiking, Indiana Dunes offers many outdoor year round activities including bird watching, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, kayaking and paddling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

New Buffalo, Michigan

Distance from Chicago: 70 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour 15 minutes

New Buffalo, Michigan is a charming beach town on the shores of Lake Michigan. The beaches face west and have beautiful sunset views.

In addition to the beaches, a must see attraction is Galien River County Park , a beautiful park with boardwalk paths through the marsh.  For those that enjoy gambling, New Buffalo is home to the Four Winds Casino Resort .

New Buffalo has daily Amtrak service from Chicago on the Blue Water and Wolverine lines.

New Buffalo is a good base to explore various beach towns and wineries in Southwest Michigan .

Rockford, Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 85 miles Time from Chicago: 1.5-2 hours

The most popular attraction in Rockford is Anderson Japanese Gardens , a 12-acre Japanese garden. If you have more time in Rockford before heading home, the city plenty of attractions including the Discovery Center Museum (a great family museum), Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and the Rockford Art Museum.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Distance from Chicago: 83 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour 40 minutes

In the summer, daytrippers can enjoy a variety of activities on the water, including boating, kayaking, paddle boarding. In the winter, visitors can go skiing or snowboarding or visit the beautiful ice castles.

The highlight is the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 21-mile trail around the lake with stunning views of the forest, water and impressive waterfront homes. Visitors can hike or take a cruise around the lake.

Read about more things to do in Lake Geneva here .

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Distance from Chicago: 93 miles Time from Chicago: 1 hour 40 minutes

This lively city is like a smaller less touristy version of Chicago.

Milwaukee is famous for its beer -it is nationally recognized with the nickname “Brew City” due to its nearly two centuries of brewing heritage from multiple past major brewers including Miller Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. One of the best things to do in Milwaukee is to tour one of its many breweries. Another interesting attraction is the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Amtrak Hiawatha train offers frequent daily service between Milwaukee and Chicago.

Tubing on the Tippecanoe River

Distance from Chicago: 105 miles Time from Chicago: 2 hours

Tippecanoe River State Park in northern Indiana is a popular Midwest summer destination. In the summer, you can rent tubes and float along the lazy river or you can also rent canoes or kayaks from various outfitters.

South Bend, Indiana

Distance from Chicago: 97 miles Time from Chicago: 1.5 to 2 hours

South Bend is most famous for being home to the University of Notre Dame. There are many attractions on the beautiful, large campus including the Golden Dome, Notre Dame Stadium, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the famous shrine.

One of the best things to see in South Bend is the Studebaker National Museum , featuring a large collection of Studebaker automobiles drawn from the history of the company, beginning with horse-drawn carriages. They also have the carriage that Abraham Lincoln took to Ford’s Theater the night he was assassinated.

In addition to driving, South Shore Line commuter rail runs multiple daily trains between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and South Bend Airport station.

Pontiac, Illinois (Historic Route 66)

Distance from Chicago: 100 miles

Historic Route 66 is a classic American road trip . Don’t have time to drive Route 66 all the way from Chicago to California? You can visit Pontiac and drive a portion of historic Route 66 on a day trip from Chicago.  Must see attractions in Pontiac include the IL Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum , the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and the Route 66 Shield Mural .

What are your favorite day trips from Chicago ?

Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:

• 3 Days in Chicago Itinerary + Travel Tips From a Local
• The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Chicago (According to a Local)
• Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
• Best Free Things to Do in Chicago

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5 Best Day Trips from Chicago

Are you visiting Chicago but your wanderlust feels like an itch you can’t scratch? No worries. The city is the gateway to the rest of the Midwest, and there are plenty of trips within a short drive or train trip that require only a day or two to explore and enjoy. Check out a painterly tulip farm in Michigan or devour the craft beer and cheese curds in Wisconsin. 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.

Click the link to read our complete Chicago city guide .

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Want out of Chicago but still need to feel the pulse of a buzzing metropolis? Milwaukee is your next stop. While known for its beer and brats, the city’s pride in its past is equally undeniable upon arrival. With the dedicated revitalization of neighborhoods such as the historic Third Ward, Lincoln Village, and others, visitors are kept busy by specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as more growing, creative businesses. With access to Lake Michigan and a number of other rivers with paved pathways, there are plenty of nooks downtown for taking a break to take in the view. Milwaukee has a little bit of it all.

Milwaukee Public Market Arrow

This bustling public market is stuffed with local shops and restaurants in the heart of Milwaukee's historic Third Ward neighborhood. Each of the vendors are independently operated, and each offer different food and shopping experiences. The market invites you to divide and conquer, so bring your most inquisitive or adventurous friend to sample each of the vendors. Create a DIY tapas-style crawl, or shop vendors for tasty souvenirs.

Lakeshore State Park Arrow

Located in the heart of Milwaukee, Lakeshore State Park is an urban escape. 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. Trails are clearly marked with little chance of getting lost, where leisurely walkers and cyclists are soaking in the views.

Milwaukee Art Museum Arrow

The lakefront Milwaukee Art Museum is a vision in and of itself. The gleaming white Santiago Calatrava structure, with dramatic wings and stunning dorsal fin, hints at the talent within the quiet galleries inside. With a collection of over 25,000 works, the Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the country. The galleries feature everything from folk art to contemporary American, across all disciplines like prints, sculptures, and paintings. Wisconsin native Georgia O'Keefe features prominently—the museum owns much of her work—alongside European artists Gustave Caillebotte, Claude Monet, and Joan Miró.

Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast Arrow

Let Schuster Mansion comfort you in history and elegance, at the level of your choosing. Upon arrival, you'll be struck by it's rusty, red coloring—a blend of red sandstone, red brick, and red terra cotta trim. The mansion's stand-out coloring only hints at the interior design. Rooms are spacious, and each comes with a vintage, claw foot tub that taunts you with the promise of a luxurious bubble bath. Enjoy the lush, relaxing Victorian Garden or help complete the ever-ongoing jigsaw puzzle in the Ladies’ Parlor. Planning on visiting ahead of the winter holidays? Schuster's Christmas decor is second to none.

Holler House Arrow

Founded as Skowronski's in 1908 in the Lincoln Village neighborhood, the noisy tavern was renamed Holler House after a local woman complained about the ruckus emanating from inside. But the bar has seen many boozy hijinks in its century-plus existence. Known for its raucous bowling nights—in a slight basement alley featuring two lanes that happen to be the oldest, sanctioned tenpin lanes in the United States, still set by hand—Holler House is where you can go to really let loose. In addition to playing a game or two, there’s a full bar, but this is much more of a beer and a shot establishment .

OAK PARK, ILLINOIS

Sharing a border with Chicago’s West side, suburban Oak Park is accessible via the CTA’s Blue and Green Lines as well as Metra trains. But its proximity to the urban hustle doesn’t disrupt its refreshing slow pace. Enjoy its homegrown Arts District, unique boutiques, cafés, and rich cultural record—including being the home of actress Betty White and novelist Ernest Hemingway. Known for its abundance of Prairie School architecture, thanks to natives such as Frank Lloyd Wright, the neighborhood also makes for great self-guided tours on bike or on foot. Whether you’re a fan of local history or everyday whimsy, a visit to Oak Park is worth it.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Arrow

Designed, worked, and lived in by one of the biggest names in American architecture, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio preserves the Prairie School founder's original architectural studio and his adjacent home where he experimented with early ideas. Wright designed the buildings and filled them with his own furniture designs, too, a marriage that offers a comprehensive look at Wright's insistence on design integrity.

Pleasant Home Arrow

Set in Oak Park's sprawling Mills Park and designed in 1897 by architect George W. Maher, this home is a National Historic Landmark and the only Maher building open to the public as a museum. While Frank Lloyd Wright is the bigger name, his peer Maher helped usher in the Prairie School of architecture with Pleasant Home's design, helping to influence the blending of oeuvres that defined the style. This 30-room museum showcases late 19-century craftsmanship, from intricate art glass to custom woodwork throughout.

LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN

A once-popular summer vacation destination for wealthy urbanites, Lake Geneva has managed to preserve much of its Gilded Age lure. Think a little Great Gatsby in the Midwest. Though tastes have changed, Lake Geneva has managed to stay at the top of many travel recommendation lists—mainly for its year-round resort-like atmosphere and attractions. A place that’s almost always prepared for tourists has its perks and one of this Wisconsin town’s is its genial nature, whether you’re perusing different markets or rubbing elbows at the bar. Visitors can also explore local arts culture. Scenic, lakeside paths and parks are calling your name. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, fly above it all in a hot air balloon.

Lake Geneva Shore Path Arrow

With 26 miles hugging the shores of well-trodden Lake Geneva, the Shore Path is not exactly removed from the Realm of Man, but it is a scenic stroll nonetheless. Wealthy Chicagoans flocked to Lake Geneva in the 19th century, especially after the Great Fire in 1971. You'll find stunning former estates and opulent lawns. By public ordinance still in effect today, property owners leave at least 20 feet of space available to the public, with some offering benches to rest or art installations to view and interact with as you make your way around the path.

