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Escape the Windy Metropolis this summer time and discover certainly one of these Michigan day journeys from Chicago. Whether or not you are on the lookout for outside adventures, an opportunity to walk a small city avenue, or immersive historic museums, steal our itinerary for a full-day getaway close to Chicago.
South Haven
One of many shorter day trips from Chicago, a go to to the Lake Michigan seaside city of South Haven is a fast two-hour drive alongside the shoreline with ample alternative for exploring this walkable historic city’s many points of interest and actions – good for a day journey near dwelling.
Catch a Wave & Soak Up the Solar
South Haven is greatest recognized for its sandy seashores on Lake Michigan, making them a must-add to any summer time day journey. South Haven boasts seven public seashores, however we suggest visiting the quieter Oak Road Seaside for a less-crowded expertise. It is a great spot to get pleasure from kayaking on Lake Michigan.
Get pleasure from Lunch at Phoenix Road on Broadway
Whereas there are lots of South Haven eating places, we suggest grabbing a mid-morning or early-afternoon chew from Phoenix Road on Broadway. This cafe is open each day (examine for seasonal hours) for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and it serves a few of our favourite entrees: B.(E.)L.T.s, apple pecan salads, Reuben sandwiches, and extra!
Experience the (Former) Rails on the Kal-Haven Path
After a morning on the seaside, it is time to be adventurous! Seize your bike when you introduced it alongside (or lease one from an area clothes shop – we suggest Rock ‘n’ Street Cycle), and hit the Kal-Haven Path for just a few dozen miles. This former railway as soon as related South Haven’s lumber business to the metropolis of Kalamazoo, and it’s now a state park with a historical past of its personal.
Not a fan of biking? No worries. As a multi-use path, Kal-Haven Path is without doubt one of the greatest strolling and mountain climbing trails within the space, too!
Sneak in a Candy Deal with at Sherman’s Dairy Bar
After you’ve got pedaled your hearts out, goal your wheels for Sherman’s Dairy Bar for a refreshing candy deal with. No journey to South Haven is full with out an ice cream cone or one other frozen dessert from Sherman’s. For a real Michigan expertise, we suggest indulging in a scoop or two of Superman ice cream!
Discover Maritime Historical past on the Michigan Maritime Museum
In case you’re on the lookout for an indoor exercise in your day journey from Chicago, do not miss exploring the Michigan Maritime Museum. This historic museum in Michigan will take you into the heritage of cruising on the Nice Lakes and consists of hands-on reveals to immersive historic onboard experiences for everybody to find and revel in.
Savor Supper at Clementine’s
Get pleasure from a leisurely night meal earlier than you head again into town on the finish of the day. A South Haven establishment since 1981, Clementine’s has an off-the-cuff environment and serves home-cooked entrees crafted with high quality elements. Our favourite menu gadgets embody Roscoe Ribeye, Tin Pan Walleye, Clem’s O-Ring Burger, and Thai Hen Linguine.
Kalamazoo
- Driving Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
Probably the greatest perks a couple of day journey from Chicago to Kalamazoo, Michigan, is that you do not want a car! Simply bounce on the Amtrack commuter prepare for a two-hour experience into the guts of downtown Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo’s downtown provides all of the vitality of a giant metropolis with out sacrificing the fantastic thing about a small city. Everybody will discover something to enjoy in Kalamazoo, from the tasty craft beer to the entertaining occasions on the native historical past museum.
Join with Historical past
Just some blocks from the Kalamazoo Amtrak station, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has science and historical past reveals that can seize the imaginations of each member of your touring celebration. Or, when you’d reasonably spend the morning open air, take a self-guided strolling tour of Historic Downtown Kalamazoo with Lynn Houghton and Richard Piet.
Drink, Store, and Stroll Downtown
Kalamazoo’s Downtown Social District has a Central Commons Refreshment Space the place you should purchase a beverage from a collaborating institution and sip it whereas exploring and procuring downtown. A few of our favourite shops in Downtown Kalamazoo embody Kzoo within the Mitten, Nice Lakes Thrift Co., and The Spirit of Kalamazoo.
Linger Over Lunch on the Crow’s Nest
Open each day besides Tuesday, the Crow’s Nest is a quaint, second-story restaurant with aptitude that serves three meals each day. We’re massive followers of The Rooster’s Soften, Captain Kokey’s Membership, and the Kzoo Stir Fry on its mouth-watering menu.
Attain for the Skies on the Air Zoo
The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo appeals to guests of all ages and is thought to be certainly one of Kalamazoo’s greatest day journey amusements. With interactive reveals targeted on science, area, aviation, and flight, the museum has greater than 100 plane and area artifacts on show.
