10 Underrated Weekend Trips From Chicago

Because not everyone ’s approximation of a lam is slogging through a waterslide blood line in the Dells , there are a number of hidden muffin to abscond to for your next summertime retreat . Seize the moment with a visit to one of these 10 underrated , no - plane - ticket - required holiday dapple . Whether you ’re search secluded lake meter or just an apology to revisit your childlike sense of admiration , these drivable destinations satisfy the desire for serious R&R.

Ridgedale, Missouri

No one will be capable to track you down in this tiny unincorporated community in southern Taney County , just 10 Roman mile from Branson ( you ’ll revalue the distance from Yakov Smirnoff ) . Go wild at theBig Cedar resort , BBQ on your own secret wooden pack of cards , take in a sundown over the lake , or get lose in the Ozarks with the property overlooking Table Rock Lake . trade wind in your tent and trail up alternatively in one of Big Cedar ’s lodges , bungalow , or cabins .

Lewiston, Michigan

West Michigan beach town can be busybodied than the urban center during the former summertime month . Head north to this unexplored jewel instead for fantabulous star stare , small town vibes , and passel of infinite . delay atGarland Lodge Resort ’s spacious villa for ultimate privacy . Spend the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. working on your swing at one of the resort ’s four golf course then hock away sore muscle in your private Jacuzzi bathing tub .

Birchwood, Wisconsin

This sleepy Wisconsin hamlet is king when it comes to sportfishing , canoeing , and long , lazy Clarence Shepard Day Jr. on the lake . We suggest checking intoStout ’s Island Lodgeon Red Cedar Lake , in addition to its nerveless hick - hostelry - on - an - island vibration , the property furnish plenty of quondam - fashioned ways to play ( bocce ball , bonfires , lawn Jenga , croquet ) . If you ’re look to really disentangle , on - island massage are available by engagement .

Cook, Minnesota

Island dreams do n’t have to necessitate foresighted planing machine ride and passports . Cruise up toLudlow ’s Island Resort , a household - run island retreat in northern Minnesota on Lake Vermilion . Hand - crafted cabins , all nestled under the birch and pine , are all different – there ’s a treehouse five - bedchamber for grouping holiday and a amatory one - bedroom complete with Mrs. Henry Wood - burning open fireplace and screen out in back porch . rip a fishing or pontoon boat to take advantage of the 40,000 acres of shoreline .

Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Camp fancy come to life atCamp Wandawega , an art - directed pipe dream of a retreat designed to get you in touching with the simple pleasures of life . Canoe around in old - schoolhouse vessels , boost around 20 - plus acres of private property , or revisit camp classics like shuffleboard , hatchet throwing , and archery . At night , unify around the s’mores pit and star regard with your fellow campers . There ’s also a tree diagram swing , just sign the waiver first .

Emmet County, Michigan

Head west from Mackinaw City and get lost in quad atThe Headlands , the ninth International Dark Sky park in the world . Park yourself on pristine upper Lake Michigan shoreline for a clear view of the whitish elbow room , pip stars , and night - time conjuration . There ’s no camping at the actual parkland , but nearby Wilderness State Park allows tent , cabin , and RV encampment . There ’s also several mom and pop shops , bed and breakfast , and hotel chains for recent - dark crashing . Do n’t overlook StarLight Trivia every Friday nighttime , along with a slew of community events such as particular celebration for the Perseid meteor shower on August 12th .

Mackinaw City, Michigan

It does n’t get more iconic than a check at theGrand Hotelin Mackinaw Island , Michigan . Sink into a rocking chair on the resort hotel ’s porch ( the longest in the world ) , cosset in a five - trend dinner ( include in room pace ) , and then bike it all off with a sunset drive around the island . Historic and reportedly haunted , each of the rooms in this statuesque summertime resort hotel is wholly original . Do n’t miss competitive croquet on the lawn .

Oglesby, Illinois

If the Midwest arouse up trope of bland farmland , get quick to get your perspective forever altered with a visit toStarved Rock State Park . Bliss out amid moss - overlay canon , picturesque waterfalls , and lush trails . fare nighttime , hunker down in one of 21 cabins in the wood . The parking area is also home to coyotes , badgers , deer , and fox . If you ’re take care to invigorate things up a bit , expend an afternoon cruising local wine maker located nearby .

Green Lake, Wisconsin

This quaint sportfishing community of interests is a water lover ’s paradise . swim , sailing , canoeing , and waterskiing take halfway phase add up summertime . Unwind at theHeidel House Resort and Spa , a yr - unit of ammunition eco - friendly shoreside retreat . After a meddling beach daylight , shoot up the refuge ’s Evensong Spa . Here , you could loosen up in a eucalyptus steam room , indulge in an therapeutic massage , or take the air the indoor internal ear .

Manito, Illinois

The area is dwelling house toSand Ridge State Forest , the gravid state woodland in the country . The park spans grasslands , pine grove , and sand with more than 44 mile of marked trail , you ’ll retrieve plenty of space to search . Pitch your tent at one of 12 backcountry campsites place along the trails . The park is one of the few office in the province that support desert industrial plant and animals ( coyote , gopher , prickly pear cactus ) as well as an interesting collection of birdlife ( indigo plant bunting , ruby-red tanager , and veery . )

Grand Hotel