phieaglefan

Hi all,
Hubby and I and 3 kids (18,17 & 14) are thinking about visiting family in Chicago in August. We'd like to spend a day or two around the city, then head somewhere for a few days with his Aunt & Uncle. I was wondering if there is somewhere cool within 3 hours, possibly on the lake? I don't know if this exists, but if you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them.

Thanks!

don512

Saugatuck, Michigan is a pretty nice little town on Lake Michigan that is just a couple of hours from Chicago. While there you could also visit Holland, which although I have never been to, I've heard some good things about.

margot55

What about the Wisconsin Dells?

wagsdvm

Lakeside Michigan is a resort town on Lake Michigan and closer to Chicago than Saugatuck. Check out the Lakeside Inn which accommodates family groups well and is across the street from the lake.

gocats2002

Check out Door County in Wisconsin. I'd hesitate to go to Michigan as you have to get there first. The drive out of Chicago through Indiana is no fun, no offense to Hammond and Gary....But have they cleaned up those stinking steel mills?

Retired_teacher

I'll second Door County; it's the thumb on the mitten that you see when you look at the state of Wisconsin. It would be about a four hour drive, but well worth the trip with lots of options for all age levels.

JVS

Galena is a quaint resort kind of town that is about 3 hr dr from Chicago.

jsiegendorf

Galena...there is a lot of nice scenery around the area and the town is packed with antique and craft stores.

Cerlaurie

I also think you would enjoy Door County but it is a little farther away. Saugutuck and also South Haven Michigan are both very nice. The drive is not bad. Another place you might want to visit is Lake Geneva. It is closer than any of the other towns mentioned. The town is nice and on a lake where you could do boat tours or rent jet skis. There are also several resorts in the area if you don't want to stay right in the town.

swalter518

I agree with the Harbor County Mi suggestions (Lakeside, New Buffalo, Union Pier, etc.) but you better book your accommodations well in advance. Plus it's only an hour from the city with plenty to do (beach, casino, outlet mall, great scenery, boating,etc.)