Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night. Just after crossing the Ohio River at Evansville, turn onto I-69, continuing south on I-169 where the interstates divide. How to get there: Similar to the Grand Rapids trip, follow I-90 then I-94 east out of Chicago as far as St Joseph. Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago | Cond Nast Traveler Road Trip from Chicago to San Francisco - LazyTrips 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! 489 miles northeast of Chicago: Lake Bernard Park. 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. If you're here to relax, escape the hustle and bustle with a stroll around Toledo Botanical Gardens or head out to Wildwood Preserve Metropark to follow its many trails on foot or 2 wheels. This park is illuminated with amazing twinkling lights all through the holiday period and is a really popular local attraction. The main attraction is the carved cliff face featuring four Presidents of the United States. Once Christmas and New Year are behind you, the party season in New Orleans really gets going. Our highlights: Florida is the warmest part of the continental US through the winter - perfect for escaping the sub-zero temperatures of the Midwest! Other activities include spending the day at Kalapaki or Po'ipu beaches, setting. One is the Forever Curious Children's Museum - a non-profit organization created to spark a love for learning in kids of all ages. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (100 miles). 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. The locals didn't stop at naming the lake after the slightly better known one in Switzerland. You also don't have to book attractions weeks in advance, and you can find reasonably priced accommodation in the downtown area. Rockford lives up to its main nickname with plenty of outdoor spaces to explore - the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Klehm Botanic Garden and the Rock Cut State Park are all within the metropolitan area. It's a great way to experience this historic part of the city, full of character. If you're able to visit mid-week, you'll probably find the slopes are quieter. 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. It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February. It features more than 100,000 lights and is the largest pipe organ in the world. 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 whole town gets decked out in style for the holidays. Boyne Mountain Resort Distance: 5-hour drive Michigan winters are best captured with the ski resort of Boyne. Not far away, Wind Cave is one of the world's longest. Make sure you check out a few live music venues. 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. 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. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (140 miles). 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. 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. Southern Illinois Distance: 6-hour drive Southern Illinois has a hilly landscape and a rural vibe. Where to Stay. 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. Outside of the downtown Fennville, you'll find rolling fields and orchards that are both pretty and make some great food. The famous architect built the house in 1951 and it is interesting to see how far ahead of its time it is in terms of its design and accessibility - the look is incredibly modern despite some 70 years passing! Things to do on Kauai include exploring the Waimea Canyon, Kkee State Park, Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. If you want to maximize your Swiss experience, then combine your road trip to New Glarus with a stop in Monroe - the Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA. If you've had about enough of cheese, you can go on an ATV ride around the trail network around Monroe. Galleries, restaurants and local businesses come together to bring some warmth and cheer to the new year, with a legendary chilli cook-off, Soup-A-Thon and ice sculptures dotted around town. Sundays have a free Jazz Brunch outdoor concert series along the scenic Riverwalk. Parking can be difficult, especially in the summer months when hundreds of visitors head to town. Our highlights: The nation's capital is a fantastic place to visit during the holiday period. Like Chicago, Saugatuck is also located on the Lake Michigan shore, but it couldn't be more different. 15 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (960 miles). Minneapolis straddles both sides of the Mississippi and has over a dozen lakes within it's city limits which makes for amazing scenery. You can also tour a museum ship to get a feel for the history of the lakes. You might not have heard of it, but the United States has its very own Gevena Lake and it's located in Wisconsin, just across the border from Illinois. 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. 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! At Louisville, change onto I-64 and follow it towards Lexington onto I-75 which takes you across into Tennessee. 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. 14 Best Road Trips from Chicago to Experience the Midwest For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. Then, shortly after crossing the Wisconsin River, turn onto I-39 and follow it north to Granite Peak Ski Area. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (88 miles). If you're staying overnight it's best to find accommodation with private parking. 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. If you're visiting later in the season, check out Winter Restaurant Week. Spring Break Family Destinations Near Chicago - Chicago Parent Bozeman, MT. Just after London, the road merges with ON-403, which will take you right into the center of Toronto. To make the most of the trip, take a couple of weeks and make a lot of stops along the way. Why you should visit: From January to March the town hosts the World of Winter Festival, which sees dozens of huge ice sculptures on display and special events held across the town. You might get spring, and then again, you might have winter still hanging on! Your email will not be provided to third parties. Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. Why you should visit: Orlando is known as a winter sun favorite so pack your sun cream and enjoy some time outdoors. Then, follow the Christmas Parade, which makes its way through the city's streets and squares in early December. 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. Lake ice was harvested and taken to nearby towns and cities - it was big business here as late as the 1940s. How to get there: Follow I-90 out of Chicago and east towards Cleveland. There are festivals throughout the year from the world's largest Bratfest (you can eat a lot of sausages here!) A Little History. 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. You can also snowshoe, tube or skate if you want a break from the slopes. 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. 