If that gets your creative juices flowing it's also possible to take a one-day art workshop or a longer summer school in the city. How to get there: Follow I-90 east across Indiana. And if you're missing that traditional winter vibe, visit Now Snowing in Celebration, where frosty views meet Florida sun including hourly snow flurries. If you want to get better scenery, you can always cut across to the Mississippi and drive up the Great River Road (see #18 above). Bozeman, MT. St Louis, MO Driving time from Chicago: 4 hrs 30 min While beer, blues and BBQ are likely on the top of your St Louis bucket list (and rightfuly. Also running from Thanksgiving right up to New Years Day is Celebration in the Oaks. This after-dark spectacle sees City Park lit up with more than a million lights. I don't want to go to the Wisconsin Dells like every year but something different, fun, good places to visit, similar to New York. This idyllic shoreline in Michigan's southwestern corner stretches from the Indiana border to the town of Sawyer. Our highlights: Granite Mountain is one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, and it's been at the forefront of innovation in the skiing industry. You can easily do a day trip from Chicago, but if you decide to come for the weekend, you can stay over at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge that comes complete with a pool and spa to unwind after your hiking. Head to Macy's, Bloomingdale's or Saks Fifth Avenue for wall-to-wall shopping opportunities, or take a walk along Fifth Avenue to indulge in designer brands. After crossing the border into Canada, the road becomes ON-401. If you're in the city for Christmas itself, head out along River Road on Christmas Eve, where you'll see bonfires lit on the night of the 24th so that Papa Noel can find his way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. The city is famous for Mardi Gras, which takes place in late February, but warm-up events actually start in January, so you can enjoy week after week of enjoyment. Featuring city breaks, small coastal harbor towns, outstanding natural parks and the occasional wineries and breweries, here are our 20 best road trips from Chicago ordered from closest to furthest away - make sure to read further down for more epic road trip itineraries! Where to Stay. At night, you can see the falls lit up in spectacular illuminations as part of the Winter Festival of Lights. Any suggestions fellas? I am actually down for anything, just to get some fresh air and get out of the city. When it's complete the statue of Crazy Horse will be taller than the presidents at Mount Rushmore. Staying by the lake, seeing as the water freezes over, you can go ice fishing here with a guide, who can provide all the equipment you need if you don't have your own. Our highlights: There are so many memorable festive moments to fit into a winter trip to New York City, it's hard to know where to begin. For the perfect post-ski wind down, visit the Spa at Boyne Mountain before you head home. The local Fermentorium brewery has some 24 different beers on tap - not too shabby for a local place! Treat your group to an exhilarating zip line adventure with Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. Originally a very rural part of Michigan with a few small towns and their corresponding harbors on the lake, the area has grown into a popular tourist destination. Lake ice was harvested and taken to nearby towns and cities - it was big business here as late as the 1940s. You can also delve into the natural wilderness of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests where you'll find more hiking opportunities, mountain biking routes, and the North Carolina Arboretum. While you're in town you can take a magical snowy hike through the trees at Madison Arboretum, then round off your day with outdoor dining - several Madison restaurants have heated outdoor domes so you can enjoy snowy views while dining al fresco. You can also enjoy a number of holiday markets, to really get you into the festive spirit. Denver also has a host of fabulous cultural attractions, so don't overlook the city itself on your way up to the mountains. Heading towards Lake Michigan, you will find the small harbor village of Saugatuck. The fast ferries will take under 20 minutes to get you there. From here, turn onto Route 31 which takes you on to Muskegon. Everything from cow's milk to goat and sheep milk is used and there are imitations of European cheeses and unique local flavors available. Though it was longer drive but not bad. You can survey the options from atop the California Tower in Balboa Park. " There's also an "Amethyst Room," whirlpools infused with jasmine and weirdly good organic fried chicken. Further afield, the city is packed full of other shopping districts, including the West Village, Bleeker Street, Union Square and the Meatpacking District to name just a few. Choose from a lodge room, suite, 4-bed or 8-bed luxury cottage, ideal for multi-generation or multi-family groups. The classic design may look more like an East Coast city with Louisville having the second highest number of cast iron faades after New York, primarily in its West Main District. Next, pick