Baker House Arrow

Baker House, constructed in 1885, houses an opulent Gilded Age parlor, with sunny lakeside views, and homey digs. Guests flock there for its old-school charm and luxurious furnishings, trying to tap the wealthy turn-of-the-century vibe that attracted well-heeled vacationers to Lake Geneva in the first place. For turn-of-the-century charm and opulence, Baker House delivers on all fronts.

Studio Winery Arrow

Exposed steel beams, warm wood wine racks, and art made by Studio Winery's artist owners create a warm, convivial atmosphere for wine drinking. The large room features many high-top tables for groups to sit and enjoy, plus a small stage for visiting music acts. The wines aren't technically fine wines, but they're fine wines—get it? The Musician series wines take their name from famous musicians, using local varietals and range from dry to sweet. Meanwhile, the premier tasting wines feature more elegant, classic European varietals, like viognier, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon.

Queen Bee Artisan Market Arrow

Housed within Lake Geneva's Fancy Fair Mall, this indoor artisan market is open year-round, showcasing original wares by more than 100 makers from across the country. Queen Bee’s curated collections cater to all ages, so even kids will be able to make a day out of shopping and supporting small business. Whether you’re looking for hand-forged, industrial lamps, a housewarming gift for a friend who you know loves a sassy statement mug, candles, decorative signage, or unique clothing, the market is a great place to find one-of-a-kind, useful souvenirs from your visit.

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN

Holland’s Dutch immigrants are celebrated in the aesthetics and traditions of this shore town’s varied restaurants, shops, attractions, and architecture. You’ll notice antiqued windmills, re-envisioned Germanic villages, dainty gardens, and millions of tulips, which give it the nickname Tulip City. Stroll or hike through the park before taking in the sunset over Lake Michigan, then go out for drinks. While there’s plenty of activity to occupy you during the day, the star-gazing Holland’s country outskirts allow for is unparalleled. What better way to end a day? Play Sufjan Stevens’ Greetings from Michigan album on your way up, track 7—“Holland.”

Castle in the Country Arrow

Located on a quiet country road, Castle in the Country is a quaint, 100-year-old Victorian that screams iconic American dream home. The bed and breakfast, with its millennial pink painted details, wrap-around porch and just-so hanging planters, is an adorable escape out in flat, picturesque countryside. Castle in the Country's seclusion is its biggest draw. Far away from city lights, you'll be beneath star-filled skies and amidst wide-open spaces. The luxurious digs and clean country air are enough reason to book a stay.

Windmill Island Gardens Arrow

Want a taste of old-school Europe? 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. The main attraction at Windmill Island Gardens is its namesake, DeZwaan ("The Swan"), a windmill built in 1771 but purchased and imported from the Netherlands in 1964. The working mill still grinds flour, available for purchase in the "Little Netherlands" shops, which also sell kitschy crafts like pottery and wooden shoes. With 100,000 tulips planted annually, the gardens also participate in Holland's famed Tulip Time festival, with activities for kids and adults alike.

Veldheer Tulip Gardens Arrow

With over five million tulips planted annually, Veldheer Tulip Gardens is a sight to behold come spring-time. The manicured lawn explodes in color, much like you'd expect in the real Holland, with tulips of every hue brightening the landscape. Though you're not allowed to pull the tulips from the ground, plenty of bulbs are available to order, as are other flowering plants. You think it's just all pretty flowers here? Think again. Veldheer also started a breeding program for American bison, with a herd of 20 available for viewing, with educational programing for the public. Veldheer’s grounds also include the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe Factory—a perfect gift to snag before you go.

Butch's Dry Dock Arrow

This stylish bistro is a welcome respite, with white table cloths, warm lighting, and local art on walls. A small list of tightly curated wines spans the globe, but the draw here is Butch's 200-plus beer selection, spanning micro, craft, and imported beers and ciders. The menu is a selection of New American classics, and Butch's prides itself on working closely with local purveyors, listing its local partners prominently on the website. When in Holland, head here for a sophisticated, special dinner that is elevated but unfussy.

New Holland Brewing Arrow

Founded in 1996, New Holland Brewing is one of the country's pioneering microbreweries. At its corporate headquarters in downtown Holland, you'll find the brewpub. The sprawling, two-floor pub is familiar in the way that breweries can be, that is, exposed ducts and bricks, tin ceilings and numerous myriad high-tops occupied by imbibers is familiar. 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. Head there for a low-key lunch or dinner. Meet new friends or catch up with old ones over cold brews in relaxed digs.

deBoer Bakkerij Arrow

This family-run spot has been baking in Holland, Michigan for four generations, adding the cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant in 2008. The bakery bustles with to-go diners in the mornings, with cafe bar seating, benches, and banquettes for restaurant diners. The high ceilings and bright lights make for an airy space. DeBoers started as an authentic Dutch bakery, so it's safe to assume that the baked offerings are on lock: Challah, cracked wheat, San Francisco sourdough, French baguette, marble rye—the list goes on.

Tunnel Park Arrow

Along the shores of Lake Michigan, this 22-acre park is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking—but it’s called Tunnel Park for a reason. What locals consider the best spot to watch the sunset, a unique archway built through a dune gives way to pure, unobstructed views of orange and amber skies. You may even spot a sailboat or two.

MOUNT VERNON, ILLINOIS

Small town Mount Vernon (named after President George Washington’s Virginia plantation) has all the modest charm expected from Southern Illinois, and passionate locals are at the heart of efforts to bring more tourism to their town. Home to Rend Lake, a groovy vinyl record shop, comforting spots to grab a bite, the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, and plenty of wide open spaces, Mt. Vernon might not be what immediately comes to mind when one thinks about visiting the Prairie State—but its surprising creative spirit may just capture a spot on your return travel list.

Main Street Records Arrow

At the only locally-owned vinyl LP shop in town, wafting incense will greet you ahead of your dive into the expanse of classic rock albums, R&B, and jazz albums, rare imports, and more, among plenty of band t-shirts to show an even deeper allegiance to your favorite acts. A number of CDs and concert DVDs are also available in the store’s collection, but management is positive it can track down any disc you’re after.

King City Books Arrow

Though King City Books’ is under renovation, the shop’s reputation precedes it—diehard patrons sing its praises for the reads and espresso bar it houses. It's the only indie bookstore within 60 miles, making its devoted fan base even more important. The shop is dedicated to elevating local authors and selections fit for all ages, including mystery and YA. Locals are devoted fans of this book shop and are eagerly awaiting its return, as are musicians and artists who took advantage of the shop's open mic nights.

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Arrow

Across the Cedarhurst Center's 90-acre campus, early 19th and 20th century paintings and modern sculpture are showcased. Most of the collection is from that of the museum's founders John and Eleanor Mitchell. Take a stroll or drive through the Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park for some perspective. Across the center’s 90-acre campus, works by John Kearney, Chakaia Booker, Deborah Masuoka, Tom Orr,and many more are thoughtfully placed for guests to develop a deeper appreciation for modern sculpture. Inside, the Bonan Permanent Collection is at the heart of the museum—an abundant celebration of paintings by early 19th and 20th century American masters, both renowned and unsung.

Rend Lake Arrow

Rend Lake offers a slew of water sports and other outdoor activities that are difficult to properly enjoy within Chicago city limits. Known as “Southern Illinois’ playground,” you could plan a day’s worth of events based solely on what the lands have to offer. Hit one of the lake’s two beaches (but prepare to pay a daily fee) or take advantage of the thousands of acres of open water for skiing, jet skiing, wake boarding, or tubing.

Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast Arrow

Nestled between the trees, this quaint bed and breakfast offers a glimpse at simple, sophisticated small-town living. 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. Each morning, you’ll be greeted with a full, home-cooked breakfast and probably a look or two from Sidwell’s resident English Bulldog. She doesn’t have the run of the house, but she’s certainly one of the ladies of it. The bed and breakfast is blocks away from the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, a few miles from Rend Lake, and other Mount Vernon sites including wineries.

Jimmie James Blue Goose Arrow

This unassuming gyro shop has been a Mt. Vernon staple ever since it began serving Greek comfort food in 1978. The menu hasn’t changed much over the years (it’s still cash only), and neither has the décor, but it’s part of why the place is so beloved. Get a gyro and fries with a piece of baklava on the side, kalamata olive salad, or—if there’s a bit of chill in the air—warm up with a bowl of gyro stew: the juicy, tangy bite you love served in a rich, brown broth with chunky veggies and potatoes. The stew is the entree to choose for something quintessentially Jimmie James.

Farmhouse Bakery & Cafe Arrow

Locals frequent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as shop the small grocery inside the cafe. But rowdy, this cafe is not. The café offers a number of housemade lemonades, smoothies, hot and iced teas, coffees and frappes, and soft drinks. With its down-home appeal, pies, pecan rolls, biscuits, donuts, and scones all have the feel of grandma’s hands. Stop in for breakfast or lunch—which includes everything from panini to lasagna and meatloaf—or homemade ice cream after a day at the lake.

