Chicago & What Else?
Nov 6th, 2007, 10:00 AM
#1
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Chicago & What Else?
I'm building up my inventory of possible trips.
Other than changing planes we've never been to Chicago.
What other destination(s) can be added to Chicago to complete a trip of about a week.
A couple of hours away by train would be fine.
Thanks.
Other than changing planes we've never been to Chicago.
What other destination(s) can be added to Chicago to complete a trip of about a week.
A couple of hours away by train would be fine.
Thanks.
Nov 6th, 2007, 10:08 AM
#2
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A vacation in Chicago for a week in quite a long time. Besides all of the attractions in Chicago there are a number of areas such as Galena Illinois or Door County Wisconsin that are desirable. You would need a car to drive to either area.
Nov 6th, 2007, 12:01 PM
#4
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There are other threads on this; try searching for Chicago day trips.
There's enough to keep you in the area for more than a week without even getting 30 miles away. Read some past threads.
You would never want to go to Door County for a day or two, the drive is just too, too far.
Search for MI lighthouse tour, if you are interested in country or nature.
All of this reflects on time of the year, as well. Northern penn. of MI and N. WI, resortwise, except for specific fishing etc. are 90% closed after October, until April or later.
If you like cities, Chicago itself has enough for 2 full weeks, and that doesn't even take you much to the outskirts: places like Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanical Gardens, or in any direction South or into IN. for the most part.
Springfield is a drive, but really worth it for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library now too.
There's much more to see in sculpture parks, art, theatre, etc. outside of Chicago- which are never highlighted in detail on Fodors, either.
www.metromix.com
www.chicagoist.com
www.ctatattlers.com
There's enough to keep you in the area for more than a week without even getting 30 miles away. Read some past threads.
You would never want to go to Door County for a day or two, the drive is just too, too far.
Search for MI lighthouse tour, if you are interested in country or nature.
All of this reflects on time of the year, as well. Northern penn. of MI and N. WI, resortwise, except for specific fishing etc. are 90% closed after October, until April or later.
If you like cities, Chicago itself has enough for 2 full weeks, and that doesn't even take you much to the outskirts: places like Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanical Gardens, or in any direction South or into IN. for the most part.
Springfield is a drive, but really worth it for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library now too.
There's much more to see in sculpture parks, art, theatre, etc. outside of Chicago- which are never highlighted in detail on Fodors, either.
www.metromix.com
www.chicagoist.com
www.ctatattlers.com
Nov 6th, 2007, 12:28 PM
#6
Original Poster
Ok.
Optional trips such as this would always be done when the days are warm and long and the rain is pretty much at it's lowest risk.
I guess that would be J,J,A to mid_S.
We're not Zoo people and only visit the odd museum. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Prado, The Met, Louvre, d'Orsay, etc.
We like to wander around and see sights. I guess my wife might (Ha!!) be interested in stores that would have a different flavor. The biggest, the oldest, the first or something unique to the place.
Optional trips such as this would always be done when the days are warm and long and the rain is pretty much at it's lowest risk.
I guess that would be J,J,A to mid_S.
We're not Zoo people and only visit the odd museum. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Prado, The Met, Louvre, d'Orsay, etc.
We like to wander around and see sights. I guess my wife might (Ha!!) be interested in stores that would have a different flavor. The biggest, the oldest, the first or something unique to the place.
Nov 6th, 2007, 01:04 PM
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LOL! It isn't rain that's the problem. I don't think you know about our weather or the logistics of distances.
The Art Institute is not to be missed. I would look into live theatre for the period of your visit and buy into that as early as possible, if you are interested.
The Art Institute is not to be missed. I would look into live theatre for the period of your visit and buy into that as early as possible, if you are interested.
Nov 6th, 2007, 02:10 PM
#8
Original Poster
JJ5,
Ok. I'll bite.
"LOL! It isn't rain that's the problem. I don't think you know about our weather or the logistics of distances."
Tell me about the weather.
Tell me about logistics and distances.
Ok. I'll bite.
"LOL! It isn't rain that's the problem. I don't think you know about our weather or the logistics of distances."
Tell me about the weather.
Tell me about logistics and distances.
Nov 6th, 2007, 04:09 PM
#9
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Train travel from Chicago will get you no where of interest in 2 hours, unless you want to visit the suburbs.
