Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva in Wisconsin offers a picturesque retreat with outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and golfing. The downtown area also hosts charming shops, restaurants, and the historic Geneva Lake Museum. From Union Station, it’s approximately a 90-minute drive, while from O’Hare Airport it’s around an hour’s drive. From Midway Airport, you can expect your journey to take you roughly 80 minutes.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, around a 90-minute drive north of Chicago, has much to offer from the Harley-Davidson Museum to a vibrant arts scene, breweries, and the stunning Lake Michigan waterfront. From Union Station, it’s a 90-minute drive, and it’s about the same distance from O’Hare Airport and Midway Airport.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park, with its beautiful canyons and waterfalls, is a haven for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Located approximately a 100-minute drive from downtown Chicago, it’s a perfect place for nature enthusiasts. The drive is about 90 minutes from both O’Hare and Midway Airports.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park features over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, beaches, forests, and wetlands. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers, and it’s only about an hour’s drive from Union Station, O’Hare Airport, and Midway Airport.
Galena, Illinois
This small town, known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, is a three-hour drive west of Chicago. With its charming main street, historic sites, wineries, and outdoor activities, Galena offers a delightful day trip. It’s about a three-hour drive from Union Station, O’Hare Airport, and Midway Airport.
Rockford
Rockford, Illinois, about a 90-minute drive from Chicago, offers attractions such as the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Discovery Center Museum, and the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. From Union Station, it’s approximately a 90-minute drive, and it’s about the same distance from O’Hare and Midway Airports.
Springfield
The state capital of Illinois, Springfield is about a three-hour drive from Chicago. It offers a wealth of history related to Abraham Lincoln, including his presidential library and museum, home, and tomb. It’s about a three-hour drive from Union Station as well as O’Hare and Midway Airports.
Wisconsin Dells
Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” Wisconsin Dells offers fun for the entire family. Aside from the water parks, the area also has beautiful nature spots, amusement parks, and live entertainment. It’s about a three-hour drive from Union Station, O’Hare Airport, and Midway Airport.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden, located in Glencoe, is a living museum that is 385 acres in size, featuring 27 gardens and four natural areas. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Union Station, a 30-minute drive from O’Hare Airport, and a 50-minute drive from Midway Airport.