Things to do on Kauai include exploring the Waimea Canyon, Kkee State Park, Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. After around an hour, exit at Kenosha and pick up WI-50 west which will take you to Geneva. Our highlights: For many visitors, the main draw is the Olde World Christmas Market, a 10-day festive spectacular bringing together Czech, German and Russian Christmas traditions. 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. After Grand Rapids, turn onto Route 131 and continue north past Big Rapids and Cadillac, until you reach Boyne Mountain. Featuring city breaks, small coastal harbor towns, outstanding natural parks and the occasional wineries and breweries, here are our 20 best road trips from Chicago ordered from closest to furthest away - make sure to read further down for more epic road trip itineraries! 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. One of the best places to visit in Illinois, this state park features 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails to explore. Just after London, the road merges with ON-403, which will take you right into the center of Toronto. Back in town, the Ice Castles at Geneva National Resort & Club are a must-see. Our travel tips: Equipment can be rented at this resort but arrive early on weekends or holidays as it's first come, first served. 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. Why you should visit: This is a year-round resort, but with 140 inches of snow, it comes into its own during winter. Make sure you check out a few live music venues. 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. You will pass by some imposing homes and quiet lakeside neighborhoods with picturesque cafes. The cheese fondue is right up there on our list of the best foods in the world! From here, pick up I-76 and follow it straight down to Denver. 605 S. Prospect St., Galena IL, 800-717-2317. Plus the views from the vineyard are sublime! The must-see attraction on your trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the famous cliffside sculptures of the presidents, which you can see up close if you follow the short Presidential Trail. You can enjoy spending time outside, take a walk along the river, or just relax in one of Savannah's beautiful squares - the polar opposite of a Chicago winter. Our highlights: There are so many memorable festive moments to fit into a winter trip to New York City, it's hard to know where to begin. 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. If you're here in winter, check out the National Gingerbread House Competition visitors can view entries into this big-money event. And of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes into its own during the winter. Save 1. 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. 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. As you make your way from Chicago to Philadelphia, make sure to fit in a visit to Bethlehem, PA, too. Choose from a lodge room, suite, 4-bed or 8-bed luxury cottage, ideal for multi-generation or multi-family groups. These will carry you up to a quarter of a mile across the resort's valleys, giving you a bird's eye view of your stunning surroundings. Seeing the falls in winter is a magical experience, with massive icicles and undulating snow drifts surrounding the famous vistas. Head up the CN Tower for great views of the city and Lake Ontario, which is particularly stunning when it starts to freeze over through the winter. 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. PC . How to get there: This is a really simple trip just follow I-90 all the way from Chicago. It will satisfy a wide range of abilities, and you can also try out snow tubing and snowshoeing here. First is the village of New Glarus. 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. Then, for a unique and romantic end to your trip, you can even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the city. One is the Forever Curious Children's Museum - a non-profit organization created to spark a love for learning in kids of all ages. Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the iconic holiday views of the city - if it feels familiar, it's probably because they've featured in so many films and TV shows over the years. Our highlights: There might not be snow and ice on the ground, but Savannah manages to fill the holiday season with its very own brand of festive charm. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Once a month the district comes to life with live music and guided tours, plus the chance to taste local wine. Then head quickly back into the warmth of your hotel to warm up. 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. Parking can be difficult, especially in the summer months when hundreds of visitors head to town. You'll have seen pictures of the beautiful and elaborate masks that are such a feature of the Mardi Gras parades. If you want to get better scenery, you can always cut across to the Mississippi and drive up the Great River Road (see #18 above). About 12,000 acres of lakes, sand dunes and oak savannas are wide open for exploration, including ice fishing, skating, sand dune sledding, fat tire biking and snowman building. Outside of the downtown Fennville, you'll find rolling fields and orchards that are both pretty and make some great food. I am actually down for anything, just to get some fresh air and get out of the city. Why you should visit: Wisconsin's state capital has all the cultural and foodie delights that you'd expect in a big city, with added snow that opens up a whole range of other activities to enjoy.
