Head across the border to see the falls from a different perspective, or visit the fabulous wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Absolutely. Given the city's mild winter climate, it's the perfect place to end the day with a romantic stroll. Around one-third of the city's population is Hispanic so as you might expect, there are some big festivals and celebrations that you don't see in other parts of the US. You can get a tour of the mansion and explore the vast grounds which include 620 feet of shoreline. The city is famous for Mardi Gras, which takes place in late February, but warm-up events actually start in January, so you can enjoy week after week of enjoyment. As well as sliding the high-speed downhill ice track, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at the park. The biggest ski area in the state is perfectly set up for skiers, with fast lifts and dozens of trails to follow. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. They don't run every day, but when they do they're really magical. It was an early adopter of snowmaking technology in the 1950s. From mid-January you can see parades and events starting up, then the main event, Mardi Gras, starts on Shrove Tuesday and carries on for two weeks. If you're crossing over the Canadian border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Icewine vineyards and wineries are probably the first thing that will get your attention. With many travelers heading to Asheville to see the stunning display of foliage in the fall, we'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your choice of accommodation at this time of year. With art, culture, caf patios and waterfront dining, Toledo is a great short trip if you want a change of scene from Chicago. Weather at the end of March can be iffy. To make the most of the trip, take a couple of weeks and make a lot of stops along the way. In the evenings from May to September there's also a 45-minute ranger talk which ends with the lighting ceremony. (866) 399-3866. www.grizzlyjacksresort.com. Head up the CN Tower for great views of the city and Lake Ontario, which is particularly stunning when it starts to freeze over through the winter. You could come to Cedarburg on a long day drive, but it's really perfect as a weekend getaway destination. How to get there: Follow I-90 east towards Cleveland, switching onto I-80 just before you reach the city. It eventually turns inland to take you right to Grand Rapids. Why you should visit: New York City puts on an amazing display for the holidays from festive lights to Christmas trees and fabulous window displays throughout the city, all with a thick covering of snow. If 21 miles seems a little much, focus in on the 2-mile stretch on the West End. Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the iconic holiday views of the city - if it feels familiar, it's probably because they've featured in so many films and TV shows over the years. Just after London, the road merges with ON-403, which will take you right into the center of Toronto. A quick road trip from Chicago to Milwaukee will take you north along the I-94 to the point where three separate rivers (Milwaukee, Menomonee and the Kinnickinnic) merge and flow into Lake Michigan. 1 hour 20 minutes from Chicago (80 miles). Originally a very rural part of Michigan with a few small towns and their corresponding harbors on the lake, the area has grown into a popular tourist destination. The main attraction is the carved cliff face featuring four Presidents of the United States. From here, pick up I-76 and follow it straight down to Denver. Then, for a unique and romantic end to your trip, you can even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the city. Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. It was founded by a group of Swiss settlers from the Swiss canton of Glarus in 1845. You can enjoy spending time outside, take a walk along the river, or just relax in one of Savannah's beautiful squares - the polar opposite of a Chicago winter. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (88 miles). Then head quickly back into the warmth of your hotel to warm up. Our travel tips: The town will be extremely busy while the Christmas market is running, so book accommodation and any special activities well in advance. If you have time to head out of town, make your way to Tampa to see Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. 4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (280 miles). Stop at the Crane Orchards to sample one of their legendary pies as you make your way around! There are only 3 other Luge tracks in the whole of the United States, so if you've always fancied trying out this exhilarating sport, this is probably your best chance. The capital of Wisconsin is often overlooked in favor of its bigger brother Milwaukee 80 miles east. You can easily do a day trip from Chicago, but if you decide to come for the weekend, you can stay over at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge that comes complete with a pool and spa to unwind after your hiking. Harbor Country is one of the most popular getaway destinations for Chicagoans. How to get there: Follow I-90/I-94 north out of Chicago, then continue north on I-94 when the interstate divides. Wrap up warm and walk out towards Muskegon South Breakwater Lighthouse a really stunning sight or take a walk on the lake's frozen beaches. Expect fabulous parades, live music and all-night parties. As well as being a relaxed and varied city, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, so a trip here offers a great combination of city vibes and the great outdoors. Follow this road all the way across Illinois to Davenport, where you'll cross over the Mississippi River which forms the border between Illinois and Iowa. Plus, if you're in the market for some Christmas shopping you can take your pick of fabulous department stores, designer brands and boutique sellers. (Disney Enterprises . also, you have the option of taking the ss badger car ferry across Lake Michigan to avoid traffic around the bottom of the Lake and to add an If you want to test your senses, the Limburger cheese holds the title of the world's worst smelling cheese and is only made in Monroe. If you're visiting later in the season, check out Winter Restaurant Week. San Diego San Diego boasts 260 sunny days a year, miles of rugged beachside and barking seals. