Chicago Weekend Getaways & Short Trips
Want to get out of Chicago to recharge or relax but don't have the time or means for a long vacation? There are lots of great destinations just a few hours away, well within reach for a day trip or weekend getaway.
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Battle Creek, Michigan
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Battle Creek has an interesting claim to fame. It is the birthplace of cold breakfast cereal. Just 2 1/2 hours from Chicago, it is an ideal destination for a short trip. Aside from a tour of the Kellogg's headquarters, which still produces Corn Flakes and Rice Crispies, the first cereals ever marketed, points of interest in Battle Creek include Binder Park Zoo, Leila Arboretum, Willard Beach and Park and the Full Blast Outdoor Water Park. The Kimball House Museum is also a must-see, because of its connection to the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement. The Art Center of Battle Creek offers changing exhibitions, studio art classes and a permanent collection of work by Michigan artists.
Door County, Wisconsin
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A popular honeymoon destination 4 hours from Chicago, Door County offers tons of romantic options as well as entertainment and relaxation. With a waterfront setting beside Sturgeon Bay, the city entices visitors to explore the outdoors, including Cave Point County Park and Newport State Park. Known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," Door County has 300 miles of shoreline, as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking, snowmobiling and camping. There are 12 lighthouses in Door County, including the historical 1883 Sherwood Point lighthouse and the 1870 Cana Island Light. Pick-your-own produce farms and wineries are also abundant. Along with hotels and bed and breakfasts, the area is also famous for its many log cabins available for rent. Pioneer Acres Cottages is one example, offering complete privacy, rustic wood furniture, screened patios and fireplaces.
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Northern Indiana's Amish Country
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The area best known as Indiana's Amish Country includes five counties: Elkhart, LaGrange, Shipshewana, Nappanee and Middlebury. The area is perfect for a weekend getaway, as it is located just 50 miles outside Chicago, making it easy to drive there and back, even when the roads get busy (like on Sunday evenings). Famous for its quilts and crafts shows, the area also has unique shopping opportunities, including handmade crafted furniture. For those driving to Amish Country, there is also the 90-mile Heritage Trail driving tour, which crosses Amish farms, small museums (offering the history of RVs, quilts and even band instruments), flea markets, farmers' stands, and the Borkholder Dutch Village. Great bed and breakfasts abound in the area, as well as country inns, cabins and campgrounds.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
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A small city with a population of just over 7,000, Lake Geneva is a popular destination due to its proximity to Chicago (just 1 1/2 hours away when traffic is good) and the many opportunities for outdoor fun. Big Foot Beach State Park, Riviera Beach (on the Riviera Pier) and the Village of Fontana Beach are great destinations during the summer, as they offer chances for boating, swimming and guided activities. Lake Geneva also has horseback and carriage rides, golfing, hiking and biking. In winter, Grand Geneva Mountain offers snowboarding and skiing, while Big Foot Beach State Park has cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing and sledding. The East Troy Electric Railroad is an ideal opportunity for those who want a historical, true-to-form ride in a vintage trolley, which runs 10 miles and stops at a well-stocked farmer's market.
New Buffalo, Michigan
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Famous for its quiet beaches and its great marina, New Buffalo also has lots to offer to those searching for some indoor fun. Just a few hours away from Chicago, and home to the Four Winds Casino Resort and the New Buffalo Railroad Museum, families with kids and adult travelers will both find something to do here. St. Mary's Summer Festival, which officially kicks off the summer season in May, is a popular attraction, offering carnival rides, book fairs and live entertainment. Finally, New Buffalo is popular with antique shoppers, who mostly drive along Red Arrow Highway to search the many shopping locations available.
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- Photo Credit Flávio Takemoto
