Chicago, Illinois-day-trips

Best Day Trips from Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a world-class city with endless entertainment options, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of town and explore what lies beyond the Windy City. Here are some of the best day trips from Chicago:

1. Michigan City, Indiana

  • Distance: approximately 60 miles (97 km), 1 hour drive
  • Highlights:
    • Beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan
    • Washington Park Zoo
    • Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets for shopping

Escape to the beach and enjoy some sun, sand, and relaxation in Michigan City. Visit the Washington Park Zoo, home to over 200 animals, or indulge in some retail therapy at the outlet mall.

2. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

  • Distance: approximately 80 miles (129 km), 1.5 hour drive
  • Highlights:
    • Stunning sandstone canyons and bluffs
    • Hiking trails and waterfalls
    • Guided boat tours of the Illinois River

Just a short drive from Chicago lies Starved Rock State Park, featuring breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the park’s many hiking trails, take in the views from atop the bluffs, or enjoy a guided boat tour.

3. Galena, Illinois

  • Distance: approximately 160 miles (257 km), 3 hour drive
  • Highlights:
    • Historic town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture
    • Horseshoe Mound Preserve for hiking and scenic views
    • Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Museum

Step back in time in Galena, a charming town filled with historic buildings and rich history. Visit the Horseshoe Mound Preserve for outdoor adventure or explore the railroad museum to learn about the area’s industrial past.

4. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

  • Distance: approximately 100 miles (161 km), 2 hour drive
  • Highlights:
    • Scenic lake cruises and water sports
    • Downtown Lake Geneva’s charming shops and eateries
    • Grand Geneva Resort & Spa for relaxation

Head to Lake Geneva in Wisconsin for a day of lakeside fun. Take a cruise or rent a boat, stroll through downtown’s quaint streets, or unwind at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

5. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

  • Distance: approximately 50 miles (80 km), 1 hour drive
  • Highlights:
    • Hiking trails and scenic views of Lake Michigan
    • West Beach for swimming and sunbathing
    • Historic Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

Explore the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park, featuring towering sand dunes, scenic hiking trails, and beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a dose of history, these day trips from Chicago offer something for everyone. So pack up, hit the road, and discover the wonders waiting just beyond the city limits!