Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation or just a quick weekend trip, there are many weekend getaways from Chicago to choose from. From the city itself to the surrounding suburbs, there are several options to choose from. You can go for a day trip to see some of the city’s top sights, spend a few days in a quiet neighborhood, or even take a short trip to the state’s capital to check out some of the city’s best museums.
Galena
Located in Northwest Illinois, Galena is a small town on the banks of the Mississippi River. The town is home to quaint shops and locally owned boutiques, a plethora of art galleries, and plenty of great restaurants.
The town is a popular getaway for Chicagoans. The Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery is located nearby. It is one of the best wineries in Illinois, and its award-winning wines are sure to please. In addition, it offers a couple’s wine tasting tour.
Galena is a perfect romantic getaway. This small town is surrounded by rolling farmland, making it beautiful throughout the year. It is especially attractive during the fall harvest season.
The town is also home to several restaurants and wineries. The Jail Hill Inn is the #1 rated bed and breakfast on TripAdvisor. It is located in a former county jailhouse and offers luxury accommodations. The Goldmoor Inn also offers a stunning view of the Mississippi River. This hotel features a two-person hot tub and fireplaces in the rooms. The Golden Hen Cafe is a great spot for breakfast.
There are also several other activities to enjoy during your stay in Galena. Apple River Canyon State Park is a beautiful state park that offers wildlife watching and fishing. It’s also home to 2500-year-old burial mounds. During the fall, you can hike through the deep sandstone canyons of the park.
St. Louis
Located along the Mississippi River and known as the Gateway City, Saint Louis is an ideal destination for Midwesterners looking for a weekend getaway. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, diverse culture, and plenty of attractions to keep tourists busy for a long weekend.
The city is famous for its skyline, award-winning restaurants, world-class museums, and thriving commercial districts. It is also home to sports teams, theaters, and entertainment hubs.
For a scenic day trip, you can visit the Garden of the Gods in southern Illinois. The park is also home to a number of museums, including the Frazier History Museum. The park is also the home of the 1904 World’s Fair. The park offers hiking trails, rock formations millions of years old, and deep sandstone canyons.
Another scenic day trip from St. Louis is to Starved Rock State Park, which is about 100 miles from the city. You can find camping, hiking, and boating opportunities in this park. The park has a historic lodge, as well as cabins with top-notch amenities. The park is also home to 18 canyons to explore.
Located in Taney County, Missouri, Branson is a family vacation destination. You can find over 100 live shows and activities to keep your family busy for a long weekend. You can also find a replica of the Titanic.
Madison
Whether you are visiting Chicago for the first time or are a regular visitor, there are plenty of weekend getaways to choose from. Some of them are easy to fly to, while others are only a few hours away by car. There are plenty of choices to consider, including some in nearby states and Canada.
The best weekend getaways from Chicago are those that are easy to get to and have something interesting to do while you are there. These can range from simple outdoor attractions to culturally rich weekend getaways.
Those looking for a weekend getaway that is close to Chicago should consider visiting Galena, Illinois. This small town is just under three hours away by car, and combines a combination of small town charm, shopping, and outdoor adventure. There are also plenty of locally owned boutiques, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts to enjoy.
Another excellent weekend getaway from Chicago is the Indiana Dunes National Park. This national park is located in Michigan City, Indiana, and offers miles of trails through forests, prairies, and wetlands. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the Illinois River, which passes through the park.
Elkhart Lake
Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or an active getaway, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, offers a variety of activities to suit your needs. It’s only about two and a half hours from Chicago.
There are a variety of resorts and hotels to choose from. Some of the best include the Osthoff Resort, which opened a new waterfront complex in 1995. It has a variety of accommodations, including 13 spacious suites, and offers golf, water sports, and an Aspira spa.
The Road America racetrack is also located in Elkhart Lake. It’s one of the longest courses in the world, with a four-mile course that’s been a favorite of amateur racers since 1955.
The 3.5-mile Parnell Tower Trail is a good choice for viewing the lake’s sweeping views of glacier-carved terrain. It’s also the best place to catch a view of the town’s famous Elkhart Queen, a long wooden barge-like pontoon boat.
Another must-see is the Wade House, a historic village in the park. Costume interpreters lead tours of the 19th-century stagecoach inn. The Wade House also features a museum, which is a great place to learn more about the history of the area.
Woodstock
Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip, Woodstock is a perfect destination. The town offers a wide range of activities and attractions. You can find things to do, and even places to eat. It is also easy to get to, and there are plenty of ways to get there.
If you want a little culture, you will want to check out the Woodstock Opera House, one of the oldest operating theaters in the country. It has a full schedule of events and concerts throughout the year. There is also the Children’s Discovery Museum nearby.
For more information on Woodstock, you can check out the Woodstock Travel Guide. It has all of the information you need to plan your trip.
Another good reason to go to Woodstock is the nearby Peoria Zoo. This is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for an animal-friendly day trip.
One of the most impressive sights in Woodstock is the town square. During the Christmas season, the square is decorated with thousands of lights. It is also home to a bandstand where the movie Groundhog Day was filmed.
The Woodstock Farmer’s Market is held here every Saturday from May through October. This is a great place to get fresh produce and pick-your-own fruit.
Ann Arbor
Whether you’re an outdoorsy type, a foodie, or just want to be close to the city, there are many Midwest destinations that are a short drive from Chicago. These destinations have something for everyone, including award-winning restaurants, world-class museums, and cultural treasures. There are also many weekend getaways that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Galena, Illinois, is a picturesque small town in northwest Illinois. Located just over 150 miles west of Chicago, Galena offers a romantic getaway, small town charm, and outdoor adventure. There are numerous bed and breakfasts, boutiques, and historic sites. The town is also known for its wineries, which are a great place to explore during a weekend getaway.
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a fun place to learn about science and literacy. The museum is located on the campus of the University of Michigan, which is a great place to visit while you’re in town. You can spend hours exploring the museum’s many interactive exhibits. The museum is also home to the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, which hosts a variety of events and shows.
Another great weekend getaway from Chicago is Wisconsin Dells. The Dells area is known as the “water park capital of the world.” This area is home to Noah’s Ark Water Park, local wineries, and scenic boat rides.
Traverse City
Whether you want to plan a romantic weekend getaway or a family vacation, there are plenty of places to visit near Chicago. These destinations range from the United States to Canada and are easy to access. Some of these destinations are within a few hours’ drive, while others can be reached by air.
Whether you want to relax by the lake, play golf, shop for gifts, or sample some wine, the Midwest is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. Many of these destinations are within a few hours’ driving distance from Chicago, making them easy to visit on a weekend. If you don’t want to drive, you can also take a flight to a destination near Chicago.
If you’re interested in a weekend getaway near Chicago, you’ll want to plan to visit the nearby town of Traverse City. The cherry capital of northern Michigan, Traverse City offers plenty of activities. You can try your hand at Nordic skiing, take a snowshoe hike, or visit one of the city’s 24 wineries.
Other weekend getaways from Chicago include the small town of Galena. Galena is just 165 miles from the city, making it easy to visit on a weekend. This small town offers a variety of dining options, wineries, and shopping. It’s also home to the National Blues Museum, which is dedicated to blues music.
