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Chicago is a fantastic hub for history, architecture, gastronomy and sports. Bonus: The capital hosts a fabulous Lunar New Year Parade in January or February depending on when the new year begins. Make sure you visit the Slugger Museum and Factory - this baseball bat manufacturer has tours where you can see the whole process and the side of the building has an exact scale replica of the Babe Ruth's Louisville Slugger bat, albeit a little larger at a length of 120 feet. Our travel tips: Book in advance if you're visiting Winterfest, as the town gets really busy. At Denver Art Museum you can see another collection dedicated to the heritage of this part of the country, as the Petrie Institute for Western American Art is housed here. Our travel tips: Some of the outdoor activities that Niagara Falls is famous for, notably the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, do not operate in winter, but as we've identified, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy views out across the falls. At Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, you can follow the beautiful light trail through the magical gardens, for example, or take a holiday trolley tour or boat trip to see the city decked out in festive finery while enjoying a wonderful warm cider. 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! Where's the warmest, sunniest place in Chicago during the winter months? 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (155 miles). The Garfield Park Conservatory, of course. You can see Cinderella's Castle made even more magical at Walt Disney World, or visit EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays to take a whistle-stop tour around the world's traditions. This after-dark spectacle sees City Park lit up with more than a million lights. Named after the tall cedar trees, it is particularly well known for its lush forests that cover the hills around Cedarburg. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake. If you're in Philadelphia towards the end of the holiday season, you'll be able to watch the Mummers' Parade on New Year's Day. 25 Weekend Getaways Near Chicago | Midwest Living How to get there: Follow I-90 out of Chicago then merge onto US-41 at the southern tip of Lake Michigan and continue south past Terre Haute and Vincennes. Our highlights: Boyne Mountain is primarily a ski resort, so take to the slopes and explore more than 415 acres of ski runs. 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. Head across the border to see the falls from a different perspective, or visit the fabulous wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Olympian Mark Grimmette trained on the Luge track here when he was young and went on to compete at five Winter Olympic Games, winning medals at two of them. 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. 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. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (150 miles). Back in town, tour the River Arts District on foot to meet artists at work in their studios. Take I-290 W from Chicago's downtown, which leads you out onto I-88. It's not all about the outdoors though. Around 20 miles south of New Glarus and a little closer to Chicago is the city of Monroe. 15 Best Winter Road Trips from Chicago - LazyTrips How to get there: Join I-57 and follow it south all the way to Cairo, on the Illinois/Missouri border. You could . All that snow means that you can ski in the area around Asheville. The temperatures surpassed the 136-year-old . SBD is a respectable 2nd place, IMO, and added attractions are wine country, nice beaches, warmer water (usually) and resort options (homestead resort near glen arbor gets high marks in the MI-Fo's). 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. Starved Rock State Park is just 100 miles southwest of Chicago, offering an ideal spot to enjoy nature with more than a dozen sandstone canyons along with beautiful waterfalls that are especially powerful in the spring. It's the perfect way to enjoy the snowy conditions, and there are ski runs here to suit many different abilities. While you're in town you can take a magical snowy hike through the trees at Madison Arboretum, then round off your day with outdoor dining - several Madison restaurants have heated outdoor domes so you can enjoy snowy views while dining al fresco. As well as being able to see the famous memorial in person, this is a great road trip that takes you from one side of the Great Plains to the other via some interesting and varied cities. Nearby, Biltmore is a huge gilded-age mansion with vast formal gardens, trails to explore and its own winery. They don't run every day, but when they do they're really magical. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. Why you should visit: Wisconsin's state capital has all the cultural and foodie delights that you'd expect in a big city, with added snow that opens up a whole range of other activities to enjoy. The first week of December is particularly busy, but many travellers report that the crowds and prices calm down a little mid-month. Drive, reach and enjoy the beautiful states around. Two different types of ski lifts were invented here - so when you ski here in modern times you'll be following the lead of some of the country's ski pioneers. From Chicago To Driving Time: Lake Geneva, WI: 1 hour and 30 minutes: Galena, IL: 2 hours 45 minutes: Kohler, WI: 2 hours and 20 minutes . Also, although this isn't a ski destination like some of the other trips, you can still enjoy some winter sports in Elkhart Lake. You will pass through the cities of Milwaukee, Green Bay, Traverse City and Grand Rapids which are all worth going to in their own right. From here, pick up I-76 and follow it straight down to Denver. There are only 3 other Luge tracks in the whole of the United States, so if you've always fancied trying out this exhilarating sport, this is probably your best chance. The 830-mile road trip from Chicago to Washington DC will take you around 14 hours to drive non-stop. 