Fenn Valley Vineyards Arrow

This longtime, family-owned vintner features a warm, rustic tasting room, tours, and wine-pairing dinners in a convivial atmosphere. The winery hosts majority group tastings for special occasions and picnics. As the wine continues to flow, so does conversation. During select times of year, the vineyard offers specially designed tours involving food and wine. Picnics include a hearty charcuterie board, choice of three bottles of wine or 3-4 packs of hard cider, and a battery-powered speaker with cables to connect to your phone or tablet.

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Day Trips From Chicago: 11 Family-Friendly Ideas Near The Windy City

Chicago, Illinois. The Windy City. The third-largest city in the USA. Home of the Chicago Cubs, incredible architecture, deep-dish pizza, and Al Capone (to name a few).

The city is a place Chicagoans and visitors truly treasure. A Midwest hub for business, art, music, and more, there is a reason that the big city is home to almost 3 million residents.

Whether you are having a road trip through the area or planning a weekend getaway with the family, Chicago has almost endless options when it comes to family-friendly day trips for any occasion. From brewpubs (with sodas for the kids) to waterparks, lakeshores, and dunes, check out our favorite day trips from Chicago.

11 Best Day Trips From Chicago

1. indiana dunes national lakeshore.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Indiana Dunes National Park (@indianadunesnps)

Nestled 45 miles away on the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan near Michigan City, the Indiana Dunes National Park is composed of recently-reclaimed Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The park features 15 miles of the southern shores of the lake, 50 miles of trails, rugged dunes, wetlands, prairies, forests, and rivers.

2. Milwaukee

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milwaukee, Wisconsin (@cityofmke)

For a quick getaway from Chicago, drive 92 miles north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is ideal for a fun adventure, craft beers, and lakeside attractions for a half-day or a weekend. Favorite interests in Milwaukee include the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and notable brewing companies like Lakefront Brewery, Miller Brewing, and Milwaukee Brewing Co.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madison, Wisconsin (@cityofmadison)

A fantastic idea for a day trip from Chicago is to spend a weekend from the city is to take the 3-hour drive to Madison, Wisconsin. With Lake Mendota and Lake Monona bordering the town, Madison is an excellent place for boating, kayaking, and having some fun in the sun.

4. Starved Rock State Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRVAk4jFvHq/

If you are looking for a way to spend the best day, head to Starved Rock State Park . Explore the hiking trails to seasonal waterfalls, spend a day rafting or fishing on the Illinois River, and partake in other outdoor activities!

5. Rockford

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anderson Japanese Gardens (@andersonjapanesegardens)

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Situated just under 2 hours from Chicago, Rockford offers a beautiful getaway full of gardens, museums, and historic sites. Enjoy a trip to the 12-acre Anderson Japanese Gardens, rated one of North American's best quality Japanese gardens. Or take the kids to the Discovery Center Museum. You can even check out Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House.

6. Apple River Canyon State Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIT-sKJFZYz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

RELATED: Why This Maryland State Park has Visitors Ditching Their Phones

Located near the Wisconsin border in the hills of northwest Illinois, Apple River Canyon State Park presents springs, streams, wildlife, and incredible limestone bluffs. You can camp, hike, hunt, picnic, and hike on the miles of trails.

7. Frank Lloyd Wright

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diane Richardson (@goldhatpin)

Frank Lloyd Wright is a celebrated architectural and design figure and an icon of the Chicago and Wisconsin area. His works live on through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust and his timeless buildings that still stand. While you can find most of his works in Chicago, you can also take day trips to discover more of his legacy. Head to Oak Park and River Forest for the annual Wright Plus Housewalk or take a Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio tour.

8. Matthiessen State Park

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Just outside of the small town of Oglesby in central LaSalle County, you can visit Matthiessen State Park . An outdoor hub for geologists, nature lovers, and those looking to escape the city buzz, Matthiessen is an excellent option for a weekend of camping, hiking, or even horseback riding.

9. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

View this post on Instagram A post shared by VISIT Lake Geneva (@visitlakegeneva)

A 2-hour drive from Chicago, Lake Geneva offers a lakeside haven with trails, spas, ziplining, unique shops, and fabulous restaurants for the foodies in the group. If you visit between mid-April to mid-May, you can catch the Richardson Farm Tulip Festival , where 5 acres and 300,000 bulbs tulips feature an incredibly colorful array for you to enjoy!

10. Six Flags Great America Waterpark

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Six Flags Great America (@sfgreat_america)

For a day of rollercoasters and water rides, plan a day at Six Flags Great America and waterpark in Gurnee. There is something for all ages at this exciting theme park, from thrill rides to family rides to experiences to kids rides.

11. Holland, Michigan

View this post on Instagram A post shared by mel (@melemel313)

Nestled on the shores of Lake Macatawa in Michigan, Holland is home to the famous Big Red Lighthouse, Holland State Park, and Windmill Island Gardens. You can witness more tulips in bloom at the May's Tulip Time Festival or explore Holland's Dutch roots for a day trip from Chicago.

Did we miss any memorable Chicago day trips? Please share your favorite on our Wide Open Roads Facebook !

READ MORE: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 10 Reasons this City Makes the Great Plains Great

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10 Best Day Trips from Chicago

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From nature parks, historic sites, and specialty museums to shopping and cultural encounters, these destinations within 40 to 90 minutes of downtown are affordable, fun day trips from Chicago.

Day Trips from Chicago

Many of these Chicago day trips have no admission fee and are conveniently accessible via public transportation on Chicago’s elevated trains (called the “L”) or Metra commuter railroad lines.

[viator_tour destination=”673″ type=”3-mod”]

The world’s largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings and prairie-style homes, 25 in total, is just 10 miles west of Chicago in Oak Park . Start with a docent-led tour at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio to get grounded in the architect’s unique design aesthetic. Then walk the surrounding blocks of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District to see homes designed by Wright and other prairie-style architects. Allow time to tour the restored Unity Temple, Wright’s first public building and one of the earliest in America to feature exposed concrete. Metra and green line elevated trains commute frequently from the Loop to Oak Park.

Just seven miles south of the Loop, the lakefront Hyde Park neighborhood is one of the easiest and brainiest day trips from Chicago. The neighborhood was part of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition fairgrounds, and the colossal Museum of Science and Industry was originally the fair’s Palace of Fine Arts. On the ivy-clad University of Chicago campus are two free museums (though donations are appreciated):  the Smart Museum of Art and the venerable Oriental Institute , with its Near East archeological exhibits. Those passionate about prairie-style architecture can tour the Robie House , designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s near the soaring Rockefeller Memorial Chapel , hosting concerts and recitals. Also worth a stop is the DuSable Museum of African American History .

Cantigny Park

Tranquil Cantigny Park in suburban Wheaton, 30 miles west of the Loop, is the former estate of Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune . The estate’s name commemorates McCormick’s experience as a U.S. Army colonel in the Battle of Cantigny, the first American victory of World War I. Visit the estate’s free First Division Museum tracing the history of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division; kids love climbing on the real tanks. Docents guide tours through the McCormick mansion, while the manicured gardens can be explored on your own. Visitors attend free concerts, seasonal garden events, lectures, and historic war re-enactments.

Morton Arboretum

Head to Morton Arboretum for fresh air and active fun year-round. A 25-mile drive west of downtown, this 1,700-acre natural oasis in suburban Lisle was established in 1922 by Joy Morton of Morton Salt Company.  Guided tours, educational signage, and self-guided excursions using the arboretum’s app showcase some of the 222,000 plants growing in woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Visitors can bike, walk, snowshoe, or cross-country ski the 16 miles of paths (equipment rentals are available). Families spend hours at the interactive Children’s Garden and Maze Garden. Special events include giant art installations, theater productions, and holiday illumination and model railroad displays.

While the upscale Oakbrook Center 20 miles west of Chicago draws thousands of shoppers year-round, there are plenty of other reasons to take a day trip to Oak Brook. Drury Lane Theatre stages popular Broadway musicals, comedies, and dramas performed by top-notch casts for reasonable ticket prices. Open year-round, the Family Aquatic Center ’s pools and splash parks delight kids. Walks in the wooded DuPage County Forest Preserve promise scenic solitude in every season. Also consider touring the 1821 mansions and gardens of Mayslake Peabody Estate , or exploring 1800s farm life and Underground Railroad history at Graue Mill and Museum .

The 32-mile drive to Naper Settlement in Naperville is one of the best day trips from Chicago for history buffs and families. Open year-round, the living history museum recreates a Midwestern settlement of 30 buildings original to the area including a log cabin, blacksmith shop, fort, and one-room schoolhouse. In the warmer months, costumed interpreters explain pioneer life to visitors. Kids can try on period clothing and view antique toys at the visitor center. Seasonal events include summer concerts, Civil War days, Oktoberfest, and All Hallows Eve.

A vibrant college town 14 miles north of the Loop, Evanston is home to Northwestern University and accessible via Lake Shore Drive, the elevated train purple line, or the Metra commuter train. Visit the free Block Museum of Art or rent paddleboards, kayaks, and sailboats at the beachfront Sailing Center . Or just chill on one of Evanston’s five beaches. For a peek into Lake Michigan sailing history, tour the 1873 Grosse Point Lighthouse , surrounded by a leafy beachside park. Down the street in Wilmette is the  gleaming Baha’i House of Worship .

