{"id":26811,"date":"2019-04-24T19:02:47","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T19:02:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=26811"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:16:52","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:16:52","slug":"best-day-trips-from-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/best-day-trips-from-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Day Trips from Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"

The constant hustle and bustle of downtown might leave you wishing for a quick getaway. As you move away from the city, you can explore the possibilities close to home with these day trips from Chicago<\/u><\/a>. Here\u2019s a guide to your new favorite getaway spots.<\/p>\n

Oglesby, Illinois<\/h2>\n

Beyond the cityscape, there are many natural areas for hiking. Oglesby is a peaceful town set in the Illinois Valley. Here, you can go fishing, kayaking, or river rafting. In Oglesby, you can also explore Matthiessen State Park<\/u><\/a>\u00a0and Starved Rock State Park<\/u><\/a>, both of which promise a day free of screens and the noise of the city.<\/p>\n

\"day
Oglesby, Illinois, Trover Photo by Jeff Hancock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

White River State Park, Indiana<\/h2>\n

A three-hour drive from the downtown core of Chicago is White River State Park<\/u><\/a>, an award-winning concert venue. This urban park also features a historic canal system, combining the very best of 18th<\/sup>-century architecture with excellent views of Indianapolis. While visiting the area, you can take the family on an adventure at the Indianapolis Zoo<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"indianapolis
Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana, Trover Photo by Goutham Ganesh<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For sports fans, the NCAA Hall of Champions<\/u><\/a>\u00a0is a must-see. You can walk through basketball history, taking in memorabilia from your favorite players and teams. Art lovers, meanwhile, can soak up a bit of history and culture at the Indiana State Museum<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan<\/h2>\n

Nearly a million acres of national forest dot the landscape across lower Michigan. Just a four-hour drive from Chicago, Huron-Manistee National Forests<\/u><\/a>\u00a0offer world-class hiking at the North Country National Scenic Trail, as well as nearby trout fishing opportunities at the Au Sable National Scenic River.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re seeking out adventure in the forest, or just a calm fishing trip with friends, Huron-Manistee National Forests is a picturesque spot for a day trip, and the perfect place to recharge your batteries before returning to the city.<\/p>\n

\"michigan
Huron Manistee National Forests, Michigan, Trover Photo by Scott Weber<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Illinois<\/h2>\n

Frank Lloyd Wright designed over 1,000 buildings across the country, and he\u2019s revered as one of the great American architects. Whether you have a young budding architect in your family or have a keen interest in building design and architecture, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio<\/u><\/a>\u00a0is an exciting day trip spot. At this national historic landmark, Frank Lloyd Wright developed his architectural philosophy and honed his famed prairie-style design approach. As a guest, you can learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright through educational workshops.<\/p>\n

\"frank
Frank Lloyd Wright Studio, Illinois, Trover Photo by Greg<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fennville, Michigan<\/h2>\n

During the spring and summer season, the ideal day trip for couples is a fruit picking journey to Fennville<\/u><\/a>. A two-hour drive from Chicago, Fennville offers an excellent spot for picking cherries, peaches, and other delicious fruits. Outside of the Fennville orchard, you\u2019ll also find many family restaurants and bakeries selling home-crafted bread and pies to bring back with you. Make sure you check the local, seasonal dates and weather forecast to ensure the weather cooperates with your romantic Fennville adventure.<\/p>\n

\"fennville
Fennville, Michigan, Trover Photo by Meg<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

South Bend, Indiana<\/h2>\n

Take a trip to visit the University of Notre Dame<\/u><\/a>\u00a0football stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The venue hosts live football games throughout the season and brings tens of thousands of students, alumni, and fans to the area each weekend.<\/p>\n

Beyond being the home of Notre Dame football, South Bend offers some of the country\u2019s best libraries and museums, such as the South Bend Museum of Art<\/u><\/a>. SBMA features both contemporary and historical art exhibits, as well as studio sessions for aspiring artists.<\/p>\n

\"south
South Bend, Indiana, Trover Photo by Travelin Light<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Naperville, Illinois<\/h2>\n

Just a 40-minute drive outside of Chicago, Naperville, Illinois<\/u><\/a>\u00a0is the best option for those seeking a quiet day in a small town.<\/p>\n

In the area, you can explore the city\u2019s famous Riverwalk<\/u><\/a>, offering unparalleled waterfront views. There\u2019s also a number of picture-perfect photo opportunities at the 150-foot bell-tower dominating the Naperville skyline. You can plan your Naperville trip on short notice\u2014simply pack a small bag and get the family ready to enjoy some fresh air and stunning scenery.<\/p>\n

\"naperville
Naperville, Illinois, Trover Photo by Sue Scimeca<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin<\/h2>\n

With year-round waterside activities, Lake Geneva in Wisconsin<\/u><\/a>\u00a0is the ideal getaway for busy Chicagoans. The lake resort features a 21-mile shoreline with natural greenspace and many activities for families. In winter, you\u2019ll find Lake Geneva is home to world-class ski resorts. During the summertime, discover the zipline and rope courses across the local forests. Big Foot Beach State Park<\/u><\/a>\u00a0is a short drive away, offering sun and sand for those warm and breezy summer days. Who knew a beautiful beach vacation was so close to Chicago?<\/p>\n

\"lake
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Trover Photo by Polina Quick<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Holland, Michigan<\/h2>\n

Those looking to explore the rich history of the local region might consider a quick trip to Holland, Michigan<\/u><\/a>. The Holland-themed city is just two hours from Chicago by car, and offers visitors a number of Dutch-inspired activities, stores, and neighborhoods. The town also features a 250-year-old Dutch windmill, which represents the esteemed history of the area. Bring the kids to explore the many local caf\u00e9s and restaurants steeped in local Dutch-American history.<\/p>\n

\"holland
Holland, Michigan, Trover Photo by Rich S<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Michigan City, Indiana<\/h2>\n

Just an hour\u2019s drive from Chicago is Michigan City, Indiana, where you can spend your entire day trip from Chicago crossing the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore<\/u><\/a>. Marked by beautiful beach dunes and historic lighthouses, the area offers visitors a whimsical escape from the city. Boasting some of the finest microbreweries in the region, Michigan City is the perfect place for a group day trip, while savvy shoppers can hunt for a bargain in its quaint shops.<\/p>\n

\"michigan
Michigan City, Illinois, Trover Photo by Lawrence Tellez<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s your opportunity to explore the world right outside your home city! Take the time now to plan a day trip from Chicago to any one of these destinations for your upcoming adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pack a bag and discover day trip locations a short drive past the city limits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":26822,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1848,1921,1782,1776],"tags":[],"authors":[2264],"class_list":["post-26811","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chicago","category-day-trips","category-destinations","category-type-of-vacation","authors-expedia","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBest Day Trips from Chicago | Expedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Need a break from the big city? Pack a bag and discover day trip locations a short drive past the city limits. 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