Welcome to the Windy Metropolis! Whether or not a neighborhood or a traveler wanting to discover past the skyline, our information to one of the best day journeys from Chicago is your ticket to journey. We’ll present you easy methods to swap metropolis streets for scenic escapes, all inside a day’s attain of Chicago. From charming small cities to pure wonders, prepare to find the Midwest’s most unforgettable experiences. Pack your sense of journey, and let’s hit the street – Chicago-style day journeys await!
Desk of Contents
Unbelievable Day Journeys from Chicago1. Milwaukee, WI2. South Bend, IN3. Madison, WI4. Starved Rock State Park, IL5. Cedarburg, WI6. Illinois Seaside State Park, IL7. Lake Geneva, WI8. Rockford, IL9. Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park, IN10. Lakeshore State Park, WI11. Monroe, WI12. St. Joseph, MI13. Channahon State Park, IL14. Oak Park, IL15. Grand Rapids, MI16. Windmill Island Gardens, MI17. Galena, IL18. Michigan Metropolis, IN19. Peoria, IL20. Six Flags Nice America, IL21. Glacial Park Conservation Space
Unbelievable Day Journeys from Chicago
On this information, we offer you concepts for the highest day journeys from the third most populous metropolis within the US. Positioned on the shores of Lake Michigan, many locations will tempt you away from town heart. After exploring all the superior issues to do in Chicago, from the Chicago River to historic landmarks, head to those incredible locations situated inside simple attain of town.
Town is ideally situated with simple border-crossing into Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. Additionally it is a terrific place to begin for a day journey additional south into central Illinois. You have got 4 states at your fingertips – so it is best to carve out time for a day journey whereas visiting.
1. Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is a giant deal. This main metropolis is situated on the shores of western Lake Michigan in Wisconsin – only a 1.5 hour practice experience or drive north of Chicago. We’d counsel catching the practice if doable, as Milwaukee is finest identified for its breweries. Taking guided brewery excursions is likely one of the finest issues to do in Milwaukee. Apart from its alcohol, although, it is usually house to the Holler Home and Milwaukee Artwork Museum. Don’t neglect the Harley-Davidson Museum, which hosts a lovely show of bikes and paperwork iconic biker tradition. The Milwaukee Public Museum additionally has a large-scale European village.
If you need a incredible day trip from Chicago, Milwaukee is right. It has a robust sense of tradition and lots of area of interest pockets of curiosity, like Harley-Davidson bikes and breweries. Additionally it is a breeze to succeed in by practice or automotive.
Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours The way to get there: Practice, bus or coach
Steered Tour: A Group Tour to Uncover Milwaukee
2. South Bend, IN
South Bend has a unique vibe as a college metropolis on the St. Joseph River. It’s incredible in case you are on the lookout for a extra sedate metropolis expertise. You possibly can go to the College of Notre Dame’s iconic campus, with its basic gold-domed constructing. There’s additionally loads of native historical past you could expertise within the metropolis heart, like automotive manufacturing from years passed by at Studebaker Nationwide Museum and the regional historical past on the Historical past Museum.
South Bend is certainly slower-paced than quick-footed Chicago. Nevertheless, it has a lot of points of interest too. Consider it as a soothing and mental place to spend a day sightseeing. It has a lot of enjoyable and pupil twists, like low-cost bars and low spots.
Town is situated simply east of Chicago, on the opposite aspect of Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park, and on the decrease east shore of Lake Michigan. It’s best reached by automotive, and we’d suggest stopping off on the nationwide park en route.
Distance from Chicago: 2 to three hours The way to get there: Automotive or practice
3. Madison, WI
Small Madison won’t appear capital-worthy, however it’s truly the capital metropolis of Wisconsin, not the main, sprawling big of Milwaukee. This smaller metropolis has stunning structure galore. You possibly can rise up near the historic domed Wisconsin State Capitol and stroll the Capital Metropolis State Path to sightsee completely different metropolis points of interest. There’s a botanic backyard expertise, too, at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, plus a quirkier downtown space with bars and low retailers. Madison is your most suitable option in case you fancy a political sightseeing day journey from Chicago.