The weather in Chicago, as in most midwest cities is changeable by the day, hour, etc. Summer can be hot & humid, Winter can be cold and snowy. Best weather in Chicago is September/October or May/June. But to guarantee no rain, can't be done!
What do you like to do when you travel? Chicago is famous for their museums, theater, architecture...it is a big beautiful city. It is not known for it's natural scenery.
To drive anywhere where the scenery would change, you'd have to drive to upper Wisconsin or upper Michigan. 6 to 8 hour drives.
The weather in Chicago, as in most midwest cities is changeable by the day, hour, etc. Summer can be hot & humid, Winter can be cold and snowy. Best weather in Chicago is September/October or May/June. But to guarantee no rain, can't be done!
What do you like to do when you travel? Chicago is famous for their museums, theater, architecture...it is a big beautiful city. It is not known for it's natural scenery.
To drive anywhere where the scenery would change, you'd have to drive to upper Wisconsin or upper Michigan. 6 to 8 hour drives.
Nov 6th, 2007, 04:27 PM
#10
Original Poster
Thanks Isabel.
I know cold because I'm a former Montrealer. I know heat and humidity because I live in South Florida. Of course, as a tourist I'd like it somewhere in between.
I realize we can't guarantee no rain. I'd just like to try for the time that usually has the least.
Like I wrote, we do visit the odd museum. We walk around downtown and historic areas when there are. If architecture is a feature that's of interest. If the view as scene from a boat trip or from a bridge particularly impressive, then that's of interest.
We've made trips to cities like NYC just to walk around. We make it a point to walk Central Park each day. I've also been to Utah on a hiking trip.
I know cold because I'm a former Montrealer. I know heat and humidity because I live in South Florida. Of course, as a tourist I'd like it somewhere in between.
I realize we can't guarantee no rain. I'd just like to try for the time that usually has the least.
Like I wrote, we do visit the odd museum. We walk around downtown and historic areas when there are. If architecture is a feature that's of interest. If the view as scene from a boat trip or from a bridge particularly impressive, then that's of interest.
We've made trips to cities like NYC just to walk around. We make it a point to walk Central Park each day. I've also been to Utah on a hiking trip.
Nov 6th, 2007, 04:44 PM
#11
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Chicago is a very walkable city, it just depends how much time you really want to spend in Chicago.
If you've never been, I would say 4 days for what seems to interest you.
As to what could fill your other days of your week long vacation, you need to let us know what else interests you. You most likely would need to rent a car to go anywhere 2 hours away from Chicago.
Chicago has one of the most spectacular skylines in America, which can be viewed by walking or taking a boat.
If you've never been, I would say 4 days for what seems to interest you.
As to what could fill your other days of your week long vacation, you need to let us know what else interests you. You most likely would need to rent a car to go anywhere 2 hours away from Chicago.
Chicago has one of the most spectacular skylines in America, which can be viewed by walking or taking a boat.
Nov 6th, 2007, 09:38 PM
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Respectfully, I have to disagree with much of what JJ5 says, but she/he is right when mentioning that it depends mostly on time of year.
Door County is only 3-3.5 hours away, but is a ghost town if it's not late spring-early autumn. If it is the right season, it's really worth it. It is breathtakingly beautiful. I drive it at least once a month (all year long) on my way to and from school.
I am from Chicago and go to school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and I can assure you that the UP is NOT NOT NOT closed after October! There are still tons of outdoor activities (snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, etc) as well as a lot of cultural events, and a fair amount of casinos (that can have pretty big-name performers for a lot less than big city ticket prices). In Marquette, Northern Michigan University is the only university in the country with an Olympic training program, and there are international sporting events. Two weeks ago, there were several days in which our athletes competed against Olympic-potential Chinese athletes. If you are coming in the summer, there are festivals, swimming, fishing, Pictured Rocks, Copper Country, all sorts of things. However, the drive to the UP can be long- about 5 hours just to get to the border of the UP from Chicago, and another few hours to get to the more popular places. It's so beautiful up here, and the weather is lovely most of the time (not too cold, not too hot). A bit secluded, but NOT closed!