up I-40 which winds through a section of the Appalachian Mountains on its way to your destination, Asheville. The extensive and varied ski slopes here are great for a wide range of skiing abilities. The parade brings together dragons and lions dancing through DC's streets, as well as drummers, dance troupes and firecrackers - it's a real feast for the senses. One that stands out for its festive themes is the Grinch-mas Who-liday Special at Universal Islands of Adventure. Our travel tips: You don't have to have your own equipment to enjoy skating, snowshoeing or skiing it's available to rent at many of the attractions. You must try the Glarner Stube restaurant in town. If you're visiting at other times during the winter, there's still plenty to do in Elkhart Lake. How to get there: Follow I-90 out of the city then pick up I-94 and head east towards Detroit. Asheville is packed full of history, but the modern city has a distinctly creative vibe that makes it really unique. As well as being a relaxed and varied city, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, so a trip here offers a great combination of city vibes and the great outdoors. How to get there: Follow I-90/I-94 north out of Chicago, then continue north on I-94 when the interstate divides. You can also find out more about the site at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, or visit the Sculptor's Studio to find out more about how the monument was created. A particular highlight in Muskegon is its Luge track, which is open to the public. Our highlights: Roll back 100 years and one of the biggest draws of Lake Geneva, WI, wasn't its snow, but the ice! Bonus: As well as being known for its winter sports, Grand Rapids is famous for its many craft breweries - in fact, it's been given the title of Beer City USA! Bonus: The capital hosts a fabulous Lunar New Year Parade in January or February depending on when the new year begins. The best thing about Madison, like many places in Wisconsin, is the food. Cool down in warmer weather by riding the natural waterslide at Sliding Rock. San Diego San Diego boasts 260 sunny days a year, miles of rugged beachside and barking seals. As a result, you will find some great restaurants and interesting art galleries and independent craft shops up and down the coast - New Buffalo is great for its boutiques and farm shops. From Louisville, I-64 takes you east to Lexington, then turn onto I-75 to make your way through Tennessee to Knoxville. Mount Rushmore is set on the edge of the Black Hills, so if you're spending longer in the area you can head out into the great outdoors to hike, bike and enjoy the scenic drive along the Needles Highway. The long rows of vines stand out proudly in the snow and make a beautiful backdrop while you're learning about Icewine production or, more importantly, tasting a glass or two. Also B&Bs. The locals didn't stop at naming the lake after the slightly better known one in Switzerland. You can easily visit for a day or stay the night to see more of the local sights and museums. There's a real art to making Icewine and the conditions have to be just right to freeze the grapes for long enough on the vine. Our travel tips: This is a really popular ski area, and lift passes can sell out during the busiest periods. Then head quickly back into the warmth of your hotel to warm up. While both parks are not as large as some, there is plenty to explore with trails going through canyons and some amazing rock formations. The main attractions are the two major parks - the Starved Rock State Park and the Matthiessen State Park. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). There are two giant lakes right in the middle of the city, either side of downtown which creates a uniquely relaxed vibe. 6 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (430 miles). Alternative options are the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Park and the Fish Ladder Park. Join I-90 E to head out of Chicago then merge onto I-94 to continue to follow the shore of Lake Michigan. If your time is limited, take your sled and enjoy a free downhill ride at one of the several hilly public parks in the city. Our highlights: The nation's capital is a fantastic place to visit during the holiday period. For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. If you're coming for the World of Winter Festival, remember to wrap up warm. Named after the tall cedar trees, it is particularly well known for its lush forests that cover the hills around Cedarburg. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chicago (100 miles). Weather at the end of March can be iffy. You can see how every aspect of the village life would have been complete with the blacksmith shop, school and church buildings. These change year on year, but in the past have included things like silent disco, outdoor musical performances, and storytelling to mark Native American traditions or Chinese New Year. Combined with St Paul, the two merged metro areas are known as the Twin Cities and are one of the largest in the Midwest. First is the village of New Glarus. The biggest ski area in the state is perfectly set up for skiers, with fast lifts and dozens of trails to follow. A work on this scale had never been attempted in the country before and Gutzon Borglum, who led the project, quickly identified that chisels would hardly make a dent on the vast rockface. 