With summer finally here, there’s never been the perfect time to put down your car windows, turn the music up and hit the road for either a long week or a weekend getaway. Even though there is evidently countless of fun things to do here in Chicago, sometimes you just want to enjoy some extra time away from home. From renowned restaurants and book- ready lake houses, hotels or apartments to cozy beaches, campsites and celebrated museums. So, if you are looking for a summer getaway and ready for adventure, check out hubub’s guide to 5 best places to visit.
1.Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana
For a city break within 60-minutes’ drive, visit Indiana Dunes State Park, a stunning scenery, tight-knit communities with over thousands of acres of adventure-filled wilderness. There is also Dunes National Park, which stretches over 13,000 acres. On arrival, you can get to choose from any of these two parks to explore and irrespective of which ever one you decide on, you’ll enjoy your pick of outdoor activities and connect to nature with over 70 miles of hike-able trails, more than 350 species of migratory birds and 15 miles of swim-able coastline. If you are a lover of camping and it is part of your to-do list this summer, both parks have ample sites perfect for that and each is within a walking distance to the beach.
2.Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you are planning for a trip and still want to feel right at home, Milwaukee is the best place to consider. Our neighbours, who are just 90 miles to the north of Chicago have got countless supply of craft beer and cheese. There are lots of activities to explore and engage in. Milwaukee Art Museum, an architectural masterpiece down the shores of Lake Michigan which houses close to 25,000 works of art is worth seeing. For food and a place to stay, check out the Iron Horse, a converted 100-year old warehouse located in the town’s buzzing Walker’s Point District. Kimpton Journeyman Hotel located in the heart of the city and just a walking distance from some of the best restaurants and bars in the city is also a place to check out for a place to stay. Get to visit Bradford Beach, one of the city’s best-loved lakeside spot for sun and sand for a good relaxation when the morning comes. Milwaukee is about an hour-and-a-half drive from ChiTown.
3.Kalamazoo, MI
Thinking of going away on an excursion this summer? Kalamazoo will be the ideal city to explore. Situated in Southern Michigan, Kalamazoo is less than 150 miles away and about 2hours 30minutes from Chicago. While away from home, you get to enjoy every bit of your stay. Visit places like, Husted’s Farm Market & Cider Mill, one of numerous autumnal havens in the city, featuring fresh, harvestable produce throughout the year. You can also visit the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Museum, which happens to be the city’s most prominent museum and has a collection of over 3,600 works and a focus on 20th-centruy American Art. If your summer trip is a family affair and there are kids involved, Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a must visit. The Museum features hands-on exhibits focused mostly at children and has a Challenger Learning Center and a Planetarium. Northeast of town, in Hickory Corners is the Gilmore Car Museum which contains cars used in Walt Disney movies. Talk of Breweries, the city has many local breweries and brewpubs which produces variety of beer styles. You can choose to lodge at the Henderson Castle Inn during your stay and experience a royal treatment. This historic 19th Century Mansion features an inn of 11 ornate rooms, spa facilities, a craft cocktail lounge, steakhouse and a high-tea service.
4.Madison, Wisconsin
With 200 miles of trials and 5 sparkling lakes, Madison is reputable and top ranked destination for bicycling and canoeing. During summer months, Madison is a must see for every Midwesterner. From activities and attractions to festivals and fairs. There is always something interesting here for everyone. Take a tour to the Capitol Square to see architectural wonders and museums, after, take a stroll around the farmers market, a table restaurant or even a craft brewery for a taste of Wisconsin. Some other exciting places to dig into are Brittingham Boats for a boat ride and Olbrich Botanical Gardens. For accommodation, you can check inn at the Speckled Hen Inn or AC Hotel Madison downtown. When hunger strikes, visit either Graze or Osteria Papavero a sumptuous meal. Madison is about two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago.
5. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
Rich with beauty and history, Starved Rock State Park, located just l00 miles west of Chicago, is best known for its captivating rock formations. This destination boasts over 13 miles of hiking trails, sandstone canyons and waterfalls. Outdoor activities you would love to try out include paddle boat cruises, hiking, fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, relaxed trolley rides, picnicking and more. Catch and enjoy breath-taking views of the Starved Rock Dam at the Illinois Waterway from Eagle Cliff or Lover’s Leap Overlook. Close out the day by settling in any of the cozy cabins at Starved Rock Lodge for a memorable stay. Drive for about one-and-a-half-hour from the city and enjoy every bit of your summer getaway.
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