Dine In or Carry Out Dinner from Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
The unique location of Bell’s Brewery, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, is a must-visit restaurant throughout your day journey from Chicago. Pattern one of many 20+ Bell’s beers on faucet whilst you wait in your meal. Pull up a seat on the bar or seize your grub to go and picnic at Mayors Riverfront Park.
Holland
- Driving Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
Whereas it could be greatest recognized for its Dutch roots and tradition, there is so much more to do in Holland than simply attending its annual Tulip Time Competition. This Lake Michigan seaside city is stuffed with actions and points of interest, making it among the best day journey concepts while you’re trying to escape the Windy Metropolis.
Hike the Dunes
Considered one of our favourite issues about Michigan is its many state parks, and Holland State Park is without doubt one of the greatest. The Holland Dune Path is a surprising out-and-back hike that gives breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Massive Purple, and Lake Macatawa from the highest of Mount Pisgah.
Professional Tip: Return simply earlier than nightfall to catch one of the crucial spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan!
Eat Breakfast Any Time
As odd because it might sound to eat breakfast in the course of the day, that is exactly what we suggest when visiting Holland, Michigan. Holland’s iconic Windmill Restaurant is a vacation spot in and of itself, and you will not need to miss ordering its well-known Windmill Hashbrown Omelette while you cease in for a mid-day meal!
Dive into Dutch Tradition
A day journey from Chicago to Holland will not can help you expertise all of the Dutch tradition right here, however it’s best to have loads of time to strive on a pair of picket footwear on the De Klomp Picket Shoe and Delft Manufacturing unit, discover a working windmill at Windmill Island Gardens, or stroll by way of an interactive historical past lesson at Nelis’ Dutch Village.
Embrace Your Pirate Aspect
You won’t take into consideration pirates when you concentrate on Holland, however a go to to Holland is not full with out a go to to Captain Sundae and Pirates Touchdown Mini Golf. Problem your mateys to a spherical of 18 holes and rejoice with a Salty Canine or Mint Munity sundae.
Dine In & Drink Up
Established by two native Michiganders in 1996, New Holland Brewing Firm is without doubt one of the greatest locations for dinner and drinks in Holland. Cease in at its family-friendly downtown location for dinner and drinks earlier than you hit the street and head back to Chicago – simply you should definitely imbibe responsibly and designate a driver!
Grand Rapids
Simply three hours from downtown Chicago (relying on visitors and development) and solely 25 miles from Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids is a day journey vacation spot price exploring. An early morning commute out of town will depart you with greater than sufficient time to pattern a number of the greatest things to do in Grand Rapids this summer time.
Go to John Ball Zoo
A favourite Michigan zoo, John Ball Zoo, is certainly one of our favourite household enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis. With loads of shaded pathways, energetic animals, and particular occasions scheduled all through the summer time, you possibly can simply probe for a half day or extra.
Discover Downtown Grand Rapids
After spending the morning on the zoo, discover your strategy to Downtown Grand Rapids for a chew to eat at one of many native eating places, Brick and Porter. After your meal, stroll alongside the Grand River and uncover why Grand Rapids is named “River Metropolis.”
Stroll By means of Historical past on the Grand Rapids Public Museum
Whereas downtown having fun with the river views, cease on the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a stroll by way of town’s previous. This multi-level historical past museum is partaking and informative, making it an excellent vacation spot for all ages. Youngsters (and youngsters at coronary heart) will not need to miss driving the carousel that overlooks the Grand River.
Catch a Recreation at LMCU Ballpark
A summer time day journey from Chicago to Grand Rapids is not full with out having fun with America’s Pastime at LMCU Ballpark. Catching a West Michigan Whitecaps minor league baseball sport is an effective way to finish your day in Grand Rapids earlier than you head again to the Windy Metropolis.
Expertise Different Grand Rapids Points of interest
After all, you’ll be able to’t absolutely expertise cities like Grand Rapids in simply sooner or later. You will need to plan one other day journey or an prolonged keep to take a look at different Grand Rapids points of interest just like the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Blandford Nature Middle, and, in fact, town’s many breweries (in any case, it isn’t known as Beer Metropolis USA for nothing!).
Extra Michigan Day Journeys from Chicago to Discover
These greatest locations from the Chicago space are simply the tip of the iceberg for potential adventures while you need to escape the Windy Metropolis for a day. Whether or not you need to get pleasure from outside actions, a small-town procuring expertise, or a calming getaway, Michigan has no scarcity of street journey locations to discover, only a brief journey away from dwelling.
With pure wonders like waterfalls and scenic views to shoreline classics like lighthouses and pristine seashores, Michigan is the proper vacation spot to unwind with its many hidden gems and nice day journey getaway concepts!
This text initially appeared on Savoteur.
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