warm places to drive to from chicago

The Warmest Place in Chicago This Winter - L Stop Tours Fridays at the Hollywood Beach Theatre feature free live jazz, blues and pop music at oceanfront cafes. There are plenty of places to stop and a lot of parks and trails if you want to get out of the car. Everything here is about cheese. 6 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (430 miles). Then, check out the Christmas Village or the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. There are two giant lakes right in the middle of the city, either side of downtown which creates a uniquely relaxed vibe. The Swiss Historical Village is a great live museum which has kept 14 buildings in the style of the original 19th century settlement. And if you're missing that traditional winter vibe, visit Now Snowing in Celebration, where frosty views meet Florida sun including hourly snow flurries. Just after St Joseph, turn off onto I-196 where the interstate divides, and carry on north along the shore until you reach Saugatuck. Drive, reach and enjoy the beautiful states around. 2643 Illinois Route 178. Why visit? One interesting place to visit is Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House. After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. Whether you want to hike, climb, bike, ski, snowshoe or simply follow miles of scenic drives to mountaintop lookouts, take your pick in this stunning national park and the surrounding winter sports resorts. 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. Of course, NYC is famous for its shops, so leave some space in your case for whatever gifts and treats you might pick up while you're in town. Amtrak has an overnight train (The City of New Orleans) to New Orleans where the weather will be warm. The main attraction is a 21-mile loop around the lake with stunning forest scenery and great views of the water. Note that to enjoy all the attractions Niagara Falls has to offer, you might need to factor in crossing the US/Canada border so make sure you have any paperwork you need (dependent on nationality). 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). With its artisan produce, a relaxed country vibe and outdoor activities on and off the lake, Harbor Country is a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. 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! Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock.com, Sidra Monreal Photography/Shutterstock.com, Road Trip From Chicago To Mackinac Island, Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park. Things to do on Kauai include exploring the Waimea Canyon, Kkee State Park, Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. You'll have seen pictures of the beautiful and elaborate masks that are such a feature of the Mardi Gras parades. Drive time: 2 hours from downtown. You can see Cinderella's Castle made even more magical at Walt Disney World, or visit EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays to take a whistle-stop tour around the world's traditions. If you're feeling active, there are places where you can sled on the frozen sand dunes. One is the Forever Curious Children's Museum - a non-profit organization created to spark a love for learning in kids of all ages. You could probably make the return trip in a day, but the journey can take up to 3 hours one way from Chicago so make it into a weekend and add a few stops at Fennville and the Harbor Country (see both above) on your way. Through the rest of the season, winter sports fans will love to ski at Wilmot Mountain, a popular ski resort with over 20 ski runs suitable for a wide range of abilities. 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. To make the most of it, though, you really should consider stopping the night and exploring the local beer scene. You could . The fastest way to get to Minneapolis from Chicago is to go the I-90 and I-94 route across Wisconsin. Our highlights: There are so many memorable festive moments to fit into a winter trip to New York City, it's hard to know where to begin. 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. Book a fantastic treatment or simply hang out in the sauna, steam room or heated outdoor pool to enjoy the mountain vibes from a different angle. The detour will add around two and a half hours so bake that into your planning and consider stops along the way. Bonus: The capital hosts a fabulous Lunar New Year Parade in January or February depending on when the new year begins. Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. Or explore the wintery wilderness of Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy - you can rent snowshoes if you don't have your own. As well as the festive markets that take place across the city, where you can admire beautiful decorations and gifts or enjoy some fabulous food and drink, you can take in a carol concert at the National Cathedral. 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. 4 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (280 miles). Your email will not be provided to third parties. Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. How to get there: Head east out of Chicago and join Interstate 90, then just keep going! Seeing as you've travelled from one Great Lake to another, a visit to the National Museum of the Great Lakes seems like a good place to start when you arrive in Toledo. 