10 places to visit near Chicago

A road trip from Chicago sounds amazing, and why wouldn't it be when you can witness the most scenic drives in America from Chicago. No need to book a flight when you can go on the best road trips in the USA right from Chicago. Here is the list of the top ten best road trips in the USA from Chicago. 

1.     Geneva, Illinois

Though known as a suburb of Chicago, Geneva feels like continents away. Its small-town charm is what attracts people to it and is the reason why it takes a spot in our ultimate US road trip guide. Rest in one of the boutique hotels here and then explore the downtown on foot. The place is full of public art, shops, and quaint restaurants. 

2.     Michigan, Indiana

On a clear day in Michigan City, enjoy Chicago's skyline right across the water. Have fun in the high dunes, the crystal clear and cold Lake Michigan's water, and extensive trails at Indiana Dunes National Park. Visit the 19th-century Barker Mansion and Washington Park Zoo as well. 

3.     Harbor Country, Michigan

In our list of best road trips in USA, Harbor Country takes the next spot. This road trip in the US is probably the public favorite for a weekend getaway and is known as one of the best American road trips. It offers a glamorous beach, wineries, and breweries, including the famous Lehman's Farmhouse and Dablon Vineyards and Winery.

4.     Madison, Wisconsin

A two-and-a-half-hour drive away from the Windy City, Madison offers family-friendly activities for enjoyment. Delicious food, cultural attractions like Wisconsin Arboretum, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens are the main attractions and local breweries.

5.     Milwaukee, Wisconsin

With a German heritage, Milwaukee is full of amazing places that serve good beer and brat. Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller reside here while you will find Milwaukee Brewing and Lakefront too.

6.     South Bend, Indiana

Beyond Fighting Irish football and Notre Dame’s (one of the most scenic drives in America) campus, visit the East Race Waterway (1st artificial white-water course), Robinson’s department for pottery at the Pigeon and the Hen, and play free arcade games for free at the Garage Arcade and Bar. 

7.     Galena, Illinois

A three-hour road trip from Chicago will bring you to the cobbled streets with historic mansions of Galena. Go on a rafting trip, hikes overlooking the Mississippi River, or ski resort in the snowy season. 

8.     Saugatuck, Michigan

Though filled with local artists’ art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops; Saugatuck’s heart lies in the Saugatuck State Park. It has 14-miles of hiking trails leading to 1,000 acres of wooden dunes up to 200 feet tall and a secluded beach. 

9.     Door Country, Wisconsin

Cape Cod of the Midwest (Door Country) is a 70-mile long peninsula. Making a spot in the best road trips in USA's guide, it is full of stunning coves, harbors, wineries, lighthouses, and 300 miles of coastline. Visit the Newport State Park, which is an International Dark Sky Reserve, as well. 

10.  Ann Arbor, Michigan

Enjoy water sports in the Huron River, which you can access from the 69-acre Gallup park, stroll in Matthei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, and shop in Kerrytown Market and Shops