Travel Discovery

Day Trip Adventures from Chicago

Destination: Chicago

    1. Morning at the Indiana Dunes National Park
    2. Overview: Begin your day by venturing east to the breathtaking Indiana Dunes National Park, located approximately 1.5 hours from Chicago. The park, established by the efforts of a determined local, features towering sand dunes along Lake Michigan's southern shore. These majestic dunes inspired the creation of America's national park system.
    3. In-Depth: Take a scenic hike on trails that wind through the dunes, offering panoramic views of the lake and the chance to spot diverse wildlife. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the 116 steps up Mount Baldy for a spectacular vista.
    4. Visit Duration: Approximately 3 hours

    5. Departure Time: 7:00 AM (to arrive by 8:30 AM)

    6. Lunch at Chesterton's Downtown

    7. Overview: After your nature-filled morning, head to the quaint town of Chesterton for a delightful lunch break. The downtown area boasts a variety of eateries with a small-town charm.

    8. Must-Eat: Savor the famous breaded pork tenderloin sandwich at Octave Grill, a local favorite, accompanied by a craft beer from one of Indiana’s microbreweries.

    9. Afternoon Stroll in Holland, Michigan

    10. Overview: Continue your journey north-west towards Holland, Michigan, approximately 2 hours from Chesterton. Modeled after its Dutch namesake, Holland offers a unique blend of American and Dutch cultures.
    11. In-Depth: Explore the picturesque Windmill Island Gardens, featuring an authentic 250-year-old Dutch windmill, tulip gardens, and costumed guides. Stroll through the charming downtown lined with Dutch architecture, boutiques, and the De Zwaan windmill, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States.
    12. Visit Duration: 2 hours

    13. Arrival Time: Around 2:00 PM

    14. Sunset at the Navy Pier, Chicago

    15. Overview: Wrap up your day trip with a return to Chicago just in time to catch the sunset at Navy Pier, one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
    16. In-Depth: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the pier, indulge in some classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, and if time permits, take a ride on the Centennial Wheel for unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline at dusk.
    17. Visit Duration: 1.5 hours
    18. Departure from Holland: By 5:00 PM (to reach Navy Pier around 7:00 PM)