Twenty miles north of Chicago one of the world’s most famous gardens grows in Glencoe, the free Chicago Botanic Garden . Visitors wander through four natural Midwestern landscapes and 27 themed gardens including the popular English Walled Garden, Malott Japanese Garden, and Grunsfield Children’s Growing Garden. Year-round programming highlights include tram tours, gardening workshops, flower shows, cooking classes, art festivals, carillon bell concerts, and holiday events. Bike paths wind throughout the acreage and connect Glencoe to neighboring North Shore communities. Metra trains stop near the garden.

Historic Illinois & Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor

Southwest of Chicago is a scenic region linking Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, incorporating sections of famous Route 66 as well as preserved canal towns brimming with museums and historic sites. Hiking, birding, fishing, biking, and horseback riding are offered year-round in Starved Rock State Park. Spot wildlife along the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, a great place to see bald eagles in winter.

McHenry County

The rambling woods and rolling farmlands of McHenry County , located on the Illinois-Wisconsin state line 63 miles northwest of Chicago, provide one of the most scenic day trips from Chicago. Pedal the 26-mile Prairie Trail connecting eight quaint villages, hugging the shores of  the Fox River and winding through 3,300-acre Glacial Park. Chain O’Lakes State Park has sand beaches along 488 miles of shoreline. Fish at Moraine Hills State Park and hike in the Three Oaks Recreation Area. Fun small towns for lunch, specialty store shopping, and seasonal farmers’ markets include Crystal Lake and Woodstock, where the comedy Groundhog Day , starring Chicagoan Bill Murray, was filmed.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Chicago Travel Guide
• 9 Best Hotels in Chicago
• 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Chicago
• 9 Stylish Boutique Hotels in Chicago
• 9 Must-See Chicago Attractions
• Chicago with Kids: 9 Fun Family-Friendly Activities
• 10 Best Cheap Eats in Chicago
• 10 Best Places for Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
• 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago
• What to Wear in Chicago
• What to Pack for Chicago

—Original reporting by Kit Bernardi

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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10 Chicago day trips for an easy getaway

Last updated on March 13, 2023 by Allana Mortell

Summer travel might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still soak up the season with a short, sun-filled getaway. Luckily for Chicagoans, there are plenty of options, whether it’s admiring historic architecture in Oak Park, wandering renowned Japanese gardens, tackling an outdoor ropes courses, and so much more. Here’s a roundup of our top picks for a Chicago-area day trip.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

11 miles from Chicago It’s a quick drive or train ride from the city to suburban Oak Park, home to more Frank Lloyd Wright buildings than anywhere else in the world. Step inside the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio to see where the famous architect lived and worked while designing his famous Prairie Style, the first uniquely American architecture. The studio offers guided, socially distanced tours both inside and outside the home. After the tour, be sure to explore the historic neighborhood to spot more of Wright’s Oak Park designs , like the nearby Unity Temple.

Pullman National Monument

15 miles from Chicago One of the best ways to explore the historic South Side neighborhood of Pullman is by spending time at the Pullman National Monument . The historic district is Chicago’s one and only national monument, designated by President Barack Obama in 2015. A planned industrial utopia designed by luxury railcar tycoon George Pullman, the historic district also includes the National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (temporarily closed due to COVID-19) and Hotel Florence . With plenty of open, grassy space, it’s the perfect place to wander and admire the unique architecture and history of the area.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

23 miles from Chicago Hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and fishermen alike can all enjoy themselves at the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien, Illinois. Only a short drive from the city, the 2,000-acre preserve includes a beautiful waterfall, a scenic bluff overlook, and over 11 miles of trails perfect for a summer hike away from the hustle of the city. Currently, the revised forest preserve hours are open an hour before sunrise until sunset.

Chicago Botanic Garden

25 miles from Chicago The Northern suburb of Glencoe is home to the Chicago Botanic Garden , a lush display of 27 floral and plant-filled gardens sprinkled across 385 open acres. There’s plenty to explore at the Botanic Garden and the garden tours and trams are available to soak in the most popular and blooming areas.

Morton Arboretum

26 miles from Chicago Located in suburban Lisle, the beloved Morton Arboretum is a public garden that includes over 1,700 acres and 222,000 live plants and trees. Perfect for nature lovers, the Arboretum houses both indoor and outdoor activities, including a 16-mile walking trail, children’s garden, museum and more. You’ll need to reserve a timed ticket in advance.

The Forge Outdoor Adventure Park in Lemont

29 miles from Chicago For those looking for a Chicago-area day trip filled with adventure, The Forge: Lemont Quarries is a one-of-a-kind destination perfect for families and friends alike. This new adventure park, built on 300 acres of land in Lemont, Illinois, includes multiple rope courses, ziplining, climbing walls, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, yoga, and more. Advance reservations are currently required.

Indiana Dunes National Park

44 miles from Chicago For many Chicagoans, summertime isn’t complete without a trip to the Indiana Dunes National Park . One of the country’s newest national parks, the Indiana Dunes is less than fifty miles from the city and features over three miles of lakeshore lined with dunes, marshes, grassland, and forests. Tackle the “ Three Dune Challenge ” (the equivalent of climbing 55 stories) during a day of hiking or relax with some sunbathing on one of the nine beaches .

Illinois Beach State Park

48 miles from Chicago More than 4,000 acres of Lake Michigan’s sandy shores await you at the Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois. This park, the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state,  is filled with sand dunes, marshes, and forests meant for exploring during a leisurely beach getaway. The park is open daily for guests during the week, but summer weekends are now only open to registered guests of the Illinois Beach campground and Illinois Beach Hotel to help limit crowds.

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area

57 miles from Chicago For a day of tranquility, head to Wilmington, Illinois — an hour south of the city — and soak up all that Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area has to offer. With water sports such as boating, jet skiing, and water skiing to land activities like an archery range and equestrian trails, there’s plenty of nature-filled fun the whole family can enjoy.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

91 miles from Chicago For a day trip way outside the city limits, head to Rockford and check out Anderson Japanese Gardens , one of North America’s premiere Japanese gardens. The authentic and tranquil 12-acre sanctuary includes streams, waterfalls, koi-filled ponds, and more for its guests to explore. Keep in mind that pre-paid, timed-entry reservations are now required.

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Best Road Trips from Chicago: Exploring the Great Lakes Region

I f you’re looking for an adventure that’s not too far from Chicago, a road trip might be just what you need. The Midwest is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and there are plenty of road trips from Chicago that will take you to some of the best spots. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip, there’s something for everyone.

One of the best road trips from Chicago is the Great River Road in Illinois. This scenic drive takes you along the Mississippi River and through charming towns like Galena and East Dubuque. You’ll see historic sites, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The drive takes about 3.5 hours, making it a great option for a weekend trip.

Another great road trip is to Harbor Country, Michigan. This idyllic shoreline in Michigan’s southwestern corner stretches from the Indiana border to the town of Sawyer and is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Chicago. Harbor Country is one of the most popular getaway destinations for Chicagoans.

You’ll find picturesque beaches, quaint towns, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an active adventure, Harbor Country has something for everyone.

Understanding Road Trips

Going on a road trip can be an exciting and memorable adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure a successful trip. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of planning and choosing the right vehicle for your road trip.

Importance of Planning

Planning is crucial for a successful road trip. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you have everything you need for the trip and avoid any unexpected surprises. Here are some things to consider when planning your road trip.

• Route: Decide on your route and plan your stops and attractions along the way. Use online maps or road trip planning websites to help you plan your route.
• Accommodations: Book your accommodations in advance to ensure you have a place to stay each night. Consider staying in hotels, motels, or even camping if you prefer.
• Budget: Plan your budget for the trip, including food, gas, and any activities or attractions you plan to visit.
• Packing: Pack everything you need for the trip, including clothes, toiletries, snacks, and any necessary equipment or supplies.

By planning ahead, you can ensure that your road trip is enjoyable and stress-free.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Choosing the right vehicle for your road trip is also important. You want a vehicle that is comfortable, reliable, and can handle the terrain and weather conditions of your route. Here are some things to consider when choosing a vehicle.

• Size: Consider the size of your group and the amount of luggage or equipment you’ll be bringing. Make sure the vehicle has enough space to accommodate everything comfortably.
• Fuel Efficiency: Choose a vehicle that is fuel-efficient to save money on gas during your trip.
• Comfort: Look for a vehicle that is comfortable to ride in for long periods of time. Consider features like air conditioning, comfortable seats, and plenty of legroom.
• Reliability: Choose a vehicle that is reliable and has a good track record for safety and performance.

By choosing the right vehicle, you can ensure that your road trip is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.

Remember, planning ahead and choosing the right vehicle are key to a successful road trip. With a little preparation, you can have a memorable adventure on the open road.

Chicago: The Starting Point

If you’re looking for a great starting point for a road trip, look no further than Chicago. This bustling city is located in the heart of the Midwest , making it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the region. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, historic sites, or big-city excitement, there’s something for everyone within a few hours’ drive of Chicago.