3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles). Just after crossing the Ohio River at Evansville, turn onto I-69, continuing south on I-169 where the interstates divide. 2 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (130 miles). For a different experience of New York in winter, skip the crowds and visit in January to enjoy NYC Winter Jazz Fest or NYC Restaurant Week, where restaurants put on their best fare at affordable prices. Hemlock Hideaway Campground. You could come to Cedarburg on a long day drive, but it's really perfect as a weekend getaway destination. 489 miles northeast of Chicago: Lake Bernard Park. Our highlights: As you'd expect, the main draw of Muskegon in winter is Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. You should definitely visit New York in winter so you can say you've experienced them all first-hand. Once Christmas and New Year are behind you, the party season in New Orleans really gets going. The Dells Boat Tours will take you through the narrow river passages - these Dells are gorges through layered rock formations that become small tall islands as the river widens. I-80 is a notoriously busy road, with heavy commercial traffic and few landmarks of interest. Things to do on Kauai include exploring the Waimea Canyon, Kkee State Park, Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin/Shutterstock.com, Road Trip From Chicago To Mackinac Island, Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park, 22. Mount Rushmore is a unique national monument that's a must-see for many Americans and tourists alike, which makes it the perfect destination from Chicago. To get to Louisville from Chicago, you will need to drive the length of Indiana until you reach the Ohio River - St Louis is right across the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. Located right by Lake Ontario, you can enjoy frosty views out across the water, then head back into the city to indulge yourself in some culture or plain old festive cheer. The track is open to kids as young as 8 so bring the whole family and see if any of them catch the sliding bug. As you'd expect, with much of the Midwest sitting under snow through the winter, the weekend trips you can take from Chicago all have a winter sports element to them. How to get there: Follow I-90 west out of Chicago, passing Rockford and Madison. Then join I-196 and follow it north along the lake shore until you reach Holland. It's all a little strange, perhaps. Canada produces a significant proportion of the world's Icewine, a dessert wine created from grapes left on the vine to freeze before being harvested. Hike along Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on your next weekend getaway from Chicago. This leads you eventually onto I-95, which you'll follow south to Savannah. The Warmest Place in Chicago. Geneva, Illinois - 41.7 miles. If there's one reason to visit Milwaukee, it is to see for yourself what the beer capital of the United States really looks like! Denver is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as being a great place to head to in winter if you want to ski or snowboard on nearby slopes. The route up to La Crosse will pass a few great stop off points - check out the steel Black Hawk Bridge over the Mississippi at Lansing and the Nelson Dewey State Park has some of the best panoramic views of the river and surrounding forests. Several of the hotels in town have excellent in-house spas, so you can treat yourself to some relaxation time during your trip. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Biergarten are the home of Budweiser but there are loads of small local breweries where you will get a more authentic experience. You can also snowshoe, tube or skate if you want a break from the slopes. From here, follow I-196 further around the lake shore. You can easily visit on a short day road trip from Chicago, but if you want to explore the different trails and get away from it all, a weekend trip might work better despite being so close. Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. Visitors and locals alike flock to the Macy's Light Show, running for over half a century, and the charming Dickens Village, also found at the store. Of course, there are two sides to every story, and a few miles from Mount Rushmore you can visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. All that snow means that you can ski in the area around Asheville. The temperatures surpassed the 136-year-old . You'll finally turn off the interstate at Rapid City, joining US-16 for the last few miles of your drive to Mount Rushmore. The city was offered up to President Lincoln as a Christmas Gift during the Civil War. If St Louis Cardinals are playing, it's worth going if you can get your hands on some (expensive) tickets - they are one of the most successful baseball teams of all time and baseball is the number one sport in town. Back in town you'll get beautiful winter views over icy Lake Michigan.
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