Best Road Trips from Chicago

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Distance from Chicago: 93 miles

Stay: Brewhouse Inn and Suites (boutique hotel housed in what was once the main Pabst brewery building)

Milwaukee is famous for its beer -it is nationally recognized with the nickname “Brew City” due to its nearly two centuries of brewing heritage from multiple past major brewers including Miller Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. One of the best things to do in Milwaukee is to tour one of its many breweries. Another interesting attraction is the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Rockford, Illinois

Image credit: Anderson Japanese Gardens

Distance from Chicago: 85 miles northwest from Chicago

The most popular attraction in Rockford is Anderson Japanese Gardens, a 12-acre Japanese garden. Other attractions include the Discovery Center Museum (a great a family museum), Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and the Rockford Art Museum.

South Bend, Indiana

Distance from Chicago: 96 miles

Stay: Aloft South Bend or Morris Inn at Notre Dame (if you want to stay on-campus)

South Bend is famous for being home to the University of Notre Dame but there are many more reasons to visit. There are many attractions on the beautiful, large campus including the Golden Dome, Notre Dame Stadium, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the famous shrine.

One of the best things to see in South Bend is the Studebaker National Museum, featuring a large collection of Studebaker automobiles drawn from the history of the company, beginning with horse-drawn carriages. They also have the carriage that Abraham Lincoln took to Ford’s Theater the night he was assassinated.

For those with a sweet tooth, visit the South Bend Chocolate Company, which is home to one of the largest collections of chocolate memorabilia in the world, including a 1,300-year-old Mayan chocolate pot among the hundreds of tins, containers and chocolate boxes of all shapes and sizes.  Visitors can take a factory tour for a history lesson of chocolate and its origins, as a guide leads guests through all of the factory processes, including panning, enrobing and more, including a test sample at the end. For an extra special treat, you’ll dip a chocolate spoon, walk through the Chocolate Museum and receive 10% off your purchase that day.

Galena, Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 164 miles

Stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Galena is a short road trip from Chicago but it a great place for weekend getaway whether on a romantic trip or traveling with kids. Galena is a charming and historic small town. A large portion of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and there are many historical sights to explore including the Ulysses S. Grant Home, the Elihu B. Washburne House, Dowling House and the Old Market House.

Some things to do in Galena including shopping downtown at the many boutiques and antique stores, eating at local restaurants and wine tasting at local vineyards. Theere or explore the lush rivers and hiking trails dotted throughout the area. Galena is close to Apple River Canyon State Park, an Illinois state park, where you can go hiking, fishing and more.

Holland, Michigan

Distance from Chicago: 150 miles

Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city of Holland, Michigan, which was founded by Dutch Calvinists in the late 1840s, proudly flaunts its Dutch origins, and is home to canals and a 250-year-old authentic Dutch windmill.

Holland is especially pretty in the spring when you can see colorful tulips in local gardens, parks, attractions and lining the streets. You can see millions of tulips at Veldheer Tulip Gardens. One of the mont popular times to visit is during the Tulip Time Festival, the largest tulip festival in the United States which is held every year in May.

Historic Route 66 Road Trip in Illinois

Distance from Chicago: 301 miles

Historic Route 66 is a classic American road trip. Don’t have time to drive Route 66 all the way from Chicago to California? You can still drive the Illinois portion of historic Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis. If you prefer a shorter drive, you can also drive from Chicago to Pontiac or Springfield. You will drive past unique roadside attractions, classic diners, kitschy attractions and Route 66 nostalgia.

Some must see stops in Illinois along the way include:

• Joliet (home to the Joliet Museum and Rialto Square Theatre)
• Gemini Giant (a landmark statue at the eastern entrance to Wilmington)
• Pontiac (the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum and the Route 66 Museums are must see attractions)
• Springfield
• Litchfield
• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.

If you are planning to do a long Route 66 road trip, I recommend this EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers, which is considered the best Route 66 guide.

Shawnee National Forest

Distance from Chicago: 300 miles

Stay: Riverview Mansion Hotel (a unique boutique style mansion)

Nestled between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest is full of natural beauty, making it ideal for outdoor recreation from hiking to climbing.

The stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features woodlands, hills, lakes, creeks, rock formations, cliffs and bluffs. You can also see wildlife such as bad eagles.

Shawnee National Forest is the best place to go hiking in Illinois with spectacular views. Trails include the long River to River Trail and the Rim Rock National Recreational Trail. The must see attraction is the Garden of the Gods wilderness area featuring ancient sandstone cliffs and formations.  Climbers should not miss the Jackson Falls climb on 60 feet of sandstone cliffs and boulders that include numerous freestanding towers.

If you enjoy wine, The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 wineries located along a 35-mile scenic drive along highway 127 and highway 51 in the Shawnee National Forest.

Door County, Wisconsin

Distance from Chicago: 244 miles to Sturgeon Bay

Door County, located in the northeast corner of Wisconsin, is a hidden gem full of charming villages and towns, lighthouses, state parks, vineyards, and outdoor attractions and activities.

Sturgeon Bay is a good first stop from Chicago and a convenient base for exploring the area. The city is a fisherman’s mecca, with some of the best bass fishing in the world. You can also tour a restored tug, visit the Door County Maritime Museum, learn the history of Door County, stroll down historic 3rd Avenue, or enjoy nature at Potawatomi State Park on the city’s edge.

Explore one or more of several little towns located along the east and northeast coastline of Door County (including Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Bailey’s Harbor and Sister Bay) which full of unique shops, galleries, restaurants and breweries.

Bring your car on the 30 minute ferry to Washington island, located northeast of the tip of the Door Peninsula.

You can find a full driving tour of Door County here.

What are your favorite road trips from Chicago?

---

Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:

• 3 Days in Chicago Itinerary + Travel Tips From a Local
• The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Chicago (According to a Local)
• Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago