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. Back in town, Denver has one of the largest Hispanic populations in the US, so the city's Museo de las Americas is well worth a visit, covering Hispanic culture and art. Lake Monroe is the state's largest man-made lake. 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. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (88 miles). MoneyGeek came up with this year's list by analyzing the FBI's crime statistics for 2021 (the most recent . Here you can see works by some of the great European artists as well as a wide collection of American art. Back on dry land, if you're still feeling energetic you can explore the trails of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or follow the 300 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead to take in the lake view. Not far away, Wind Cave is one of the world's longest. 8. A Little History. Our highlights: Toronto is a vibrant cultural melting pot, so when you spend time in the city you'll be able to enjoy influences on food, art and recreation from all over the world. 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. For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. This can be particularly handy if you're staying a little way out of town, or if you want to avoid a long walk back to your parking spot at the end of the day. Rising 462 feet above the sea, the carillon tower recently reopened to the public after 80 years in solitude. Bonus: If you're here before the holidays, get into the festive spirit at the Distillery District Christmas Market, which runs from mid-November until New Year. You can also enjoy a number of holiday markets, to really get you into the festive spirit. Check ahead to find details of live performances and special events that are taking place. Our highlights: Just outside the city at Cascade Mountain and Devils Head Resort you'll find some exhilarating downhill skiing as well as snowtubing and sledding. If it's your first time in Toronto, you'll probably want to see some of the city's sights while you're in town too. Save 1. Another is called the " Fire Sudatorium. 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. You might consider day trips from Chicago to Milwaukee on the train. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to just relax and unwind, maybe after a tour round the Christmas market or some time on the ice rink, head to the luxurious Aspira Spa to round off your trip. For added romantic charm, put your skates on and have laps on one of the city's many ice rinks - there are over 50 to choose from. Then, take I-40 from Knoxville to Asheville then join I-26 south passing Spartanburg and Columbia. During the daytime, Saugatuck Interurban Transit Authority provides an on-demand bus service which takes you to your destination of choice within the local area for just $1. Weather at the end of March can be iffy. Highlights include the cities of Indianapolis, Dayton and Columbus; as well as Wayne National Forest, Seneca Rocks, Shenandah National Park and Monongahela National Forest. If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. 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. 12 Short & Long Road Trips From Chicago | Budget Car Rental It took 14 years to complete the huge memorial sculpture at Mount Rushmore. Why you should visit: This is a year-round resort, but with 140 inches of snow, it comes into its own during winter. Sundays have a free Jazz Brunch outdoor concert series along the scenic Riverwalk. If you are looking for cheap weekend getaways from Chicago, this is a good place to stay. Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. It features more than 100,000 lights and is the largest pipe organ in the world. The Cinco de Mayo festival is one of the biggest in the country, with parades, live music and dozens of food stalls to choose from. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (150 miles) Why you should visit: Wisconsin's state capital has all the cultural and foodie delights that you'd expect in a big city, with added snow that opens up a whole range of other activities to enjoy. You can see how every aspect of the village life would have been complete with the blacksmith shop, school and church buildings. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (93 miles). Fennville has a few quirky local museums and things to see. A little further north from Chicago than Milwaukee is the town of Cedarburg. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (140 miles). The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February. Why you should visit: The shortest trip on the list, Lake Geneva makes a great weekend getaway due to the short driving time, plus the area is perfectly set up for visitors to enjoy the winter weather. One of the best places to visit in Illinois, this state park features 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails to explore. Winters are bitterly cold and very snowy - that drive from Chicago might not be the best idea in the middle of February! If you'd like to take a little shopping excursion, Nashville (IN) has a great many galleries and artisan shops. Also, although this isn't a ski destination like some of the other trips, you can still enjoy some winter sports in Elkhart Lake. Alexander Molony as Peter Pan, Ever Anderson as Wendy, Joshua Pickering as John Darling and Jacobi Jupe as Michael Darling in "Peter Pan & Wendy," directed by David Lowery. The locals didn't stop at naming the lake after the slightly better known one in Switzerland. 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. On the south side of the lake is the Black Point Estate. You might not have heard of it, but the United States has its very own Gevena Lake and it's located in Wisconsin, just across the border from Illinois. To make the most of it, though, you really should consider stopping the night and exploring the local beer scene. Here are several interesting options that make a great family road trip and all within easy driving distance of Chicago. The lake freezes over right through the winter, so you can head out with a guide for a unique ice-fishing experience. You'll finally turn off the interstate at Rapid City, joining US-16 for the last few miles of your drive to Mount Rushmore. 