Want to put off the harsh reality of work and school for a little bit longer? Then pack up the car and hit the road. No, you aren’t going to come across palm trees on any Midwestern adventure, but you will find blue skies, sandy beaches, delicious treats, and sites so beautiful you will actually look up from your phone to soak it all in. And the best part about my last trip suggestions is that the drive is under three hours and you can almost always find a great place to stay for the night–even if it is a spur of the moment decision. So where can Chicagoans go for last minute trips?
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Distance from Chicago: 150 miles (2 1/2 hour drive)
Why it’s awesome: Get the best of both worlds…and indoor waterpark AND a beautiful Lake Michigan beach. Old fashioned ice cream parlors, mini golf, piers, lighthouses, tea time, world class spas and golf courses, and so much more await.
Where to stay with kids: Blue Harbor Resort
Where to stay when it’s just the two of you: American Club Resort
Galena, Illinois
Distance from Chicago: 165 miles (3 hour drive)
Why it’s awesome: The beautiful, rolling hills of Galena contain something for everyone. Race down Alpine slides, shop endless antique stores, taste the fruits of the local wineries, indulge in homemade fudge and treats, play a round of golf (including the mini version!), and brush up on your local history!
Where to stay with kids: Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
Where to stay when it’s just the two of you: Galena Cellars
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Distance from Chicago: 85 miles (1 1/2 hour drive)
Why it’s awesome: Lake Geneva has absolutely everything you would want for a weekend of fun and relaxation. Beautiful beaches, parks, boat rides and rentals, mom and pop shops offering everything and anything under the sun, spas, golf courses, and delicious restaurants…the list goes on and on! And be sure to check out the Grand Geneva compound and all of the wet and wild fun it offers!
Where to stay with kids: Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Where to stay when it’s just the two of you: Grand Geneva Resort
Quad Cities, Illinois/Iowa
Distance from Chicago: 170 miles (2 1/2 hour drive)
Why it’s awesome: Take in beautiful Midwestern views along the mighty Mississippi when you travel between Rock Island, Moline, Davenport, and Bettendorf. Be sure to take a stroll along Augustana College’s beautiful campus, as well as climb onto tractors and trailers at the John Deere Pavilion. Don’t leave the area without enjoying a riverboat cruise…including the casino boats!
Where to stay with kids: Radisson on John Deere Commons-Moline
Where to stay when it’s just the two of you: Hotel Blackhawk
Looking for travel tips so your entire trip is a breeze from start to finish? I’ve got you covered!
All 4 of these have been on our short list since we moved to Greater Chicago. Glad for the tips on where to stay when we finally do go… hopefully soon!
Get out there and enjoy!
These are all great ideas. There’s nothing better than getting out and taking impromptu trips with the fam.
It’s such a fun way to get away from it all!
Great choices, we are trying to wrap up our last minute trips too. The water park looks like loads of fun.
As long as I find a place with a pool, my kids are THRILLED.
I always get so excited seeing the Northern area! I used to live in Indiana, but have lived in SWFL for the past 15 years. I definitely miss the beautiful sights!
Especially during the Fall when the Midwest is oh so gorgeous!
These are great suggestions. All these places look fun. My kids loved the last minute swimming trips when they were young.
It’s so nice to squeeze in a quick getaway when life gets to be a bit too much, don’t you think?
We are famous for going on last minute trips. In fact, were going away in a few days and havent narrowed down exactly which amusement park we will visit lol.
That would stress me out so much since I’m a planner. Hope you have a great, last minute, blast! 🙂
Last minute trips can be so much fun. That water park sure looks like a lot of fun. I know my kids would love to go to a water park again soon.
They are great options for a long weekend any time of year!
That waterpark looks like a ton of fun. If i was coming into Illinois with my family, that’s probably where I’d stay!
The waterpark is actually in Wisconsin. 😉
This is a great list. It always works for some of us in Michigan as Chicago is only a few hours away. So, many of the places on this list are doable for us as well.
We come to your side of the lake and you come to ours! 😉
My boys would love the indoor water park. I wish that we had time to make a last minute trip before the kids start back to school. This mama isn’t ready.
There are lots of long weekends coming up so don’t fret!
We’ve never been to that part of the U.S. yet. We’ll, we’ve been to the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, but we’re definitely going to explore Chicago someday and hopefully, we get to visit those places that you’ve mentioned too. Btw, love that photo of the barn!
You better stop by soon and learn the real meaning behind the phrase “Midwest is Best!”
I’ve only been to Chicago on business, but I would love to go sometime and explore. Looks like you had a blast.
These all look like great last minute trip ideas! I will go to an indoor water park any day!!