Whether you’re planning on visiting Chicago as part of a group and are looking to spend a few nights visiting nearby cities or you live in Chicago and are in charge of planning a group getaway to a nearby city, since you’ll be travelling in a group, you might want to consider a private Chicago charter bus or minibus rental to transport your entourage safely, without the rest of anyone getting lost.
it’s well worth continuing reading to discover 5-7 group weekend getaways near Chicago.
Fun-Filled Group Weekend Getaways Near Chicago:
- Madison, Chicago
Madison, Chicago is a major city which is conveniently located just 147 miles from Chicago. On a group getaway to Madison, you may be interested in exploring some of the city’s museums and art galleries. Popular examples of which include the Chazen Museum of Art and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
If you visit to Madison coincides with a weekend, it’s also well worth attending Madison’s farmers market, where you’re sure to find delicious food as well as free entertainment. Speaking of food, your group will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out as Madison boasts over 600 restaurants, which are sure to impress even the pickiest of individuals.
- Rockford, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois is located even closer to Chicago and is located just 90 miles west of downtown Chicago. If you head to Rockford with your friends or family members for a long weekend, it’s definitely worth taking a picnic to one of Rockford’s gorgeous public gardens.
An example of which is the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which is a tranquil 12-acre garden which features stunning ponds, waterfalls and bonsai displays. Should you visit you may want to book a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience for your group.
- Milwaukee
Milwaukee is located 93 miles from Chicago and offers a wide variety of experiences and activities which are sure to please your group. As an example, you may be interested in taking a simulated motorbike ride at the Harley Davidson Museum or taking a tour of the opulently decorated Pabst Mansion. Alternatively, if taste testing cold beer appeals to your group, you may also be interested in taking a tour of a few of Milwaukee’s world-class breweries.
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
Why drive to Starved Rock State Park with your friends or family members? Starved Rock State Park is located a mere 100 miles from Chicago and features 18 sandstone canyons, 14 waterfalls, and countless miles of awe-inspiring hiking tracks. That are sure to delight nature lovers of all fitness levels.
Alternatively, you may be interested in booking a group cruise on the Belle of the Rock paddleboat, which offers scenic cruises on a daily basis for the majority of the year.
- Fox River Valley
If you’re looking to drive to your upcoming vacation destination, it’s well worth adding Fox River Valley to your shortlist of possible destinations as it’s located a short, one hour, 60-mile drive from downtown Chicago.
Whilst exploring Fox River Valley, your group will have an opportunity to take a cruise on the historic St. Charles Riverboat and to stay a few nights in a well preserved, historic house which boasts charm in spades.
Alternatively, if there are a few self-confessed shopaholics in your group make sure to visit the Geneva shopping district, which is lined with countless boutiques, where you’ll be sure to pick up a few high-quality souvenirs.
- Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is also located within a quick one hour drive of Chicago and is best known for its spring-fed lake, which boasts not one but three gorgeous beaches, where your group can engage in a wide variety of fun-filled group activities. Examples of which include kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and swimming.
If you all enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you may also be interested in planning a few hikes as Crystal Lake features a plethora of stunning hiking tracks, which are just waiting to be explored.
If you’re looking for a simple way to get from Chicago to Crystal Lake, you may want to consider taking the Metra train from downtown Chicago, straight to picturesque Crystal Lake.
No matter whether you choose to visit just one of the cities listed above or several of the cities listed above, your group of close friends or family members are sure to make countless memories together, which you’ll be able to look back on for years to come.
