Chicago is a beautiful city, but sometimes an escape from the hustle and bustle is needed. Here are the best day trips from Chicago.
Located 75 miles northwest of Chicago, Lake Geneva is a beautiful place for a quick getaway. It has several resorts and spas for a day of luxury, or you can partake of the many activities available.
For the spring, summer, or fall, you can enjoy boating, horseback riding, golf, tennis or hiking. For the winter, you can try skiing, ice skating, and even sleigh rides. Lake Geneva also hosts several festivals throughout the year. It is located only an hour and a half from Chicago, and would make a worthwhile trip.
Starved Rock
Located 94 miles southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is a popular destination for Chicagoans. It has 13 miles of trails that are open year round, and plenty of activities for the young and old alike. You can fish, go boating, horseback riding, and camping. There is also a huge picnic area available. The park is open 7am to 9pm and parking is free.
Chicago Zoological Society
This zoo is the perfect destination for children, and adults will love it too. It is one of the country’s largest, and is well known for its enclosed habitats. There are many events at the zoo, including Dolphin Presentations, Wild Encounters, and Zoo Chats. The zoo is open from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are available to purchase online. For adults the cost is $13.50, and for children and seniors the cost is $9.50. Military personnel can get in for free, if an id is shown as the ticket booth. Parking is $9.00.
Naperville
One of the best known suburbs of Chicago, Naperville offers a huge variety of things to do. Centennial Beach is a must see. There is a huge swimming area, plus a playground for the kids, beach volleyball, a concession stand, and a beautiful sandy beach. You do have to pay for all this luxury, which is $6 if you are a resident and $10 if you are not. For the people who like to shop, there are also boutiques and shopping areas downtown.
Galena
160 miles west of Chicago, Galena offers something for everyone to do. You can ride in a hot air balloon, go kayaking, play golf, and hike. There are specialty shops to enjoy, and upscale resorts to stay in. Galena also hosts many events such as the Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon.
Sources:
“Lake Geneva”, Lake Geneva
“Lake Geneva”, The Local Tourist
“Events”, Lake Geneva
Starved Rock State Park”, Illinois Starved Rock State Park
“Calendar of Events”, Starved Rock Lodge
“Brookfield Zoo”, Chicago Zoological Society
Chicago Day Trips”, Shermans Travel
“Visit Naperville”, Experience Naperville
“Galena”, Galena/Jo Daviess County