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, fishing, climbing, boating and more forge incredible nature experiences in some of the most unique settings of the Midwest. The cheese fondue is right up there on our list of the best foods in the world! Why you should visit: Pennsylvania combines the kind of winter fun you might expect, like sledding and skating, with some unique winter traditions. As you'd expect, with much of the Midwest sitting under snow through the winter, the weekend trips you can take from Chicago all have a winter sports element to them. As a result, you will find some great restaurants and interesting art galleries and independent craft shops up and down the coast - New Buffalo is great for its boutiques and farm shops. If there's one reason to visit Milwaukee, it is to see for yourself what the beer capital of the United States really looks like! Hemlock Hideaway Campground. For a more magical festive feel, head to Frederick Meijer Sculpture Gardens. Here are several interesting options that make a great family road trip and all within easy driving distance of Chicago. This park is illuminated with amazing twinkling lights all through the holiday period and is a really popular local attraction. It's a tiny city with less than 1000 residents but its white-boarded houses, scenic sand dunes and fabulous beach make it a popular place to come to escape the city. A wide selection of breweries includes European-style beers and the pizza-serving Harmony. The Dells Boat Tours will take you through the narrow river passages - these Dells are gorges through layered rock formations that become small tall islands as the river widens. You can survey the options from atop the California Tower in Balboa Park. Best attractions: The Museum of the Rockies, which has the largest collection of dinosaur bones in the U.S. Also, just a 90-minute drive . PC . Then warm up in one of the city's fantastic museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum where you'll find a fascinating and diverse collection. So if time allows on your trip, you might like to tour a brewery or two or try some of the locally produced beers. As you make your way from Chicago to Philadelphia, make sure to fit in a visit to Bethlehem, PA, too. However, it's also famous for its harsh winters, so there might be times you want to head out of the city during the coldest months of the year. Rockford lives up to its main nickname with plenty of outdoor spaces to explore - the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Klehm Botanic Garden and the Rock Cut State Park are all within the metropolitan area. Bonus: After Christmas, a free maze is built on the lake shore out of the branches of discarded Christmas trees, a custom that has become firmly cemented in Madison's holiday traditions now. This means you probably won't see the grape harvest unless you're out in the vineyards at night - pickers tend to work by hand to make sure of the most perfect harvest possible. Of course, NYC is famous for its shops, so leave some space in your case for whatever gifts and treats you might pick up while you're in town. Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. 17 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (1,130 miles). Southern Illinois Distance: 6-hour drive Southern Illinois has a hilly landscape and a rural vibe. Once a month the district comes to life with live music and guided tours, plus the chance to taste local wine. You can see how every aspect of the village life would have been complete with the blacksmith shop, school and church buildings. How to get there: Similar to the Grand Rapids trip, follow I-90 then I-94 east out of Chicago as far as St Joseph. Why you should visit: The weather stays mild all year round in Savannah, so it's a great place to come and escape the Midwest chill. How to get there: Follow the interstate east out of Chicago and then continue north, keeping Lake Michigan on your left. One is the Forever Curious Children's Museum - a non-profit organization created to spark a love for learning in kids of all ages. There are a number of different trails that will take you up and down the dunes, past groups of trees that have been overcome by the sand, dune blowouts and pine forests. The classic town of Ann Arbor is a great stop on your way - this university town has classic architecture, art galleries and great small coffee shops for you to relax or grab some lunch. After a rapid period of growth through the first two thirds of the 20th century, Detroit suffered an economic collapse and a massive decline since the 70s. Within a short distance of the city you can ski, skate, snow tube and sled, sometimes with beautiful views across Lake Mendota. For the equestrian lover, Keeneland is a famous horse racing arena that attracts people from around the globe. While you're in town you can take a magical snowy hike through the trees at Madison Arboretum, then round off your day with outdoor dining - several Madison restaurants have heated outdoor domes so you can enjoy snowy views while dining al fresco. You'll find yourself in a warm weather wonderland with trees, lights, skating and fireworks. Make sure you visit the Heidelberg project - the outdoor art installation uses salvage materials to highlight the plight of Detroit and its ongoing period of change through loud modern sculpture. 11 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (700 miles). This tradition has grown into thriving arts scene, making Toledo a great place to visit if you like exploring street art, outdoor sculpture or a trip to the theatre or concert hall. