Life in the Windy City can be great but sometimes you just need a breather. If you are thinking that you are ready to take a step outside of the city, then you are in the right place. Here are some of the best places you can go to for the weekend when you are starting from Chicago.
Lake Geneva, Illinois
Many people consider Lake Geneva to be the best place to go to get away from Chicago. At just a 90-minute drive away, you can be lakeside just a few hours after finishing work on Friday. The area is one of the most popular places to go so make sure you pick your time carefully; a holiday weekend is likely to be busy while a random one may be a little quieter. If you want to get away for a birthday or some other special event with your loved ones, you can find some great luxury accommodation options here to help you grab just a little bit more privacy at www.luxuryretreats.com.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Head here for one of the best beaches in the Midwest! Oval Beach is a pristine expanse of soft white sand just a 2.25-hour drive from Chicago. It has plenty of activities for you to do including kayaking and fishing. In town, head to one of the art galleries or the Saugatuck Brewing Company for some amazing beer.
New Glarus, Wisconsin
Dreaming of visiting Switzerland? How would you like to do so without the long plane journey? For a trade-off of a three-hour drive, you can instead head to the Switzerland of America at New Glarus. Not only are you surrounded by beautiful vistas on all sides, you will have access to the New Glarus Brewing Company. You can only get their beer within Wisconsin itself so make sure you grab plenty before heading back to Illinois.
Ottawa, Illinois
Not to be confused with Ottawa, Canada, this pretty historic town can be found at the intersection of the Illinois and Fox rivers. Also, just a 90-minute drive away, it is the perfect location to check out both the Starved Rock and Buffalo Rock State Parks. Make sure you check out the Starved Rock Lodge; it is one of the best places to stay in the area with both rooms and cabins available.
Galena, Illinois
This small town has beauty unlike anything you will ever see. Think cobblestone streets and historic mansions, a far cry from the gleaming skyscrapers of Chicago. You can feel at peace in the town itself or head to the nearby ski resort and incredible hikes if you want a little more adventure. Just three hours away by car, this is definitely one place you should consider visiting.
Sawyer, Michigan
Since everyone is busy heading to Grand Rapids, detour instead to Sawyer for everything it offers without so many crowds. It is just a 90-minute drive from Chicago so you can be there in no time at all. There are plenty of bars and brewing companies for you to explore and enjoy as well as the Warren Dunes State Park, home of touring dunes and amazing trails.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
If you are determined to truly leave everything behind, you cannot go wrong with Mackinac Island on Lake Huron. To get here, you need to drive for 6.25 hours and then grab a 30-minute ferry but it is entirely worth it. The island is car-free so be prepared to jump on a bike to see it all, or opt for a horse-drawn carriage for a slightly slower pace. It is a brilliant and unspoiled place to relax and unwind.
These are just some of the places you could get to from Chicago if you are looking for a quick minibreak. You could even hop on a plane and fly to a corner of the States that you have never been to before! The world is truly your oyster and there is plenty for you to explore. If you feel like you need a small minibreak to get out of Chicago and see some more of the world, book some time off work and get ready to go! You are never going to regret some time relaxing away.
