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. For amazing views of the snow-covered landscape, head up the Skylon Tower. One of the great things about Toledo is that although it's one of the largest cities in Ohio, visiting is relatively straightforward. Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you can also spend time exploring the stunning Black Hills and surrounding area. Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago | Cond Nast Traveler 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. 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. As well as the festive markets that take place across the city, where you can admire beautiful decorations and gifts or enjoy some fabulous food and drink, you can take in a carol concert at the National Cathedral. Harbor Country is one of the most popular getaway destinations for Chicagoans. Your email will not be provided to third parties. On the south side of the lake is the Black Point Estate. Geneva, Illinois - 41.7 miles. 25 Weekend Getaways Near Chicago | Midwest Living 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 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. Asheville is packed full of history, but the modern city has a distinctly creative vibe that makes it really unique. A Little History. Back in the city, entry to the world-class Toledo Museum of Art is free all year round. ETA: 10+ hours with couple of short breaks. 17. The biggest ski area in the state is perfectly set up for skiers, with fast lifts and dozens of trails to follow. 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. Skate beneath the massive Christmas tree at the famous Rockefeller Ice Rink, before heading up to the Top of the Rock to take in the view of New York in the snow. 15 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (960 miles). Whether you're looking for an active break or a peaceful boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto 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. 5 Winter Road Trip Ideas to Warmer Destinations - Auto Lab 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. As you approach St Louis, you will see the first and main sight in the city - the huge 630-foot tall steel Gateway Arch. 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. The Indian Museum of North America is nearby too. Not far away, Wind Cave is one of the world's longest. 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. Once Christmas and New Year are behind you, the party season in New Orleans really gets going. The whole town gets decked out in style for the holidays. You could . 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 . 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 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. For a different experience of New York in winter, skip the crowds and visit in January to enjoy NYC Winter Jazz Fest or NYC Restaurant Week, where restaurants put on their best fare at affordable prices. This park is illuminated with amazing twinkling lights all through the holiday period and is a really popular local attraction. Drive time: 2 hours from downtown. Motor City is the second largest city in the Midwest after Chicago and is worth making the drive for. Make sure you grab some food at the Root beer Stand. Expect fabulous parades, live music and all-night parties. I-80 is a notoriously busy road, with heavy commercial traffic and few landmarks of interest. Car production moved to other cities in the US, factories in Asia and Mexico and large blocks of Detroit became ghosts of their own past. The cheapest month to fly from Chicago is January. 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. 4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). 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. Why you should visit: Mild weather and weeks of flamboyant parades makes New Orleans the perfect contrast to snowy Chicago. Only an hour away from downtown Chicago, Indiana Dunes became the newest National Park in the United States in 2019. 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. It's a great way to experience this historic part of the city, full of character. Join I-90 W and follow it for over 900 miles, all the way to South Dakota. 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. Our highlights: The nation's capital is a fantastic place to visit during the holiday period. Record-breaking April 13: Chicago snaps 136-year-old warm weather No, it's not a typo - this is the third destination on our list of road trips from Chicago that is exactly 300 miles away! 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. 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. For summer fun during the winter months, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is the place to be. Further up the road, you'll find a truly unique destination in Holland, where Dutch colonists established a foothold in the 1800s, bringing with them their culture, architecture, pastries (check . You can even ride across the river on the Chain Ferry, one of the last remaining in America. 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. The event runs in late Jan or early Feb, and hundreds of the city's restaurants showcase their best meals at reasonable prices - the perfect way to brighten up a long, cold winter. 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. 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. 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. And one of the three sections of the Hoosier National Forest is immediate to this area. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). Our travel tips: Equipment can be rented at this resort but arrive early on weekends or holidays as it's first come, first served. St Julian Winery or Lemon Creek are great to visit and well located just off the interstate. 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 Winters are bitterly cold and very snowy - that drive from Chicago might not be the best idea in the middle of February! 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. We'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your entry, especially if you're visiting at busy times,. As far as Nashville I-55 runs parallel to the Mississippi before passing through Jackson. As well as all the holiday attractions and the chance to see some of the world-famous monuments beautifully surrounded by snow, the crowds at the city's museums are likely to be quieter during the winter. But is it worth a daytrip to an obscure Chicago suburb? There are a few museums and sights to see - the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Art Museum are both worth going to. If you are looking for cheap weekend getaways from Chicago, this is a good place to stay. There are a number of museums to explore - some of the main ones located along the Museum Row. Located 90 . 