Chicago, also known as the Windy City, has many fun things to do when you visit. It also makes for a fantastic place to base yourself to take some day trips to the surrounding areas. From visiting National and State Parks to heading to a different state, these are some of the best day trips from Chicago.
US Ghost Adventures is an awesome company that offers a variety of guided tours and haunted experiences across different cities in the United States. Visitors can learn the compelling history and stories of the paranormal and the city’s darker side. Make sure to check out the variety of tours offered in Chicago here. They are very affordable too!
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Where to Stay in Chicago
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Chicago hotels here! Make sure to check out the Hampton Inn Downtown and the Westin.
The following are some other great options:
- Thompson Chicago
- Hyatt Regency Chicago
- Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile
- Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
- Holiday Inn Express Chicago -Magnificent Mile
- The Westin Michigan Avenue
- Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
- Hilton Chicago
- Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown
Pullman National Monument, Illinois
Pullman National Monument, also known as the Pullman Historic District, is technically located in the suburbs of Chicago. This area is home to one of the most well-known companies in US History, the Pullman Company.
To get here, it is about 17 miles or a 30-minute drive from Downtown or about an hour by public transportation. Visitors can hop on the red line and then get on bus 111 or 115.
This site is worth a visit, especially if you love history. This area was the first planned industrial community in the United States. It is also the location of one of the first major strikes, the Pullman Strike, which facilitated the creation of Unions.
Visitors can visit the museum, visit the train exhibit, and take a tour of several of the buildings. The area in general is also super cute to walk around with several murals in the area. You can also visit the Pullman State Historic Site next door to see more historical buildings.
You can easily stop here on your way to Indiana Dunes National Park as part of one of the many day trips from Chicago you can take.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park makes for one of the best day trips from Chicago. Not only is it about a 40-minute drive from downtown (about 35 miles), but sometimes in the summertime, the train even stops close to the park. It is easiest to drive as there is a ton of parking, and some of the areas are a bit too far to walk.
It is worth taking a day trip from Chicago to Indiana Dunes National Park due to the awesome beaches and short hikes you can take within the park. In total, there are 14 hiking trails that wind through the park. Popular trails include the Mount Baldy trail, which takes you to the tallest dune in the park, and the dune succession trail.
If you want to hit the beach during the warmer weather, opt to visit Lake View Beach or West Beach. Another unique thing to do at Indian Dunes National Park is the Century of Progress Homes. These homes were built for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Each house has a unique design, so they are fun to drive by.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a fun area to explore and makes for a fun day away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago.
South Bend, Indiana
South Bend, Indiana may be home to the infamous college Notre Dame, but there is quite a bit more in this adorable town than that.
South Bend is about 95 miles from Chicago. You can opt to drive for about an hour and 45 minutes or if you choose to take the train, it will take about two and a half hours. I recommend driving so you have the flexibility to get around.
It is worth a day trip from Chicago, especially if you have the opportunity to go to a Notre Dame football game. Outside of tailgating and walking around campus, visitors should make sure to visit the Studebaker National Museum if interested in cars.
Other fun things to do include the Snite Museum of Art and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (located on the Notre Dame Campus). Do not forget to check out the “Touchdown Jesus” mural!
I highly recommend planning to visit during football season so you can go to a football game as the campus atmosphere is awesome during that time. No matter what, it makes for one of the fun day trips from Chicago.
Kenosha, Wisconsin
By Kylie of Between England and Iowa
One of the fun day trips from Chicago is to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kenosha is approximately 66 miles from Chicago with a drive time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Alternatively, there’s a direct train between the Ogilvie Transportation Center and Kenosha that takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
You’ll find lots of awesome things to do in Kenosha. There are 5 museums altogether and the majority are free to visit! It’s worth paying $10 to climb up the Southport Lighthouse for some great views across the harbor. On a clear day, you can see all the way back to Chicago!
A unique way to travel around Kenosha is by the electric streetcars. It takes around 20 minutes to do the full loop and there are several points where you can jump on and off. The oldest streetcar dates back to 1948.
There’s a great lakefront walk around the harbor that takes in many of the sites, including Harbor Park with a sculpture walk, Simmons Island Park Beach, and the iconic red North Pier Lighthouse which has murals painted around the bottom.
For places to eat and drink, check out the Harborside Common Grounds coffee shop. It overlooks the harbor and serves lovely coffee with lots of breakfast options. Choo Choo Charlie’s is a railway restaurant, located next to the train station, where food is delivered to tables via a miniature railway!
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
By Paulina of Paulina on the Road
One of the best day trips from Chicago to Milwaukee can be one of the best travel decisions you made this year. It is because Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin that offers one-of-a-kind experiences to its visitors. The distance from Chicago to Milwaukee is about 92 miles and it takes around one and a half hours to reach this city by car.
The fastest and cheapest way to get to Milwaukee from Chicago is by train. The train takes 1.5 hours to reach Milwaukee and is easily available.
Visiting Milwaukee from Chicago is a worthwhile day trip because it is easy to commute within the city. Additionally, Milwaukee is a mix of bustling city life and a peaceful destination. It is the beer capital of Wisconsin and has modern architecture and mind-blowing nature to be around. You will notice beautiful buildings, street arts, pleasant weather, and even more that you won’t get tired of.
