There are plenty of excellent day trip destinations from Chicago – whether you want something urban, suburban, or rural. You can easily find hidden gems outside the city that feel like another world. There is also plenty of fantastic nature outside Chicago. Within an hour or two outside the city, you can find rivers, streams, and lakes that offer beautiful views and excellent photo opportunities.
There are endless options for getting out of town for the weekend at any time of year. The trick is narrowing down where you want to go before you step out. Here are the top 15 best weekend trips from Chicago, with many possible destinations. Whether you are looking for history, relaxation, or outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone.
1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is an impressive choice for a weekend getaway with family or friends. The city is just 2 hours away from Chicago, booming with astounding architecture. There are eloquent museums to explore, great restaurants and bars to enjoy, and outdoor spaces to experience. All these sensational places are within walking distance. You can explore remarkable museums in Milwaukee, including Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Milwaukee Art Museum.
Tour the art museum to discover its gorgeous futuristic design. You can take outstanding pictures here as you observe art pieces. You will also have a breathtaking view of the lake from the museum. Milwaukee also orchestrates lush gardens and parks where you can rest and take in the fresh air directly from nature. Take a breath of fresh air as you explore the numerous parks in Milwaukee, such as the Henry Maier Festival Park or the Veteran’s Park.
The grounds here are expansive and full of some spectacular pieces of greenery. You can also tour the Milwaukee Public Market, where fresh vegetables and fruits are displayed. Shop here for tasty delicacies.
Milwaukee has plenty of restaurants to choose from, but one very notable one is Lakefront Brewery, where they serve microbrews. Take in your favorite brew while you explore the fantastic craft beers on tap, or eat finger-licking food items such as nachos and hotdogs.
2. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis offers visitors the best weekend trips from Chicago. Indy is full of fun for the whole family and contains a marvelous array of things to explore. From the Indianapolis Arts Center to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, there is something for everyone.
Indianapolis boasts some great restaurants and breweries that can be explored on a weekend trip. Once in Indianapolis, check out High Velocity or OP Italian restaurants for mouth-watering cuisines. You could also marvel at the motor speedway, which once paid homage to the United States Grand Prix. The racing circuit will raise your adrenaline to desired levels. There is also a motor speedway museum where you can learn more about the sport back in the day. If you want to venture off the beaten path, explore the quaint parks and beauty of downtown Indianapolis.
Explore Garfield, Eagle Creek, and the Fort Harrison State Parks. Ensure you also tour the Indianapolis zoo for an up-close encounter with wild animals. If you need somewhere to stay for the night, check out Bottleworks Hotel or Hampton Inn Indianapolis for elegant and executive services.
3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
It is a city that offers visitors a wide array of things to do. Its excellent location on the western shore of Lake Geneva, right in between Milwaukee and Chicago, makes it an ideal choice for travelers looking to spend their holiday visiting cities’ great lakes and breathtaking scenery. This romantic city boasts several excellent lakeside hotels and resorts, perfect for honeymooners, couples looking for a romantic holiday, and families with an affinity for fun.
Once here, visit the historic Lake Geneva Lions Club Park. It is a remarkable park that overlooks the lake and features memorial monuments from the Second World War. Another place you cannot afford to miss is Boerner Botanical Gardens. Its pastures of wildflowers constitute one of the most beautiful gardens in Wisconsin. The gardens are open all seasons, so you can also go there during winter. However, spring is said to be their loveliest season, with gorgeous displays of spring flowers.
If you want to learn more about the history of the area and the country, you can hop to the various museums around here. Explore the Geneva Lake Museum, East Troy Railroad museum, or the Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum.
Lake Geneva can accommodate backcountry campers year-round. It also offers programs open to everyone interested in nature. That could include school groups, scouts, summer camps, and adult education courses.