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. This means you probably won't see the grape harvest unless you're out in the vineyards at night - pickers tend to work by hand to make sure of the most perfect harvest possible. Our highlights: The nation's capital is a fantastic place to visit during the holiday period. After passing New Baltimore and Everett, change onto I-70 and continue on through the Appalachians before joining I-270 at Frederick and following it right into the center of Washington DC. The museum also contains an extensive selection of art by well-known artists and has a collection of Native American Art. Southern Illinois Distance: 6-hour drive Southern Illinois has a hilly landscape and a rural vibe. Tickets for guided tours at Wind Cave National Park often sell out, so advance booking is recommended, especially if you're travelling in the busier summer months or over holiday periods. Our highlights: Florida is the warmest part of the continental US through the winter - perfect for escaping the sub-zero temperatures of the Midwest! If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. Just after London, the road merges with ON-403, which will take you right into the center of Toronto. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Biergarten are the home of Budweiser but there are loads of small local breweries where you will get a more authentic experience. 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 Thousands of people in absolutely dazzling costumes parade through the city in a historic tradition. Louisville is best known as the host of the Kentucky Derby - the famous horse race takes place on the first Saturday in May and has run since 1875. 809 Civic Center Dr., Niles; 847-972-2540 or kingspa.com. I-80 is a notoriously busy road, with heavy commercial traffic and few landmarks of interest. You can easily visit for a day or stay the night to see more of the local sights and museums. This leads you south to join I-76, which you'll then follow past Pittsburgh, all the way across Pennsylvania. For amazing views of the snow-covered landscape, head up the Skylon Tower. You can easily do a day trip from Chicago, but if you decide to come for the weekend, you can stay over at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge that comes complete with a pool and spa to unwind after your hiking. One that stands out for its festive themes is the Grinch-mas Who-liday Special at Universal Islands of Adventure. You can also snowshoe, tube or skate if you want a break from the slopes. 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. The hip city has a lot of things to see and experience. The high temperatures that hit Chicago Thursday broke a record that stretched all the way back to 1887, according to the National Weather Service. The city was offered up to President Lincoln as a Christmas Gift during the Civil War. When it's time to warm up, head back into town to Old Sugar Distillery, a small local spirits producer, for a warming taster. Join I-90 E to head out of Chicago then merge onto I-94 to continue to follow the shore of Lake Michigan. Back outdoors, visit DC's largest outdoor ice rink at Washington Harbour, for views out across the waterfront, or see the Holiday Boat Parade, which includes fireworks and live music as well as festively decorated boats parading down the Potomac River. A new report shows the most dangerous cities in the USand the safest places. Located right by Lake Ontario, you can enjoy frosty views out across the water, then head back into the city to indulge yourself in some culture or plain old festive cheer. Our highlights: There might not be snow and ice on the ground, but Savannah manages to fill the holiday season with its very own brand of festive charm. 20 Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago - Time Out Chicago After taking I-90 E towards the edge of the city, turn onto I-65 and follow the interstate south, driving past Indianapolis and right the way across Indiana until you reach Louisville, Kentucky. Weekend Getaways from Chicago: Market Street Inn - 3 hours . Our highlights: The highlight of most people's visit to Niagara Falls is to see the mighty waterfalls up close, but if you visit in winter you can also marvel at the massive icicles that form right by the viewing platform on the Journey Behind the Falls. 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. There are a number of museums to explore - some of the main ones located along the Museum Row. You can also tour a museum ship to get a feel for the history of the lakes. A Little History. Check ahead to find details of live performances and special events that are taking place. There are also scenic boat rides out to historic Toledo Lighthouse, where tours are available make sure to climb to the top for great views along the shoreline. 24 Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago - US News & World Report You can go on cheese tours, go to cheese tasting venues, explore local cheese producers and eat every cheese-based dish under the sun. Greater . Our travel tips: Winter weather in Savannah is changeable, but the year-round humidity can make even warm days feel chilly when you're outdoors for a while. 