Madison can also be superbly situated subsequent to 2 large lakes – Lake Mendota and Lake Waubesa. Summer time leaves loads of alternatives for water sports activities and sunny waterfront climbing trails. Comply with this strolling tour to see town’s structure together with the State Capitol, Der Rathskaller, Bascomb Hill, and Memorial Union.
Distance from Chicago: 2 to 4 hours The way to get there: By automotive or shuttle bus
4. Starved Rock State Park, IL
Starved Rock State Park is likely one of the hottest points of interest in Illinois. The park sits on the banks of the Illinois River and holds a set of sandstone canyons amidst stunning forests. The canyons had been initially lower with glacial meltwater, and you may discover the surroundings utilizing a community of clearly marked picket boardwalks. Starved Rock State Park additionally has tons of waterfalls, which get impressively highly effective in wetter months.
Nature lovers will adore this present day journey selection. Not solely is the pure surroundings astounding, however you can even 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’s situated inland from Chicago and Lake Michigan.
Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours The way to get there: Automotive
5. Cedarburg, WI
Cedarburg has severe allure. It has old-school-style homes and is regularly in comparison with a film set. The city was based within the 1840s by a mix of predominantly Irish and German settlers and is now thought-about a suburb of Milwaukee. Cedarburg has many cute and aesthetic issues to do, with the bonus of brewery and vineyard excursions. You possibly can stroll the vineyards and tour brewing rooms or head to distinctive points of interest just like the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Nice Arts. Cedarburg is an actual gem and beats to its personal drum, making it a memorable day journey from Chicago.
This Wisconsin city is situated simply north of Milwaukee’s metropolis heart. It’s best reached from Chicago by automotive, and you may all the time incorporate a stop-off in Milwaukee’s metropolis heart – parking within the outskirts and commuting in.
Distance from Chicago: 2 hours The way to get there: By automotive
6. Illinois Seaside State Park, IL
If you need seashores, Illinois Seaside State Park is the place to be on a Chicago day journey. The park covers over 4,000 acres, with a lovely shore path and community of climbing trails. It is a perfect place for a seashore day alongside the shores of Lake Michigan. Nevertheless, Illinois Seaside State Park is equally greater than only a seashore vacation spot.
It has campgrounds and playgrounds, plus bathe blocks and a nature heart. Illinois Seaside State Park is someplace to spend a complete day. Begin with a hike and go to the character heart earlier than heading to Isherwood Seaside, and even tenting in a single day in case your schedule permits it.
The park is sort of near Chicago, taking lower than an hour to succeed in by automotive. It’s a terrific day journey if in case you have a heat day or fancy a seashore journey. Or it’s the excellent journey in case you fancy tenting an evening to interrupt up your basic metropolis break.
Distance from Chicago: 1 hour The way to get there: By automotive
7. Lake Geneva, WI
Lake Geneva is a lovely resort metropolis alongside the banks of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, northwest of Chicago. As a small metropolis out of the main public transport strains, it’s best reached by automotive.
When you arrive, you’re greeted by Gilded Age mansions with dramatic structure and a scenic Shore Path that snakes across the metropolis’s part of Geneva Lake. Traditionally, Lake Geneva was used as a bolt-hole for prosperous Chicago residents, and looking out on the metropolis’s surrounding pure magnificence, it’s simple to see why.
Admire Victorian historical past and Gilded Age structure, and go to the Lake Geneva seashores. Massive Foot Seaside State Park has good seashores, particularly for a lazy afternoon. Lake Geneva is a lovely day journey vacation spot to unwind earlier than revisiting Chicago’s chaotic sightseeing scene.
Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours The way to get there: By automotive
8. Rockford, IL
Rockford is a serious metropolis situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, giving it the nickname’ River Metropolis’. Rockford can also be referred to as the ‘Forest Metropolis’ due to its historical past of tree felling, forests, and furniture-making industries. It’s a shapeshifter with an extended historical past and a distinguished place in Illinois’ society. These days, although, it is a perfect day journey candidate and is stuffed with fashionable points of interest and historic locations. You possibly can cease by the koi-filled ponds at Anderson Japanese Gardens, sit back in quite a few public parks, or head to the Rockford Artwork Museum. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens can also be good.