One of the best things about starting your road trip in Chicago is the sheer number of options available to you. From the city itself to the surrounding suburbs and countryside, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Plus, with major highways like I-90 and I-94 passing through the city, it’s easy to hit the road and start your adventure.

If you’re interested in exploring the city before you hit the open road, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Take a stroll through Millennium Park and snap a selfie in front of the famous Bean sculpture. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago to see some of the world’s greatest works of art. Or take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile for some world-class shopping.

Once you’re ready to hit the road, you’ll find plenty of options for road trips from Chicago. Head north to explore the shores of Lake Michigan, or head south to experience the rolling hills of southern Illinois. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, head west to explore the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.

No matter which direction you choose, you’re sure to find plenty of adventure and excitement on your road trip from Chicago. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of America.

Midwest Gems: Stops to Make

If you’re planning a road trip from Chicago, the Midwest offers plenty of hidden gems to explore. Here are a few must-see stops to add to your itinerary.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Just a two-hour drive north of Chicago, Milwaukee has something for everyone. Known for its breweries and cheese curds, the city also boasts beautiful lakefront views, historic architecture, and a thriving arts scene. Be sure to check out the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Pabst Mansion.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

A six-hour drive northwest of Chicago, Minneapolis is worth the trip. The city is home to numerous parks and lakes, including the famous Chain of Lakes. Minneapolis is also known for its food scene, with plenty of trendy restaurants and food halls to check out. Don’t miss the iconic sculpture garden at the Walker Art Center.

Fargo, North Dakota

If you’re up for a longer drive, Fargo is a unique destination to consider. The city is known for its friendly locals, quirky attractions, and rich history. Check out the Fargo Air Museum, the Plains Art Museum, and the iconic woodchipper from the movie Fargo. And of course, don’t forget to take a photo with the famous “largest buffalo statue” in nearby Jamestown.

No matter which Midwest gems you choose to visit, you’re sure to find plenty of charm, culture, and adventure along the way.

Scenic Routes to Consider

If you’re looking for a scenic road trip from Chicago, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Great River Road

The Great River Road is a scenic byway that follows the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Illinois portion of the Great River Road runs for 550 miles along the western border of the state. The road takes you through charming river towns, past historic sites, and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River.

Some highlights of the Great River Road in Illinois include:

• Galena : This charming town is known for its historic architecture, quaint shops, and scenic views of the river.
• Mississippi Palisades State Park : This park offers hiking trails, camping, and stunning views of the river from its bluffs.
• Nauvoo : This historic town was once the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination with historic sites and beautiful views of the river.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a 1,100-mile scenic route that takes you around Lake Michigan. The route passes through four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The Illinois portion of the tour takes you along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, from Chicago to the Wisconsin border.

• Chicago : The tour starts and ends in Chicago, a world-class city with plenty of attractions to explore.
• Indiana Dunes National Park : This park offers 15 miles of sandy beaches, dunes, and hiking trails along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
• Illinois Beach State Park : This park offers swimming, hiking, and camping along the shores of Lake Michigan.
• North Point Lighthouse : This historic lighthouse in the town of Lake Bluff offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding area.

No matter which route you choose, you’re sure to find plenty of scenic views and interesting attractions along the way.

Preparing for the Journey

Before embarking on your road trip from Chicago, it’s important to prepare for the journey ahead. This includes packing essential items and ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition.

Packing Essentials

Packing for a road trip requires some planning to ensure that you have everything you need without overpacking. Here are some essential items to consider bringing with you:

• Maps or a GPS device : Even if you have a GPS device, it’s always a good idea to bring a physical map as a backup.
• Snacks and drinks : Pack non-perishable snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up during your journey.
• First Aid Kit : It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A basic first aid kit can come in handy in case of minor injuries.
• Comfortable clothing and shoes : Pack comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the weather and any activities you plan to do.
• Entertainment : Bring books, music, or games to keep you entertained during long stretches of driving.

Vehicle Maintenance

Before hitting the road, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition.

• Oil change : Get an oil change if it’s due or overdue.
• Tire pressure : Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level.
• Fluid levels : Check your vehicle’s fluid levels, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid.
• Brakes : Have your brakes checked to ensure that they are in good condition.
• Battery : Check your battery to ensure that it’s in good condition and fully charged.

By packing essential items and ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition, you can have a safe and enjoyable road trip from Chicago.

Adventures Beyond the Midwest

If you’re looking for a longer road trip adventure, there are plenty of options beyond the Midwest. Here are two popular road trip destinations that are worth the extra mileage.

Rocky Mountain Road Trip

Head west for a Rocky Mountain road trip that will take you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country. Start in Denver, Colorado, and drive through the Rocky Mountains to see towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and picturesque valleys. Stop in Boulder for a hike up to the Flatirons or a stroll down Pearl Street, a pedestrian mall with plenty of shops and restaurants.

From there, drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park to see elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. You can also take a scenic drive along the Trail Ridge Road, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below.

Pacific Coast Highway

For a road trip with a coastal view, head west to California and drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Start in San Francisco and drive down the coast to Los Angeles, stopping at scenic beaches, charming towns, and iconic landmarks along the way.

In San Francisco , take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or visit Alcatraz Island. In Big Sur, stop at Pfeiffer Beach to see the famous Keyhole Arch or take a hike through the redwood forests at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. In Los Angeles, visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame or take a stroll down Venice Beach.

No matter which road trip you choose, be sure to pack plenty of snacks, water, and supplies for the journey. And don’t forget to take breaks and enjoy the scenery along the way!

Final Thoughts on the Best Road Trips from Chicago

There are many road trip options to explore from Chicago. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure, there is something for everyone.

Some of the most popular road trips from Chicago include heading to St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Milwaukee. These cities offer a mix of urban and outdoor attractions, making them great destinations for families, couples, or solo travelers.

If you’re looking to get out into nature, consider visiting the Indiana Dunes National Park or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Both offer stunning natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.

For those interested in history, the Route 66 road trip is a must-do. This iconic highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, and offers a glimpse into America’s past.

No matter which road trip you choose, be sure to plan ahead and pack accordingly. Consider renting a car or RV to make the journey more comfortable, and don’t forget to bring snacks, water, and a camera to capture all the memories. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Road Trips from Chicago

What are some of the best midwest road trips to take from chicago.

Chicago is the perfect starting point for a Midwest road trip.

• St. Louis, MO : This city is known for its beer, blues, and BBQ. It’s only a 4.5-hour drive from Chicago and definitely worth the trip.
• Indiana Dunes, IN : Only an hour away from downtown Chicago, Indiana Dunes became the newest National Park in the United States in 2019.
• Mississippi River Drive to East Dubuque, IL : This drive along the Mississippi River is filled with historical sites and activities. Moline and Rock Island are two cool detours, but East Dubuque is a must-visit for its Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum.

What are some day trip options in Southern Illinois from Chicago?

• Starved Rock State Park : This state park is only a 2-hour drive from Chicago and offers beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls.
• Shawnee National Forest : This national forest is known for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails. It’s only a 5-hour drive from Chicago.
• Galena, IL : This charming town is known for its historic architecture and quaint shops. It’s only a 3-hour drive from Chicago.

What are some warm destinations to drive to from Chicago?

• Nashville, TN : This city is known for its live music and southern charm. It’s only an 8-hour drive from Chicago.
• New Orleans, LA : This city is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere. It’s a 13-hour drive from Chicago, but definitely worth the trip.
• Gulf Shores, AL : This beach town is perfect for a relaxing getaway. It’s a 12-hour drive from Chicago.

What are some great road trips from Chicago for couples?

• Door County, WI : This charming town is known for its beautiful scenery and quaint bed and breakfasts. It’s only a 4-hour drive from Chicago.
• Traverse City, MI : This city is known for its wineries and beaches. It’s a 6-hour drive from Chicago.
• Lake Geneva , WI : This town is known for its beautiful lake and charming downtown area. It’s only a 2-hour drive from Chicago.

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What are some family-friendly road trip options from Chicago?

• Wisconsin Dells, WI : This city is known for its water parks and family-friendly activities. It’s only a 3-hour drive from Chicago.
• Mackinac Island, MI : This island is known for its beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. It’s a 7-hour drive from Chicago.
• Springfield, IL : This city is known for its history and family-friendly attractions, such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It’s only a 3-hour drive from Chicago.

What are some short road trips that can be taken from Chicago?

• Milwaukee, WI : This city is known for its breweries and museums. It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago.

The post Best Road Trips from Chicago: Exploring the Great Lakes Region appeared first on Traveling Cheesehead .

Chicago Shakespeare’s Shakes in the City program will include 22 free pop-up performances and activities in parks across the city starting July 20.

Ty Optix / Courtesy of Chicago Shakespeare

The best free things to do in Chicago this summer, from backyard Broadway to 'Barbie' in the park

With summer in chicago comes a slew of free events that highlight some of the brightest stars on the city’s cultural scene..

Chicago summer weather is kind and encouraging, so maybe that’s why it’s too easy to go out on an innocent walk and end up spending $50.

The good news: This season offers abundant art, concerts and activities for free.

Here are some great suggestions — all free or for a minimum requested donation — that reflect some of the city’s brightest cultural offerings, from music and theater to dance and books.