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. Time in the air: 3 hours. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (155 miles). Lake ice was harvested and taken to nearby towns and cities - it was big business here as late as the 1940s. Utica, IL 61373. You can easily visit on a short day road trip from Chicago, but if you want to explore the different trails and get away from it all, a weekend trip might work better despite being so close. Make sure you visit the Heidelberg project - the outdoor art installation uses salvage materials to highlight the plight of Detroit and its ongoing period of change through loud modern sculpture. To make the most of the trip, take a couple of weeks and make a lot of stops along the way. 17 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (1,130 miles). Harbor Country is one of the most popular getaway destinations for Chicagoans. Snow in the city often isn't much fun, so head out to one of the mountains or lakes for a one-day road trip that lets you enjoy the winter weather at its best. It's called - you guessed it - the Cheese Country Trail System (no, really)! No need to get on the flight. Make sure you check out a few live music venues. Further afield, the city is packed full of other shopping districts, including the West Village, Bleeker Street, Union Square and the Meatpacking District to name just a few. Hot Springs (Arkansas) Distance: 650 miles. With art, culture, caf patios and waterfront dining, Toledo is a great short trip if you want a change of scene from Chicago. Here you can see works by some of the great European artists as well as a wide collection of American art. If you're visiting later in the season, check out Winter Restaurant Week. Where's the warmest, sunniest place in Chicago during the winter months? MoneyGeek came up with this year's list by analyzing the FBI's crime statistics for 2021 (the most recent . 5 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (350 miles). While both parks are not as large as some, there is plenty to explore with trails going through canyons and some amazing rock formations. Featuring city breaks, small coastal harbor towns, outstanding natural parks and the occasional wineries and breweries, here are our 20 best road trips from Chicago ordered from closest to furthest away - make sure to read further down for more epic road trip itineraries! Or if you're here a little earlier in winter, you can get yourself into the holiday spirit with a snowy visit to the Sculpture Gardens or enjoy some exhilarating winter sports. Best Winter Road Trips to Take From Chicago - Thrillist If you're in Grand Rapids earlier in the season, you can enjoy some great skiing at Cannonsburg Ski Area. How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. 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. Also B&Bs. If you're able to visit mid-week, you'll probably find the slopes are quieter. Key stops include Minneapolis, Sacramento, Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Monterey, plus the Grand Canyon, Mojave National Preserve, Lake Tahoe and Yellowstone National Park. How to get there: Follow I-90 out of the city then pick up I-94 and head east towards Detroit. The theme parks of Orlando are popular year-round, but during the winter you get to experience them all dressed up for the holiday season, and without the heat and humidity that can be a feature at other times of the year. The interstate carries on across Nebraska and then splits just as you approach the northeast corner of Colorado. After around 250 miles of driving you'll cross the Maumee River then turn off onto I-75 heading towards downtown Toledo. 605 S. Prospect St., Galena IL, 800-717-2317. If you're in the city for Christmas itself, head out along River Road on Christmas Eve, where you'll see bonfires lit on the night of the 24th so that Papa Noel can find his way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. That way, current and future visitors will be guaranteed the same fabulous experience of NOLA's longstanding and unique traditions. Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan after Detroit and has gained notoriety for its cool vibe and hipster feel over the recent years. Heading towards Lake Michigan, you will find the small harbor village of Saugatuck. One of the great things about Toledo is that although it's one of the largest cities in Ohio, visiting is relatively straightforward. Then join I-196 and follow it north along the lake shore until you reach Holland. How to get there: Head north on I-90 out of Chicago then join I-94. 1 hour 20 minutes from Chicago (80 miles). Some travellers prefer to make this journey on a longer route via the I-90, heading south near Mount Rushmore to reach Denver. " There's also an "Amethyst Room," whirlpools infused with jasmine and weirdly good organic fried chicken. Best Non-Stop Trips from Chicago to the Beach - Fodors Travel Guide Leave time to explore. 