4. Galena, Illinois
Galena in Illinois also offers tourists some of the best weekend trips from Chicago. It is another excellent place to visit, featuring an impressive history and a beautiful setting. It has many historic buildings, as well as stunning museums. Galena also has many trails and parks you can explore, such as Grant Park and Thunder Bay Falls. That allows you to discover the best ways to enjoy your weekend here.
The Galena Riverfront Trail is one of the favorite places for backcountry campers in this town. It extends for about 3 kilometers along the river, making it scenic and adventurous. The Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail is another sensational place for an extended weekend trip from Chicago.
If you don’t want to leave backcountry camping gear behind when going on your trips from Chicago, you can rent camping gear from local outfitters in Galena. You can also find stores selling camping equipment in this town and surrounding communities like Dubois.
5. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
In Northwest Indiana, you can explore Indiana Dunes National Park. It is another beautiful weekend getaway just a couple of hours’ drive from Chicago. This magnificent park has some of the best camping spots for those who want to go backcountry camping in Chicago. It is best to reserve a spot well in advance, as many campsites are popular.
Depending on which campsite you book, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities in this national park. Some sites offer water and electrical hookups, while others don’t have these options. There are fish cleaning stations and showers at each location, so you will have everything you need for a splendid weekend camping trip away from the city.
The beach area of Ohio Street Beach gives campers a chance to enjoy great swimming and fishing opportunities on the shores of Lake Michigan. Warmouth fish are prevalent here, as well as bluegills and sunfish. The beach is perfect for family fun or relaxing after your long-weekend trip out of town. Visitors can also marvel at other activities in this national park, such as biking, jogging on the trail, and canoeing/kayaking.
6. Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Cedarburg is a small city in southeastern Wisconsin that offers travelers several campgrounds, including Lazy Days Campground. This woodsy campground offers a playground for kids and access to hiking trails in this wilderness area. Backcountry camping around Cedarburg also gives visitors access to some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Wisconsin.
Lakeshore State Park is another beautiful state park that allows backcountry camping. You can engage in lots of fun and exciting activities around this area. That may include camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. You could also practice kayaking on various water bodies if you love kayaking. Cedarburg is also not short of historical structures and museums.
You can discover the Cedarburg Art Museum, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, or the Cedarburg History Museum. The town also has great parks and gardens where you can relax and take pictures. Some memorable parks in Cedarburg include Cedar Creek, Cedar Pointe, and Centennial Parks.
Cedarburg is very close to Milwaukee, so you can quickly access the glitzy Milwaukee city life. However, if you don’t want to rough it on the urban side of things, stay at Lazy Days Campground, where you have all the comforts of home.
7. Harbor Country, Michigan
If you are looking for the best weekend trips from Chicago, tour the Harbor Country. This area boasts four distinct state parks that provide a wide selection of camping experiences. These state parks offer camping sites suitable for tents, RVs, and vacation homes.
You can enjoy the dunes and pristine beaches in this area. Galien River County Park has some of the best hiking trails in Michigan. You may also want to visit the Lions Pavilion Park, where you can enjoy various fun water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
If you love learning more about the area’s history and country, you can check out the various stunning museums here. Check out the Grice House Museum, Harbor Beach Lighthouse, and Frank Murphy Memorial Museum. Visitors can experience scenic views of the dramatic Lake Michigan coast from a gorgeous beach home.
If you love wine-tasting tours, visit the Round Barn Estate or check out Warren Dunes State Park for bewildering dune walks. If you wish to spend some time here, you can stay at several exquisite hotels. Check out Bluefish Vacation Rentals, Darby Cottage, or Lake Life for panoramic views when you open your eyes every morning.
8. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
It is easily the most frequently visited attraction in Wisconsin. This place is famous for its water park, stunning amusement park, and beautiful golf courses. Adrenaline junkies will experience adrenaline like no other in this town, thanks to the outstanding water parks in Wisconsin Dells. Make sure you explore the Noah’s Ark Waterpark or the Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park for the best experience.
