Best Weekend Trips from Chicago

Weekend and day trips from Chicago offer endless possibilities, from remote outdoor getaways to awesome local breweries. Whatever you're in the mood for, pack up your car and find it within a short drive of Chicago, Illinois.

1. Indiana Dunes, Indiana

Just 54 miles southeast of Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a paradise for anyone who wants to leave city life behind. Once you start exploring this untouched stretch of the Lake Michigan coastline (with its towering sand dunes, top-notch bird-watching areas and miles of hiking trails), you might be tempted to stretch your weekend getaway to a full week. Pack your kayak to explore the shoreline, then head to nearby Chesterton, Indiana, for some seriously tasty burgers and brews at the Octave Grill.

2. Geneva, Illinois

Who knows why this small city on the Fox River has so many great eateries? Let's not even over-analyze it. Just know that Geneva is the perfect place to stroll along the quiet riverfront and stop in at every little cafe´, coffee shop, bakery and fine-dining restaurant in sight. Sample some charming old-fashioned baked goods at The Sugar Path, indulge in delicious upscale New American fare at Fiora's and top it off with wine and cocktails at Preservation Bread and Wine.

3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Picturesque Lake Geneva has been a well-known weekend getaway for Chicagoans for a while now, but that doesn't mean there isn't more to discover. The city of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and its namesake lake offer loads of outdoor activities, like swimming at Big Foot Beach State Park, golfing at the Lake Geneva Country Club and a 21-mile walking path that encircles the lake. Stop in at Fat Cats for great local pub grub and tour the 1885 Victorian mansion known as the Baker House.

4. Gurnee, Illinois

Two theme parks just a stone's throw from one another have cemented Gurnee's status as one of the best weekend destinations near Chicago. That's equally true if you've got a whole family to entertain or just want to indulge your inner child. Six Flags Great America offers every theme park ride and slide under the sun—including the roller coaster known only as Goliath—while nearby Key Lime Cove is a great indoor water park, perfect for a rainy day.

5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Why leave one city just to visit another? Variety is the spice of life, after all, and Milwaukee simply offers a different flavor than Chicago. This smaller city is developing fast, but is still easy to explore, with countless lively bars, clubs and music venues in its vibrant downtown. The Milwaukee Art Museum overlooking Lake Michigan is a must-visit, and Milwaukee SummerFest from late June into July is well worth the trip. Then there's Milwaukee's most famous export—beer. The city offers more brewery tours and tastings than just about anywhere.

6. Midwest National Tallgrass Prairie, Illinois

Back before there was a Chicago—or even an Illinois—the landscape of the Midwest was dominated by tallgrass prairie. You can find one of the last remnants of that vast sea of grass at Midwest National Tallgrass Prairie, just outside of Wilmington, Illinois. This 19,000-acre swath of mostly undeveloped land offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, incredible wildflower blooms and a rare chance to see American bison in their natural habitat.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Chicago, Geneva, Lake Geneva, Milwaukee, Gurnee, Wilmington.