1. Chicago, Illinois (1 Day/Night)
When you arrive in the Windy City you may have trouble deciding what to do, since there are tons of awesome things to do in Chicago! Today, get a taste of all Chicago offers by taking one of the many popular riverboat tours, like this Architectural Boat Tour from Shoreline Sightseeing.
Then, explore the Lincoln Park Zoo. This urban zoo in Chicago is free to visit and provides the perfect activity if you only have a few hours to fill.
Don’t forget to fuel up for your road trip with Chicago’s signature deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs!
Find the best available rates on Chicago-area hotels.
2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1 Day/Night)
It’s only an hour and a half drive from Chicago to Milwaukee, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to know Wisconsin’s largest city.
Choose one or two popular Milwaukee attractions that interest you:
– Take an informative (and tasty) brewery tour
– Cheer on the Brewers at a baseball game
– Go underground at Cave of Mounds National Landmark
– Rev your engine at Harley Davidson Museum
– Get a taste of Milwaukee at Milwaukee Public Market
Plus, save on your hotel stay in Milwaukee.
3. Green Bay, Wisconsin (1 Day/Night)
Less than two hours from Milwaukee, Green Bay offers a variety of activities for visitors of all interests.
Sports fans can catch a Packers game or take a tour of Lambeau Field (the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is closed for renovation through 2015). Nature lovers will love Cecil DePeau Bay Shore Park and Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary or the NEW Zoo.
If you’re looking for a more small-town experience, you could also stop in the nearby towns of Sheboygan or Manitowoc.
Find hotel rates in Green Bay starting at $39.00/night!
4. Escanaba, Michigan (1 Day/Night)
A scenic two hour drive along the northwestern coast of Lake Michigan will bring you to Escanaba, Michigan.
The main attraction in Escanaba is Ludington Park, which offers 120 acres of recreation area, including a public beach (manned by lifeguards in the summer), a marina, picnic and sporting facilities, walking paths and more. You may also want to drive through the town to view beautiful historic homes.
To really explore the great outdoors, spend the day in the Hiawatha National Forest nearby. If you just want a glimpse of it – not to worry – you’ll be driving through it tomorrow.
5. St. Ignace, Michigan (1 Day/Night)
A two-hour drive through Hiawatha National Forest and along the northern coast of Lake Michigan will bring you to St. Ignace, the closest port to Mackinac State Park.
Take a ferry to Mackinac Island to spend the day exploring this Victorian resort. From a carriage ride around the island to a lighthouse tour, to exploring Fort Mackinac, the beauty and history of the island will captivate you.
6. Leland, Michigan (1 Day/Night)
Less than three hours from St. Ignace, Leland, Michigan offers a serene coastal town. No matter what time of year you visit, there are a variety of outdoor activities in Leland.
Enjoy hiking, biking, swimming and relaxing at nearby Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, featuring sand dunes up to 450 feet high! Or, take a ferry ride to the beautiful Manitou Islands on Lake Michigan.
At this point of the trip, Leland provides the perfect spot to refresh and watch the sun set over Lake Michigan.
7. Grand Rapids, Michigan (1 Day/Night)
Drive about three hours south to reach Grand Rapids, Michigan. After days off the beaten path, Grand Rapids will provide a fun city experience toward the end of your road trip.
Here, you can choose from countless attractions, like museums, shopping and dining, historic places, golf courses and much more. Find great ideas for things to do while you’re in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Plus, you can save on great hotels in Grand Rapids when you use HotelCoupons.com.
8. Chicago, Illinois (1 Day/Night)
It’s less than a three-hour drive back to exciting Chicago from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This time, be sure to visit Millenium Park to take your photo with the famous Bean, then head to the Navy Pier for an evening of dining and entertainment. This is the perfect spot to spend your last evening overlooking Lake Michigan.
Expert Tip:
Start by flying into either Chicago or Milwaukee, then rent a car and make your way around Lake Michigan. The best time of year to complete this trip is summer, since the water in Lake Michigan is very cold most of the year, although you could avoid summer crowds by traveling in spring or fall.
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