15 Best Day Trips from Chicago To Relax
Chicago is an amazing city, but letβs be real, sometimes, you just need a change of scenery. Whether you're looking for a nature escape, a historic town, or just a fun place to chill, there are plenty of great day trips just a short drive or train ride away. Maybe you're feeling burned out from classes, want a quick adventure with friends, or just need fresh air that doesnβt involve honking cars. Whatever your vibe, this list has something for you. Here are the 18 best day trips from Chicago that wonβt break the bank or require too much planning.
Nature & Outdoor Adventures
1. Indiana Dunes National Park
Distance: 50 miles from Chicago City Center (1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by train via South Shore Line)
Address: 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 Must-Do: Try the 3-Dune Challenge
What to Bring Back: A cool national park sticker or a beachy souvenir
Estimated Budget: $30 - $55
If you need a break from Chicagoβs noise, Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the best day trips from Chicago for a quick nature escape. The entry fee is $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or $15 per person if entering on foot or bike. You can use your National Park Pass for free entry. After exploring, grab a bite at Goblin & The Grocer, where students get a discount on their $10 grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. Affordable and refreshing, this is one of the most accessible day tours in Chicago for students on a budget. If you're staying in the city and need a well-located student-friendly neighborhood, explore this Chicago Student City Guide for top areas to live.
2. Starved Rock State Park
Distance: 100 miles from Chicago City Center (1.5 to 2 hours by car)
Address: 2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348
Must-Do: Hike to Wildcat Canyon for the best views
What to Bring Back: Handmade crafts from the Starved Rock Lodge gift shop.
Estimated Budget: $32 - $42
For a refreshing escape from city life, Starved Rock State Park is a top choice for day trips from Chicago. The entry is free, making it an easy and affordable getaway for students.
The rugged trails lead to stunning rock formations and Wildcat Canyon, the tallest in the park, offering a rewarding view after the hike. After exploring, stop by The Cafe at Starved Rock Lodge for a buffalo chicken wrap ($12). This is a great option for weekend trips from Chicago by car when you need a longer break.
3. Matthiessen State Park
Distance: 120 miles from Chicago City Center ( 2 hours by car )
Address: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348
Must-Do: Explore Devilβs Paint Box, a colorful mineral-stained canyon.
What to Bring Back: Local honey and maple syrup from nearby farms.
Estimated Budget: $36 - $46
For an outdoor adventure without the crowds, Matthiessen State Park is a solid pick for day trips from Chicago. The entry is free, making it an easy getaway for students on a budget.
The park is known for Devilβs Paint Box, a mineral-stained canyon with striking red and orange hues. After your hike, stop by Skoogβs Pub & Grill in nearby Utica, where students get 10% off their $11 cheeseburger and fries combo. If you're looking for a short escape, this park is one of the best day trips from Chicago for nature lovers.
4. Kettle Moraine State Forest
Distance: 120 miles from Chicago City Center ( 2 hours by car )
Address: W3795 Hwy 67, Whitewater, WI 53190
Must-Do: Walk a section of the Ice Age National Trail.
What to Bring Back: Some legendary Wisconsin cheese.
Estimated Budget: $38 - $46
If you're up for day trips in Chicago, Kettle Moraine State Forest is a great pick for day trips from Chicago. The entry fee is $8 per vehicle (WI plates), $11 per vehicle (out-of-state), or $5 per person on foot or bike. The highlight here is walking a section of the Ice Age National, where youβll trek across landscapes shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago.
Once you've worked up an appetite, head to The Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center and enjoy a grilled cheese and soup combo for $10. This is easily one of the best day trips from Chicago for anyone who loves the outdoors.
5. Rock Cut State Park
Distance: 90 miles from Chicago City Center ( 1.5 hours by car )
Address: 7318 Harlem Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111
Must-Do: Paddleboard on Pierce Lake
What to Bring Back: A bag of Rockfordβs locally roasted coffee.
Estimated Budget: $28 - $38
For a peaceful escape with plenty of outdoor activities, Rock Cut State Park is a great option for day trips from Chicago.
With two large lakes and miles of trails, itβs an ideal spot for kayaking, fishing, or hiking. Try paddleboarding on Pierce Lake, a beginner-friendly way to enjoy the water. The entry is free, making it a budget-friendly getaway.
After a day outside, stop by Rockford Roasting Company for a latte and pastry ($8) before heading back. If you're looking for relaxation and adventure, this is one of the best day trips near Chicago to unwind.