For the most part, I think that going south into IN would really depend on having a specific reason to go there (with the exception of Indy). Most of the state is farmland, but if you're a Notre Dame fan, you can catch a game in South Bend or something like that. Indy is about 4 hours from Chicago, depending a lot on traffic.
Milwaukee is a great city, only an hour or so north of Chicago. Take a brewery tour, since there are so many. It's a fun town, just never order any form of Budweiser. ;-)
Especially in the summer, Chicago has enough to keep you busy for weeks and weeks. There are festivals every day during the summer, there are beaches, restaurants, zoos, museums, the Art Institute should be at the top of everyone's list, Navy Pier (which is very touristy, but worth a go one time around), sports, etc. With the exception of swimming at the beaches, there are all those things in the winter as well.
Have fun!
Door County is only 3-3.5 hours away, but is a ghost town if it's not late spring-early autumn. If it is the right season, it's really worth it. It is breathtakingly beautiful. I drive it at least once a month (all year long) on my way to and from school.
I am from Chicago and go to school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and I can assure you that the UP is NOT NOT NOT closed after October! There are still tons of outdoor activities (snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, etc) as well as a lot of cultural events, and a fair amount of casinos (that can have pretty big-name performers for a lot less than big city ticket prices). In Marquette, Northern Michigan University is the only university in the country with an Olympic training program, and there are international sporting events. Two weeks ago, there were several days in which our athletes competed against Olympic-potential Chinese athletes. If you are coming in the summer, there are festivals, swimming, fishing, Pictured Rocks, Copper Country, all sorts of things. However, the drive to the UP can be long- about 5 hours just to get to the border of the UP from Chicago, and another few hours to get to the more popular places. It's so beautiful up here, and the weather is lovely most of the time (not too cold, not too hot). A bit secluded, but NOT closed!
For the most part, I think that going south into IN would really depend on having a specific reason to go there (with the exception of Indy). Most of the state is farmland, but if you're a Notre Dame fan, you can catch a game in South Bend or something like that. Indy is about 4 hours from Chicago, depending a lot on traffic.
Milwaukee is a great city, only an hour or so north of Chicago. Take a brewery tour, since there are so many. It's a fun town, just never order any form of Budweiser. ;-)
Especially in the summer, Chicago has enough to keep you busy for weeks and weeks. There are festivals every day during the summer, there are beaches, restaurants, zoos, museums, the Art Institute should be at the top of everyone's list, Navy Pier (which is very touristy, but worth a go one time around), sports, etc. With the exception of swimming at the beaches, there are all those things in the winter as well.
Have fun!
Nov 7th, 2007, 02:43 AM
#13
Original Poster
I just rereas my last post. Wouldn't it be great if the fingers pressed the keys I wanted to press and not the ones I did press?
Also, I guess "scene" should have been "seen".
It's not like we have a week that must be filled. However, once flying from South Florida to Chicago, I wanted to make sure there wasn't a "must see" that would fit as an add-on without much effort.
Also, I guess "scene" should have been "seen".
It's not like we have a week that must be filled. However, once flying from South Florida to Chicago, I wanted to make sure there wasn't a "must see" that would fit as an add-on without much effort.
Nov 7th, 2007, 04:07 AM
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Myer,
You do not say when this vacation will take place. If you were to come to Chicago in the summer I would recommend a day trip out to Starved Rock in Utica, IL or to the Indiana or Michigan Sand Dunes. All of these are an easy day trip from Chicago by car.
Actually I believe there is a train out to the Indiana Dunes Area.
I just checked and there is a train. The South Shore Line runs a train from Downtown Chicago to Dune Park and Beverly Shores.
There is also an outlet mall in Michigan City. (I don't think I would bother to take a train all the way to Michigan City just to go to an outlet mall.)
http://www.nictd.com/info/featured.htm#fun
You do not say when this vacation will take place. If you were to come to Chicago in the summer I would recommend a day trip out to Starved Rock in Utica, IL or to the Indiana or Michigan Sand Dunes. All of these are an easy day trip from Chicago by car.
Actually I believe there is a train out to the Indiana Dunes Area.
I just checked and there is a train. The South Shore Line runs a train from Downtown Chicago to Dune Park and Beverly Shores.
