While there are countless great things to do IN the city, savvy travelers know it sometimes takes a road trip to visit cool places and experience unique things that are close by and definitely worth the trip.
Getting there
AOT transportation
If you are looking to experience several different attractions or locations, a private car or SUV is definitely the way to go
Metra
Chicagoland’s rail and bus system offers affordable and convenient service to the suburbs
Oak Park
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace
Exploring the roots of the Pulitzer Prize winning author’s early family life and literary works
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Guided tours of the Historical Landmark home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Hemmingway's Bistro
This Oak Park favorite features classic French dishes made with farm fresh ingredients
Maya del Sol
Hip, lively spot featuring Latin American cuisine along with craft margaritas and cocktails
Pleasant Home
Delighting visitors through the interpretation and restoration of this Prairie style mansion
The Book Table
This fiercely independent book store promotes literary works through a sense of community
Unity Temple
Built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and home to Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Wild Onion Tied House
One of Chicagoland’s first craft breweries also features home made dishes
The North Shore
Bahai Temple
Set just off Lake Michigan in Wilmette, this house of worship os the oldest surviving Bahai Temple
Chicago Botanic Garden
Open year-round, this Glencoe gem features 27 spectacular gardens set amidst 385 acres
Edzo's Burger Shop
This Evanston spot is best known for their smash burgers and hand-cut french fries
Froggy's French café
This beloved Highwood institution has been serving award-winning French Cuisine since 1980
Homers Ice cream
North Shore families have been enjoying delicious treats at this famed shop since 1935
Illinois Holocaust Museum
Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust and combating hatred, prejudice and indifference
Market Square
Located in the heart of Lake Forest and cited as the first planned shopping center in the U.S.
Walker Bros. Pancake House
No trip to the North Shore is complete without a German or Apple Cinnamon pancake
Utica
August Hill Winery
Experience locally produced, hand-crafted wines at this unique venue and tasting room
Starved Rock
Connect with nature’s unique geological formations as well as abundant wildlife
Starved Rock lodge
This National Register of Historic Places is set amidst the pines, canyons and waterfalls of the park
Two Girls and a Cupcake
A whimsical bakeshop offering homemade cupcakes, brownies, cakes and cookies
Lemont
Cal Sag Bike trail
A bike and walking trail spanning 26-miles from Lemont to the Burnham Greenway near Indiana
Hindu Temple
This unique religious center is actually comprised of two temples, Rama and Radha
La Dolce Vita
This stone-walled eatery serves classic Italian dishes in an intimate, white-tablecloth setting.
Mabel's Market
Featuring lovingly re-purposed, re-imagined and handmade home decor, furniture and more
rustic knead
This comfortable sandwich shop offers plenty of amazing options from their in-house bakery
Pollyanna Brewing
A lively brewery and expansive taproom situated near the historic I&M Canal and trail
The Forge
Year-round outdoor fun and adventure for people all ages and experience levels
Waterfall Glenn Forest Preserve
This idyllic spot with several habitiats completely surrounds the Argonne Nat’l Labratory