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. 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. 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. Where to Stay. 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. Our travel tips: Equipment can be rented at this resort but arrive early on weekends or holidays as it's first come, first served. For amazing views of the snow-covered landscape, head up the Skylon Tower. For the perfect post-ski wind down, visit the Spa at Boyne Mountain before you head home. Whatever kind of winter road trip you're interested in, we've put together some of the key facts for a whole host of fabulous destinations. How to get there: Follow I-90 out of the city then pick up I-94 and head east towards Detroit. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake. 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. 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. 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. 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! 11 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (760 miles). 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. 1 hour 35 minutes from Chicago (83 miles). 506 miles east of Chicago: Upper - Kettle Creek State Park. (Disney Enterprises . It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February. How to get there: Follow I-90 west out of Chicago, passing Rockford and Madison. 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. Our highlights: There are so many memorable festive moments to fit into a winter trip to New York City, it's hard to know where to begin. 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. 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. Save 1. The must-see attraction on your trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the famous cliffside sculptures of the presidents, which you can see up close if you follow the short Presidential Trail. Our travel tips: Don't go to DC expecting reliable snowfall daytime temperatures are milder than the more northern destinations (in the mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit and above), though it still gets pretty cold at night, and snow is likely but not guaranteed in January and February. Cities 9 hours from Chicago 9 hours: Ely, MN 8 hr 56 min: State College, PA 8 hr 55 min: Huntsville, AL 8 hr 51 min: Pigeon Forge, TN 8 hr 46 min: Lutsen, MN 8 hr 46 min: Fergus Falls, MN 8 hr 41 min: Joplin, MO 8 hr 35 min: Niagara Falls, NY 8 hr 32 min: Topeka, KS 8 hr 31 min: Grand Rapids, MN 8 hr 27 min: Tunica, MS 8 hr 24 min: Hibbing, MN You can also find out more about the site at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, or visit the Sculptor's Studio to find out more about how the monument was created. 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. You will pass by some imposing homes and quiet lakeside neighborhoods with picturesque cafes. 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 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. While both parks are not as large as some, there is plenty to explore with trails going through canyons and some amazing rock formations. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (147 miles). 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. Bonus: Right through January you can enjoy the Icewine Festival, which celebrates this delicious local tipple. Then there's dozens of amazing natural parks to explore, especially towards the northern tip of the lake. Take a magical horse-drawn carriage ride, check out entries for the Gingerbread House competition, and enjoy endless festive lights. 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. Stop at the Crane Orchards to sample one of their legendary pies as you make your way around! As you make your way from Chicago to Philadelphia, make sure to fit in a visit to Bethlehem, PA, too. 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. Our highlights: For many visitors, the main draw is the Olde World Christmas Market, a 10-day festive spectacular bringing together Czech, German and Russian Christmas traditions. 8. In the evenings from May to September there's also a 45-minute ranger talk which ends with the lighting ceremony. Treat your group to an exhilarating zip line adventure with Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. 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. Towns like New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Holland, Saugatuck and Grand Haven provide pristine beaches, great shopping, lakeside restaurants and front-row view of sunsets over Lake Michigan. 1. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. The local Fermentorium brewery has some 24 different beers on tap - not too shabby for a local place! 2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (180 miles). It will satisfy a wide range of abilities, and you can also try out snow tubing and snowshoeing here. 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. When it's complete the statue of Crazy Horse will be taller than the presidents at Mount Rushmore. 13 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (925 miles). Lake ice was harvested and taken to nearby towns and cities - it was big business here as late as the 1940s. Greater . Many visitors head to Denver en route to the Rockies, which are right on your doorstep if you're staying in the city. Ride down the Kalamazoo River on a paddle steamer, explore the lakeshore and river in a kayak, or charter a yacht. The main attractions are the two major parks - the Starved Rock State Park and the Matthiessen State Park. Why you should visit: This beautiful little lakeside town hosts a magical Christmas market every year. Southern Illinois Distance: 6-hour drive Southern Illinois has a hilly landscape and a rural vibe. You might get spring, and then again, you might have winter still hanging on! Once Christmas and New Year are behind you, the party season in New Orleans really gets going. Our highlights: Boyne Mountain is primarily a ski resort, so take to the slopes and explore more than 415 acres of ski runs. If you're staying overnight it's best to find accommodation with private parking. How to get there: Follow I-90 east towards Cleveland, switching onto I-80 just before you reach the city. Parking can be difficult, especially in the summer months when hundreds of visitors head to town. 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. To help you make the most of this great drive, we've set out the best routes and places to stop . Head to Macy's, Bloomingdale's or Saks Fifth Avenue for wall-to-wall shopping opportunities, or take a walk along Fifth Avenue to indulge in designer brands. 