Ideas for Vacation Within a 1.5 Day Drive from Chicago

We did St. Louis one year...Great for kids. Much of it is free or low cost. A great zoo! The children's museum there is huge and in the summer they have outdoor themed activities (The Magic House--is the name). Also has Grant's Farm which the kids loved (would depend on ages) because of the huge petting zoo. I also found a hotel with three indoor playgrounds and an indoor pool.

I agree with Jen...Galena is a great spot. Small community...shopping and some quaint restaurants. Family oriented and great scenery. St. Louis is another place to visit.

I agree with someone else about Mt. Rushmore - it's neat to see but not really a vacation destination. But, if that's the ultimate destination, the drive is wonderful - through the Black Hills maybe?

Another suggestion for a 1.5 day trip - Nashville or Memphis! Or, Kentucky Lake is gorgeous. Or Louisville. Or Cleveland - Rock 'n Roll baby! Or the SW area of Wisconsin is great - more than you'd expect is there! Or Milwaukee - great botanical garden, the zoo, cool architecture, great burgers! We've had great trips to all of those places! Check with AAA for ideas on what to see, costs, freebies, or check online for these places for brochures.

HI,

I have been to Mount Rushmore and while it was nice to see, I don't think it is a vacation itself. We spent maybe an hour to an hour and a half there and saw almost everything.

Depending on what you like to do, to the north there is Mackinaw Island. To the South three is Nashville, Branson, or Memphis. I know they are all cities, but really not that big. There is also Dollywood and I heard it is actually pretty cool. It is near the Great Smokey Mountains National Forest (that might be another option). There is also Door County WI--great little shops, state parks, and goats on a roof. www.doorcountyvacations.com

Now you could probably do Mount Rushmore with the Badlands. That might make it more interesting, but if you have little kids--it is a long drive just to look at land.

That is all I can think of right now. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

I don't know how old your kids are, but if you're looking to check out Galena, which is about 2-3 hours drive from Chicago burbs; it's a great place for adults but not really much to do for kids that are of school age. I go every year with girlfriends for a getaway. It's true that it is beautiful there. Much relaxation, and alot of boutique shopping, there really isn't much for kids to do. of course, if they are in the stroller stage, then by all means, check it out.

If you like shopping, I would suggest Mall of America in Minn, MN.

I'd try Springfield, Galena, Spring Green (in Wisconson). However those are short drives. I've been to Mt Rushmore when I was young, and had a great time.