See Shakespeare at a park near you

There are multiple productions originally penned by the Bard to see for free in Chicago this summer. The accessible Shakespeare company Midsommar Flight performs “Romeo and Juliet” every Friday and Saturday until Aug. 4 at Gross Park, Lincoln Park, Kelvyn Park, Nichols Park and Touhy Park.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater will bring “ Twelfth Night” to a variety of parks across the city, starting at Polk Bros Park near Navy Pier on July 20 and running through Aug. 18, where the final show is at Rogers Park as part of the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest. Bring a chair or blanket for sitting.

Take advantage of the Chicago Public Library’s summer performance series

This summer, the Chicago Public Library’s events all invoke its “Find Your Rhythm” theme; think all things music and performance. There are installments to improve your knowledge: Participate in a discussion on the use of A.I. in music on July 15 at the Archer Heights Branch (5055 S. Archer Ave.) or learn how to access free music on July 14 at Bucktown-Wicker Park branch (1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Or, if you’re eager for an outing with your teen. You can also participate in their summer reading challenge, whether you’re a kid or adult .

Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie in “Barbie.”

Warner Bros. Pictures

Catch Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” at a park

As much a cultural event as a movie, the 2023 film starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie will be screened at five parks (Churchill Field Park, Commercial Club Park, Bosley Park, Bartelme Park and River Park) in the coming weeks. Not a “ Barbie” girl? There are dozens of movies screening in parks this summer and there’s something for everyone’s taste. The park district’s website lets you filter by movie or by park, so you can find something near you or track down which park is screening your favorite flick.

Northerly Island’s 119-acre manmade peninsula offers a nature area that features prairie and savanna habitats, a five-acre pond, and bike paths that bring visitors close to nature.

Manuel Martinez/WBEZ

Bike to and through Northerly Island

Chicago’s greenery doesn’t stop at parks: did you know that Northerly Island has a trail that’s great for bikes and ADA-friendly? The former airport — bulldozed by former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley – is now a hidden treasure proximate to downtown. Ride to it as an adventure, then follow the trails to the end for fishing, birdwatching or simply enjoying the view.

Want more ideas for outdoor adventures, from skateboarding in an “eco-recreation” center to great day hikes? WBEZ’s guide to Chicago’s wilder side is a great (and cost efficient) way to get outside.

Henry Guan, who attends Chicago SummerDance every year, dances during a Bhangra class at Taste of Chicago Rogers Park in Touhy Park on June 15, 2024. SummerDance hosts an event July 28 at the Maxwell Street Market.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Swing your way through the city

Chicago’s SummerDance series provides a plethora of opportunities to get on the dance floor. Dance in all sorts of styles (like bachata, steppin’ or swing) at a variety of parks throughout July and August. And no worries if you’re a beginner; they’ll have instructors to teach dancers of all skill levels.

The (also free!) Maxwell Street Market (which will take place on Maxwell Street between South Halsted and South Union) will have a SummerDance event on July 28 with lessons in Bachata, Latin Hustle and West Coast Swing.

Porchlight’s Broadway in Your Backyard performers Desiree Gonzalez, Lorenzo Rush Jr, Lydia Burke and Adrian Aguilar perform in Portage Park in 2023.

Courtesy Porchlight Music Theatre

See Broadway performances with a picnic

The most iconic park in the city will host some great performances in the coming months. But one of the don’t-miss ones on the list is the Broadway in Chicago’s summer concert on Aug. 12 at Millennium Park with performances from “Some Like it Hot,” “Les Misérables” and “Mean Girls.”

The musical theater storefront company Porchlight is also running its summer Broadway in Your Backyard tour with hour-long mashups of musicals from “ Funny Girl” to “Wicked.” There are two more performances, July 16 in Schreiber Playground Park (1552 W. Schreiber Ave.) and on Aug. 6 in Washington Square Park (901 N. Clark St.)

Try opera without the price of admission

If you want to try opera without the price of a ticket, Millennium Park hosts Sunday in the Park with Lyric on Aug. 25 for a variety of songs from the Chicago opera’s 2024/25 season. The night also features the first solo performance of the season by the Lyric Opera’s new artist-in-residence, the celebrated soprano Karen Slack, who performed in the critically acclaimed 2014-2015 production of “ Porgy and Bess.”

Dive into Chicago’s Black dance history

Chicago’s dance history is rich and, until recently, not well understood. There are new efforts underway to archive and preserve all of the city’s contributions to the genre, including its lineage of Black choreographers. See some of the city’s top Black dance artists at work on Aug. 24 at the Millennium Park performance of Divination: The Dancing Souls of Black Folk , which will feature 10 area dance companies from Deeply Rooted Dance Company to Muntu to Chicago Multicultural Dance Company.

Discover the next big thing in indie music at Wicker Park Fest

Yes, there’s technically a $10 suggested donation for entrance that goes to the neighborhood, but given the “suggested” part, we decided to keep Wicker Park Fest — a breeding ground for indie music talent (i.e. Snail Mail, ODEZSA) — on the list. Come for the headliners Jamila Woods and Superdrag, stay for the up-and-coming names in the music scene that you’re sure to be hearing more from in the coming years. Kids and pets can also find designated activities at the festival with mini golf, arts and crafts, pet portraits and treat vendors. WBEZ will also host its own stage in celebration of 40 years of house music and feature DJ sets galore from DJ Chip E., Microdot and more.

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15 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: Pitchfork, Ravenswood On Tap And Zine Camp

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CITYWIDE — It is the peak of summer, and after a rocky weather week, the upcoming weekend looks just about perfect. It’s the ideal time for Chicagoans to leave their air-conditioned homes and head out for an adventure.

Whether you’re looking for exemplary food, music or theater, you’re bound to find something to enjoy in the city.

Here are 15 things to check out in Chicago this weekend:

All Weekend

Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration

Find the full Thursday-Sunday schedule here .

Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.

Celebrate Millennium Park’s 20th birthday with ¡Súbelo! headlined by Fruko y Sus Tesos, the Grant Park Orchestra in performance with South Side native Common and more.

Admission is free and seating on the Great Lawn is open to the public. Seating Bowl tickets require online RSVP . Learn more here .

“Västkust – Observations From The Swedish West Coast” At The Swedish American Museum

Museum hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 

5211 N. Clark St.

The new main gallery exhibit at Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum, “Västkust,” offers stencil artist Frank Streetart’s journey along Sweden’s West Coast. The exhibit includes Streetart’s original works and art prints, as well as photos of his art in locations throughout Sweden. The focus of Streetart’s art is on the people, animals and nature of the region, with an ongoing element of contrast between the traditional and the unexpected.

The exhibit is on display through Aug. 18. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children and $15 for families. For more information, see the museum website .

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“People Who Came Before Us” At The South Asia Institute

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through July 27

1925 S. Michigan Ave.

“People Who Came Before Us,” an archival exhibition currently in the third-floor gallery at the South Asia Institute, explores the rich contributions of local South Asian LGBTQ+ activists and organizers. Photos, videos, flyers and personal memorabilia, as well as engaging sit-and-learn installations, offer a unique visual journey into this diverse chapter of Chicago history.

The exhibition is on display through July 27. For more information, visit the institute website .

Dennis Watkins’ “The Magic Parlour”

7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays

50 W. Randolph St.

Adjacent to the Goodman Theatre is Dennis Watkins’ popular “The Magic Parlour,” featuring an intimate show designed to showcase up-close magic and sleight of hand. Only 62 guests are allowed per performance; tickets start at $85. More information is available here .

Pitchfork Music Festival

Gates open at noon Friday-Sunday

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.

Black Pumas, Jai Paul, Jamie XX, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alanis Morissette and MUNA are just a few of Pitchfork’s headliners in a stacked lineup featuring dozens of other artists, including several local bands on the rise .

One-day tickets start at $129 and three-day passes start at $249. Learn more and buy them here .

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

2000 W. Belmont Ave.

The Roscoe Village Fest returns for its 17th year with a variety of vendors offering inventive options to please all sorts of burger fans. There will be two music stages, arts and crafts and an action-packed Kids Zone. Don’t forget to vote for Chicago’s Best Burger!

Admission is free. There is a $10 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here .

Tacos Y Tamales Festival

5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday

16th and Peoria streets

Pilsen’s annual Tacos Y Tamales fest, now in its eighth year, is a celebration of the best and most authentic Latin cuisine Chicago has to offer. Enjoy a variety of food vendors, a beer portfolio, live music and street cantinas against the backdrop of beautiful local art installations.

Taste Of River North

Wells Street between Ontario and Chicago avenues

Taste of River North offers three days of food, art, shopping and family fun. The entertainment stages this year will feature tribute bands like Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, Radio Gaga and Too Fighters, as well as local DJs. The Dog Parade returns this year by popular demand, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Learn more here .

Chicago Food Truck Festival

11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

2300 S. Indiana Ave.

The Chicago Food Truck Festival is back celebrating 11 seasons of mobile gourmet cuisine. Sample a variety of menu options in different culinary categories from the area’s top gourmet food trucks.