6. Lake Geneva
Distance: 80 miles from Chicago City Center ( 1.5 hours by car )
Address: 1 Lake Geneva Blvd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Must-Do: Hop on the Mailboat Tour, and watch mail carriers literally jump from boat to dock.
What to Bring Back: A box of homemade fudge from the downtown shops.
Estimated Budget: $55 - $66
If you're looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment, Lake Geneva is a solid choice for day trips from Chicago. This lakeside town is known for its historic mansions, waterfront, and unique Mailboat Tour, where mail carriers jump from a moving boat to deliver mail to lakefront homes. The tour costs $42 per person and runs from June to September. Once youβve explored the lake, grab a sweet treat from Kilwins, a local favorite known for its homemade fudge ($12 per box). With plenty to do, itβs no surprise this is one of the best day trips near Chicago for a quick escape.
7. Mississippi Palisades State Park
Distance: 180 miles from Chicago City Center (3 hours by car)
Address: 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074
Must-Do: Climb Indian Head Rock.
What to Bring Back: Handmade Native American crafts.
Estimated Budget: $55 - $65
For incredible river views and rugged landscapes, Mississippi Palisades State Park, an amazing spot for a one-day trip from Chicago, is a must for day trips from Chicago. The entry fee is $5 per vehicle or $2 per person on foot or bike, making it a budget-friendly escape for students.
The parkβs highlight is Indian Head Rock, a towering limestone formation that rewards climbers with a stunning overlook of the Mississippi River.
After taking in the views, visit The Old Market Lane, a shop offering handmade Native American crafts and jewelry. Whether you're here for climbing or sightseeing, this is one of the most rewarding Chicago day trips for nature lovers.
Small Towns with Big Personalities
8. Galena
Distance: 180 miles from Chicago City Center (3 hours by car)
Address: 123 N. Main St., Galena, IL 61036
Must-Do: Take a haunted ghost tour through the townβs historic buildings.
What to Bring Back: A bottle of local Galena wine.
Estimated Budget: $91 - $103
If you're into history with a touch of the supernatural, Galena is a must for day trips from Chicago. This charming town is known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and ghostly legends.
The Haunted Galena Ghost Walk ($25 per person) takes you through eerie mansions and streets where spirits are said to linger.
After the tour, stop by Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, where you can grab a bottle of locally made wine ($18-$25). With its rich past and small-town charm, Galena is perfect for those looking for day tours from Chicago that offer both history and mystery.
If you're looking for a neighborhood in Chicago with a similar balance of greenery, affordability, and connectivity, check out these best neighborhoods in Chicago.
9. Naperville
Distance: 30 miles from Chicago City Center ( 45 minutes by car, 45 minutes by train (Metra BNSF) )
Address: 123 N. Main St., Galena, IL 61036
Must-Do: Swim in the Centennial Beach Quarry.
What to Bring Back: Gourmet chocolates or a Naperville-themed candle.
Estimated Budget: $25 - $30
For a quick and easy getaway, Naperville is a great pick for day tours from Chicago. The highlight here is Centennial Beach, a former quarry turned into a massive swimming area with sand, diving boards, and grassy picnic spots. Entry is $10 for students with an ID, making it an affordable place to cool off in the summer.
After a refreshing swim, visit Le Chocolat du Bouchard, where you can grab gourmet chocolates ($12 per box) or a Naperville-themed candle as a souvenir. Whether you're looking for a quick day trip or exploring day trips from Chicago by train, Naperville has a lot to offer.
10. Holland
Distance: 140 miles from Chicago City Center ( 2.5 hours by car )
Address: 1 Windmill Island, Holland, MI 49423
Must-Do: Walk through Windmill Island Gardens and see an actual Dutch windmill.
What to Bring Back: Tulip bulbs or wooden clogs.
Estimated Budget: $40 - $50
For a unique cultural escape, Holland, Michigan, brings a touch of the Netherlands to the Midwest. A top choice for day tours from Chicago, this town is famous for its Dutch heritage, charming streets, and colorful tulip fields in the spring.
The highlight is Windmill Island Gardens, home to De Zwaan, a 250-year-old working Dutch windmill. Entry is $12 for adults and $6 for students with an ID.