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. After taking I-90 E towards the edge of the city, turn onto I-65 and follow the interstate south, driving past Indianapolis and right the way across Indiana until you reach Louisville, Kentucky. It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February. As well as being beautiful, the crowds that flock to Niagara Falls are slightly less during winter. 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. 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. 8 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (530 miles). The laid-back, pretense-free. There's another dozen smaller lakes dotted around which breaks up the city into smaller neighborhoods and adds a lot of character. 1 week road trip within 10 hours or so of Chicago - Tripadvisor Boyne Mountain Resort Distance: 5-hour drive Michigan winters are best captured with the ski resort of Boyne. Our travel tips: Winter weather in Savannah is changeable, but the year-round humidity can make even warm days feel chilly when you're outdoors for a while. Restaurants like the Grove and Terra serve locally sourced ingredients which means the menu changes throughout the year. The 2,470-mile road trip from Chicago to San Francisco takes 38 hours to drive. 2 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (150 miles). Traffic in Denver is heavy at rush hours as you might expect, but the Friday peak is a little earlier than other days so factor this in if you're trying to beat the crowds. If you want to test your senses, the Limburger cheese holds the title of the world's worst smelling cheese and is only made in Monroe. Report Ranks America's 15 Safest (And Most Dangerous) Cities - Forbes 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. Head across the border to see the falls from a different perspective, or visit the fabulous wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Save 1. 6 Best Road Trips From Chicago | Travel + Leisure It's a great way to spend time with friends, get into the festive mood, as well as to find some unique Christmas gifts. Why you should visit: Orlando is known as a winter sun favorite so pack your sun cream and enjoy some time outdoors. Hot Springs (Arkansas) Distance: 650 miles. 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. 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. How to get there: Follow the interstate east out of Chicago and then continue north, keeping Lake Michigan on your left. 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! 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. Around 20 miles south of New Glarus and a little closer to Chicago is the city of Monroe. 10~14 drive from Chicago - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. Chicago is a fantastic hub for history, architecture, gastronomy and sports. 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. 25 Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago - VacationIdea Take a carriage ride through Central Park, which is even more magical when there's snow on the ground. 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. You can join the river at Savanna or a little further down at Clinton depending on the route you take. Adrenaline junkies can ride ziplines in several places around Asheville, take a rafting trip or go canyoneering. Of course, NYC is famous for its shops, so leave some space in your case for whatever gifts and treats you might pick up while you're in town. After crossing the border into Canada, the road becomes ON-401. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (88 miles). The fastest way to get to Minneapolis from Chicago is to go the I-90 and I-94 route across Wisconsin. This means you probably won't see the grape harvest unless you're out in the vineyards at night - pickers tend to work by hand to make sure of the most perfect harvest possible. Best Non-Stop Trips from Chicago to the Beach - Fodors Travel Guide I am actually down for anything, just to get some fresh air and get out of the city. Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago: Road Trips & Itineraries - Thrillist 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. Lake Monroe is the state's largest man-made lake. 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. 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. A little further north from Chicago than Milwaukee is the town of Cedarburg. At Louisville, change onto I-64 and follow it towards Lexington onto I-75 which takes you across into Tennessee. In the evenings from May to September there's also a 45-minute ranger talk which ends with the lighting ceremony. 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. The high temperatures that hit Chicago Thursday broke a record that stretched all the way back to 1887, according to the National Weather Service. Alternative options are the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Park and the Fish Ladder Park. For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. Sundays have a free Jazz Brunch outdoor concert series along the scenic Riverwalk. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. If you want to encourage a little less screen time during the summer break, take your family to explore the great outdoors in a Budget rental. Beer and baseball are the two things the city is particularly known for. Little Orleans Campground. 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!). The Garfield Park Conservatory, of course. It's a popular place to visit, so book lift passes in advance if you know when you're travelling. The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. 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. The Warmest Place in Chicago This Winter - L Stop Tours If you're coming for the World of Winter Festival, remember to wrap up warm. Then, join I-80 and follow it around the south of Cleveland before switching onto I-76 and continuing southeast past Pittsburgh. Fennville has a few quirky local museums and things to see. Back in town you'll get beautiful winter views over icy Lake Michigan. There are 4 large waterpark resorts (Kalahari, Great Wolf, Chula Vista and the Wilderness) and around 20 in total with more being constructed. 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. 