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. Thousands of people in absolutely dazzling costumes parade through the city in a historic tradition. I am actually down for anything, just to get some fresh air and get out of the city. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (100 miles). Our highlights: There might not be snow and ice on the ground, but Savannah manages to fill the holiday season with its very own brand of festive charm. These will carry you up to a quarter of a mile across the resort's valleys, giving you a bird's eye view of your stunning surroundings. After Hopkinsville, join I-24 and follow it through Nashville to Chattanooga where you'll switch onto I-75 which runs all the way to Florida. Or if you're feeling more active, there are sledding slopes in the park too. Lake ice was harvested and taken to nearby towns and cities - it was big business here as late as the 1940s. Motor City is the second largest city in the Midwest after Chicago and is worth making the drive for. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (93 miles). It is the only working Dutch windmill in the United States and it is beautiful in May when the weather gets good and the thousands of tulips flower. Stop at the Crane Orchards to sample one of their legendary pies as you make your way around! You can also delve into the natural wilderness of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests where you'll find more hiking opportunities, mountain biking routes, and the North Carolina Arboretum. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. High season is considered to be June and July. Choose from a lodge room, suite, 4-bed or 8-bed luxury cottage, ideal for multi-generation or multi-family groups. Mount Rushmore is a unique national monument that's a must-see for many Americans and tourists alike, which makes it the perfect destination from Chicago. The biggest ski area in the state is perfectly set up for skiers, with fast lifts and dozens of trails to follow. Highlights include the cities of Indianapolis, Dayton and Columbus; as well as Wayne National Forest, Seneca Rocks, Shenandah National Park and Monongahela National Forest. Why visit? Louisville is best known as the host of the Kentucky Derby - the famous horse race takes place on the first Saturday in May and has run since 1875. The city is famous for Mardi Gras, which takes place in late February, but warm-up events actually start in January, so you can enjoy week after week of enjoyment. Your email will not be provided to third parties. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. 10~14 drive from Chicago - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Or if you're here a little earlier in winter, you can get yourself into the holiday spirit with a snowy visit to the Sculpture Gardens or enjoy some exhilarating winter sports. (866) 399-3866. www.grizzlyjacksresort.com. Bonus: As well as being known for its winter sports, Grand Rapids is famous for its many craft breweries - in fact, it's been given the title of Beer City USA! Absolutely. Once you get to halfway point, you should spend a day or longer on Mackinac Island. 4 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (290 miles). If it's your first time in Toronto, you'll probably want to see some of the city's sights while you're in town too. You should definitely visit New York in winter so you can say you've experienced them all first-hand. After around 250 miles of driving you'll cross the Maumee River then turn off onto I-75 heading towards downtown Toledo. Our travel tips: Parts of the city get extremely crowded in December, and accommodation prices rise accordingly. The city is in a prime spot with a lot of road trip options for you to escape to the surrounding destinations within 5 hrs drive. The best thing about Madison, like many places in Wisconsin, is the food. You might not have thought of Minneapolis as a city break destination from Chicago, but Minnesota's largest city is an amazing mix of culture, music, awesome food and the outdoors which you really have to visit. 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. This Mom n pop classic fast food diner has been in Oglesby since 1955 and serves top notch root beer floats and burgers. Why you should visit: Mild weather and weeks of flamboyant parades makes New Orleans the perfect contrast to snowy Chicago. Getting to St Louis is easy - the I-55 will take you all the way to the Gateway City. As a result, you will find some great restaurants and interesting art galleries and independent craft shops up and down the coast - New Buffalo is great for its boutiques and farm shops. Then, check out the Christmas Village or the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (147 miles). Our highlights: Granite Mountain is one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, and it's been at the forefront of innovation in the skiing industry. Here you can see works by some of the great European artists as well as a wide collection of American art. You won't need any previous experience or equipment, as your entrance to the track includes a lesson and all the equipment you'll need to enjoy your visit safely. Constructed between 1906 and 1907, the Conservatory was conceived and designed by Chicago's West Park Commission's general superintendent and chief landscape architect, Jens . 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. If you're coming for the World of Winter Festival, remember to wrap up warm. 