There is also an outlet mall in Michigan City. (I don't think I would bother to take a train all the way to Michigan City just to go to an outlet mall.)
http://www.nictd.com/info/featured.htm#fun
Nov 7th, 2007, 04:35 AM
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Myer, all of these will be more than a couple of hours away.
Although a number of these suggestions are very nice and I'd recommend them, I don't think they'd fit in the category of "must sees".
But there are a couple that I would consider in the "must sees" or "must dos" category.
The drive up the western Michigan shoreline of Lake Michigan and a visit to Mackinac Island - and, if price is no object, a stay at the Grand Hotel. Not many places like that left nowadays. You'd need a rental car for this option.
If you are coming in May, the Indy 500 is something special to experience. (Actually, I prefer the time trials to the actual race.)Likewise, the Kentucky Derby would fit in that category.
If you wanted to view the Mighty Mississippi, the drive over to Galena is pleasant (about 4 hours from Chicago).
Although a number of these suggestions are very nice and I'd recommend them, I don't think they'd fit in the category of "must sees".
But there are a couple that I would consider in the "must sees" or "must dos" category.
The drive up the western Michigan shoreline of Lake Michigan and a visit to Mackinac Island - and, if price is no object, a stay at the Grand Hotel. Not many places like that left nowadays. You'd need a rental car for this option.
If you are coming in May, the Indy 500 is something special to experience. (Actually, I prefer the time trials to the actual race.)Likewise, the Kentucky Derby would fit in that category.
If you wanted to view the Mighty Mississippi, the drive over to Galena is pleasant (about 4 hours from Chicago).
Nov 7th, 2007, 04:55 AM
#16
Original Poster
Oh. Forgot to mention. This trip has not been planned yet. At this point it's making its way onto the to-do list. Together with several other destinations.
There is no specific time. Most likely when the weather is warm and the days are long. Could go to mid-Sept if that's a good time.
Obviously, being able to walk around without being bundled up is a priority. Short sleeves would be even better.
thanks.
There is no specific time. Most likely when the weather is warm and the days are long. Could go to mid-Sept if that's a good time.
Obviously, being able to walk around without being bundled up is a priority. Short sleeves would be even better.
thanks.
Nov 7th, 2007, 05:46 AM
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I'd saw come in May or early June and hope for some of our perfect Spring days. Then take advantage of the river architecture tour. That's offered through the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) and you can visit their website for other tour options as well. Plan to take in a show while here. "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys" are long-running and Broadway in Chicago brings in touring shows. But there is lots of local theater too. In the Loop area consider the Goodman or Chicago Shakespeare (where the skyline views from the bathrooms are almost worth the ticket price all by themselves!). For more architecture, take Metra out to Oak Park. It's a short ride on the West line and there you can visit the Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) home and studio. Other offered tours include walking tours of the FLW sites in the area and my favorite, Unity Temple.
Nov 7th, 2007, 05:47 AM
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I'd say come in May or early June and hope for some of our perfect Spring days. Then take advantage of the river architecture tour. That's offered through the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) and you can visit their website for other tour options as well. Plan to take in a show while here. "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys" are long-running and Broadway in Chicago brings in touring shows. But there is lots of local theater too. In the Loop area consider the Goodman or Chicago Shakespeare (where the skyline views from the bathrooms are almost worth the ticket price all by themselves!). For more architecture, take Metra out to Oak Park. It's a short ride on the West line and there you can visit the Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) home and studio. Other offered tours include walking tours of the FLW sites in the area and my favorite, Unity Temple.
Nov 7th, 2007, 08:44 AM
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I agree with Cageym, Oak Park should be high on your list.
Remember what Hemmingway said about Oak Park "Wide lawns and narrow minds". You can also visit his house. It has been turned into a museum.
Remember what Hemmingway said about Oak Park "Wide lawns and narrow minds". You can also visit his house. It has been turned into a museum.
Nov 7th, 2007, 12:03 PM
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I have to disagree with the post that there is nothing but suburbs within 2 hours of Chicago. SW Michigan's Harbor Country is 90 minutes in bad traffic and is great if you are looking for laid back towns with good restaurants and shopping, along with lakefront activities. The Southshore train takes you right to New Buffalo in a little over an hour from the loop and would be perfect Spring through Fall.