25 Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago - VacationIdea 809 Civic Center Dr., Niles; 847-972-2540 or kingspa.com. Then, take I-40 from Knoxville to Asheville then join I-26 south passing Spartanburg and Columbia. Why you should visit: The weather stays mild all year round in Savannah, so it's a great place to come and escape the Midwest chill. The Louisville Muhammad Ali Center and the Frazier History Museum will keep you busy! How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. 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. The city was offered up to President Lincoln as a Christmas Gift during the Civil War. 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. (866) 399-3866. www.grizzlyjacksresort.com. All that snow means that you can ski in the area around Asheville. 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. Best for: Family fun or a romantic rendezvous. 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. 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. With fast lifts, extensive ski runs and stunning views, you'll probably want to spend most of your time here on the slopes. If you're coming for the World of Winter Festival, remember to wrap up warm. After crossing the border into Canada, the road becomes ON-401. The local Fermentorium brewery has some 24 different beers on tap - not too shabby for a local place! Bonus: Macy's Christmas Light Show another of the city's festive traditions is a record breaker! How to get there: Head east out of Chicago and join Interstate 90, then just keep going! 4 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (290 miles). One of the best places to visit in Illinois, this state park features 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails to explore. Don't worry about missing out on too much of that winter snow either - your drive will take you through the Appalachians so you can take in some stunning views as you make your way south to Georgia. But is it worth a daytrip to an obscure Chicago suburb? Time in the air: 3 hours. 8. If an authentic windmill and fields of tulips is not Dutch enough, there is an entire Dutch Village to go to. (Getty Images) Known as . 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. Many of the events and installations are outdoors, so, this being Michigan, chances are you'll be enjoying them in the snow. On the south side of the lake is the Black Point Estate. 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. Choose from a lodge room, suite, 4-bed or 8-bed luxury cottage, ideal for multi-generation or multi-family groups. A little further north from Chicago than Milwaukee is the town of Cedarburg. 11 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (760 miles). 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. Asheville is packed full of history, but the modern city has a distinctly creative vibe that makes it really unique. We'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your entry, especially if you're visiting at busy times,. Road Trip From Chicago To Washington DC - LazyTrips Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan after Detroit and has gained notoriety for its cool vibe and hipster feel over the recent years. 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. With a lot of water activities on the lake, the parking lots can fill up quickly so make sure you get here in the morning to get a spot. Winters are bitterly cold and very snowy - that drive from Chicago might not be the best idea in the middle of February! Adrenaline junkies can ride ziplines in several places around Asheville, take a rafting trip or go canyoneering. 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. Founded in 1778, Louisville is a really amazing mix of old and new. You'll find yourself in a warm weather wonderland with trees, lights, skating and fireworks. 5 Winter Road Trip Ideas to Warmer Destinations - Auto Lab (Disney Enterprises . There are plenty of places to stop and a lot of parks and trails if you want to get out of the car. 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 . This Mom n pop classic fast food diner has been in Oglesby since 1955 and serves top notch root beer floats and burgers. 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. 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. 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. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Why you should visit: This is a year-round resort, but with 140 inches of snow, it comes into its own during winter. 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. 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. 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. 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. As well as being beautiful, the crowds that flock to Niagara Falls are slightly less during winter. Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you can also spend time exploring the stunning Black Hills and surrounding area. 4 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). 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. 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. 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. 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. Then join I-196 and follow it north along the lake shore until you reach Holland. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). You'll have seen pictures of the beautiful and elaborate masks that are such a feature of the Mardi Gras parades. Note that to enjoy all the attractions Niagara Falls has to offer, you might need to factor in crossing the US/Canada border so make sure you have any paperwork you need (dependent on nationality). 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. Whether you're looking for an active break or a peaceful boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water. 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. The best thing about Grand Rapids, however, is the food and the drink. Drive past snowy landscapes to reach 850 acres of skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and photography escapades. To make the most of it, though, you really should consider stopping the night and exploring the local beer scene. How to get there: Follow I-90 east towards Cleveland, switching onto I-80 just before you reach the city. You can also enjoy a number of holiday markets, to really get you into the festive spirit. The forest includes a remarkable 289,000 acres of nature adventures to experience. There's another dozen smaller lakes dotted around which breaks up the city into smaller neighborhoods and adds a lot of character. You can get a tour of the mansion and explore the vast grounds which include 620 feet of shoreline. Best road trips from Chicago Shutterstock 1. 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. How to get there: Head north on I-90 out of Chicago then join I-94. 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. Amtrak has an overnight train (The City of New Orleans) to New Orleans where the weather will be warm. 