Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night. Went to New York (which was fun) so that is covered. Then there's dozens of amazing natural parks to explore, especially towards the northern tip of the lake. Weekend Getaways from Chicago: Market Street Inn - 3 hours . If you'd like to take a little shopping excursion, Nashville (IN) has a great many galleries and artisan shops. It's a popular place to visit, so book lift passes in advance if you know when you're travelling. If you're able to visit mid-week, you'll probably find the slopes are quieter. A complete circle of Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago To Mackinac Island, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Asheville, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Mount Rushmore, Denver is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Denver, Road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. Go snowshoeing at Quit Qui Oc golf course or ice skate at June Vollrath Park. Beer and baseball are the two things the city is particularly known for. Originally a very rural part of Michigan with a few small towns and their corresponding harbors on the lake, the area has grown into a popular tourist destination. Our travel tips: Although average temperatures sit around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, they can drop much lower or rise as high as 80, so it's wise to pack for three seasons to be prepared for a winter trip here! A few of the upcoming options on our road trip list are all due north in Wisconsin. Then, join I-80 and follow it around the south of Cleveland before switching onto I-76 and continuing southeast past Pittsburgh. We'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your entry, especially if you're visiting at busy times,. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. You can join the river at Savanna or a little further down at Clinton depending on the route you take. If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. Denver is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as being a great place to head to in winter if you want to ski or snowboard on nearby slopes. It will satisfy a wide range of abilities, and you can also try out snow tubing and snowshoeing here. Then, shortly after crossing the Wisconsin River, turn onto I-39 and follow it north to Granite Peak Ski Area. One interesting place to visit is Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to just relax and unwind, maybe after a tour round the Christmas market or some time on the ice rink, head to the luxurious Aspira Spa to round off your trip. Continue along the interstate then, after skirting the west side of Lake Pontchartrain, merge onto I-10 which takes you into the center of New Orleans. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. As well as being beautiful, the crowds that flock to Niagara Falls are slightly less during winter. Also, although this isn't a ski destination like some of the other trips, you can still enjoy some winter sports in Elkhart Lake. Or if you're in town with romantic intentions, a stroll through the Diamond District might go down well. If you're not visiting for the Derby, it's best to avoid going in May as hundreds of thousands come for the event and prices go sky high. You can easily do a day trip from Chicago, but if you decide to come for the weekend, you can stay over at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge that comes complete with a pool and spa to unwind after your hiking. Absolutely. I don't want to go to the Wisconsin Dells like every year but something different, fun, good places to visit, similar to New York. If you're coming for the World of Winter Festival, remember to wrap up warm. 1 hour 35 minutes from Chicago (83 miles). 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (155 miles). Just before Cleveland, merge onto I-80 and follow this all the way across Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey before crossing into Manhattan via George Washington Bridge. Morning departure is around 5% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*. How to get there: Similar to the Grand Rapids trip, follow I-90 then I-94 east out of Chicago as far as St Joseph. There's another dozen smaller lakes dotted around which breaks up the city into smaller neighborhoods and adds a lot of character. Thanks Hike along Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on your next weekend getaway from Chicago. Featuring city breaks, small coastal harbor towns, outstanding natural parks and the occasional wineries and breweries, here are our 20 best road trips from Chicago ordered from closest to furthest away - make sure to read further down for more epic road trip itineraries! Winter Weekend Getaways Near Chicago - Chicago Parent Around 20 miles south of New Glarus and a little closer to Chicago is the city of Monroe. It took 14 years to complete the huge memorial sculpture at Mount Rushmore. It's the perfect place for a romantic getaway - wrap up warm and enjoy snowy views over the beautiful city and lake before warming up with a hot chocolate and a loop or two around an outdoor ice rink. The classic design may look more like an East Coast city with Louisville having the second highest number of cast iron faades after New York, primarily in its West Main District. Weather at the end of March can be iffy. " There's also an "Amethyst Room," whirlpools infused with jasmine and weirdly good organic fried chicken. Hemlock Hideaway Campground. 12 Super Road Trip Destinations from Chicago for Spring Break Whether you want to hike, climb, bike, ski, snowshoe or simply follow miles of scenic drives to mountaintop lookouts, take your pick in this stunning national park and the surrounding winter sports resorts. Combined with St Paul, the two merged metro areas are known as the Twin Cities and are one of the largest in the Midwest. It's a great way to experience this historic part of the city, full of character. The Cinco de Mayo festival is one of the biggest in the country, with parades, live music and dozens of food stalls to choose from. A work on this scale had never been attempted in the country before and Gutzon Borglum, who led the project, quickly identified that chisels would hardly make a dent on the vast rockface. This award-winning, community-focused gallery always has something new to see, and with sculptures and exhibits inspired by nature, it makes the perfect complement to a day enjoying the views out on the mountain. For summer fun during the winter months, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is the place to be. Report Ranks America's 15 Safest (And Most Dangerous) Cities - Forbes Cool down in warmer weather by riding the natural waterslide at Sliding Rock. Wisconsin Dells is known for two things - its scenic Wisconsin River gorge and the high number of waterparks which has given the town its nickname as the Waterpark Capital of the World. If you're in Grand Rapids earlier in the season, you can enjoy some great skiing at Cannonsburg Ski Area. For those who want to go on a longer road, trip, the options above may not quite cut it so here are some longer routes that you might like the sound of: By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. 