General-admission tickets are free. Drink and t-shirt tickets are available for purchase online. Learn more about the fest and buy tickets here .

Ravenswood On Tap

Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday

Ravenswood Corridor, Ravenswood and Berteau avenues

Celebrate Chicago’s Malt Row at this two-day outdoor festival. There will be beers from Malt Row breweries, KOVAL Distillery cocktails, special tappings, live music, delicious street food, local artists and artisans, axe-throwing and more.

Presale tickets start at $30 online. Learn more and buy them here .

“Little Carl” at Theatre Y

3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through August 4

3611 W. Cermak Ave.

Theatre Y opens their production this weekend of “Little Carl,” a work of puppet theater developed with youth from Chicago’s West Side. The multi-generational cast offers a transformative performance about the epidemic of gun violence in America. “Little Carl” has already been performed at the Physical Festival in Chicago, as part of the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival and at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Tickets are pay what you want; a Theatre Y membership is available for $60. More information is available here .

BYOB River Tubing Float Trip

9:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday

Meet at the northwest corner of Sheffield and Fullerton Avenues for a bus that takes you on a two-hour drive to Riverside Rentals in Winamac, Indiana. There, you’ll depart the bus, get your own personal floatie and float on a river for a few hours, followed by an all-you-can-eat taco bar lunch.

Tickets are $85. Learn more and buy them here .

Sad Summer Festival

2 p.m. Saturday

The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.

Sad Summer is a touring festival that’s stopping by Chicago’s Salt Shed this year. Artists include Mayday Parade, The Maine, Wonder Years and local band Real Friends. Block Club Account Executive Skylar Fitzpatrick says this fest “captures the spirit of the Warped Tour era for those who miss it.”

General admission tickets start at $59. Learn more here .

Zine Camp 2024

1-5 p.m. Sunday

Richard J. Daley Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 3400 S. Halsted St.

Hosted by Zine Club Chicago, Zine Camp is a free meet-up for zine makers and lovers. The day-long event will be filled with zinemaking, workshops (including a fortune telling zine session), zine trading, socializing, s’mores, snacks and more. There will even be an afterparty at Electric Funeral, 3529 S. Halsted St.

It’s free to attend. More information is available here .

Diego Rodriguez Big Band

6 p.m. Sunday

Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave.

Led by drummer Diego Rodriguez, this band is committed to preserving and innovating big band music. The Diego Rodriguez Big Band honors Black American Music traditions while developing its own sound through a mix of standards and original compositions. 

For more information, visit here .

Support Local News!

Subscribe to Block Club Chicago , an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Already subscribe?  Click here to gift a subscription , or you can support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.

Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:

Arts & Culture Editor Twitter @gwenemarie More by Gwen Ihnat

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Chicago-area exec charged in scheme to bribe Amtrak official with trips, steaks and jewelry in $100M Philadelphia train station renovation

An executive for a Chicago-area construction company has been charged in a scheme to bribe an allegedly corrupt Amtrak official overseeing a $58 million contract to renovate a train station in Philadelphia with hundreds of thousands of dollars in lavish gifts, including trips to India and the Galapagos Islands; meals at an expensive steakhouse; luxury watches; and limousine rides to Atlantic City casinos.

Lee Maniatis, 56, of Palos Park, currently the chief operating officer of Dolton-based MARK 1 Restoration, was charged in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia in a criminal information made public Wednesday with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, court records show. An arraignment date has not been set.

Maniatis’ Chicago-based attorney, Ted Poulos, told the Tribune Wednesday that Maniatis “has been cooperating in the government’s investigation since 2019 and will continue to do so.”

“Lee Maniatis deeply regrets his role in the charged conduct,” Poulos said.

The charges come nearly three years after the Tribune exposed the Chicago-area connections to the investigation, which centered on an Amtrak official, Ajith Bhaskaran, who allegedly approved tens of millions of dollars of extra payments for MARK 1 over the course of the project to restore the facade of Philadelphia’s 30th Street train station, nearly doubling the amount promised in the original contract.

In exchange, Bhaskaran accepted nearly $325,000 in gifts from MARK 1 officials, the charges alleged, “including, among other things, paid vacations, jewelry, cash, dinners, entertainment, and transportation.”

The charges only specify one of the alleged gifts: a Tourneau watch costing more than $11,000. However, an FBI search warrant affidavit made public in Chicago in 2021 detailed a long list of specialized items allegedly bestowed upon Bhaskaran, who inundated MARK 1 officials with demands, including birthday parties, tickets to see Bruno Mars, and even a German shepherd puppy that the company later paid to have trained.

Another former MARK 1 employee, Khaled Dallo, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, was charged in March and has since pleaded guilty, court records show. He’s scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 26.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected, sources have said.

Bhaskaran, meanwhile, was found dead in his home of an apparent heart attack in October 2020. At the time, he had been negotiating a plea deal with the government on separate charges alleging he bilked the Social Security program out of a quarter-million dollars, the Tribune previously reported.

The bribery scandal, which began when an anonymous letter accusing Bhaskaran of fraud was sent to Amtrak’s inspector general in March 2018, is one of the biggest to ever hit Amtrak, a quasi-public corporation that is heavily subsidized by the U.S. government, with nearly $4.3 billion in taxpayer funds going to the agency in 2022.

Amtrak has said it “took swift and definitive action to terminate the employees” involved in the scheme and enhanced its oversight to “protect the company from criminal activities.”

An Amtrak representative was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

The contract to restore Philadelphia’s 30th Street train station was inked in December 2015 and originally called on MARK 1 to be paid $58.5 million to restore and clean the almost 90-year-old building’s limestone facade and provide a “complete window restoration,” records show.

To do the job, MARK 1 had to replace nearly 950 limestone panels, which were made from stone mined in Alabama and then fabricated in Chicago before being shipped back to Philadelphia for installation. The company also replaced or restored more than 2,000 window panes from the old Art Deco windows, outsourcing some of the work to an Oregon glass manufacturer to match the originals.

As a program manager for Amtrak’s major capital construction division, Bhaskaran oversaw work on the project and had control over the purse strings, approving payments to MARK 1 as well as any applications for additional funds due to cost overruns, according to the charges.

In March 2016, just three months after the contract was granted, a MARK 1 project manager emailed Maniatis saying he had been given inside information by Bhaskaran and that they had plans to take him out to dinner, the affidavit stated. “Keep it tight between us,” the email quoted in the document stated. “When r u coming into Philly? … Steak dinner, cigars and whiskey. Let me know.”

Maniatis replied with a smiley face emoticon and wrote, “Plan on steak Tuesday night baby.”

The affidavit alleged that over one two-day period, Maniatis and his team racked up more than $2,000 in charges at a high-end Philadelphia steakhouse and a nearby cigar bar.

After one such excursion in Jan. 19, 2017, Maniatis received notification that Amtrak had approved extra funding submitted by Bhaskaran and sent a text to MARK 1’s owner reading, “Dinner was worth it,” according to the charges filed this week.

Four days later, Maniatis forwarded the notification of the approval to another MARK 1 official with the notation, “$ ding.”

Later that same year, Maniatis was also working to find a German shepherd puppy for Bhaskaran, sending him links to a well-known dog breeders in Chicago’s far north and west suburbs, the affidavit alleged.

On Nov. 11, 2017, Maniatis used his personal checking account to pay $4,775 to Mittelwest breeders in Wonder Lake for a purebred puppy, which Bhaskaran named Matcha, according to the affidavit.

Then, in early 2018, Bhaskaran emailed Maniatis a $1,475 invoice from a dog-training school with instructions to “Please call and discuss this with me.” Credit card records show Maniatis paid for that invoice as well as an additional charge from the training school for $3,875 in March 2018, the affidavit alleged.

FBI agents later were watching Bhaskaran at his home and took photos of him with the dog.

“Your affiant is aware, based on FBI surveillance, that Bhaskaran is the present owner of a German shepherd,” the affidavit stated.

FBI agents raided MARK 1’s headquarters on Maryland Avenue in Dolton on Nov. 14, 2019, seizing cellphones and other items from company executives and employees involved in the Philadelphia project, the records show.

Bhaskaran was arrested the same day on separate wire fraud charges alleging he used his deceased former mother-in-law’s information to fraudulently collect $250,000 in Social Security benefits, court records show.

At the time of his arrest, Bhaskaran had an “armada” of fancy cars in the driveway, including a Mercedes and two BMWs, according to a filing by prosecutors. He also had a number of fraudulent passports and other government-issued IDs and more than $7,000 in cash that he could not explain, the filing stated.

In a post-arrest statement to investigators, Bhaskaran “admitted to accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from contractors performing significant contract work for Amtrak,” according to prosecutors.

He was negotiating a plea deal with the government when his body was found at his home in Cherry Hill on Oct. 16, 2020, according to court records.

[email protected]

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Less than 100 Chicago flights canceled as airlines slowly recover from global tech outage

Delta paused all unaccompanied minor travel until Monday due to outage

More than 1,000 US flights have been canceled for the third day straight, as airlines slowly recover from a global tech outage that left thousands of passengers stranded at airports.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

More than 1,500 flights into, within or out of the US were canceled before 11 a.m. Sunday, according to the tracking website FlightAware.com.