Camping enthusiasts will also enjoy their time here at numerous campgrounds. There are many RV parks in this region where visitors can rent an RV or pitch a tent and spend their nights.
If you love taking pictures for your Instagram or Snapchat, visit Wisconsin Dells. Snap photographs of the scenic wonderland at Mirror Lake, The Great River Road Bike Trail, and the Museum of Historic Torture Devices.
While here, you may also visit places like Wilderness Territory, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and H. H. Benett Studio for unending fun.
9. Rockford, Illinois
Visitors looking for the best weekend trips from Chicago should check out Rockford in Illinois. It is the third largest city in the state, with lots of fun and exciting activities for visitors.
The city is home to the Rockford Art Museum, which showcases impressive arts and crafts. The museum showcases a perfect blend of contemporary and modern American Art. There is also a shop where you can purchase some pieces of art and bring them with you home. You can also visit the Ucchi Pillayar Temple of Rockford, home to many Hindu deities.
Some of the favorite adventures near Rockford, Illinois, include the Lincoln Park Zoo, where visitors can see lions, flamingos, giraffes, and many more animals. There is also the Rock River Recreation Path, where visitors are treated to beautiful and scenic views of the river.
If you want somewhere special to stay in Rockford, you can check out the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford, where you can enjoy finger-licking breakfast and magnificent views. Rockford also has fantastic gardens and parks where visitors can have an easy time. If you love exploring parks, check out Dahlquist, Levings, and Sinnissippi parks. These are bewildering parks with lots of activities to do. They have kids’ play areas where your children can enjoy swings and other fun things.
10. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a charming city with magnificent parks and lakes. The city has many popular tourist attractions where visitors and locals can have a great time.
Explore Lake Michigan, an inlet of the Grand River, where visitors enjoy beautiful views, especially during sunset. Ensure you uncover the John Ball Zoo. It is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. You can do many exciting activities in Grand Rapids, including kayaking, cycling, and swimming.
If you love hiking and camping, there are many camping grounds around Grand Rapids where you can pitch tents. For history lovers, there are various historical buildings you can explore here. Some marvelous museums you can explore include Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Just like Milwaukee, Grand Rapids is widely known for beers.
That means you will come across various breweries and bars where you can enjoy your favorite drink. This city strikes a perfect balance between outdoor and indoor activities. You can spend nights at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites or the Hyatt Place for remarkable services and facilities.
11. Door County, Wisconsin
This coastal town is home to a stunning array of outdoor activities. The city boasts miles of hiking trails and a few golf courses. If you are an avid golfer, there is no better place to be than Door County. You can also camp in Door County if you love camping. There are also numerous boat rental outlets for visitors who love boating and fishing.
Visitors will love exploring the various beaches and lighthouses in Door County; some are open to tourists all year round. Check out the Kewaunee Lighthouse or the Door County Maritime Museum to discover more about the area and its history. This county’s other historical structures and museums include Door County Historical Museum, Alexander Noble House Museum, and the Francis Hardy Gallery.
You will find great stores such as Cherry Point Mall, Top of the Hills Shops, and Olde Orchard Antique Mall in Door County. Several outdoor sporting events attract people every weekend to Door County, such as fishing competitions, kayak races, etc. If you fancy exploring flora and fauna in parks, tour Cave Point County Park or Newport State Park.
12. Boyne, Michigan
For the best weekend trips from Chicago, visit Boyne in Michigan. This town is situated on Lake Michigan, a perfect area to enjoy camping with your family and friends. The city itself was once a logging center, so it is filled with countless trails for you to hike and explore. You will also love discovering this area’s various historical monuments and natural landscapes. A few places worth seeing include Veterans Park, Old City Park, and Peninsula Beach.
