2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (130 miles). If that gets your creative juices flowing it's also possible to take a one-day art workshop or a longer summer school in the city. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, fishing, climbing, boating and more forge incredible nature experiences in some of the most unique settings of the Midwest. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's St. Maarten Guide Jo Ann. If you're staying overnight it's best to find accommodation with private parking. Our highlights: You can see all the historic gems of Philly decked out with lights and trees for the holiday season, and the city's beautiful riverside setting just adds to the magic. The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. The World of Winter Festival is the perfect post-holiday pick-me-up - the ideal way to brighten up the dark, cold months after Christmas. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (140 miles). 2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (150 miles). After heavy rainfall - this is also the perfect time for viewing colorful wildflowers. The parade brings together dragons and lions dancing through DC's streets, as well as drummers, dance troupes and firecrackers - it's a real feast for the senses. Bonus: If you're here before the holidays, get into the festive spirit at the Distillery District Christmas Market, which runs from mid-November until New Year. High season is considered to be June and July. 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. Indiana Dunes, Indiana 1 hour from Chicago (50 miles) " There's also an "Amethyst Room," whirlpools infused with jasmine and weirdly good organic fried chicken. How to get there: Follow I-90/I-94 north out of Chicago, then continue north on I-94 when the interstate divides. 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. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Alexander Molony as Peter Pan, Ever Anderson as Wendy, Joshua Pickering as John Darling and Jacobi Jupe as Michael Darling in "Peter Pan & Wendy," directed by David Lowery. 489 miles northeast of Chicago: Lake Bernard Park. There are also several events to mark Dia de los Muertos in late October and early November. Here you can join in with the 9-day Winter Festival (late January). Though it was longer drive but not bad. Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. 2643 Illinois Route 178. Go snowshoeing at Quit Qui Oc golf course or ice skate at June Vollrath Park. With large distances to cover, some of the early pioneers of flight lived and worked in this part of the country and you can also find out about the former Air Force base where the museum is located. So, pack up your skis and look out for your skates - but don't worry if you're not the biggest fan of the slopes, since you'll also find great restaurants, beautiful views and stunning spas at these weekend destinations. 506 miles east of Chicago: Upper - Kettle Creek State Park. To make the most of the trip, take a couple of weeks and make a lot of stops along the way. Otherwise you can find a selection of different cheese styles and types. It took 14 years to complete the huge memorial sculpture at Mount Rushmore. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Our highlights: Roll back 100 years and one of the biggest draws of Lake Geneva, WI, wasn't its snow, but the ice! You should ride to the top of it to get unbelievable views of the city below - tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for children with discounts outside weekends. Then, soon after crossing the Mississippi River, change onto I-55 and follow it south. At night, you can see the falls lit up in spectacular illuminations as part of the Winter Festival of Lights. Sundays have a free Jazz Brunch outdoor concert series along the scenic Riverwalk. 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. Little Orleans Campground. Canada produces a significant proportion of the world's Icewine, a dessert wine created from grapes left on the vine to freeze before being harvested. Beer and baseball are the two things the city is particularly known for. 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. With its artisan produce, a relaxed country vibe and outdoor activities on and off the lake, Harbor Country is a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. There are festivals throughout the year from the world's largest Bratfest (you can eat a lot of sausages here!) Back in town you'll get beautiful winter views over icy Lake Michigan. 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. Keep reading to find out where you could go, how to get there, and our pick of what's waiting for you when you arrive. 605 S. Prospect St., Galena IL, 800-717-2317. Why you should visit: Seeing the famous falls cascading through the snowy ground is a truly magical experience and one that's different to any other trip you might take. A wide selection of breweries includes European-style beers and the pizza-serving Harmony. And if you're missing that traditional winter vibe, visit Now Snowing in Celebration, where frosty views meet Florida sun including hourly snow flurries. You must try the Glarner Stube restaurant in town. If you want to head across the border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake make sure to pack the required travel documentation, and allow extra time to make the border crossing, especially if you're heading across Rainbow International Bridge. Head across the border to see the falls from a different perspective, or visit the fabulous wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Most people come to Saugatuck to spend time by the water, enjoying the sunshine and refreshing lake water by day then watching the sun go down with a local craft beer. So if time allows on your trip, you might like to tour a brewery or two or try some of the locally produced beers. Bonus: These days you usually need to take a ferry across from Manhattan to Staten Island, but back in 1780 the entire harbour froze so hard that it was possible to walk all the way across the river. 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. 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. The rinks are super-festive in the run up to the holidays, and you can relax with a hot chocolate or a local craft beer afterwards. One that stands out for its festive themes is the Grinch-mas Who-liday Special at Universal Islands of Adventure. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (147 miles). Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night. Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock.com, Sidra Monreal Photography/Shutterstock.com, Road Trip From Chicago To Mackinac Island, Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park. 