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RV Rental: Best Spontaneous Day Trips From Chicago

ByRVnGO

There’s nothing quite like firing up the RV and taking off on a spontaneous road trip. If you’re looking for some ideas for great day trips from Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. From charming small towns to scenic state parks, there’s something for everyone on this list. So pack your bags and hit the open road with a Chicago RV Rental through RVnGO!

Places to Go on a Spontaneous Day Trip From Chicago

If you’re looking for someplace to go on a spontaneous day trip from Chicago, look no further than Milwaukee, WI. Just a little over an hour away, Milwaukee is a great place to enjoy all the city has to offer without feeling too far from home. From the world-renowned Milwaukee Art Museum to the historic Miller Brewery, there’s something for everyone in Milwaukee. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, be sure to check out one of the many delicious restaurants downtown.

Fennville, MI, is another great option for a spontaneous day trip from Chicago in your RV rental. Just two hours and 20 minutes away, Fennville is a small town with a lot of charm. With its many antique shops and farmers’ markets, Fennville is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.

South Bend, IN, is another excellent choice for a spontaneous day trip with your Chicago RV. Just one hour and 45 minutes away, it has everything from the Notre Dame Stadium to the Morris Performing Arts Center. There’s something for everyone in South Bend.

Gurnee, IL, is another great choice for a spontaneous day trip from Chicago in your RV rental. Just an hour and a half away, Gurnee is home to Six Flags Great America, one of the best amusement parks in the country. If you’re looking for a fun-filled day of rides and attractions, Gurnee is the perfect place to go.

Madison, WI, is yet another great option for a spontaneous day trip from Chicago. Just two hours away, Madison is a city with a lot to offer. From its many parks and lakes to its vibrant downtown, Madison is a great place to spend a day.

Things to Do on a Spontaneous Day Trip From Chicago

When most people think of Chicago, they think of the skyline, the deep-dish pizza, and maybe even the Cubs. But what many don’t realize is that there are plenty of things to do in and around Chicago if you’re looking for a spontaneous day trip. Just a short drive away from the city, you can find some of the most beautiful scenery and nature that the Midwest has to offer.

Here are just a few ideas of things to do on a spontaneous day trip from Chicago.

  • Starved Rock State Park is about an hour and a half outside of Chicago and is one of the most popular state parks in Illinois. The park got its name from the sandstone cliffs once used by Native Americans as a refuge during wars. The park is home to 13 miles of hiking trails, some of which lead to waterfalls and canyons. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping, fishing, and picnicking.
  • If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in Rockford, Illinois, is a great option. The conservatory houses over 10,000 plants from around the world and also has a butterfly house. The gardens outside are just as beautiful and include a lagoon, fountains, and sculptures.
  • Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford is another great option for those who appreciate beauty and nature. The gardens span 12 acres and include streams, waterfalls, ponds, and bridges. The gardens are also home to a tea house where you can enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
  • Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is about an hour and a half from Chicago and is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The national lakeshore spans 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and is home to over 50 miles of hiking trails. There are also plenty of opportunities for picnicking, swimming, fishing, and camping.
  • Finally, if you’re looking for a day trip that’s a bit closer to home, Kankakee River State Park is only about an hour away from Chicago. The state park is home to over 9,000 acres of nature and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing.

Camping Tips for a Spontaneous Day Trip From Chicago

There’s nothing quite like a spontaneous day trip. You wake up in the morning, throw some clothes in a bag, and hit the road. No planning, no reservations, no hassle. Just you, your friends, and the open road.

If you’re looking for a spontaneous day trip from Chicago, there are plenty of great options for camping nearby. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Choose Your Destination Based on Your Interests

Do you want to hike, bike, or canoe? Do you want to fish or swim? Do you want to explore historic sites or go off-roading? There are many different types of camping experiences available, so it’s important to choose a destination that matches your interests.

Make Sure You Have the Necessary Gear

Depending on your destination and activities, you’ll need to make sure you have the right gear. If you’re planning on hiking, you’ll need good hiking shoes and a map of the area. If you’re canoeing, you’ll need life jackets and a storage container for your gear. And if you’re going off-roading, make sure you have a 4×4 vehicle with plenty of clearance.

Pack Food and Water

Even if you’re only planning on being gone for a day, it’s important to pack food and water. You never know when your plans might change or when you might get hungry. Pack enough food and water for everyone in your group, plus a little extra just in case.

Be Prepared for the Weather

Check the forecast before you leave, and pack accordingly. If it’s going to be hot, make sure you have sunscreen and hats. If it’s going to be cold, pack warm clothes and blankets. And if there’s a chance of rain, don’t forget your rain gear!

Leave No Trace

When you’re finished camping, make sure you clean up your campsite and pack out all your trash. Leave no trace of your visit so that others can enjoy the area as well.

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Best Times of the Year to Go on a Spontaneous Day Trip From Chicago

If you’re the type of traveler who loves to explore new places on a whim, then Chicago and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for you. With so much to see and do, there’s always something new to discover.

So, when is the best time to go on a spontaneous day trip from Chicago? That all depends on what you’re looking for. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spring

As the weather starts to warm up, nature comes alive in Illinois. Take advantage of the longer days and mild temperatures by exploring one of the state’s many parks or nature trails. Visit a botanical garden, take a scenic hike, or go for a bike ride along the lakefront. You can also find plenty of festivals and outdoor events taking place throughout the spring months.

Summer

There’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors than during summer in Illinois. Head to the beach for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Or take a road trip and explore all that the state has to offer — from charming small towns to world-class museums. You can also take advantage of the numerous festivals and fairs that take place during the summer months.

Fall

As the leaves start to change color, Illinois transforms into a true autumnal wonderland. Embrace the cooler temperatures by going for a scenic drive or hike. Visit a pumpkin patch, go apple picking, or enjoy a festive fall festival. There are also plenty of harvest-themed events and activities taking place throughout the state.

Winter

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Illinois is home to a variety of winter activities, from sledding and ice skating to snowboarding and skiing. You can also take advantage of the numerous holiday markets and events that take place during the winter months.

If you’re looking for a spontaneous day trip from Chicago, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Depending on the time of year, you can head to a nearby state park for some camping and hiking, check out some local wineries, or explore one of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

P.S. Find Your Chicago RV Rental For A Fantastic Trip

No matter what you choose to do, rent an RV through RVnGO so that you have all the comforts of home with you on your adventure.

There are many different types of day trips that you can take, so it all depends on your interests. Whether you want to explore the city’s history, visit a nearby town, or take a nature hike, there’s a day trip for everyone from Chicago.

Do you want a Class A or Class C, or maybe something else?

There’s a lot to think about, but it’s going to be so much fun! Remember, you can always find a great vehicle for your RV vacation on RVnGO.com. You will save around 30% compared to other RV rental websites. And it is STILL Less Expensive than staying at a resort.

Be sure to read our Road Trip Packing Check List and Great Meals For Road Trips. 

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