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. How to get there: Follow I-90 east across Indiana. Several of the hotels in town have excellent in-house spas, so you can treat yourself to some relaxation time during your trip. If you're feeling active, there are places where you can sled on the frozen sand dunes. The best thing about Grand Rapids, however, is the food and the drink. 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. Fennville has a few quirky local museums and things to see. Harbor Country is one of the most popular getaway destinations for Chicagoans. Around one-third of the city's population is Hispanic so as you might expect, there are some big festivals and celebrations that you don't see in other parts of the US. You could probably make the return trip in a day, but the journey can take up to 3 hours one way from Chicago so make it into a weekend and add a few stops at Fennville and the Harbor Country (see both above) on your way. So, sit back, relax, and learn all you need to know in planning a road . Why you should visit: Pennsylvania combines the kind of winter fun you might expect, like sledding and skating, with some unique winter traditions. The classic town of Ann Arbor is a great stop on your way - this university town has classic architecture, art galleries and great small coffee shops for you to relax or grab some lunch. 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. 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. It's all a little strange, perhaps. 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. There's a real art to making Icewine and the conditions have to be just right to freeze the grapes for long enough on the vine. The route then follows the river north - you can cross in and out of Iowa and then Minnesota from Illinois and Wisconsin as the river continues to be the state border along the length of this drive. 605 S. Prospect St., Galena IL, 800-717-2317. You can see how every aspect of the village life would have been complete with the blacksmith shop, school and church buildings. It's a great way to spend time with friends, get into the festive mood, as well as to find some unique Christmas gifts. Weekend Getaways from Chicago: Market Street Inn - 3 hours . The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. The forest includes a remarkable 289,000 acres of nature adventures to experience. The city's popular Longwood Gardens is transformed with amazing lights and live music, so it makes a great place to spend some time after the sun goes down (which happens early in winter!). Our highlights: Roll back 100 years and one of the biggest draws of Lake Geneva, WI, wasn't its snow, but the ice! That way, current and future visitors will be guaranteed the same fabulous experience of NOLA's longstanding and unique traditions. 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. With art, culture, caf patios and waterfront dining, Toledo is a great short trip if you want a change of scene from Chicago. Our travel tips: This is a really popular ski area, and lift passes can sell out during the busiest periods. 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. With no cars on the island and a super relaxed vibe, you can take strolls, visit lighthouses and hike to see the Arch Rock on the east side of the island. 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. Thousands of people in absolutely dazzling costumes parade through the city in a historic tradition. 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 . From here, follow I-196 further around the lake shore. The long rows of vines stand out proudly in the snow and make a beautiful backdrop while you're learning about Icewine production or, more importantly, tasting a glass or two. If you're crossing over the Canadian border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Icewine vineyards and wineries are probably the first thing that will get your attention. Everything here looks, feels, smells and tastes Swiss. 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. You can go on cheese tours, go to cheese tasting venues, explore local cheese producers and eat every cheese-based dish under the sun. If St Louis Cardinals are playing, it's worth going if you can get your hands on some (expensive) tickets - they are one of the most successful baseball teams of all time and baseball is the number one sport in town. First is the village of New Glarus. Expect fabulous parades, live music and all-night parties. There are plenty of places to stop and a lot of parks and trails if you want to get out of the car. If you're wondering how the town got its name, it's as simple as it sounds it's because the lake is shaped like an Elk's heart. You can easily fill a weekend here with fun and varied runs. Make sure you visit the Heidelberg project - the outdoor art installation uses salvage materials to highlight the plight of Detroit and its ongoing period of change through loud modern sculpture. 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. 8 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (530 miles). 2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (150 miles). 17 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (1,130 miles). Hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, fishing, climbing, boating and more forge incredible nature experiences in some of the most unique settings of the Midwest. 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. This popular vacation town is also less crowded in winter compared to the summer months. Toledo is known as the Glass City, after the many glassmakers that set up here in the 19th century. The laid-back, pretense-free. The name gives away what this place is all about - everything here stems from Holland's Dutch origins. If you'd like to take a little shopping excursion, Nashville (IN) has a great many galleries and artisan shops. 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. Here you will find a great white sand beach and stroll along the boardwalk, watch local boats go by or explore the shops along the docks. 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. 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. Bonus: Macy's Christmas Light Show another of the city's festive traditions is a record breaker! Our travel tips: Book in advance if you're visiting Winterfest, as the town gets really busy. How to get there: Head east out of Chicago on I-90, keeping Lake Michigan on your left, then continue on I-94 as far as Lake Joseph. For summer fun during the winter months, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is the place to be. 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. Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you can also spend time exploring the stunning Black Hills and surrounding area. Flight $$$: $500. 