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. So if you are already in Chicago then you should explore these 12 best road trips from Chicago. 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. 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. So if time allows on your trip, you might like to tour a brewery or two or try some of the locally produced beers. 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. 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. 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. 3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles). Then, for a unique and romantic end to your trip, you can even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the city. 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. Everything here looks, feels, smells and tastes Swiss. Everything from cow's milk to goat and sheep milk is used and there are imitations of European cheeses and unique local flavors available. You will pass by some imposing homes and quiet lakeside neighborhoods with picturesque cafes. So, sit back, relax, and learn all you need to know in planning a road . You can also tour a museum ship to get a feel for the history of the lakes. Several of the hotels in town have excellent in-house spas, so you can treat yourself to some relaxation time during your trip. It was an early adopter of snowmaking technology in the 1950s. Whether you want to enjoy the winter weather or escape from it, a winter road trip from Chicago can mean hitting the slopes at a ski resort, viewing iconic landmarks, taking a festive shopping trip or relaxing in the winter sun in the Southern states. You can easily visit for a day or stay the night to see more of the local sights and museums. This leads you eventually onto I-95, which you'll follow south to Savannah. Treat your group to an exhilarating zip line adventure with Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. After around an hour, exit at Kenosha and pick up WI-50 west which will take you to Geneva. 5 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (350 miles). If you're here in winter, check out the National Gingerbread House Competition visitors can view entries into this big-money event. Went to New York (which was fun) so that is covered. Bonus: Right through January you can enjoy the Icewine Festival, which celebrates this delicious local tipple. 1. The best thing about Grand Rapids, however, is the food and the drink. Toledo is known as the Glass City, after the many glassmakers that set up here in the 19th century. If you'd like to take a little shopping excursion, Nashville (IN) has a great many galleries and artisan shops. Nearby, Biltmore is a huge gilded-age mansion with vast formal gardens, trails to explore and its own winery. As Christmas gifts go, a whole city is one we wouldn't mind receiving! 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. Given the city's mild winter climate, it's the perfect place to end the day with a romantic stroll. Our highlights: Just outside the city at Cascade Mountain and Devils Head Resort you'll find some exhilarating downhill skiing as well as snowtubing and sledding. 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. Next, turn onto I-80 and head west past Des Moines and Omaha. Thousands of people in absolutely dazzling costumes parade through the city in a historic tradition. One that stands out for its festive themes is the Grinch-mas Who-liday Special at Universal Islands of Adventure. 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. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's St. Maarten Guide Jo Ann. 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. The city was offered up to President Lincoln as a Christmas Gift during the Civil War. 12 Short & Long Road Trips From Chicago | Budget Car Rental Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. PC . 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. 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 town of Holland sits along the length of Lake Macatawa that flows into Lake Michigan. 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. This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. Take I-290 W from Chicago's downtown, which leads you out onto I-88. Highlights include the cities of Indianapolis, Dayton and Columbus; as well as Wayne National Forest, Seneca Rocks, Shenandah National Park and Monongahela National Forest. Spring Break Family Destinations Near Chicago - Chicago Parent This waterfront city is the only destination on this list that takes you to another of the Great Lakes. Change your settings: from RV campgrounds 300 miles from Chicago 299 miles north of Chicago: Mowe Lake - Manistique Rapid River Dispersed 297 miles northeast of Chicago: Aloha State Park 300 miles east of Chicago: Orchard View Park Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds 301 miles southeast of Chicago: Best Winter Road Trips to Take From Chicago - Thrillist Just after St Joseph, turn off onto I-196 where the interstate divides, and carry on north along the shore until you reach Saugatuck. Seeing as you've travelled from one Great Lake to another, a visit to the National Museum of the Great Lakes seems like a good place to start when you arrive in Toledo. The Swiss Historical Village is a great live museum which has kept 14 buildings in the style of the original 19th century settlement. You'll finally turn off the interstate at Rapid City, joining US-16 for the last few miles of your drive to Mount Rushmore. 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. After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. Fridays at the Hollywood Beach Theatre feature free live jazz, blues and pop music at oceanfront cafes. 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. New this winter, try curling. People in the Dutch Village wear traditional clothing, play Dutch music and you can join in one of the mass dances if you'd like. 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. Hemlock Hideaway Campground. The main attractions are the two major parks - the Starved Rock State Park and the Matthiessen State Park. 10 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (660 miles). However, it's also famous for its harsh winters, so there might be times you want to head out of the city during the coldest months of the year. 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. The main reason to go to Lake Forest now is a weekend away at the 57-room Deer Path Inn ( from $329 per night ), a fabulous, little-known gem that puts you in arm's reach of the .

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