10 Best Weekend Getaway Places in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, is a city in the United States situated on the shore of Lake Michigan. Natives usually spend their evenings sitting on the bank of Lake Michigan as the pleasing ambiance of the lake soothes the mind and soul. But you cannot spend your long weekends on the shore. You definitely need something more thrilling and adventurous to spend a quality weekend in Chicago. Through this article, we will bring all the famous weekend getaway spots of Chicago to your notice. 

Chicago doesn’t have only the lake that we should keep considering while searching for a place to spend our weekends. There are so many hill stations, beaches, villas, and resorts in the city’s outskirts that can be a perfect destination to spend weekends in Chicago. So, if you are in Chicago and want to visit some fascinating places, read this article. 

List of Top Weekend Getaway Spots in Chicago 

1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is located on the north of Chicago city at a manageable distance of 93 miles from downtown. It is a riverside city, and you can easily reach Milwaukee by driving your vehicle for one and a half hours. Milwaukee is quite popular among the natives as there are some exotic breweries here. If you are a beer lover, then you will get something for yourself in these breweries. 

Distance from Chicago: 93 Miles

Places to visit: Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, Streets of Old Milwaukee, Streets of Old Milwaukee, Cathedral Square Park

Read More: Best Romantic Destinations to Visit in Chicago

2. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Starved Rock State Park spans 2,600 acres of land near the Illinois River. There are two parks connected with each other and separated by a waterfall that gives a mesmerizing view that nobody can ignore. The Starved Rock State Park is full of multiple wildlife attractions and hiking trails from both sides of the park. The stratum in the garden is perfect for beginners. If you want to cut yourself from the crowd while vising the Starved Rock State Park, you have to head deeper into the Park. You can opt for the 5-mile trails to see some unbelievable advantage points.

Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

Distance from Chicago: 93.3 miles

Website: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/starved-rock-state-park/

3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

On the southern end of Wisconsin, there is a famous resort on the shore of Lake Geneva. You will get all the basic amenities in the resort and the outdoor activities at the lake. Moreover, the beauty of the lake is so fascinating that you can’t resist visiting the park. There is a massive garden with colorful flowers and different types of flora species outside the resort area. The Geneva lake is perfect for you if you are searching for a power-packed adventurous weekend destination near Chicago. It will take only one and a half hours to reach Lake Geneva from downtown. Lake Geneva in Wisconsin is listed on the third number in our list of the favorite Weekend getaway places near Chicago. 

Distance from Chicago: 80.3 Miles

Attractions in Lake Geneva: Landscape, Golf, Gourmet Meals, and Spa service. 

4. Saugatuck, Michigan

The leisurely lakeside vibes of Saugatuck city in Michigan is something that is still secluded. People from all over the world came to visit Chicago, but they didn’t know about this place. If you are reading this article, then we would like to tell you that Saugatuck can be the most beautiful city that you have ever visited in your life. With broad shore beaches, uncountable flora, fauna, huge mansions, marine activities, everything at Saugatuck is astonishing. It doesn’t give you a chance to memorize how many days you have already spent here, and so many places are still unexplored.

Distance from Chicago: 140.7 Miles

Places to visit in Saugatuck: Oval beach, Saugatuck dunes state park, J. Petter Galleries, Kalamazoo Lake

Read More: Most Visited Monuments in San Francisco

5. Galena, Illinois

As we head to the northwest of Chicago, we will reach Galena city in Illinois. It is a small town behind the Mississippi River surrounded by Italian-style buildings all over. Galena is successful in preserving the heritage of the 19th century through its architecture. You can take a perfect shot of the hilly landscape in the evening from the enormous hot air balloon released in the sky. On the thoroughfare, you will see several churches, antique shops, and satisfactory dinings arrangements to spend great moments with your family or friends. We place Galena in the fifth position on our list because of the striking view. 

Distance from Chicago: 164 Miles

Website: https://www.visitgalena.org/

6. Anaway Place – Formerly Candlewood Cabins, Wisconsin

Anaway Place of Wisconsin is famous for its seven spectacular glass cabins arrangements. There are stunning glass-walled Meadow House and Candlewood Cabins in Richland County. You have to drive around 3 hours to reach the 80-acre property. Visitors have to reserve their property prior to visit to have a comfortable stay at the Anaway Place. All cabins are designed in such a way that it gives the perfect view of the rolling hills and scenic fields. 

Address: 29493 State Rd 80, Richland Center, WI 53581, United States

Distance from Chicago:212 Miles

Website: https://anaway.com/ 

7. Traverse City, Michigan

Everyone is aware of the broad coastline of Chicago. You will get to see multiple beaches as you move along the seashore in Chicago. But in the northern tip of Michigan, the Traverse City gives an eye-popping view to the travelers. It is the most gorgeous Weekend getaway place in Chicago surrounded by aquatic bodies. There are various beach-facing Resorts on the coastline where you can enjoy the captivating view from your balcony or windows. Apart from this, you can also grab some food at the beachside restaurants while enjoying the view.

Distance from Chicago: 320 Miles

Attractions: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising Falls, Wine Tasting, Microbreweries.

Website: https://www.traversecity.com/

Read More: Weekend Getaways in Washington State

8. The Abbey Resort

The Abbey Resort features 90 acres of land with a harbor, 334 guest rooms equipped with all amenities, thirteen private suites, thirteen private villas, and a spa center. Moreover, there is a gym, aerobic center, restaurant, patio, and balconies in every suite are something that gives the feel of the luxurious life in The Abbey Resort. If you want an escape to pamper yourself then The Abbey Resort is the ideal destination. You can have a facial, spa, sauna bath, or can enjoy marine activities in Lake Geneva.  

Address: 269 Fontana Blvd, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125, United States

Distance from Chicago: 85 Miles

Website: https://www.theabbeyresort.com/

Outdoor Activities: Watersports, Bike rides, Golf, Boating, Skiing, Ice Skating, Private Boat Cruises

Indoor Activities: Live Music Concerts, Waterfront Gallery

9. The Steamboat House 

The Steamboat House in Illinois is the perfect spot for weekend getaways, family gatherings, and organizing cultural events. There are private villas in the resort with exquisite interiors and a fine dining setup. From breakfast to dinner, every cuisine they serve is made by the top chefs. Apart from this, the alluring beauty of the surrounding from the window and balcony will make you nostalgic. You can book a room in the Steamboat House for comfortable accommodation.

Address: 605 S Prospect St, Galena, IL 61036, United States

Website: https://www.steamboathousetx.com/

Distance from Chicago: 164 Miles 

10. Door County, Wisconsin

Door County in Wisconsin is a picturesque coastal town near Chicago city. It is specifically a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This is the most romantic weekend getaway destination in Chicago as the shoreline gives the beach-like feeling to the visitors even if it is not. The shoreline provides a splendid view of the waterfront. There are some restaurants and food joints on the coastline where you can enjoy gourmet meals, drinks, dessert, and distinct flavors of the state. 

Distance from Chicago: 225 Miles

Website: https://www.doorcounty.com/

Outdoor activities: Paddling, Biking, Boating, Seeing underwater Shipwrecks.

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We have mentioned all the famous Weekend getaway places near Chicago that you can visit in the coming weekend or vacations. Some of these places are so beautiful that you will not want to leave that place and go back home. All of these weekend places near Chicago are family and kid-friendly. So make sure to take your family along with you and reconnect with nature. 

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