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. The fastest way to get to Minneapolis from Chicago is to go the I-90 and I-94 route across Wisconsin. The town transported a 250-year old windmill from the Netherlands to Holland and placed it on its very own island that is now called the Windmill Island. The whole town gets decked out in style for the holidays. If you're looking for unique and often hand-made gifts for family and friends, you'll find plenty of choice here. It's a tiny city with less than 1000 residents but its white-boarded houses, scenic sand dunes and fabulous beach make it a popular place to come to escape the city. 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. With fast lifts, extensive ski runs and stunning views, you'll probably want to spend most of your time here on the slopes. 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. There's another dozen smaller lakes dotted around which breaks up the city into smaller neighborhoods and adds a lot of character. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Remember that Minneapolis can get cold, and even feel cool in the summer. 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. Heading towards Lake Michigan, you will find the small harbor village of Saugatuck. Our travel tips: The town will be extremely busy while the Christmas market is running, so book accommodation and any special activities well in advance. There are a lot of activities for children - special rides and a petting zoo so bring the family and enjoy a great weekend out of the city! 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 skiing may be limited, but there is a lot to see and do around Lake Geneva. Alternatively, tour the galleries and independent shops in the city's downtown area, which showcase the work of the thriving local arts community. A Little History. Highlights include the cities of Indianapolis, Dayton and Columbus; as well as Wayne National Forest, Seneca Rocks, Shenandah National Park and Monongahela National Forest. Any suggestions fellas? Everything from cow's milk to goat and sheep milk is used and there are imitations of European cheeses and unique local flavors available. Book a fantastic treatment or simply hang out in the sauna, steam room or heated outdoor pool to enjoy the mountain vibes from a different angle. If there's one reason to visit Milwaukee, it is to see for yourself what the beer capital of the United States really looks like! You also don't have to book attractions weeks in advance, and you can find reasonably priced accommodation in the downtown area. getty. 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. The locals didn't stop at naming the lake after the slightly better known one in Switzerland. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (93 miles). RV campgrounds 500 miles from Chicago. To get to Louisville from Chicago, you will need to drive the length of Indiana until you reach the Ohio River - St Louis is right across the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. 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! 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. The temperatures surpassed the 136-year-old . The museum also contains an extensive selection of art by well-known artists and has a collection of Native American Art. This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). The 3 tallest sand dunes are all in the State Park with the tallest, Mount Tom, standing at 192 ft. Went to New York (which was fun) so that is covered. Otherwise you can find a selection of different cheese styles and types. The Dells Boat Tours will take you through the narrow river passages - these Dells are gorges through layered rock formations that become small tall islands as the river widens. 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. Our travel tips: Pack layers, as even Florida can experience cooler days, but rest assured that with heated pools and plenty of daytime sunshine, you can enjoy yourself outdoors right through the winter. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. Savannah is a great place to visit all year round but come in winter to enjoy this fabulous city without the summer crowds or humidity. Then, soon after crossing the Mississippi River, change onto I-55 and follow it south. Next, turn onto I-80 and head west past Des Moines and Omaha. If your time is limited, take your sled and enjoy a free downhill ride at one of the several hilly public parks in the city. Best for: Family fun or a romantic rendezvous. The interstate carries on across Nebraska and then splits just as you approach the northeast corner of Colorado. 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). For added romantic charm, put your skates on and have laps on one of the city's many ice rinks - there are over 50 to choose from. 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. The area is also home to a number of very decent wineries. A lot of these are built indoors so you can enjoy a weekend swimming, relaxing and going down crazy slides when everything outside is frozen! Through the rest of the season, winter sports fans will love to ski at Wilmot Mountain, a popular ski resort with over 20 ski runs suitable for a wide range of abilities. 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. Your email will not be provided to third parties. MoneyGeek came up with this year's list by analyzing the FBI's crime statistics for 2021 (the most recent . After around an hour, exit at Kenosha and pick up WI-50 west which will take you to Geneva. It features more than 100,000 lights and is the largest pipe organ in the world. As well as sliding the high-speed downhill ice track, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at the park. 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. The main attraction is a 21-mile loop around the lake with stunning forest scenery and great views of the water. When it's time to warm up, head back into town to Old Sugar Distillery, a small local spirits producer, for a warming taster. Restaurants like the Grove and Terra serve locally sourced ingredients which means the menu changes throughout the year. 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. After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. Things to do on Kauai include exploring the Waimea Canyon, Kkee State Park, Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. 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. Sept. 2, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. 24 Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago. 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. Fly from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio, for $167 round trip The most costly of our cheapest air fares from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport still comes in at an attractive $167 round trip, meaning it's now easier than ever for Illinois locals to make the quick 1.25-hour hop straight across the heartlands of the Midwest.