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. If you're here in winter, check out the National Gingerbread House Competition visitors can view entries into this big-money event. Best Winter Road Trip Destinations Near Chicago - CBS Chicago - CBS News You'll learn about the many faces of Lake Erie, from the Underground Railroad which ferried slaves to safety across the lake, to prohibition bootleggers. So, without further ado, here's what I would recommend for the Chicagoans ready to take on the road and create life-long Spring Road Trip memories with family and friends. The area is also home to a number of very decent wineries. 6 Best Road Trips From Chicago | Travel + Leisure 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. The Windy City also boasts a stellar location, just a drive away from fascinating landmarks, charming small towns, scenic lakes and iconic cities if you'd like to venture out to explore. The local Fermentorium brewery has some 24 different beers on tap - not too shabby for a local place! 5 Winter Road Trip Ideas to Warmer Destinations - Auto Lab Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. 809 Civic Center Dr., Niles; 847-972-2540 or kingspa.com. If you're thinking of setting off on a road trip from Chicago in another season, check out our ultimate guide for Best Road Trips from Chicago for ideas and inspiration. 3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles). Our travel tips: You don't have to have your own equipment to enjoy skating, snowshoeing or skiing it's available to rent at many of the attractions. Next, pick up I-40 which winds through a section of the Appalachian Mountains on its way to your destination, Asheville. If you'd like to take a little shopping excursion, Nashville (IN) has a great many galleries and artisan shops. Best Spring Break Road Trips from Chicago - Windings to Unwind 1. After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. Hike along Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on your next weekend getaway from Chicago. Then, join I-80 and follow it around the south of Cleveland before switching onto I-76 and continuing southeast past Pittsburgh. The name gives away what this place is all about - everything here stems from Holland's Dutch origins. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). " There's also an "Amethyst Room," whirlpools infused with jasmine and weirdly good organic fried chicken. There are festivals throughout the year from the world's largest Bratfest (you can eat a lot of sausages here!) As you'd expect, with much of the Midwest sitting under snow through the winter, the weekend trips you can take from Chicago all have a winter sports element to them. Here you can join in with the 9-day Winter Festival (late January). The key message is to wrap up warm and be prepared for whatever weather the city throws at you - pretty standard for DC! Chicago is a fantastic city, known for its stunning lakeside location, the Magnificent Mile, and its world-class museums and galleries. As well as Mardi Gras, New Orleans is also a vibrant city where you can enjoy live music, fabulous food and warm winter weather - perhaps the closest you can get to a trip overseas without needing a passport! Don't forget to check out some of the Smithsonian museums too they're free to enter so you can visit one or many, and enjoy some of the more popular sites without the crowds, especially if you're visiting after the holiday period. Follow the Great River Road as it twists and turns and you will be rewarded with great views the entire way. It runs parallel to Lake Erie, so if you have a little longer to make your trip then you might like to pause along the way to admire views across the lake. You can easily visit for a day or stay the night to see more of the local sights and museums. Plus, if you're in the market for some Christmas shopping you can take your pick of fabulous department stores, designer brands and boutique sellers. The main attraction is a 21-mile loop around the lake with stunning forest scenery and great views of the water. Founded in 1778, Louisville is a really amazing mix of old and new. After a rapid period of growth through the first two thirds of the 20th century, Detroit suffered an economic collapse and a massive decline since the 70s. 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. If you're visiting later in the season, check out Winter Restaurant Week. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Seeing the falls in winter is a magical experience, with massive icicles and undulating snow drifts surrounding the famous vistas. It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February. Why you should visit: New York City puts on an amazing display for the holidays from festive lights to Christmas trees and fabulous window displays throughout the city, all with a thick covering of snow. Make sure you grab some food at the Root beer Stand. Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa is located on one of the island's best beaches, and offers a variety of family-friendly amenities. 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. You must try the Glarner Stube restaurant in town. Like Chicago, Saugatuck is also located on the Lake Michigan shore, but it couldn't be more different. Follow this road all the way across Illinois to Davenport, where you'll cross over the Mississippi River which forms the border between Illinois and Iowa. Saugatuck, which sits at the center of the state's Art Coast, has been voted the Midwest's Best Beach Town, and its gently sloping sandy beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The route up to La Crosse will pass a few great stop off points - check out the steel Black Hawk Bridge over the Mississippi at Lansing and the Nelson Dewey State Park has some of the best panoramic views of the river and surrounding forests. 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. This leads you eventually onto I-95, which you'll follow south to Savannah. