You don't have to arrange a trip lasting four to five days, reserve a hotel room, or buy an airline ticket. You may take a straightforward, affordable day excursion from Chicago.

Indiana Dunes

(46min by Car)

Wide sandy beaches, tall dunes, fantastic birds, accessible biking routes, and a fascinating history may all be found along this section of Lake Michigan shoreline.

1. Indiana Dunes State Park 2. Ogden Dunes Beach 3. Chapel of the Resurrection 4. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

(1hr 52min by Car)

During the summer, visitors to Lake Geneva stroll along the lake or on the beach. In January and February, you can also enjoy the Winter fest every year.

1. Geneva Lake Shore Path 2. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre 3. Geneva Lake 4. Black Point Estate 5. Geneva Lake Museum of History

Michigan Southwest Shore

(1hr 50min Car)

It is home to sand-filled beaches, verdant parks, trails, top-notch cuisine, and outdoor activities.

1. South Haven Lighthouses 2. Kal Haven Trail 3. Silver Beach County Park 4. Galien River County Park 5. New Buffalo Public Beach

Galena, Illinois

(3hr by Car)

The city is becoming a popular tourist destination because of its heritage, architecture, and resorts.

1. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co 2. Ulysses S. Grant Home 3. P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre 4. Thunder Bay Falls

Mount Morris, Illinois

(2hr 5min. car)

The Blackhawk Waterway region of Northwest Illinois delivers outdoor fun with its undulating topography, state parks and preserves, bicycling and hiking paths.

1. White Pines Ranch 2. White Pines Forest State Park 3. Lowden State Park 4. Black Hawk Statue 5. Pride of Oregon 6. Better Place Forests Rock River