On your visit, there is a lot you can experience. Visit the Harley Davidson Museum where you will find a blast. You’ll find everything related to Harley Davidson at this must-visit place. Up next is Milwaukee Public Market, which has a unique lineup of exciting vendors. You can sip a cup of coffee there and shop around some locally made snacks.
Milwaukee Riverwalk is a two-mile walk that is directly connected to amazing shops and bars. It is another fun thing to do in Milwaukee when you can get the best feeling of the city. After wandering and exploring, fill up your stomach with some cheese curds.
You can book pet-friendly hotels in Milwaukee if you wish to enjoy a beautiful day trip for more than a day with your pet.
Tip: Do not forget to taste the sample bear in a famous winery in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Breweries, Wisconsin
By Denise of Chef Denise
If you have spent more than a few days to spend in the Windy City, you have probably tried to find the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago. And what goes better with pizza than beer? Luckily, Milwaukee, aka Brew City, is just an hour and a half drive, or a two-hour train ride from Chicago. It makes for one of the best day trips from Chicago.
Milwaukee’s beer history dates back to 1840 and today there are over 30 breweries that contribute to the city’s beer scene. However, visiting 30 breweries on a day trip from Chicago is not recommended.
There are tours that concentrate on the historic aspects of the “big four”—Schlitz, Pabst, Blat, and Miller which is now MillerCoors, and others that focus on craft breweries.
You can also certainly visit the breweries that interest you the most on your own. Head to the Riverwest neighborhood where you’ll find the largest concentration of micro-breweries. Lakefront Brewery, one of Brew City’s first, boasts the first U.S. certified organic beer, and the first certified gluten-free beer. They offer tours, a restaurant (try the cheese curds), and a large selection of ales, IPA’s, and lagers.
If you get an early start, head to Eagle Park Brewing Company for their French Toast breakfast beer—an imperial stout with maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. Nearby, Gathering Place Brewing serves an eclectic mix of beers ranging from cream ales to rustic Franconian lagers. Don’t let the names like “Murdered by Crows” scare you off, they have something for everyone!
PJ Hoffmaster State Park, Michigan
by Sunny of Nomads In Nature
Are you craving a beach day? Southwest Michigan has the most beautiful beaches in the midwest, and PJ Hoffmaster is the best of the bunch! Lake Michigan boasts beautiful teal waves that crash against the sandy shore, stretching as far as the eye can see. On top of the 3 miles of beach, this Michigan state park has trails winding up and over sand dunes and through the forest.
I recommend staying for sunset and having your camera ready. Watching the sun drop behind Lake Michigan will leave you speechless and inspired. Nomad in Nature’s guide to PJ Hoffmaster State Park has everything you need to plan your day trip from the best campsites, hiking trails, and nearby adventures.
While June through August is peak beach time, my favorite time to visit southwest Michigan is September. The crowds start to fade, and the leaves start to change creating a very peaceful escape from the city.
PJ Hoffmaster State Park is a just 3-hour drive (180 miles) from Chicago, making it a great summer day trip or long weekend. If one day just isn’t enough for you, the park offers 297 campsites within walking distance from the beach.
I-94 east out of the city takes you along the lake through Indiana and into Michigan. Continue onto I-196 North towards Holland where you jump on US-31 for the last 40 miles. It makes for one of the best day trips from Chicago.
LaSalle Canyon at Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
By Catherine of Postcard Narrative
Just 1 hour and 40 minutes (90 miles) from Chicago by car, you will find a peaceful, natural oasis at Starved Rock State Park. Specifically, a hike to the iconic LaSalle Canyon is both physically rewarding and visually appealing and one of the best day trips from Chicago. It is the most photographed site within the park, despite the park being named after its Starved Rock viewpoint.
Hikers of almost any experience level are able to enjoy the dramatic views of the LaSalle Canyon waterfall and feel a nearly instant calm rush over them. If you’re comfortable with descending and ascending about 140 stairs, you will be capable of completing the 60-minute round-trip hike to its stunning view.
If you are bringing kids to LaSalle Canyon, they’ll love splashing in the pools at the base of the waterfall and the opportunity to walk behind the fall. Other than while frozen, its waterfall continuously flows throughout the year, which is unique compared to the other waterfalls in the State Park.
The photo opportunities and brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the city will be well worth the drive out to LaSalle Canyon. Useful information: It is free to park and explore Starved Rock State Park. There is a Visitors Center, but if you are hiking to LaSalle Canyon, instead leave your car at Parkman’s Plain parking lot and follow the River Trail round trip. Hang out and soak in the view once you reach the canyon; consider packing a picnic and be sure to pack out anything you brought in.
Other Day Trips from Chicago
There are so many other day trips from Chicago you can take. Gurnee, Illinois is home to one of the Six Flags amusement parks. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a popular spot for people looking for a quaint getaway. Other places include Oak Park, Michigan City, and Rockford. If you have more time, take a road trip down to Springfield, St. Louis, or Louisville.
1 thought on “8+ of the Best Day Trips from Chicago, Illinois”
Such a great list of recommendations! Ive only been to some of these locations so the others are quickly going on my bucket list.