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. Also, although this isn't a ski destination like some of the other trips, you can still enjoy some winter sports in Elkhart Lake. Snow in the city often isn't much fun, so head out to one of the mountains or lakes for a one-day road trip that lets you enjoy the winter weather at its best. If you'd like to take a little shopping excursion, Nashville (IN) has a great many galleries and artisan shops. After crossing the border into Canada, the road becomes ON-401. Bozeman, MT. 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. When it's complete the statue of Crazy Horse will be taller than the presidents at Mount Rushmore. Wrap up warm and walk out towards Muskegon South Breakwater Lighthouse a really stunning sight or take a walk on the lake's frozen beaches. Follow the Great River Road as it twists and turns and you will be rewarded with great views the entire way. 3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles). 11 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (760 miles). getty. The track is open to kids as young as 8 so bring the whole family and see if any of them catch the sliding bug. 4 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). Also B&Bs. 11 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (700 miles). It's not all about the outdoors though. to the Bacon and Brews event where you can sample fine bacon and beer pairings, there is always something happening. Mount Rushmore is set on the edge of the Black Hills, so if you're spending longer in the area you can head out into the great outdoors to hike, bike and enjoy the scenic drive along the Needles Highway. There's a real variety of activities to enjoy here take to the snow for an active day outside, then relax at a beautiful spa. 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. They don't run every day, but when they do they're really magical. Instead, workers used dynamite to shape most of the sculpture. Winters are bitterly cold and very snowy - that drive from Chicago might not be the best idea in the middle of February! Bonus: After Christmas, a free maze is built on the lake shore out of the branches of discarded Christmas trees, a custom that has become firmly cemented in Madison's holiday traditions now. Our travel tips: Parts of the city get extremely crowded in December, and accommodation prices rise accordingly. 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. You can explore the spectacular underground rock formations on a guided tour, then spend some time looking for wildlife at the grass prairie which forms the overground part of the national park. 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. You also don't have to book attractions weeks in advance, and you can find reasonably priced accommodation in the downtown area. Leave time to explore. It was founded by a group of Swiss settlers from the Swiss canton of Glarus in 1845. also, you have the option of taking the ss badger car ferry across Lake Michigan to avoid traffic around the bottom of the Lake and to add an The main attractions are the two major parks - the Starved Rock State Park and the Matthiessen State Park. The lake freezes over right through the winter, so you can head out with a guide for a unique ice-fishing experience. Another is called the " Fire Sudatorium. As with everywhere in Wisconsin, the food and drink scene takes center stage. When it's time to warm up, head back into town to Old Sugar Distillery, a small local spirits producer, for a warming taster. With art, culture, caf patios and waterfront dining, Toledo is a great short trip if you want a change of scene from Chicago. All that snow means that you can ski in the area around Asheville. From here, pick up I-76 and follow it straight down to Denver. There are 4 large waterpark resorts (Kalahari, Great Wolf, Chula Vista and the Wilderness) and around 20 in total with more being constructed. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake. From wherever you're starting in Chicago, pick up I-90 E and follow it out of the city then right the way across Indiana passing La Porte and Shipshewana. The laid-back, pretense-free. As well as being a relaxed and varied city, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, so a trip here offers a great combination of city vibes and the great outdoors. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (93 miles). 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. After Grand Rapids, turn onto Route 131 and continue north past Big Rapids and Cadillac, until you reach Boyne Mountain. 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. This popular vacation town is also less crowded in winter compared to the summer months. 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. It was an early adopter of snowmaking technology in the 1950s. Exhibits are very interactive and fun for the whole family. 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 . As you can see, there are still plenty of wintery attractions to enjoy in the city, just wrap up warm and see where your trip takes you. During the daytime, Saugatuck Interurban Transit Authority provides an on-demand bus service which takes you to your destination of choice within the local area for just $1. If you're looking for unique and often hand-made gifts for family and friends, you'll find plenty of choice here. For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. Back in town, the Ice Castles at Geneva National Resort & Club are a must-see. 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. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. If you have time to head out of town, make your way to Tampa to see Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. The theme parks of Orlando are popular year-round, but during the winter you get to experience them all dressed up for the holiday season, and without the heat and humidity that can be a feature at other times of the year. For summer fun during the winter months, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is the place to be. Overnight on the California Zephyr gets you to Denver where the weather is just as cold as Chicago but you'd be in a cosmopolitan city. Muskegon Farmers Market operates indoors on Saturdays through the winter so you can warm up and stock up on some fabulous local produce. 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! Whether you're looking for a festive shopping experience to ease you into the holiday mood, or a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are plenty of fabulous longer road trips that start out from Chicago. Remember that Minneapolis can get cold, and even feel cool in the summer. Our highlights: The World of Winter Festival usually starts in the first week of January, and as well as ice sculptures you can see interactive installations from artists all over the world, with walking tours taking you through some of the outdoor art highlights. 