Welcome to the windy city! Whether you’re a local or a traveler looking to explore the skyline, our guide to the best day trips from Chicago is your ticket to adventure. We’ll show you how to swap the city streets for scenic getaways, all within a day’s drive of Chicago. From charming small towns to natural wonders, get ready to discover the most memorable experiences in the Midwest. Pack your sense of adventure and go – Chicago-style day trips are waiting for you!
Amazing day trips from Chicago
In this guide we will give you ideas for the best day trips from the third largest city in the United States. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it attracts many places far from the city center. After exploring all the fantastic things to do in Chicago, from the Chicago River to historical sites, head to these fantastic places near the city.
The city is ideally located with easy border crossing to Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. It is also a good starting point for a day trip further south in central Illinois. You have four states on hand – so you should take the time to take a day trip during your visit.
1. Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is a big deal. This great city is located on the western shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin – just an hour and a half by train or car north of Chicago. We recommend taking the train if possible, as Milwaukee is best known for its breweries. Guided brewery tours are one of the best things to do in Milwaukee. However, in addition to its alcohol, it is also home to the Holler House and the Milwaukee Art Museum. Don’t forget the Harley-Davidson Museum, which houses a beautiful motorcycle exhibition and documents the iconic biker culture. The Milwaukee Public Museum also has a large European village.
2. South Bend, INDIANA, United States
South Bend has a different atmosphere as a college town on the St. Joseph River. It’s fantastic if you’re looking for a quieter urban experience. You can visit the emblematic campus of the University of Notre Dame with its classic golden domed building. There is also a lot of local history to discover in the city center, such as car manufacturing from years past at the Studebaker National Museum and regional history at the history Museum.
3. Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Little Madison doesn’t seem worth capitalizing on, but it’s actually the capital of Wisconsin, not the big sprawling giant of Milwaukee. This small town has beautiful architecture galore. You can approach the historic vaulted Wisconsin State Capitol and take a walk along the Capital City State Trail to see various sights of the city. There is also a botanical gardening experience at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, as well as a more original city center with Bars and cafes. Madison is your best bet if you fancy a day trip with political sights from Chicago.
4. results for Starved Rock State Park, IL
Starved Rock State Park is one of the most popular attractions in Illinois. Located on the banks of the Illinois River, the park is home to a collection of sandstone canyons in the middle of beautiful forests. The gorges were originally dug with glacial meltwater, and you can explore the landscape through a network of clearly marked wooden walkways. Starved Rock State Park also has tons of waterfalls that get incredibly powerful during the wettest months.
5. Cedarburg, WISCONSIN, United States
Cedarburg has a serious charm. It has old school-style houses and is often compared to a movie set. Founded in the 1840s by a mixture of mainly Irish and German settlers, the city is now considered a suburb of Milwaukee. Cedarburg has a lot of sweet and aesthetic things to do, with the bonus of brewery and winery tours. You can walk through the vineyards and visit the breweries or visit unique sites like the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fine Arts. A true gem, Cedarburg strikes its own drum, making it an unforgettable day trip from Chicago.