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. You can't take your car with you to Mackinac - you'll have to park it at one of the designated ferry parking lots and make your way across. Then join I-196 and follow it north along the lake shore until you reach Holland. Our travel tips: You don't have to have your own equipment to enjoy skating, snowshoeing or skiing it's available to rent at many of the attractions. Many visitors head to Denver en route to the Rockies, which are right on your doorstep if you're staying in the city. The best thing about Madison, like many places in Wisconsin, is the food. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (100 miles). For a different experience of New York in winter, skip the crowds and visit in January to enjoy NYC Winter Jazz Fest or NYC Restaurant Week, where restaurants put on their best fare at affordable prices. At Denver Art Museum you can see another collection dedicated to the heritage of this part of the country, as the Petrie Institute for Western American Art is housed here. The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Asheville, and you can hop onto America's favorite drive to travel a section of this fabulous scenic route. 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 won't need any previous experience or equipment, as your entrance to the track includes a lesson and all the equipment you'll need to enjoy your visit safely. 1 hour 20 minutes from Chicago (80 miles). A new report shows the most dangerous cities in the USand the safest places. With large distances to cover, some of the early pioneers of flight lived and worked in this part of the country and you can also find out about the former Air Force base where the museum is located. Located 90 . 1. Change your settings: from RV campgrounds 300 miles from Chicago 299 miles north of Chicago: Mowe Lake - Manistique Rapid River Dispersed 297 miles northeast of Chicago: Aloha State Park 300 miles east of Chicago: Orchard View Park Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds 301 miles southeast of Chicago: 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! The long rows of vines stand out proudly in the snow and make a beautiful backdrop while you're learning about Icewine production or, more importantly, tasting a glass or two. This leads you eventually onto I-95, which you'll follow south to Savannah. It was founded by a group of Swiss settlers from the Swiss canton of Glarus in 1845. Our travel tips: Equipment can be rented at this resort but arrive early on weekends or holidays as it's first come, first served. Also B&Bs. 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. Kentucky might only provide about a twenty-degree warm-up, but during the super cold times, those twenty degrees can feel like heaven. Why visit? After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. 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. There are a few museums and sights to see - the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Art Museum are both worth going to. 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! This park is illuminated with amazing twinkling lights all through the holiday period and is a really popular local attraction. Heading towards Lake Michigan, you will find the small harbor village of Saugatuck. Ice sculptors spend nearly 2 months creating spectacular icy towers and turrets which are especially beautiful when they're illuminated at night. There are also several events to mark Dia de los Muertos in late October and early November. Key stops include Minneapolis, Sacramento, Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Monterey, plus the Grand Canyon, Mojave National Preserve, Lake Tahoe and Yellowstone National Park. Add in beautiful beaches all over, some big sand dunes, including the Indiana Dunes National Park and the pretty towns of Harbor Country. If 21 miles seems a little much, focus in on the 2-mile stretch on the West End. How to get there: Follow I-90 east across Indiana. You should ride to the top of it to get unbelievable views of the city below - tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for children with discounts outside weekends. Choose from a lodge room, suite, 4-bed or 8-bed luxury cottage, ideal for multi-generation or multi-family groups. Cities 9 hours from Chicago 9 hours: Ely, MN 8 hr 56 min: State College, PA 8 hr 55 min: Huntsville, AL 8 hr 51 min: Pigeon Forge, TN 8 hr 46 min: Lutsen, MN 8 hr 46 min: Fergus Falls, MN 8 hr 41 min: Joplin, MO 8 hr 35 min: Niagara Falls, NY 8 hr 32 min: Topeka, KS 8 hr 31 min: Grand Rapids, MN 8 hr 27 min: Tunica, MS 8 hr 24 min: Hibbing, MN 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. Kentucky is only about seven hours from Chicago. 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. And one of the three sections of the Hoosier National Forest is immediate to this area. With fast lifts, extensive ski runs and stunning views, you'll probably want to spend most of your time here on the slopes. Then head quickly back into the warmth of your hotel to warm up. Best Winter Road Trip Destinations Near Chicago - CBS Chicago - CBS News It's a great way to experience this historic part of the city, full of character. Roadtrips to 5/6 days from Chicago 8-9 hrs driving max 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. Although it serves a lot of dishes to serve American tourist tastes, you can try the Wienerschnitzel (pan fried breaded veal cutlet) or the cheese fondue (dipping pieces of bread into molten cheese). Driving time from Chicago: One and a half hours Our neighbors to the north will make you feel right at home with a seemingly endless supply of craft beer and cheese. Why you should visit: As its name suggests, Granite Peak is a fabulous and long-established ski destination with some top-class runs and luxurious resort choices. How to get there: Head east out of Chicago and join Interstate 90, then just keep going! Here you can join in with the 9-day Winter Festival (late January). Winter Getaways From Chicago | USA Today (Getty Images) Known as . If you have time to head out of town, make your way to Tampa to see Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. You can easily visit Milwaukee for a day and see the beautiful architecture and the Harley-Davidson Museum where you can learn about the infamous motorcycle brand's history and have a go on a scarily realistic simulator.