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. Little Orleans Campground. Back in town you'll get beautiful winter views over icy Lake Michigan. Utica, IL 61373. Rising 462 feet above the sea, the carillon tower recently reopened to the public after 80 years in solitude. 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. There are a few museums and sights to see - the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Art Museum are both worth going to. Your email will not be provided to third parties. When you're ready to head into the warm, make your way to Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. Of course, there are two sides to every story, and a few miles from Mount Rushmore you can visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. How to get there: Follow I-90 west out of Chicago, passing Rockford and Madison. 17 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (1,130 miles). Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Chicago. Places to visit about 300 miles from Chicago - Within Hours How to get there: Follow I-90 east across Indiana. 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. You can easily visit on a short day road trip from Chicago, but if you want to explore the different trails and get away from it all, a weekend trip might work better despite being so close. 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. Take a magical horse-drawn carriage ride, check out entries for the Gingerbread House competition, and enjoy endless festive lights. From here, pick up I-76 and follow it straight down to Denver. If you have time to head out of town, make your way to Tampa to see Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. Make sure you grab some food at the Root beer Stand. For the equestrian lover, Keeneland is a famous horse racing arena that attracts people from around the globe. 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. Combined with St Paul, the two merged metro areas are known as the Twin Cities and are one of the largest in the Midwest. It will satisfy a wide range of abilities, and you can also try out snow tubing and snowshoeing here. Record-breaking April 13: Chicago snaps 136-year-old warm weather Several of the hotels in town have excellent in-house spas, so you can treat yourself to some relaxation time during your trip. Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of Chicago Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Go snowshoeing at Quit Qui Oc golf course or ice skate at June Vollrath Park. " There's also an "Amethyst Room," whirlpools infused with jasmine and weirdly good organic fried chicken. 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. If you're in Grand Rapids earlier in the season, you can enjoy some great skiing at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Indiana Dunes, Indiana 1 hour from Chicago (50 miles) 11 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (700 miles). Many visitors head to Denver en route to the Rockies, which are right on your doorstep if you're staying in the city. 3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles). 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. From Louisville, I-64 takes you east to Lexington, then turn onto I-75 to make your way through Tennessee to Knoxville. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. If you're not planning a trip until after Christmas, you'll be able to visit the Toronto Light Festival, when fabulous installations brighten up the city through the cold winter nights. Another is called the " Fire Sudatorium. 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. 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. Geneva, Illinois - 41.7 miles. Alternative options are the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Park and the Fish Ladder Park. Then, check out the Christmas Village or the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. 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. Join I-90 E to head out of Chicago then merge onto I-94 to continue to follow the shore of Lake Michigan. 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. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. And one of the three sections of the Hoosier National Forest is immediate to this area. After heavy rainfall - this is also the perfect time for viewing colorful wildflowers. Leave time to explore. 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. Also B&Bs. You will pass by some imposing homes and quiet lakeside neighborhoods with picturesque cafes. The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. 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. Tickets for guided tours at Wind Cave National Park often sell out, so advance booking is recommended, especially if you're travelling in the busier summer months or over holiday periods. If you're here in winter, check out the National Gingerbread House Competition visitors can view entries into this big-money event. getty. Winter Getaways From Chicago | USA Today Hot Springs (Arkansas) Distance: 650 miles. 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. 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. 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. After passing New Baltimore and Everett, change onto I-70 and continue on through the Appalachians before joining I-270 at Frederick and following it right into the center of Washington DC. 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. 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. 13 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (925 miles). Heading towards Lake Michigan, you will find the small harbor village of Saugatuck. One interesting place to visit is Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House. After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. Fennville has a few quirky local museums and things to see. 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. It's a popular place to visit, so book lift passes in advance if you know when you're travelling. 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 Why you should visit: Mild weather and weeks of flamboyant parades makes New Orleans the perfect contrast to snowy Chicago. Fun/Scenic Places within 10 hours hour or less roadtrip from Chicago - Yelp This idyllic shoreline in Michigan's southwestern corner stretches from the Indiana border to the town of Sawyer. It's not all about the outdoors though. Only an hour away from downtown Chicago, Indiana Dunes became the newest National Park in the United States in 2019. 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. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago (186 miles). 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. 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. Stop at the Crane Orchards to sample one of their legendary pies as you make your way around! You should definitely visit New York in winter so you can say you've experienced them all first-hand. Expect congestion on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially if you visit at weekends.
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