In Chicago, O'Hare airport had 127 delayed flights with 76 cancellations and Midway airport was reporting 39 delays and two cancellations, according to FlightAware.com.

Nearly half of Sunday's cancelations were from Delta Air Lines, with at least 500 flights affected.

"Additional cancellations are expected as some of Delta's technology continues to recover from Friday morning's vendor-caused issue," the airline said in a statement Saturday morning.

On Saturday, 2,136 US flights were canceled, and more than 21,300 flights were delayed, according to FlightAware.

The issue extended beyond airports, with businesses, government agencies, health and emergency services, banks, schools and universities around the world grinding to a halt or seeing services disrupted due to a flawed software update for Microsoft Windows operating systems issued by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, experts told CNN.

The outage "has basically turned computers into bricks around the world," Glenn Gerstell, former general counsel of the US National Security Agency, told CNN on Saturday.

"This is probably going to be the biggest single computer incident in terms of overall effect," Gerstell said. "Maybe not the number of computers, but the impact on people's lives."

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz apologized to customers and said a fix has been deployed, but experts say getting systems back in order will be a lengthy process.

The outage affected an estimated 8.5 million Windows devices, less than 1% of all Windows machines, according to a Saturday blog post from Microsoft. "While the percentage was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services," Microsoft said.

Major airlines have said services are being restored, but that there could be more delays and disruptions.

A majority of United Airlines systems have recovered from Friday's outage, the airline said in a statement. More than 400 United flights were canceled Saturday, and over 200 flights were canceled Sunday, according to FlightAware.com.

"While most of our systems have recovered from the worldwide third-party software outage, we may continue to experience some disruption to our operation, including flight delays and cancellations," United said.

Delta has paused unaccompanied minor travel until Monday due to the outage, the airline announced over the weekend. Unaccompanied children who are already booked on a Delta flight will not be able to travel, and the airline has asked that no new flights be booked for them.

Also impacted was American Airlines, which said in a statement Friday that "we were able to safely reestablish our operation" and it had "issued a travel waiver for our customers impacted by the vendor technology issue earlier this morning." Allegiant Air said in a statement Saturday while "normal operations have resumed" after the outage, they're processing a backlog of customer messages and troubleshooting their programs and platforms.

Even with the flawed computer update rolled back, it's not a quick fix for airlines, which have computers at thousands of gates that will need to be individually manually rebooted, David Kennedy, cofounder of cybersecurity company Binary Defense, told CNN on Saturday.

"It's not just as simple as rebooting. There's a lot more steps and complexities in this that are involved," Kennedy said. "There's just not enough people at those airports, at those locations to go and do it."

The US Department of Transportation on Friday said it determined the flight delays and cancellations resulting from the system outage were "controllable," meaning they're "attributable to the airline." In such cases, the airlines "must adhere to their customer service commitments."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a social media post Saturday said he received reports of some airlines only offering flight credits to passengers for canceled flights.

"Let me be clear - you are entitled to get your money back promptly if your flight is canceled and you don't take a rebooking," Buttigieg said.

Travelers upset as summer travel plans are thwarted

Frustrated passengers lined up at airports backed up with flight cancellations and delays, some missing life events like weddings, funerals and birthdays.

At Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, long lines of passengers waited for assistance Saturday, with many flights still canceled or delayed.

Delta passenger Catalina Villareal described the scene: "Mayhem. Chaos. Frustration. Hunger."

Villareal expressed frustration with what she says is a lack of information from airlines.

"I have had three cancellations. I've checked in three times for all of the flights. And now I have two bags some place ... in the airport, and nobody knows how long they'll take to come in," Villareal said. "So, we've been told just to come tomorrow or Monday."

Thousands of people face the same uncertainty as they cram together in airports across the country, waiting for answers.

"I was supposed to be in California for my mom's wedding," Richard Whitfield of Pasco County, Florida, told CNN on Saturday. Whitfield and his partner, Jonathan Shade, left Tampa on Thursday and missed their connecting flight in Atlanta due to poor weather conditions, delaying their landing and forcing the plane to refuel in Tallahassee.

After their rescheduled flight on Friday was delayed many times, the couple decided to cancel the trip and just head home. But with no available flights back to Tampa on Friday night, they spent their second night in an airport hotel. They were unable to get a voucher from Delta for either of their stays.

"(Richard has) been on hold for 24 hours," Shade told CNN. "When he eventually got his number in line, it was 2,001."

Two hours later, Richard's place in Delta Air Lines' virtual customer service queue was 2,300 in line, Shade said.

Whitfield told CNN the whole ordeal has had an impact on him.

"For me, it's been the domino effect that it has on humanity and everything that we need to survive: food, sleep, or water, housing," he said.

After spending 48 hours in Atlanta, they found a Saturday evening flight back to Tampa they say they can only hope is not delayed or canceled. For now, there is nothing the couple can do but wait and "get a good stiff drink," Shade and Whitfield said.

Another traveler at Boston Logan International Airport was trying to get to Fort Lauderdale for her father's 96th Birthday.

"My flight this morning was canceled. I was supposed to fly to Fort Lauderdale, so they rebooked to West Palm Beach and I got here to the airport, it was canceled. They didn't tell me - I had no notification, nothing," Charlotte Yeh told CNN affiliate WFXT on Saturday.

Some passengers at the Boston airport were upset that their summer trips and plans were foiled.

"We've had this trip booked to Las Vegas for some time now," Marc Forbes told WFXT. "Straight up cancellation with the next possible flight being Monday at 6 p.m. and we were only going to be in Las Vegas for four nights so that trip is going to have to be rebooked."

Carol Edwards said her flights on Friday and Saturday were both canceled, and the next available flight isn't until Monday.

"We have a lot of plans you know visit family, eat, see friends, party - you know, everything - so there's nothing we can do," she told WFXT.

ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report.

The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

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When is the 2024 RNC? Full week schedule, dates, times, where to watch and livestream

The 2024 Republican National Convention kicks off Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the wake of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump surviving an assassination attempt .

The four-day event begins just days after shots were fired in Trump's direction at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing a rally attendee and wounding two others. The gunman, identified as Thomas Crooks , 20, was killed by Secret Service agents moments later.

Trump announced his pick for vice president, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance , and the 78-year-old is expected to be officially nominated by the party for president at the convention. He is currently scheduled to address delegates on Thursday evening, the last day of the convention.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 Republican National Convention.

RNC 2024 live updates: Trump stresses new theme after shooting

Nursing aide turned sniper: Thomas Crooks' mysterious plot to kill Trump

When is the 2024 RNC?

The RNC is scheduled to run from July 15-18.

How to watch and stream 2024 RNC

The RNC will livestream events across multiple online platforms.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the RNC, Monday through Thursday.

The RNC will stream events live on platforms including YouTube and X.

Each television network will handle coverage slightly differently. Here's a breakdown of the major networks and their coverage plans for the RNC:

• C-SPAN will carry the entire convention uninterrupted for all four days.
• CBS television stations will have live coverage starting at 10 p.m. ET all four days.
• NBC News will broadcast "Decision 2024" live during the same time it streams the program, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. the first two nights of the convention, and from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. the final two nights.
• ABC News will have live coverage from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. all four days on its main broadcast network, hosted by David Muir.
• Fox News will air coverage during its regular prime-time lineup of shows, and will broadcast a nightly one-hour special starting at 10 p.m., hosted by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.
• CNN will air live coverage beginning at 2 p.m. Monday, before Trump is expected to be formally nominated via a roll call. The network will then have a combination of coverage and analysis each night from 8 p.m. to midnight, anchored by Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper.
• MSNBC will broadcast a prime-time special from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, hosted by Rachel Maddow. The network will have coverage from 8 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday and Thursday.

Full 2024 RNC schedule

Will donald trump speak at the 2024 rnc.

Yes, Trump is scheduled to address delegates on Thursday evening.

"President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party's nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again," the RNC and the Trump campaign said in a joint statement issued Saturday.

Who else is speaking at the 2024 RNC?

So far, the list of official speakers who have confirmed they're slated to take the stage in Milwaukee this week includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former reality TV star Amber Rose, Indiana Congressman Jim Banks, and Donald Trump Jr., among others.

Iowa’s Republican Party Chair Jeff Kaufmann will deliver the RNC’s speech formally nominating Donald Trump for president,  the Des Moines Register reported Thursday .

RNC 2024: See full list of speakers

What will security look like at the 2024 RNC?

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said in a news release Monday the agency has "reviewed and strengthened" its security plan for the RNC in the wake of Saturday's shooting.

"The security plans for National Special Security Events are designed to be flexible," Cheatle said in the news release. "As the conventions progress, and in accordance with the direction of the President, the Secret Service will continuously adapt our operations as necessary in order to ensure the highest level of safety and security for convention attendees, volunteers and the City of Milwaukee."

"In addition to the additional security enhancements we provided former President Trump's detail in June, we have also implemented changes to his security detail since Saturday to ensure his continued protection for the convention and the remainder of the campaign," Cheatle said.

Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, Victoria Moorwood and Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY Network

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].