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Biergarten are the home of Budweiser but there are loads of small local breweries where you will get a more authentic experience. 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. Back on dry land, if you're still feeling energetic you can explore the trails of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or follow the 300 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead to take in the lake view. Flight $$$: $500. In Wasau, the nearest town to Granite Peak, there are some great food and drink options for the essential apres-ski part of the day! Another is called the " Fire Sudatorium. This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. I-80 is a notoriously busy road, with heavy commercial traffic and few landmarks of interest. Try the City Lights brewery tour - located in the renovated Milwaukee Gas Light Company buildings dating back to 1902, the brewery has a cool industrial vibe with its mix of old and new. Distance from Chicago: 353 miles northeast, five-hour drive Why it made our list: Sprawling over 850 acres, the Midwest's largest ski resort offers everything from skiing and snowmobiling to. Went to New York (which was fun) so that is covered. With many travelers heading to Asheville to see the stunning display of foliage in the fall, we'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your choice of accommodation at this time of year. Save 1. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. MoneyGeek came up with this year's list by analyzing the FBI's crime statistics for 2021 (the most recent . 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! 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (140 miles). September and October are the best times to come to Cedarburg - the trees glow with their oranges and maroons and the locals celebrate Oktoberfest with special events, seasonal beers and great food. Winters are bitterly cold and very snowy - that drive from Chicago might not be the best idea in the middle of February! The town on its western end is called Lake Geneva, the lake just to the north is called Lake Como with the town of Como sitting along it. If you have time to head out of town, make your way to Tampa to see Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. The lake freezes over right through the winter, so you can head out with a guide for a unique ice-fishing experience. Given the city's mild winter climate, it's the perfect place to end the day with a romantic stroll. One of the best places to visit in Illinois, this state park features 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails to explore. 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. From mid-January you can see parades and events starting up, then the main event, Mardi Gras, starts on Shrove Tuesday and carries on for two weeks. 14 Best Road Trips from Chicago to Experience the Midwest Bonus: Early in February Lake Geneva's Winterfest bursts into action, with an ice sculpting competition and snow races! But is it worth a daytrip to an obscure Chicago suburb? Our highlights: The highlight of most people's visit to Niagara Falls is to see the mighty waterfalls up close, but if you visit in winter you can also marvel at the massive icicles that form right by the viewing platform on the Journey Behind the Falls. That way, current and future visitors will be guaranteed the same fabulous experience of NOLA's longstanding and unique traditions. The 10 Cheapest Flights from Chicago | Hopper (Disney Enterprises . If 21 miles seems a little much, focus in on the 2-mile stretch on the West End. Then, shortly after crossing the Wisconsin River, turn onto I-39 and follow it north to Granite Peak Ski Area. 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. The capital of Wisconsin is often overlooked in favor of its bigger brother Milwaukee 80 miles east. Weekend Getaways from Chicago: Market Street Inn - 3 hours . Along the way you'll pass the cities of Madison, La Crosse and Sioux City, and you'll cross both the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. 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. 11 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (700 miles). There are plenty of places to stop and a lot of parks and trails if you want to get out of the car. Drive time: 2 hours from downtown. First is the village of New Glarus. It's a great way to experience this historic part of the city, full of character. For the equestrian lover, Keeneland is a famous horse racing arena that attracts people from around the globe. Kentucky is only about seven hours from Chicago. 4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). 1 week road trip within 10 hours or so of Chicago - Tripadvisor Driving time from Chicago: One and a half hours Our neighbors to the north will make you feel right at home with a seemingly endless supply of craft beer and cheese. It eventually turns inland to take you right to Grand Rapids. Why you should visit: As you'd expect in a town that sees significant snowfall from December to February, you can enjoy a range of winter sports. This can be particularly handy if you're staying a little way out of town, or if you want to avoid a long walk back to your parking spot at the end of the day. You can see how every aspect of the village life would have been complete with the blacksmith shop, school and church buildings. The capitol building and a few great museums are definitely worth seeing - the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chazen Art Museum both have huge collections spanning different styles and time periods. If you want to get better scenery, you can always cut across to the Mississippi and drive up the Great River Road (see #18 above). If you want to strike out a little further and explore, you can go horseback riding or cross-country skiing through the woodlands or try out snow biking for something new.