Several fun things to do in Boyne include kayaking and swimming, especially during the summer season when the weather is favorable. You could also enjoy other water sports such as skiing and paddleboarding. Most locals will tell you that this place has some of the best hiking trails in Michigan. Ridge Run Dog Park is yet another recreation spot where people can go camping on weekends or during summer breaks. More vacation ideas for visiting Boyne include the great museums. Marvel at some museums, including Boyne City Historical Museum and Boyne Heritage Center. If you plan on visiting during the winter, explore the Boyne Mountain Resort for exciting ski activities. You could also zipline in the forest if you are not afraid of heights.
13. South Bend, Indiana
South Bend, Indiana, is the fourth largest city in the state of Indiana. Not only that, but it is also among the most populous towns in the United States. Some of the top destinations in South Bend include Snite Museum of Art, Potawatomi Zoo, and Studebaker National Museum. Downtown South Bend is ideal for you to experience the dynamic culture of this town.
You can visit museums, including The History Museum and the South Bend Museum of Art. There are great stores such as University Park Mall, Erskine Village, Greenwood Plaza, North Village Mall, and Heritage Square Shopping Center for those who love shopping. South Bend also offers visitors a variety of other attractions, such as Theme Parks for teens, ice skating at the Ice Box Skating Rink, and a stroll by the lush parks in the area.
14. Wilmot Mountain, Wisconsin
Wilmot Mountain has always been a destination for visitors seeking winter leisure as it is among America’s highest ski areas, and people can enjoy many other winter-related activities. Visitors can engage in horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and canoeing in the summer season. The Wilmot Mountain Lodge is a haven for tourists who love to go on scenic tours of the beautiful countryside of Wisconsin. It is prevalent during Christmas because it has a vast wooden fir tree that people can see from miles away.
Wilmot Mountain also offers a wide range of summertime entertainment options for visitors, such as boating, golfing, and renting a picnic shelter to have fun with family and friends. Note that Wilmot Mountain is not all about winter and winter sports. You can also discover the numerous museums, among other attractions, here. You can marvel at the Volo museum and Chain O’Lakes State Park.
There are various nearby places you can also visit, such as Geneva Lake, Gurnee Mills, Carthage College, Big Foot Beach State Park, and the Six Flags Great America. You could also check out Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee for accommodation if you wish to stay around.
15. Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck is a vibrant beach town situated at the tip of the thumb of Michigan in Northern Michigan. Recently, Saugatuck has become one of America’s leading destinations on the list of things to do in Summer.
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Residents and visitors love to vacation here during summer because it offers them a warm, relaxing experience with incredible adventures. The city hosts various activities like tours and festivals, water sports, and mini golf courses.
There are various recreational activities you can engage in at Saugatuck during summer, such as swimming, boating, and paddleboarding. Summer months are also ideal for participating in water sports such as fishing, kayaking, surfing, sailing, and scuba diving, among others. For those who enjoy adventure-style adventures, Saugatuck also has inland lakes for fishing, such as Goshorn Lake and Kalamazoo Lake. Other attractions like adult playgrounds, miniature golf courses, and carnivals happen on weekends throughout the year.
You could attend by visiting this city for the best weekend trips from Chicago. Among the gorgeous and lush parks are Mt. Baldhead Park and Tails N Trails Dog Park. The town also has many boutiques and galleries where you can window shop and bring home some souvenirs. Explore Oval Beach and if you seek accommodation, check out Lake Shore Resort. Here you will enjoy striking views of Lake Michigan.
Wrapping Up
These destinations offer the best weekend trips from Chicago, with many itineraries and sights to discover. Book a flight from Chicago or drive to these destinations to enjoy the country’s fantastic destinations.
FAQs
What cities are 6 hours from Chicago?
They include Saint Paul, Albert Lea, Fulton, Canton, Park Falls, Mason City, and Woodbury.
What is Chicago known for?
Chicago is famous for many things. Some include jazz music, Chicago-style pizza, and 1920s gangsters.
What food is Chicago famous for?
The foods may include a Chicago barbecue, steak, flaming saganaki, jibarito sandwich, pizza puffs, and Italian beef.