Record-breaking April 13: Chicago snaps 136-year-old warm weather It's also a popular LGBTQ destination. Originally a very rural part of Michigan with a few small towns and their corresponding harbors on the lake, the area has grown into a popular tourist destination. At Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, you can follow the beautiful light trail through the magical gardens, for example, or take a holiday trolley tour or boat trip to see the city decked out in festive finery while enjoying a wonderful warm cider. Chicago is a fantastic city, known for its stunning lakeside location, the Magnificent Mile, and its world-class museums and galleries. Our highlights: Boyne Mountain is primarily a ski resort, so take to the slopes and explore more than 415 acres of ski runs. Mount Rushmore is set on the edge of the Black Hills, so if you're spending longer in the area you can head out into the great outdoors to hike, bike and enjoy the scenic drive along the Needles Highway. It features more than 100,000 lights and is the largest pipe organ in the world. Once you've arrived in Philadelphia, you can ice skate beside the Delaware River at Winterfest, then warm up with a hot chocolate - or something stronger - with a view out across Benjamin Franklin Bridge. How to get there: Head north on I-90 out of Chicago then join I-94. The town of Holland sits along the length of Lake Macatawa that flows into Lake Michigan. 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. To make the most of it, though, you really should consider stopping the night and exploring the local beer scene. 13 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (925 miles). Take a magical horse-drawn carriage ride, check out entries for the Gingerbread House competition, and enjoy endless festive lights. 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. All things considered, it's easy to see why Niagara-on-the-Lake's Icewine is such a special product to try during your visit. The 2,470-mile road trip from Chicago to San Francisco takes 38 hours to drive. The name gives away what this place is all about - everything here stems from Holland's Dutch origins. Alternatively, tour the galleries and independent shops in the city's downtown area, which showcase the work of the thriving local arts community. That way, current and future visitors will be guaranteed the same fabulous experience of NOLA's longstanding and unique traditions. A few of the upcoming options on our road trip list are all due north in Wisconsin. For the equestrian lover, Keeneland is a famous horse racing arena that attracts people from around the globe. Stop at the Crane Orchards to sample one of their legendary pies as you make your way around! Next, turn onto I-80 and head west past Des Moines and Omaha. 8. 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 . Rockford is the largest city in Illinois outside Chicagoland (the Chicago metropolitan area). ETA: 10+ hours with couple of short breaks. The extensive and varied ski slopes here are great for a wide range of skiing abilities. They don't run every day, but when they do they're really magical. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). How to get there: Follow I-90 out of Chicago and east towards Cleveland. 506 miles southeast of Chicago: Toe River Campground. Our travel tips: The town will be extremely busy while the Christmas market is running, so book accommodation and any special activities well in advance. High season is considered to be June and July. You'll finally turn off the interstate at Rapid City, joining US-16 for the last few miles of your drive to Mount Rushmore. The 3 tallest sand dunes are all in the State Park with the tallest, Mount Tom, standing at 192 ft. Then, take I-40 from Knoxville to Asheville then join I-26 south passing Spartanburg and Columbia. Why you should visit: This beautiful little lakeside town hosts a magical Christmas market every year. Here you can join in with the 9-day Winter Festival (late January). If an authentic windmill and fields of tulips is not Dutch enough, there is an entire Dutch Village to go to. 1 hour 20 minutes from Chicago (80 miles). It's all a little strange, perhaps. All through the winter, you can also enjoy the shops and restaurants on fabulous River Street, the perfect place to spend some time whether you're looking for gifts to take home or just something special for yourself. 10 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (660 miles). Oglesby and its neighbor Utica lie nestled into a curve of the Vermilion River and is perfect for exploring some of the best outdoors in Illinois. Then, follow the Christmas Parade, which makes its way through the city's streets and squares in early December. The main attractions are the two major parks - the Starved Rock State Park and the Matthiessen State Park. You can explore the spectacular underground rock formations on a guided tour, then spend some time looking for wildlife at the grass prairie which forms the overground part of the national park. 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. Like Chicago, Saugatuck is also located on the Lake Michigan shore, but it couldn't be more different. One interesting place to visit is Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House. Whether you're looking for an active break or a peaceful boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water. 4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (280 miles).
5 Winter Road Trip Ideas to Warmer Destinations - Auto Lab With fast lifts, extensive ski runs and stunning views, you'll probably want to spend most of your time here on the slopes. 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. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (155 miles). 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. Best Travel Destinations Within Driving Distance of Chicago - Essence Whether you're looking for a rural, lake or city getaway, here are a few ideas all within 6 hours of driving distance.
Best Non-Stop Trips from Chicago to the Beach - Fodors Travel Guide This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. Morning departure is around 5% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*. Went to New York (which was fun) so that is covered. 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 idyllic shoreline in Michigan's southwestern corner stretches from the Indiana border to the town of Sawyer. 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. Then there's dozens of amazing natural parks to explore, especially towards the northern tip of the lake. Take a carriage ride through Central Park, which is even more magical when there's snow on the ground. The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. But that's just the welcome mat to this SoCal haven.