2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (150 miles). Your email will not be provided to third parties. If you're travelling at this time of the year you can also stop off at New Hope, PA, as you make your way from Chicago to New York City. Then join I-196 and follow it north along the lake shore until you reach Holland. Best attractions: The Museum of the Rockies, which has the largest collection of dinosaur bones in the U.S. Also, just a 90-minute drive . You also don't have to book attractions weeks in advance, and you can find reasonably priced accommodation in the downtown area. RV campgrounds 500 miles from Chicago. The capital of Wisconsin is often overlooked in favor of its bigger brother Milwaukee 80 miles east. Plus, you can fill yourself with festive cheer with a visit to the traditional market at Love Park's Christmas Village, or a stroll through streets filled with fabulous Christmas lights. Motor City is the second largest city in the Midwest after Chicago and is worth making the drive for. If you are looking for cheap weekend getaways from Chicago, this is a good place to stay. MoneyGeek came up with this year's list by analyzing the FBI's crime statistics for 2021 (the most recent . NOTL is also a really charming little town, and while you're here you might like to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through its historic streets - a wonderfully atmospheric way to travel through the snow-covered streets. 'Peter Pan & Wendy' review: A real-live adventure this time from Disney For the equestrian lover, Keeneland is a famous horse racing arena that attracts people from around the globe. At night, you can see the falls lit up in spectacular illuminations as part of the Winter Festival of Lights. Also running from Thanksgiving right up to New Years Day is Celebration in the Oaks. How to get there: This is a really simple trip just follow I-90 all the way from Chicago. Then, for a unique and romantic end to your trip, you can even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the city. Distance from Chicago: 150 miles north, 2.5-hour drive This charming little hideaway about 30 minutes west of Sheboygan is often overlooked but shouldn't be. In the evenings from May to September there's also a 45-minute ranger talk which ends with the lighting ceremony. All things considered, it's easy to see why Niagara-on-the-Lake's Icewine is such a special product to try during your visit. to the Bacon and Brews event where you can sample fine bacon and beer pairings, there is always something happening. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (147 miles). Why you should visit: You can see the Nation's Christmas Tree, a century-old tradition in the city - it's illuminated from early December in a popular ceremony that for many marks the start of the holiday season. Though it was longer drive but not bad. It's called - you guessed it - the Cheese Country Trail System (no, really)! 4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). Staying by the lake, seeing as the water freezes over, you can go ice fishing here with a guide, who can provide all the equipment you need if you don't have your own. The City of Lakes is a bustling hub of activity - 6 of the Fortune 500 companies are headquartered here and it's known as a major cultural and arts center. Our travel tips: This is a really popular ski area, and lift passes can sell out during the busiest periods. 1 hour 20 minutes from Chicago (80 miles). You must try the Glarner Stube restaurant in town. Otherwise you can find a selection of different cheese styles and types. Best Travel Destinations Within Driving Distance of Chicago - Essence Whether you're looking for a rural, lake or city getaway, here are a few ideas all within 6 hours of driving distance. If you head further up the Michigan coast on a road trip around Lake Michigan from Chicago, you will get to Fennville - a small city in the Allegan County of Michigan's Agricultural Belt. Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago | Cond Nast Traveler There are a number of different trails that will take you up and down the dunes, past groups of trees that have been overcome by the sand, dune blowouts and pine forests. St Julian Winery or Lemon Creek are great to visit and well located just off the interstate. Places to visit about 9 hours from Chicago - Within Hours Our highlights: From Thanksgiving onwards, enjoy a Reveillon Dinner a local tradition which now sees restaurants across the city offering seasonal Creole-inspired food all through December. This tradition has grown into thriving arts scene, making Toledo a great place to visit if you like exploring street art, outdoor sculpture or a trip to the theatre or concert hall. How to get there: Follow I-90/I-94 north out of Chicago, then continue north on I-94 when the interstate divides. After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. This idyllic shoreline in Michigan's southwestern corner stretches from the Indiana border to the town of Sawyer. The smell is so bad, the United States Postal Service banned the posting of Limburger because of the stench. Why you should visit: From January to March the town hosts the World of Winter Festival, which sees dozens of huge ice sculptures on display and special events held across the town. The town of Holland sits along the length of Lake Macatawa that flows into Lake Michigan. Although a lot of people will travel to Wisconsin Dells for the waterparks, don't forget to go on a tour down the Wisconsin River gorge. The Warmest Place in Chicago This Winter - L Stop Tours Here you can see works by some of the great European artists as well as a wide collection of American art. Note that to enjoy all the attractions Niagara Falls has to offer, you might need to factor in crossing the US/Canada border so make sure you have any paperwork you need (dependent on nationality). Bozeman, MT. There are a few museums and sights to see - the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Art Museum are both worth going to. Next, pick up I-40 which winds through a section of the Appalachian Mountains on its way to your destination, Asheville. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Why you should visit: As its name suggests, Granite Peak is a fabulous and long-established ski destination with some top-class runs and luxurious resort choices. The fast ferries will take under 20 minutes to get you there. You can easily visit Milwaukee for a day and see the beautiful architecture and the Harley-Davidson Museum where you can learn about the infamous motorcycle brand's history and have a go on a scarily realistic simulator. The area is also home to a number of very decent wineries. Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you can also spend time exploring the stunning Black Hills and surrounding area. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake. (Disney Enterprises . Exhibits are very interactive and fun for the whole family. Bonus: Right through January you can enjoy the Icewine Festival, which celebrates this delicious local tipple.

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