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. If you want to test your senses, the Limburger cheese holds the title of the world's worst smelling cheese and is only made in Monroe. getty. Combined with St Paul, the two merged metro areas are known as the Twin Cities and are one of the largest in the Midwest. Kentucky is only about seven hours from Chicago. RV campgrounds 500 miles from Chicago. Road Trip From Chicago To Washington DC - LazyTrips 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. Then, join I-80 and follow it around the south of Cleveland before switching onto I-76 and continuing southeast past Pittsburgh. Best for: Family fun or a romantic rendezvous. All through the winter, you can also enjoy the shops and restaurants on fabulous River Street, the perfect place to spend some time whether you're looking for gifts to take home or just something special for yourself. The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. From here, pick up I-76 and follow it straight down to Denver. How to get there: Follow I-90/I-94 north out of Chicago, then continue north on I-94 when the interstate divides. Once a month the district comes to life with live music and guided tours, plus the chance to taste local wine. Then head quickly back into the warmth of your hotel to warm up. From here, turn onto Route 31 which takes you on to Muskegon. After a rapid period of growth through the first two thirds of the 20th century, Detroit suffered an economic collapse and a massive decline since the 70s. The 10 Cheapest Flights from Chicago | Hopper Why you should visit: The weather stays mild all year round in Savannah, so it's a great place to come and escape the Midwest chill. The local skiing may be limited, but there is a lot to see and do around Lake Geneva. Once you've arrived in Philadelphia, you can ice skate beside the Delaware River at Winterfest, then warm up with a hot chocolate - or something stronger - with a view out across Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Olympian Mark Grimmette trained on the Luge track here when he was young and went on to compete at five Winter Olympic Games, winning medals at two of them. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. September and October are the best times to come to Cedarburg - the trees glow with their oranges and maroons and the locals celebrate Oktoberfest with special events, seasonal beers and great food. The city is famous for Mardi Gras, which takes place in late February, but warm-up events actually start in January, so you can enjoy week after week of enjoyment. Visitors and locals alike flock to the Macy's Light Show, running for over half a century, and the charming Dickens Village, also found at the store. In Milwaukee, switch onto I-43 and continue north, before leaving the interstate just after Saukville. For summer fun during the winter months, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is the place to be. As far as Nashville I-55 runs parallel to the Mississippi before passing through Jackson. Toledo is known as the Glass City, after the many glassmakers that set up here in the 19th century. A lot of these are built indoors so you can enjoy a weekend swimming, relaxing and going down crazy slides when everything outside is frozen! 6 Best Road Trips From Chicago | Travel + Leisure PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's St. Maarten Guide Jo Ann. This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. Also, although this isn't a ski destination like some of the other trips, you can still enjoy some winter sports in Elkhart Lake. A quick road trip from Chicago to Milwaukee will take you north along the I-94 to the point where three separate rivers (Milwaukee, Menomonee and the Kinnickinnic) merge and flow into Lake Michigan. 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. But did you know that every single participant has to wear one? Remember that Minneapolis can get cold, and even feel cool in the summer. As you'd expect, with much of the Midwest sitting under snow through the winter, the weekend trips you can take from Chicago all have a winter sports element to them. With heavy snowfall possible, parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway and other smaller roads are likely to be closed at times in the winter, so check ahead if you're hoping to travel a particular route. You have a few to choose from, including the outdoor Downtown DC Holiday Market, the Swedish Christmas Bazaar in Georgetown, and the Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt. 506 miles southeast of Chicago: Toe River Campground. Although this is a long drive, it's a really straightforward one. The track is open to kids as young as 8 so bring the whole family and see if any of them catch the sliding bug. Not far away, Wind Cave is one of the world's longest. To help you make the most of this great drive, we've set out the best routes and places to stop . Next, turn onto I-80 and head west past Des Moines and Omaha. A few of the upcoming options on our road trip list are all due north in Wisconsin. Expect congestion on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially if you visit at weekends. Restaurants like the Grove and Terra serve locally sourced ingredients which means the menu changes throughout the year. 