Are you ready to hit the road and explore the great outdoors? If you live in Chicago, you’re in luck! The Windy City is surrounded by endless options for scenic drives, breathtaking views, and outdoor adventures. Here are the 10 best road trips from Chicago to inspire your inner adventurer.
1. The Great River Road
Pack a picnic and hit the road for a scenic drive along the Mississippi River. Start in Galena and make your way south along the Great River Road through quaint river towns and stunning bluffs. Don’t miss the charming town of Nauvoo for a taste of history.
2. The Door County Loop
Take a ferry across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin and follow the Door County Loop for a scenic drive that includes lighthouses, wineries, and charming small towns. Don’t miss the legendary fish boil at the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek.
3. The North Shore Drive
Follow Lake Michigan along the North Shore Drive for stunning views of the water and colorful foliage in the fall. Along the way, stop to explore charming towns like Saugatuck and Holland, and don’t miss a stroll on the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
4. The Indiana Dunes
Take a short drive to the Indiana Dunes for a day of hiking, swimming, and exploring. With over 15 miles of sandy beaches, towering dunes, and scenic trails, there’s something for everyone at this outdoor playground.
5. The Michigan Wine Trail
Explore the Michigan Wine Trail for a day of wine tasting and scenic drives through the countryside. Start in Berrien County and make your way to Traverse City for stunning views of the water and some of the best wineries in the region.
6. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
For a taste of wine country closer to home, head to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in southern Illinois. This scenic drive includes stops at award-winning wineries, charming small towns, and stunning views of the rolling hills.
7. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Take a drive through the Kettle Moraine State Forest for stunning views of the glacier-formed landscape and winding scenic roads. Along the drive, stop to explore charming towns like Elkhart Lake and Plymouth.
8. The Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
For a truly epic road trip, head up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for rugged wilderness, stunning waterfalls, and endless outdoor adventures. Don’t miss Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for breathtaking views of Lake Superior and colorful sandstone cliffs.
9. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Follow the Great Lakes Seaway Trail for a scenic drive along the Great Lakes and through charming small towns. Highlights include the stunning Thousand Islands region and the historic city of Buffalo.
10. The Lincoln Highway
For a taste of history and Americana, follow the Lincoln Highway from Dixon to Fulton for a scenic drive through the heartland. Along the way, don’t miss the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon and the charming Dutch Windmill in Fulton.
No matter which road trip you choose, be sure to pack a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore. With these 10 best road trips from Chicago, there’s something for everyone to discover in the great outdoors.
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