Chicago always has a flurry of activities that can make anyone crave a quick getaway. This list of day trips from Chicago is for city slickers trying to make it to picturesque, serene destinations outside Chicago and be back in the city within a day.
Chicago day trips are perfect for a European style town escape, an urban retreat in Indy’s Backyard, or to check out the first ever modern-style building in Oak Park.
And in addition to the drives as pretty as a picture, you will also get a chance to explore delicious eateries, shops, and attractions as they slot nicely in your day trips from Chicago.
Check out our favorite Chicago day trips, in no particular order, in the list below.
Chicago To Holland, Michigan Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 2 hours 17 minutes
Many people like to take a day trip from Chicago to Holland during the tulip season in late April. But in our opinion, any time of the year is perfect to visit this beautiful beach city filled with outdoor adventures and locally owned eateries and shops.
Your first stop should be Neli’s Dutch Village, a trip back in time to a 100 year old Netherlands where your whole family can enjoy some wooden shoe carving, Dutch dancing, and have fun with the farm animals.
Moving forward, try out the other unique attractions like the Windmill Island Gardens, the Big Red Lighthouse, The Holland State Park, and Cappon House Museum. And before making your way back to Chicago, dine in a quaint café for an artisanal coffee and pastry, or mellow out on a waterfront restaurant to enjoy their catch of the day.
Chicago To Indiana Dunes National Park Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 50 minutes
Indiana Dunes National Park is a beautiful area with a diverse ecosystem, lying on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. To make the day trip from Chicago, you can drive or rent a car and use the Chicago Skyway to get to the park.
And once you reach Indiana Dunes National Park, there is so much to see and do that we recommend planning your trip beforehand. The recreational opportunities at the park change with the seasons, but the picture perfect picnic settings, breathtaking sunsets, and majestic nature is constant.
There are no cookie-cutter day trips from Chicago to Indiana Dunes National Park, but here are some ideas.
- Either explore the bike trail and then settle down for a tan at the beach
- Explore Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, then the home of Frederick Douglass, and learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune and her work.
- Or venture onto off the beaten paths like Beverly Shores, Muir Grove, Mineral King valley, Sheep Creek Cascade and the lesser known Sequoia National Park.
Chicago To White River State Park Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 3 hours
White River State Park, or Indy’s Backyard, is one of the best day trips from Chicago. Being a famous concert venue, it is the perfect excuse to leave your downtown life behind and breathe fresh air with miles of green space and attractive trails, and this is why you can make this Chicago day trip with your family and friends.
Here is how you can explore the area. Take a pedal, cruise along the Central Canal, or ride with the Gondoliers. This is the best way to enjoy the serene skyline views.
Or if you are a music lover, head over to the amphitheater which hosts Michael Franti, Arctic Monkeys, and other such talented artists.
There is so much more to see at White River State Park, such as The Victory Field for a ball game, The State Museum to celebrate art, culture, and science, and the aquarium and botanical garden to have an up-close encounter with nature.
Chicago To Anderson Japanese Gardens Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 1 hour 30 minutes
You can reach the beautiful Anderson Japanese Gardens from Chicago in under two hours. The twelve acres of land dotted with koi filled ponds, streams and waterfalls feels like an oasis after suffering through traffic congestion and hustle and bustle of Chicago.
The authentic design coupled with high end maintenance is the reason why this destination is counted among the finest Japanese gardens in the world.
Your Chicago day trip at Anderson Japanese Gardens doesn’t have to be loud and pretentious. Stroll along the stunning landscape of the garden, and then settle down for an al fresco dining at the Garden which is open every day for breakfast and lunch.
There are many workshops and architectural tours at the Garden, such as exploring the Sukiya-style Guest House from the 16th century. You can even plan the wedding of your dreams at this aesthetic destination.
Chicago To Starved Rock State Park Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 1 hour 30 minutes
You will find Starved Rock State Park along the banks of the Illinois River, and we aren’t exaggerating when we say that it is nature’s hidden gem where tons of outdoor activities are waiting for you.
If you are in the mood for some dramatic waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, sandstone canyons, and lots of wildlife encounters, then you have to make this day trip from Chicago come true.
You can take the Interstate 55 South if you are driving to Starved Rock State Park. Even though there is plenty of parking space, we still advise you to visit during the shoulder season. Don’t forget to pack your picnic baskets, as there are many idyllic spots where you can have a delightful meal, such as Lone Point Shelter, Wildcat Canyon, and Ottawa Picnic Area.
The namesake, Starved Rock, is a must-visit attraction in the park, and so are Waterfall Trail, Matthiessen State Park, and the Illinois Canyon.
Chicago To Cave of the Mounds Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: Under 3 hours
The geological wonder, Cave of the Mounds, is where you should spend at least 40 to 55 minutes to explore the colorful crystal formations and the stunning array of paved, lighted walkways.
There are many guided day tours from Chicago to Cave of the Mounds, which makes the journey from Chicago and arrival at the stunning natural limestone cave a memorable ride.
This place was once a dairy farm, which was then turned into a limestone quarry and opened to the public. Today, thousands of tourists from Chicago and all over the USA visit this attraction to enjoy its woodlands, perennial gardens, and of course nature’s most unique treasure, the Cave of the Mounds itself.
The best time to visit this area is in spring and summer, but even then, it can get a bit chilly in the cave. Stay as long inside the cave as you like to soak in the beautiful scenery before you make a stop at the gift shop to purchase a souvenir.
Chicago To Oak Park Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: Less than half an hour
Going to Oak Park is one of the best day trips from Chicago if you want a break from the city center into a more secluded, serene destination.