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (150 miles). Denver also has a host of fabulous cultural attractions, so don't overlook the city itself on your way up to the mountains. Another is called the " Fire Sudatorium. Located right by Lake Ontario, you can enjoy frosty views out across the water, then head back into the city to indulge yourself in some culture or plain old festive cheer. Our highlights: Boyne Mountain is primarily a ski resort, so take to the slopes and explore more than 415 acres of ski runs. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (93 miles). There are a number of museums to explore - some of the main ones located along the Museum Row. So if you are already in Chicago then you should explore these 12 best road trips from Chicago. When it's time to warm up, head back into town to Old Sugar Distillery, a small local spirits producer, for a warming taster. Our travel tips: Don't go to DC expecting reliable snowfall daytime temperatures are milder than the more northern destinations (in the mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit and above), though it still gets pretty cold at night, and snow is likely but not guaranteed in January and February. So, sit back, relax, and learn all you need to know in planning a road . Outside of the theme parks, you can enjoy the Winter Park Christmas Parade, a long-standing Florida tradition, with dozens of troupes followed by Santa. 3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles). With fast lifts, extensive ski runs and stunning views, you'll probably want to spend most of your time here on the slopes. If you want to head across the border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake make sure to pack the required travel documentation, and allow extra time to make the border crossing, especially if you're heading across Rainbow International Bridge. 8. There are two giant lakes right in the middle of the city, either side of downtown which creates a uniquely relaxed vibe. Just after crossing the Ohio River at Evansville, turn onto I-69, continuing south on I-169 where the interstates divide. This popular vacation town is also less crowded in winter compared to the summer months. If you're in Grand Rapids earlier in the season, you can enjoy some great skiing at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Once you've arrived in Philadelphia, you can ice skate beside the Delaware River at Winterfest, then warm up with a hot chocolate - or something stronger - with a view out across Benjamin Franklin Bridge. After passing New Baltimore and Everett, change onto I-70 and continue on through the Appalachians before joining I-270 at Frederick and following it right into the center of Washington DC. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Oglesby and its neighbor Utica lie nestled into a curve of the Vermilion River and is perfect for exploring some of the best outdoors in Illinois. You can easily fill a weekend here with fun and varied runs. Everything from cow's milk to goat and sheep milk is used and there are imitations of European cheeses and unique local flavors available. Our highlights: There might not be snow and ice on the ground, but Savannah manages to fill the holiday season with its very own brand of festive charm. 6 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (430 miles). The cheapest month to fly from Chicago is January. To get to Louisville from Chicago, you will need to drive the length of Indiana until you reach the Ohio River - St Louis is right across the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. Back outdoors, visit DC's largest outdoor ice rink at Washington Harbour, for views out across the waterfront, or see the Holiday Boat Parade, which includes fireworks and live music as well as festively decorated boats parading down the Potomac River. How to get there: Head east out of Chicago on I-90, keeping Lake Michigan on your left, then continue on I-94 as far as Lake Joseph. And one of the three sections of the Hoosier National Forest is immediate to this area. The museum also contains an extensive selection of art by well-known artists and has a collection of Native American Art. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. For those who want to go on a longer road, trip, the options above may not quite cut it so here are some longer routes that you might like the sound of: By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. The parade brings together dragons and lions dancing through DC's streets, as well as drummers, dance troupes and firecrackers - it's a real feast for the senses. NOTL is also a really charming little town, and while you're here you might like to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through its historic streets - a wonderfully atmospheric way to travel through the snow-covered streets. A lot of these are built indoors so you can enjoy a weekend swimming, relaxing and going down crazy slides when everything outside is frozen! ETA: 10+ hours with couple of short breaks. Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night. 1 hour 35 minutes from Chicago (83 miles). Instead, workers used dynamite to shape most of the sculpture. Savannah is a great place to visit all year round but come in winter to enjoy this fabulous city without the summer crowds or humidity. Our travel tips: This is a really popular ski area, and lift passes can sell out during the busiest periods. The theme parks of Orlando are popular year-round, but during the winter you get to experience them all dressed up for the holiday season, and without the heat and humidity that can be a feature at other times of the year. Most people come to Saugatuck to spend time by the water, enjoying the sunshine and refreshing lake water by day then watching the sun go down with a local craft beer. How to get there: This is a really simple trip just follow I-90 all the way from Chicago. You can see Cinderella's Castle made even more magical at Walt Disney World, or visit EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays to take a whistle-stop tour around the world's traditions. Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore, you can also spend time exploring the stunning Black Hills and surrounding area. The festival also hosts many fun events. Alternative options are the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Park and the Fish Ladder Park. You also don't have to book attractions weeks in advance, and you can find reasonably priced accommodation in the downtown area. Weekend Getaways from Chicago: Market Street Inn - 3 hours . Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of Chicago Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. to the Bacon and Brews event where you can sample fine bacon and beer pairings, there is always something happening. Muskegon Farmers Market operates indoors on Saturdays through the winter so you can warm up and stock up on some fabulous local produce. Go snowshoeing at Quit Qui Oc golf course or ice skate at June Vollrath Park. Sept. 2, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. 24 Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago. Note that to enjoy all the attractions Niagara Falls has to offer, you might need to factor in crossing the US/Canada border so make sure you have any paperwork you need (dependent on nationality). Featuring city breaks, small coastal harbor towns, outstanding natural parks and the occasional wineries and breweries, here are our 20 best road trips from Chicago ordered from closest to furthest away - make sure to read further down for more epic road trip itineraries! When it's complete the statue of Crazy Horse will be taller than the presidents at Mount Rushmore. But did you know that every single participant has to wear one? Starved Rock State Park is just 100 miles southwest of Chicago, offering an ideal spot to enjoy nature with more than a dozen sandstone canyons along with beautiful waterfalls that are especially powerful in the spring. A complete circle of Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago To Mackinac Island, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Asheville, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Mount Rushmore, Denver is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Denver, Road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. Whether you want to enjoy the winter weather or escape from it, a winter road trip from Chicago can mean hitting the slopes at a ski resort, viewing iconic landmarks, taking a festive shopping trip or relaxing in the winter sun in the Southern states. Time in the air: 3 hours. Asheville is packed full of history, but the modern city has a distinctly creative vibe that makes it really unique. Hot Springs (Arkansas) Distance: 650 miles. 12 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (800 miles). Still under construction, this monument is dedicated to the Lakota leader who fought against the federal government to try and protect Native American land from being seized. Join I-90 E to head out of Chicago then merge onto I-94 to continue to follow the shore of Lake Michigan. If you're not visiting for the Derby, it's best to avoid going in May as hundreds of thousands come for the event and prices go sky high. Nearby, Biltmore is a huge gilded-age mansion with vast formal gardens, trails to explore and its own winery. One interesting place to visit is Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House. Morning departure is around 5% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*. And if you're missing that traditional winter vibe, visit Now Snowing in Celebration, where frosty views meet Florida sun including hourly snow flurries. This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. There are also several events to mark Dia de los Muertos in late October and early November. We'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your entry, especially if you're visiting at busy times,. Our highlights: For many visitors, the main draw is the Olde World Christmas Market, a 10-day festive spectacular bringing together Czech, German and Russian Christmas traditions. The town transported a 250-year old windmill from the Netherlands to Holland and placed it on its very own island that is now called the Windmill Island. Our travel tips: Although temperatures are at or below freezing through most of the winter, you're not always guaranteed snow in Toronto, so be prepared that you might miss out on the insta-perfect images of this particular winter road trip. The city was offered up to President Lincoln as a Christmas Gift during the Civil War. Then, follow the Christmas Parade, which makes its way through the city's streets and squares in early December. If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. The must-see attraction on your trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the famous cliffside sculptures of the presidents, which you can see up close if you follow the short Presidential Trail. So, pack up your skis and look out for your skates - but don't worry if you're not the biggest fan of the slopes, since you'll also find great restaurants, beautiful views and stunning spas at these weekend destinations. Chicago is a fantastic city, known for its stunning lakeside location, the Magnificent Mile, and its world-class museums and galleries. Car production moved to other cities in the US, factories in Asia and Mexico and large blocks of Detroit became ghosts of their own past. The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. Our travel tips: Timed tickets are needed for some of Philadelphia's winter attractions, including Longwood Gardens and Dickens Village. Our travel tips: Although average temperatures sit around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, they can drop much lower or rise as high as 80, so it's wise to pack for three seasons to be prepared for a winter trip here! Tickets for guided tours at Wind Cave National Park often sell out, so advance booking is recommended, especially if you're travelling in the busier summer months or over holiday periods. 10 hours 10 minutes from Chicago (660 miles). If you're staying overnight it's best to find accommodation with private parking. The city's popular Longwood Gardens is transformed with amazing lights and live music, so it makes a great place to spend some time after the sun goes down (which happens early in winter!).
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