Winter Getaways From Chicago | USA Today Report Ranks America's 15 Safest (And Most Dangerous) Cities - Forbes You can go on cheese tours, go to cheese tasting venues, explore local cheese producers and eat every cheese-based dish under the sun. 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. Bozeman, MT. 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. After around 250 miles of driving you'll cross the Maumee River then turn off onto I-75 heading towards downtown Toledo. Your email will not be provided to third parties. 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. You should ride to the top of it to get unbelievable views of the city below - tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for children with discounts outside weekends. Our travel tips: This is a really popular ski area, and lift passes can sell out during the busiest periods. The Indian Museum of North America is nearby too. Our travel tips: Some of the outdoor activities that Niagara Falls is famous for, notably the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, do not operate in winter, but as we've identified, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy views out across the falls. With art, culture, caf patios and waterfront dining, Toledo is a great short trip if you want a change of scene from Chicago. Denver is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as being a great place to head to in winter if you want to ski or snowboard on nearby slopes. It's not all about the outdoors though. 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. 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. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (150 miles) Why you should visit: Wisconsin's state capital has all the cultural and foodie delights that you'd expect in a big city, with added snow that opens up a whole range of other activities to enjoy. 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. 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. As you approach St Louis, you will see the first and main sight in the city - the huge 630-foot tall steel Gateway Arch. Then warm up in one of the city's fantastic museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum where you'll find a fascinating and diverse collection. It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February. If you're feeling active, there are places where you can sled on the frozen sand dunes. The fast ferries will take under 20 minutes to get you there. Everything from cow's milk to goat and sheep milk is used and there are imitations of European cheeses and unique local flavors available. 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. 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. 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. These change year on year, but in the past have included things like silent disco, outdoor musical performances, and storytelling to mark Native American traditions or Chinese New Year. The fastest way to get to Minneapolis from Chicago is to go the I-90 and I-94 route across Wisconsin. 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. For those who want to go on a longer road, trip, the options above may not quite cut it so here are some longer routes that you might like the sound of: By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Hike along Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on your next weekend getaway from Chicago. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to just relax and unwind, maybe after a tour round the Christmas market or some time on the ice rink, head to the luxurious Aspira Spa to round off your trip. Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. The small town of Oglesby, home to 3,600 people, is renowned for its natural beauty. Why you should visit: Pennsylvania combines the kind of winter fun you might expect, like sledding and skating, with some unique winter traditions. 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. There's another dozen smaller lakes dotted around which breaks up the city into smaller neighborhoods and adds a lot of character. Although this is a long drive, it's a really straightforward one. If you want to head across the border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake make sure to pack the required travel documentation, and allow extra time to make the border crossing, especially if you're heading across Rainbow International Bridge. I-80 is a notoriously busy road, with heavy commercial traffic and few landmarks of interest. You can join the river at Savanna or a little further down at Clinton depending on the route you take. If 21 miles seems a little much, focus in on the 2-mile stretch on the West End. Minneapolis straddles both sides of the Mississippi and has over a dozen lakes within it's city limits which makes for amazing scenery. Flight $$$: $500. This can be particularly handy if you're staying a little way out of town, or if you want to avoid a long walk back to your parking spot at the end of the day. Our highlights: Granite Mountain is one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, and it's been at the forefront of innovation in the skiing industry. 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. 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. There's a real art to making Icewine and the conditions have to be just right to freeze the grapes for long enough on the vine. 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. Our travel tips: Book in advance if you're visiting Winterfest, as the town gets really busy. The first week of December is particularly busy, but many travellers report that the crowds and prices calm down a little mid-month. A new report shows the most dangerous cities in the USand the safest places. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. When it's time to warm up, head back into town to Old Sugar Distillery, a small local spirits producer, for a warming taster. 17 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (1,130 miles).
These Are the 5 Warmest Places in Chicago Right Now - PureWow 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. This Mom n pop classic fast food diner has been in Oglesby since 1955 and serves top notch root beer floats and burgers. 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. If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. 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 Hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, fishing, climbing, boating and more forge incredible nature experiences in some of the most unique settings of the Midwest. The Louisville Muhammad Ali Center and the Frazier History Museum will keep you busy! 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. You could . 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!
14 Best Road Trips from Chicago to Experience the Midwest During the daytime, Saugatuck Interurban Transit Authority provides an on-demand bus service which takes you to your destination of choice within the local area for just $1. 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. There are a number of museums to explore - some of the main ones located along the Museum Row. At Louisville, change onto I-64 and follow it towards Lexington onto I-75 which takes you across into Tennessee. Treat your group to an exhilarating zip line adventure with Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. You must try the Glarner Stube restaurant in town. Further afield, the city is packed full of other shopping districts, including the West Village, Bleeker Street, Union Square and the Meatpacking District to name just a few. Our travel tips: Parts of the city get extremely crowded in December, and accommodation prices rise accordingly.