Chicago to Oak Park is the shortest day trip in this list, so if you want an easy break from your routine without investing too much time and money, make a break for it. This village was home to not just Frank Lloyd Wright, but also Ernest Hemingway, and this is precisely why people live to visit Oak Park for its rich culture, museums, microbreweries and cafes.
Start by visiting Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace, which is a beautiful Victorian house. Later pass through the museum which offers old worlds of literature, art, and performance, but for this part, you can also avail the walking tours in summer months.
Rest in one of the cafes or restaurants for a quick meal fix before making your way to Pleasant Home, which is also known as John Farson House – a historic landmark regarded due to its art glass, carved woodwork, and custom furniture.
Chicago To Wisconsin Dells Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 3 hours
Wisconsin Dells is the largest waterpark for families in America, with a genius indoor/outdoor activities combination that engages you from the get-go.
Day trips from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells can be a great way to take a break from the city and return to your routine on the same day. However, we recommend stretching your vacation and managing a stay at the resort to better explore all the attractions.
Typically, the day tours from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells include making a splash at the 4 indoor and 4 outdoor waterparks, a Wisconsin Duck Tour, a tour on the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton, go karting, mini golf, and a special brunch at one of the restaurants. There is also a championship 18-hole golf course that you must check out.
And if you are fond of museums, check out the International Crane Foundation, Tommy Bartlett exploratory, and, of course, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum.
Chicago To Harbor Country Michigan Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: Under 2 hours
Harbor Country is a dramatic change from the luxurious neighborhoods in Chicago into a world of sweeping dunes, small towns, and scenic beaches. And if you want a perfect escape from the Windy City, this is one of the best day trips from Chicago.
The area is packed with as many locals and tourists as the beer pints, but still everyone gets the chance to drink as much as they like, thanks to the wineries and breweries dotted throughout the area.
The Lemon Creek Winery is the place to sample some cabernet sauvignon and chardonnays, at Journeyman Distillery, have some gin and vodka or organic whiskey, and at Greenbush Brewing, the taproom is the go to place to drink their signature ales with some delicious food.
Besides this, you can find authentic Swedish treats, American comfort food, condiments and even a romantic meal at the many restaurants and bakeries in Harbor Country.
Chicago To Mackinac Island Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: About 7 hours
Mackinac Island may be outside Michigan, but the highest number of visitors come from Chicago. Known for its beauty, which comes from Lake Michigan, you should make some time for a day trip from Chicago to Mackinac Island.
The total driving time from Chicago to Mackinac Island is almost 7 hours, which includes a 90-minute drive to Milwaukee, a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the water crossing, and then a four-hour drive to the Mackinac Island ferry docks.
If you are getting to Mackinac Island from Chicago by car, you will pass around Lake Michigan’s east side and then through the Lower Peninsula. This route is extremely beautiful as you will drive past the beach towns before catching a ferry boat that will take you to Mackinac Island.
Otherwise, you can opt for car ferry options that will take you from Chicago to Mackinac Island via one of the two crossings of Lake Michigan – the S. Badger ferry from Manitowoc or the Lake Express ferry from Milwaukee.
Chicago To Peoria Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 2 and a half hours
Peoria is a charming city in Illinois and very different from Chicago due to its breathtaking Midwest landscape, sparkling rivers, rolling hills, and lush greenery. In short, it is a perfect escape from the urban jungle into nature’s lap.
If you still have second thoughts, make that day trip from Chicago to Peoria. You will not regret it. The city proudly showcases its cultural charm and vibrant downtown life, with everything from skyscrapers to picturesque parks.
You can start exploring the area from the Forest Park Nature Center, which serves as a doorway to seven miles of dense forest trails, dramatic hillsides and stream beds. You will also find a natural history museum and a bird watching room along the way.
After that, make a stop at Luthy Botanical Garden, Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum, Caterpillar Visitors Center, Pettengill Morron House Museum, and the Shoppes at Grand Prairie.
Chicago To Lake Geneva Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 1 hour 30 minutes
A day trip from Chicago to Lake Geneva is absolutely worth it for visitors of all ages. There are endless things to do at this destination, especially in the warmer months, such as lake tours, golf outings, and adventurous activities.
You can spend a day in Lake Geneva, either lounging by the clear and scenic waterside or visiting the top attractions in the area.
Lake Geneva is a popular resort town for Chicagoans, who like to stay for the weekend or longer. However, you can always take a short day trip to and from the city on the same day. Visit the resorts, bars, galleries, and gift shops, but not before you have taken on the lake cruises, boating, and hiking activities.
Stroll along the Geneva Lake Shore Path to admire the large mansions or the Main Street Historic District. And before you head back to the city, take a moment to appreciate the prairie-style Lake Geneva Public Library.
Chicago To Illinois Holocaust Museum Day Trip
Hours of driving from Chicago: 25 minutes
The Illinois Holocaust Museum is one of the best day trips from Chicago to revisit the stories of the Holocaust survivors and their time in the concentration camps. Using cutting edge technology like virtual reality and holograms, the museums offer such unique insights in survivors’ stories that they will make a lasting impression on you.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum operates from Wednesday through Mondays, between 10 am and 5 pm, so you plan your day trip from Chicago in such a way that you arrive before 4 pm.
If you are driving from Downtown Chicago, take the I-90 Kennedy Expressway to I-94. From there, take the Old Orchard Road all the way to Woods Drive. Even though a day’s trip is enough to explore the museum, you can also stay overnight in the local hotel such as Hampton Inn & Suites-Chicago North Shore or Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center-Chicago North Shore.
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