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 also delve into the natural wilderness of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests where you'll find more hiking opportunities, mountain biking routes, and the North Carolina Arboretum. Exhibits are very interactive and fun for the whole family. It's not all about the outdoors though. And one of the three sections of the Hoosier National Forest is immediate to this area. Denver also has a host of fabulous cultural attractions, so don't overlook the city itself on your way up to the mountains. As well as Mardi Gras, New Orleans is also a vibrant city where you can enjoy live music, fabulous food and warm winter weather - perhaps the closest you can get to a trip overseas without needing a passport! 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. These change year on year, but in the past have included things like silent disco, outdoor musical performances, and storytelling to mark Native American traditions or Chinese New Year. Warm-Weather Getaways | Midwest Living Back in town you'll get beautiful winter views over icy Lake Michigan. The World of Winter Festival is the perfect post-holiday pick-me-up - the ideal way to brighten up the dark, cold months after Christmas. Saugatuck, which sits at the center of the state's Art Coast, has been voted the Midwest's Best Beach Town, and its gently sloping sandy beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The village represents a historic view of Dutch settlements and you can even visit a wooden clog (shoe) making factory. For something a little different, visit Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum to see a large collection of planes, including many vintage models. To get to Louisville from Chicago, you will need to drive the length of Indiana until you reach the Ohio River - St Louis is right across the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. If you're thinking of setting off on a road trip from Chicago in another season, check out our ultimate guide for Best Road Trips from Chicago for ideas and inspiration. But is it worth a daytrip to an obscure Chicago suburb? You might consider day trips from Chicago to Milwaukee on the train. Our highlights: For many visitors, the main draw is the Olde World Christmas Market, a 10-day festive spectacular bringing together Czech, German and Russian Christmas traditions. After heavy rainfall - this is also the perfect time for viewing colorful wildflowers. As well as being a relaxed and varied city, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, so a trip here offers a great combination of city vibes and the great outdoors. PC . 17. Choose from a lodge room, suite, 4-bed or 8-bed luxury cottage, ideal for multi-generation or multi-family groups. Other activities include spending the day at Kalapaki or Po'ipu beaches, setting. As you can see, there are still plenty of wintery attractions to enjoy in the city, just wrap up warm and see where your trip takes you. All that snow means that you can ski in the area around Asheville. Places to visit about 9 hours from Chicago - Within Hours You can also go on a tour of the Cedar Creek Winery and try the local wines which might just surprise you. The capital of Wisconsin is often overlooked in favor of its bigger brother Milwaukee 80 miles east. For the perfect post-ski wind down, visit the Spa at Boyne Mountain before you head home. Our highlights: From Thanksgiving onwards, enjoy a Reveillon Dinner a local tradition which now sees restaurants across the city offering seasonal Creole-inspired food all through December. Or if you're in town with romantic intentions, a stroll through the Diamond District might go down well. At night, you can see the falls lit up in spectacular illuminations as part of the Winter Festival of Lights. Home to the huge Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee is better known for having a huge selection of seriously good micro-breweries and small beer manufacturers. Millions of years of geologic changes are reflected at the Garden of the Gods in You can also enjoy a number of holiday markets, to really get you into the festive spirit. This makes for one of the best road trips from Chicago. Whether you're looking for an active break or a peaceful boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water. There are a number of different trails that will take you up and down the dunes, past groups of trees that have been overcome by the sand, dune blowouts and pine forests. Savannah is a great place to visit all year round but come in winter to enjoy this fabulous city without the summer crowds or humidity. If you want to maximize your Swiss experience, then combine your road trip to New Glarus with a stop in Monroe - the Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA. A particular highlight in Muskegon is its Luge track, which is open to the public. After around an hour, exit at Kenosha and pick up WI-50 west which will take you to Geneva. Take a carriage ride through Central Park, which is even more magical when there's snow on the ground. Record-breaking April 13: Chicago snaps 136-year-old warm weather Alternatively, tour the galleries and independent shops in the city's downtown area, which showcase the work of the thriving local arts community. Rockford is the largest city in Illinois outside Chicagoland (the Chicago metropolitan area). A work on this scale had never been attempted in the country before and Gutzon Borglum, who led the project, quickly identified that chisels would hardly make a dent on the vast rockface.
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