Chicago, Illinois — Several affordable road trips within a day’s drive of Chicago offer spring break escapes for students attending Northwestern University, DePaul University and other area colleges.
With tens of thousands of students studying across Chicago campuses, nearby destinations throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana provide travel opportunities that often require little more than a few hours on the road, according to regional tourism organizations.
One of the most popular drives heads east to Indiana Dunes National Park, where visitors explore sandy Lake Michigan beaches, towering dunes and hiking trails along the shoreline just over an hour from downtown Chicago.
Students also frequently travel north to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a lakeside destination known for historic estates, waterfront trails and scenic boat tours around Geneva Lake.
Another common getaway is Starved Rock State Park in central Illinois. The park’s sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls and overlooks along the Illinois River make it one of the state’s most visited outdoor attractions.
Travelers looking for a small-city experience often head north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, about 90 minutes from Chicago. The city features lakefront parks, museums and a revitalized waterfront along Lake Michigan.
Farther east, Saugatuck, Michigan, draws visitors with art galleries, harbor views and nearby beaches along Michigan’s western shoreline.
Chicago’s location along major Midwest highways and the Lake Michigan shoreline places beaches, parks and historic cities within reach of a manageable road trip.
For younger travelers and college students managing tight budgets, these destinations offer opportunities to explore the Great Lakes region while staying within driving distance of Northwestern and DePaul campuses.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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