Rockford is situated in northern Illinois, proper below the Wisconsin border. We’d suggest combining it with a visit to Madison, situated roughly an hour above town. It’s a nice stop-off level for these driving to the Wisconsin capital.
Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours The way to get there: By automotive
9. Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park, IN
Neglect state parks in case you like pure magnificence – purpose huge with Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park. This gorgeous park is way over simply sand dunes and covers 15 miles of lovely shoreline excellent for swimming and sunbathing. Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park can also be a sizzling spot for hen watching and climbing. The nationwide park is situated on the southern finish of Lake Michigan. It’s a stunning spot to go to to embrace the lake’s magnificence. An entrance ticket prices round $20, and you may spend the entire day exploring the park.
Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park is situated simply southeast of Chicago and is ideally mixed with visits to South Bend or day journeys into Michigan or Indiana.
Distance from Chicago: 50 minutes The way to get there: By automotive
10. Lakeshore State Park, WI
Everybody loves an city park. This gorgeous park sits simply off Milwaukee’s shoreline. Nonetheless, we’ll embody it as a standalone attraction because it justifies a go to by itself benefit. Lakeshore State Park is finest explored on foot by strolling the Hank Aaron State Path. You possibly can get pleasure from metropolis skyline views and expansive vistas over Lake Michigan. And in case you are on the lookout for a romantic day journey from Chicago, head to Lakeshore State Park at sundown with a picnic.
The state park is clearly effectively mixed with a go to to Milwaukee. This little island state park is a lovely spot close to town. It’s situated off the Historic Third Ward and accessible by a pedestrianized bridge connecting it to the mainland.
Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours The way to get there: By automotive
11. Monroe, WI
Monroe is fairly cool. The quirky metropolis is named the Swiss cheese capital. It has an unlimited historical past of dairy farming that has given it a large cheese repute. You possibly can go to to take meals excursions – extremely beneficial – and check out native merchandise and produce. It is best to go to the Nationwide Historic Cheese Making Heart Museum and the Chalet Cheese Cooperative. There’s additionally stunning structure and historic locations, just like the Inexperienced County Courthouse, accomplished in 1891. The Monroe Historic Sq. is within the metropolis’s heart, surrounded by retailers and aesthetic surroundings.
Monroe is a tiny metropolis in comparison with a few of Chicago’s neighboring giants. It’s roughly situated midway between Madison and Rockford. It’s positively finest accessed by automotive.
Distance from Chicago: 2 hours The way to get there: By automotive
12. St. Joseph, MI
St Joseph is a scenic coastal metropolis in southwest Michigan and a super day journey if you wish to enterprise into MI on a day journey from Chicago. It sits alongside the shore of Lake Michigan with stunning points of interest like Silver Seaside County Park and Lions Park Seaside. Silver Seaside is especially cute to go to, with a 1910 carousel and restored pavilion that convey an exquisite, vintage-style aesthetic to town. A basic pink and white lighthouse is close to town’s North Pier.
St Joseph is a lovely selection if you’d like a kind of conventional seaside day journeys. It is just a brief drive from Chicago, although you’ll be venturing by Indiana and crossing the Michigan border. Hooray for Lake Michigan’s shut community of US states. It’s incredible to mix with Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park and Michigan Metropolis.
Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours The way to get there: By Automotive
13. Channahon State Park, IL
Channahon State Park is an absolute should. The state park sits on a few of the most historic Illinois canals, housing a restored lock tender’s home for further historic worth. You possibly can get pleasure from a community of climbing trails with waterfalls, birds, and historic towpaths to snap pictures of. Distance isn’t a difficulty when visiting inland Illinois; Channahon State Park is lower than an hour’s drive from central Chicago. It’s a nice day journey if you’d like minimal journey time and an perception into Illinois’ canal historical past.
You possibly can manage guided excursions round Channahon State Park, together with canoe journeys. The state park is a chosen a part of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Nationwide Heritage Hall. It’s broadly hailed as an important a part of the state’s historical past. It’s a nature-given journey park.