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! Then, join I-80 and follow it around the south of Cleveland before switching onto I-76 and continuing southeast past Pittsburgh. Plus the views from the vineyard are sublime! There are plenty of places to stop and a lot of parks and trails if you want to get out of the car. Restaurants like the Grove and Terra serve locally sourced ingredients which means the menu changes throughout the year. Whether you're looking for an active break or a peaceful boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water. Absolutely. Why you should visit: With festive lights, winter markets, a good chance of snow, and plenty of big city attractions, Toronto is a picture-perfect winter city trip. Weekend Getaways from Chicago: Market Street Inn - 3 hours . Sitting on Lake Michigan with the Great Lakes and a number of states within easy reach, there is every reason to get in the car and explore the surrounding areas of Chicago whether you are looking for a day trip, a weekend out or a longer adventure. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (150 miles) 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. Morning departure is around 5% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*. 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. 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. You can also snowshoe, tube or skate if you want a break from the slopes. 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. This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. As far as Nashville I-55 runs parallel to the Mississippi before passing through Jackson. In Milwaukee, switch onto I-43 and continue north, before leaving the interstate just after Saukville. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. Visit in early February when the Winter Carnival comes to town and you can see firework displays or catch a fun ride on one of the resort's snow groomers. The town of Holland sits along the length of Lake Macatawa that flows into Lake Michigan. The Great River Road runs the length of the Mississippi river and you can drive part of it on a scenic road trip from Chicago. We'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your entry, especially if you're visiting at busy times,. The locals didn't stop at naming the lake after the slightly better known one in Switzerland. The same road takes you right across Indiana and Ohio then along the whole length of Lake Erie, before you finally turn onto NY-5 through Buffalo around 5 miles before you reach your destination. Located right by Lake Ontario, you can enjoy frosty views out across the water, then head back into the city to indulge yourself in some culture or plain old festive cheer. The local Fermentorium brewery has some 24 different beers on tap - not too shabby for a local place! And of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes into its own during the winter. Take a magical horse-drawn carriage ride, check out entries for the Gingerbread House competition, and enjoy endless festive lights. Many of the events and installations are outdoors, so, this being Michigan, chances are you'll be enjoying them in the snow. If you're in the city for Christmas itself, head out along River Road on Christmas Eve, where you'll see bonfires lit on the night of the 24th so that Papa Noel can find his way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. St Louis, MO Driving time from Chicago: 4 hrs 30 min While beer, blues and BBQ are likely on the top of your St Louis bucket list (and rightfuly. If you're feeling active, there are places where you can sled on the frozen sand dunes. San Diego San Diego boasts 260 sunny days a year, miles of rugged beachside and barking seals. Then there's dozens of amazing natural parks to explore, especially towards the northern tip of the lake. You'll have seen pictures of the beautiful and elaborate masks that are such a feature of the Mardi Gras parades. From jazz to soul, St Louis has been one of the most prominent musical cities in the US - Tina Turner and Scott Joplin started their careers here among others. Hot Springs (Arkansas) Distance: 650 miles. That way, current and future visitors will be guaranteed the same fabulous experience of NOLA's longstanding and unique traditions. 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. 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. Take I-290 W from Chicago's downtown, which leads you out onto I-88. Back outdoors, visit DC's largest outdoor ice rink at Washington Harbour, for views out across the waterfront, or see the Holiday Boat Parade, which includes fireworks and live music as well as festively decorated boats parading down the Potomac River. Flight $$$: $500. This after-dark spectacle sees City Park lit up with more than a million lights. It's a popular place to visit, so book lift passes in advance if you know when you're travelling. Hike along Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on your next weekend getaway from Chicago. Home to the huge Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee is better known for having a huge selection of seriously good micro-breweries and small beer manufacturers. It's also a great place to enjoy fabulous snow-based activities - the temperature usually sits around freezing and the area experiences heavy snowfall, so conditions are perfect. There are also scenic boat rides out to historic Toledo Lighthouse, where tours are available make sure to climb to the top for great views along the shoreline. Why you should visit: This is a year-round resort, but with 140 inches of snow, it comes into its own during winter. Other activities include spending the day at Kalapaki or Po'ipu beaches, setting. Bonus: Early in February Lake Geneva's Winterfest bursts into action, with an ice sculpting competition and snow races! The main attraction is the carved cliff face featuring four Presidents of the United States. The Swiss Historical Village is a great live museum which has kept 14 buildings in the style of the original 19th century settlement. Then, check out the Christmas Village or the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. Oglesby and its neighbor Utica lie nestled into a curve of the Vermilion River and is perfect for exploring some of the best outdoors in Illinois. Motor City is the second largest city in the Midwest after Chicago and is worth making the drive for. 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. As you make your way from Chicago to Philadelphia, make sure to fit in a visit to Bethlehem, PA, too. But that's just the welcome mat to this SoCal haven.
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