United States

Day trips from Chicago

Places you can visit in a day from Chicago and be back by evening. Distances are in a straight line from the city centre.

Best day trips

1

Indiana Dunes National Park
45 km from Chicago
A coastal sand dune park on Lake Michigan with trails and beach views, good for a quick nature escape.
2

Morton Arboretum
37 km from Chicago
A 1,700‑acre arboretum south of Chicago with themed gardens and walking paths, ideal for families.
3

Cantigny Park
44 km from Chicago
A historic estate with gardens, museums and a WWI memorial, offering open spaces and cultural sites.
4

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
66 km from Chicago
A restored tallgrass prairie north of Joliet, featuring walking trails and wildlife viewing.
5

Illinois Beach State Park
63 km from Chicago
A lakeside state park on Lake Michigan with beach access, camping and easy hikes.
6

Kankakee River State Park
81 km from Chicago
A riverine park near Kankakee with fishing, canoeing and wooded trails for a relaxed day.
7

Anderson Japanese Gardens
127 km from Chicago
A Japanese garden in Lisle with ponds, bridges and seasonal plantings, peaceful for a stroll.
8

Lake Geneva Historic Downtown
104 km from Chicago
A charming Swiss‑style downtown on Geneva’s lakefront with shops and cafés, pleasant for a walk.
9

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
135 km from Chicago
A forested area in Wisconsin with rolling hills, lakes and trails, good for hiking and biking.