Distance from Chicago: 50 minutes The way to get there: By automotive
14. Oak Park, IL
Oak Park is a lovely village within the suburbs of Chicago. It actually packs a punch past fairly structure for such a small space. Guests can get pleasure from points of interest just like the Frank Lloyd Wright Dwelling and Studio, Ernest Hemingway’s Boyhood Dwelling, the Nationwide Historic Landmark of Mills Park and the Oak Park River Forest Museum. Oak Park is a quickfire number of museums in a tiny space, accessible from central Chicago utilizing public transport. What’s to not love? It’s the excellent selection if you’d like journeys from Chicago performed simply.
It’s so helpful to leap on a practice and be amongst dozens of museums. Moreover, its Unity Temple was not too long ago designated as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2019. Regardless of all its present points of interest and choices, Oak Park could be very a lot up and coming by way of customer recognition and worth for tourism.
Distance from Chicago: 15 to twenty minutes The way to get there: By practice
Steered Tour: Personal Frank Lloyd Wright Tour from Chicago
15. Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids is one other main metropolis – assume skyscrapers and a lovely riverside setting with dramatic bridges. Grand Rapids has loads of tradition, with museums just like the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum. It additionally has a cool, secure, and walkable downtown district, which incorporates the Grand Rapids Artwork Museum, an attraction and initiative that spotlights native artists.
We wish to catch a shuttle to Grand Rapids, because it has an illustrious brewery historical past. Specifically, it’s identified for New Holland Brewing, and you may take guided tasting excursions on the native breweries which are nonetheless operating. In any other case, driving is faster, and you may cease off at spots like Indiana Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, St Joseph, and South Bend. You hug the decrease shoreline of Lake Michigan, which is an extended however very scenic drive. Ideally, rotate drivers and have just a few completely different stops en route.
Distance from Chicago: 3 to five hours The way to get there: By automotive in slightly below 3 hours or by shuttle in below 4 Steered Tour: Grand Rapids Ghost Tour
16. Windmill Island Gardens, MI
Chicago is likely to be often known as ‘Windy Metropolis,’ however try Windmill Island Gardens. This seasonal park incorporates a 250-year-old windmill in an ode to town’s Dutch affect. You possibly can take self-guided excursions of the park, admire the windmill, and meet guides in conventional Dutch costumes. There’s additionally a tulip backyard, which is gorgeous in spring.
This is likely one of the main day journeys from Chicago if you’d like Dutch heritage, and it’s even situated outdoors of a metropolis named Holland. Windmill Island Gardens is situated in Michigan, so that you’ll be driving the south coast of Lake Michigan, chopping by northern Indiana and throughout the Michigan border. In relation to visiting Michigan, distance could be a concern. Is it an extended day of driving? Sure. However it’s extremely scenic and a good way to mix a number of points of interest. When you’ve got just a few drivers, you received’t have any hassle as you may simply rotate driving time.
Distance from Chicago: 2.5 hours The way to get there: By automotive
17. Galena, IL
Galena is an absolute gem of an enthralling small city, sitting on the banks of the Galena River with tons of Civil Struggle historical past. The city was house to the Civil Struggle Common Ulysses S. Grant, and his former house is a State Historic Website. After all, Ulysses S. Grant later grew to become a US president, so his story is immortalized. Galena is a good place to go to in case you are excited about politics and historical past. Its city heart is comparatively walkable and is stuffed with tales and scenic Nineteenth-century structure.
Galena is true within the prime left nook of Illinois, on the border of Iowa and Wisconsin. It’s a fabulous add-on from Rockford or Starved Rock State Park, round 1.5 hours away by automotive.
18. Michigan Metropolis, IN
Michigan Metropolis is simply an hour away and is good, accessible day journey materials. If you need a straightforward journey from Chicago, Michigan Metropolis is it. Fancy a drive? You possibly can drive there in an hour, passing Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park. Fancy a practice experience? You possibly can learn or nap and attain town in lower than 2 hours. There’s a lot of lakeside tradition and historical past, with a number of lighthouses to admire and the quaint Washington Park Seaside.
