Great Winter Getaways Within 200 Miles of Chicago
Anyone who lives in Chicago knows that the winter months can seemingly go on forever. If you have young children, you might already be getting cabin fever.
The good news is that there are a ton of great getaway destinations within a few hours of Chicago. These mini vacations are great because all you need is a weekend or a day or two off from school to relax, rejuvenate and be ready to brave the tundra when you return.
Don’t suffer through the monotony of the winter months in Chicago if you don’t have to. Hit the open road and have some fun by getting away from the every day with these winter getaways within 200 miles.
Great Getaway #1: Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee, Illinois
Just a hop, skip and jump from where you are, there is a waterpark that is excellent for the whole family. The Great Wolf Lodge is a hotel where you stay and play. The rooms are set up with themes for the kids to enjoy, and what you will enjoy is a little time off from playing cruise director. In addition to the fabulous indoor water park with pools and water slides and rides galore, the hotel offers a game room, casual dining, a climbing wall, mini golf, MagiQuest, a high-wire park, a bowling alley and Oliver’s Mining Co., which lets your kids dig for hidden treasure.
Unlike other vacation destinations, you never have to leave the hotel, and you definitely won’t run out of things to do over the course of a weekend. Most of the activities are included with the price of the room, which makes it a wallet-friendly escape too. You don’t have to head far for water: Just drive north. And perhaps the best part? No sunscreen required to hit the pool!
Great Getaway #2: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Just 150 miles from Chicago is a haven away from home. Kalamazoo is known for its breweries and being a foodie’s paradise, but that’s not all that is has to offer.
For breweries, Arcadia Brewing Co, One Well Brewing Co., Tibbs Brewing Co., Gonzo’s BiddDogg Brewing and Boatyard Brewing Co. all fire up the yeast in Kalamazoo. You can make a day of going from one brewery to the next. (Please designate a driver!)
Don’t worry if you have the kids with you: They will have plenty to do too. Air Zoo is a spectacular attraction that offers historical aircraft, full-motion flight simulators, amusement park-style rides and a 3D/4D Missions Theater. If you have older kids, swing by for a visit to Kalamazoo College or Western Michigan University and take a campus tour.
It is enough to keep everyone captivated. After a long day of play, head out to Bold or Rustica for a bite to eat. There is something on the menu for everyone. Kalamazoo might not be on the radar for everyone as a great getaway destination, which is what makes it that much more lovable. What you can expect is good hometown, Midwestern hospitality and a whole lot of fun things to do!
Great Getaway #3: Cascade Mountain, Portage, Wisconsin
A family that skis together, stays together. You don’t have to travel far west to hit the slopes. Cascade Mountain in Portage, Wisconsin is a great winter destination that is only about 2 hours away. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a novice, fun is on the menu. And if skiing isn’t for everyone in the family, snow tubing might be! Race down the 900-ft. chute and then ride back up in style. It sure beats sledding in the backyard!
Because Portage is so close to the Wisconsin Dells, Cascade Mountain has lodging partnerships with nearby hotels that come equipped with waterpark adventures galore. After a long day on the slopes, the kids can ride some waterpark slides, and you can rest your weary bones in a hot tub! You don’t even have to worry about snowfall: They make snow all winter long to accommodate their guests during all types of weather. And for the family trying to keep costs low, kids under 12 get a free lift ticket for every adult. It’s a great way to pack a ton of vacations into one trip!
Great Getaway#4: Muskegon, Michigan
Just 186 miles northeast of Chicago is a smaller Wisconsin town named Muskegon. Although it might not be on your vacation list, it should be. Muskegon is home to the Winter Sports Complex, which houses an 850-ft. outdoor ice-luge course. The course runs through the forest, and along the way, hits speeds of over 30 miles per hour. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will build memories (maybe terrifyingly, fun ones, but memories just the same) for the entire family.
The Winter Sports Complex also has facilities to ice skate, snowshoe and sled. If it is going to be cold, you might as well enjoy the snow! Muskegon is also home to Midwest’s best beaches, and although you can’t run your feet through the sand, you can at least take a glance. Stay at the Shoreline Inn, the only hotel that is located right on the waterfront, and watch as the sun sets and rises over Lake Michigan. Muskegon is by far one of the best winter getaways within 200 miles of Chicago.
Great Getaway #5: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin might be known for its breweries, but there are a number of other things to do for the family! The Harley-Davidson Museum is a thrill for the motorcycle lovers in the family, and Discovery World will get your child’s mind racing. Take a day and peruse the Milwaukee public market, which is located in the historical district. Or head off to Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, which is perfect for the 10-and-under crowd.
The city is loaded with museums of various sorts, gorgeous old-world architecture and restaurants that will delight any palate. Only about 90 minutes from Chicago, this neighboring city holds a vast number of ways to entertain the whole family.
You don’t have to etch out an entire week for the perfect getaway or travel hundreds of miles. Block off a weekend, day or two when the kids have off from school, and escape the monotony that can accompany a Chicago winter. These amazing winter getaways are just what the doctor (and probably a therapist) ordered.
What Your Mechanic Should Check Before You Hit the Road
Before you head out on a winter adventure, schedule an appointment for an oil change or trip inspection at Hong Kong Auto Service, and we’ll take a look at:
- Fluid levels
- Hoses and belts
- Tire tread and tire pressure
- Air filter
- Suspension and steering components
- Battery terminals (to make sure they’re corrosion-free)
After all, there is nothing worse than having a breakdown during a road trip. If you have your auto maintenance work done with us, you can drive with confidence knowing that your car is covered under the Hong Kong Auto Service Auto Repair Warranty. Your safety is our first priority and we want you to have a safe and fun-filled trip.