Before heading back, stop by Veldheer Tulip Gardens to pick up tulip bulbs ($10 per pack) or a pair of wooden clogs. Itβs also a great spot for day trips near Chicago if you want extra time to explore. Holland is indeed great for a weekend road trip from Chicago.
11. Saugatuck
Distance: 130 miles from Chicago City Center ( 2.5 hours by car )
Address: 107 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Must-Do: Ride the hand-cranked chain ferry across the Kalamazoo River.
What to Bring Back: Hand-blown glass art.
Estimated Budget: $35 - $45
If you're looking for a mix of art, nature, and small-town charm on weekend trips from Chicago, Saugatuck is a great choice for day trips from Chicago. Known for its beachy vibe and thriving art scene, this town offers a relaxed escape from city life.
One of its most unique experiences is the hand-cranked chain ferry ($2 per person), one of the last of its kind in the U.S. After exploring the town, visit Amazwi Contemporary Art, where you can pick up hand-blown glass art ($25+) as a souvenir.
Whether you are looking for a casual hangout or looking for a fun trip for a day or one-day trip from Chicago, Saugatuck is worth the trip.
12. St. Joseph
Distance: 95 miles from Chicago City Center ( 1.5 hours by car )
Address: 2011 N. Main St, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Must-Do: Climb the St. Joseph Lighthouse for amazing views.
What to Bring Back: Silver Beach popcorn.
Estimated Budget: $25 - $35
Great for a weekend getaway from Chicago, St. Joseph is a great option for day trips from Chicago. This lakeside town offers a peaceful spot to walk along the shore, explore local shops, and enjoy the water.
A must-do here is climbing the St. Joseph Lighthouse ($10 per person), where youβll get a wide, open view of Lake Michigan.
After that, stop by Silver Beach Carousel & Concessions for a bag of Silver Beach popcorn ($5). If you're looking for a change of pace from the usual places to visit in Chicago, this town is an easy and refreshing getaway.
Culture & City Adventures
13. Milwaukee
Distance: 90 miles from Chicago City Center (1.5 hours by car, 1.5 hours by train (Amtrak Hiawatha)
Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201
Must-Do: Ride a vintage Harley at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
What to Bring Back: A Harley-Davidson souvenir.
Estimated Budget: $60 - $70
If youβre looking for a mix of history, culture, and great food, Milwaukee is a top choice for day trips from Chicago. This city is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum ($22 per person, $14 with student ID), where you can sit on a vintage Harley and explore the history of one of Americaβs most famous motorcycle brands.
After the museum, grab lunch at Motor Bar & Restaurant, known for its classic burgers and cheese curds. Before heading back, pick up a Harley-Davidson souvenir ($10+) as a keepsake. For those who love exploring Chicago city attractions, Milwaukee offers a refreshing change of view.
If you're staying in Chicago and need accommodation close to these attractions, browse amberstudent, housing guide for Chicago to find options near major universities and landmarks.
14. Springfield
Distance: 90 miles from Chicago City Center (3 hours by car)
Address: 413 E. Jackson St., Springfield, IL 62701
Must-Do: Walk through Lincolnβs actual home.
What to Bring Back: Lincoln-themed memorabilia.
Estimated Budget: $40 - $50
For history lovers, Springfield is a must-visit for day trips from Chicago. This city is known for its deep connection to Abraham Lincoln, and a highlight is walking through his actual home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The guided tour is free, making it a budget-friendly stop for students.
After exploring, check out Cozy Dog Drive-In, home of the original corn dog, where a meal costs around $8. Before heading back, grab Lincoln-themed memorabilia ($5+) from a local gift shop. If youβve explored Chicago tourist spots and want to see more history, Springfield is worth the trip.
15. Grand Rapids
Distance: 180 miles from Chicago City Center (3 hours by car)
Address: 1810 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Must-Do: Try a craft beer flight on the Ale Trail.
What to Bring Back: Artisanal coffee beans.
Estimated Budget: $50 - $60
If youβre up for a mix of city life and local flavors, Grand Rapids is a great pick for day trips from Chicago.
Known as Michiganβs craft beer capital, this city is packed with breweries, art galleries, and coffee shops. A must-do here is sampling a craft beer flight on the Grand Rapids Ale Trail ($12-$18 per flight), with student discounts available at select locations.
If beer isnβt your thing, stop by Madcap Coffee for a fresh brew. Before heading back, grab a bag of artisanal coffee beans ($15) as a souvenir or a memory of your one-day trip from Chicago.