There’s additionally interval historical past on the Barker Mansion, which showcases English-inspired decor and furnishings in a Nineteenth-century mansion. Admire the historical past, have a seashore day, or get pleasure from inner-city procuring at outlet shops. Michigan Metropolis presents masses and, on the very least, is a change of scene.
You possibly can simply go to Michigan Metropolis; correct day-long journeys are low on journey time and excessive on points of interest. And that sums up this lakeside metropolis.
Distance from Chicago: 1 to 2 hours The way to get there: 1 hour by automotive or 2 hours by practice
19. Peoria, IL
Peoria is a lovely metropolis in Illinois. It was primarily established as a port metropolis and buying and selling heart because of its place on the Illinois River. It’s situated a lot additional inland in central Illinois. It’s simply an hour or so additional central than Starved Rock State Park – hi there, potential mixed day journey.
Peoria has stunning riverside parks, together with Peoria Riverfront Park and Liberty Park. There’s additionally the Riverfront Museum and Peoria Historic Society. It’s a pretty place to simply stroll and discover on foot. And the distinction between hectic Chicago and sedate Peoria is huge, making it a worthwhile day journey.
Town is situated southwest of Chicago and is finest accessed by automotive. This fashion, you can even cease off at Starved Rock State Park on the way in which.
Distance from Chicago: 2.5 hours The way to get there: By automotive
20. Six Flags Nice America, IL
What a few day at an amusement park? Six Flags Nice America is a series of amusement parks scattered throughout the US. And there’s one on the outskirts of Chicago, creating one of the best day journey for fun-loving vacationers. The park has water park rides, rollercoasters, and all-round enjoyable leisure. You will get adrenaline on rides like Sky Striker or the American Eagle. Alternatively, strive the sedate, family-friendly rides just like the Massive Simple Balloons or Cubasco tea cups.
Everybody loves a enjoyable day trip. And Six Flags Nice America is the right day journey to skip sightseeing and escape town to get pleasure from some high quality ‘enjoyable’ time. It’s the supreme place to let your hair down and has a formidable vary of rides, making it appropriate for adults and kids. Six Flags Nice America is situated north of Chicago, slightly below the Wisconsin border. Get your tickets prematurely right here.
Distance from Chicago: 1 to 2 hours The way to get there: 1 hour by automotive or 2 hours by practice then bus
21. Glacial Park Conservation Space
Lastly, there’s the gorgeous Glacial Park Conservation Space. This 3,400-acre reserve is a surprising mixture of wetlands and prairie, with glacial kames and ample scenic canoeing or fishing alternatives. It is likely one of the most photogenic locations to expertise pure magnificence on a day journey from Chicago. You possibly can discover Glacial Park on foot or by water or shake issues up and e book a horseback driving tour. The park has a grand whole of 8 miles of shared-use trails, and also you’ll positively wish to convey a digicam.
Glacial Park Conservation Space opens from dawn till sundown all 12 months spherical. It’s supreme if you wish to swap from the usual suburban park expertise to a little bit of rugged, distant nature.
Distance from Chicago: 1 hour and 20 minutes The way to get there: By automotive
There’s a lot to expertise on day journeys from Chicago – whether or not that’s Dutch heritage, wealthy historical past associated to the Civil Struggle, or driving water park rides at Six Flags America. You possibly can embrace small-town allure at Oglesby, pure magnificence and pure wonders at Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park, or craft beer at a neighborhood brewery. Chicago’s location proper subsequent to 3 different state borders means you could have a lot of variety when selecting day journeys. And the ever-presence of lovely Lake Michigan means a relentless barrage of water sports activities and seashores. Hopefully, you could have not less than 5 or 6 day journey selections.
Are you on the lookout for extra inspiration? Why not try our guides on the finest issues to do in Wisconsin and one of the best locations to go to in Michigan? We’ve additionally bought notes on one of the best, most distinctive issues to do in Northern Michigan particularly, so verify that out if in case you have time so as to add a few days to the top of your Chicago journey. When you’ve got longer, why not take a 2-3 day tour from Chicago? It’s a good launchpad to find extra of the experiences within the states round Lake Michigan. Chicago’s location is by far its profitable high quality, and it is best to reap the benefits of it when planning day journeys and excursions.