Chicago is considered a haven for art, culture, architecture, food, and much more. However, if you need a break from the windy city, we get it! In this blog, we’ll cover some of the best road trips to take from Chicago, Illinois in a Class B RV Rental.

Where Can I Go 5 Hours From Chicago?

Located in a prime spot within the midwestern United States, the city offers lots of opportunities for exploration in nearby areas. With so many options available, you can even pick a few and turn it into a great 7-day road trip from Chicago! However you choose to hit the road, consider embarking on your beautiful journey with these suggested trips, each about a 5-hour drive.

St. Louis, Missouri

Head to St. Louis to visit the famous Gateway Arch, either from the ground or by heading to the top! Also, feel free to check out attractions like the City Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, or St. Louis Zoo. 

Louisville, Kentucky

Trade Lake Michigan for the Ohio River as you enjoy Louisville highlights such as the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Slugger Museum, or a plethora of bourbon distilleries. 

Des Moines, Iowa

Save some money in this more affordable heartland town, home to beautiful biking trails, farmers markets, breweries, and more.

What Cities Are Within 3 Hours of Chicago?

Looking for something a little more accessible? Here are a few cities within three hours of driving that are worth checking out.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Renowned for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (home to the Indy 500), you can embrace both tradition and modernity in lively Indianapolis. Other fun sights include the Indianapolis Museum of Art, White River State Park, and Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – a perfect Chicago road trip for families!

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A little north of Chicago on Lake Michigan is Milwaukee, also known as the “City of Festivals” for its many cultural summer fairs. Consider also checking out the Harley-Davidson Museum, which has many breweries, or the world-famous Milwaukee Art Museum.

Madison, Wisconsin

Enjoy all that this capital city and vibrant college town has to offer, including the Wisconsin State Capitol building, the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, and many beautiful lakes.

Attractions: What Is 2 Hours Away From Chicago?

Here are some even shorter options for taking time away from Chicago – even for just a day.

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Offering over 10 miles of hiking trails filled with waterfalls, canyons, and scenic overlooks, Starved Rock State Park is considered an underrated gem for nature lovers.

South Bend, Indiana

Home to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana is an excellent option for a quick road trip. While there, feel free to enjoy the country’s first man-made whitewater rafting course or cultural attractions such as the Studebaker National Museum.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

This popular resort town, home to beautiful lakes, a stunning stretch of shoreline, and charming shops, is another great getaway to consider. 

Where Is the Best Place to Road Trip?

We’ve gone through many of the popular destinations accessible just a few hours on the road from Chicago. However, putting them together on a road trip is where the magic often really happens. Here are some final suggestions for the best places to road trip from the windy city: 

• Historic Route 66 
• The Lake Michigan Circle Tour
• The Great River Road
• The Driftless Area
• Southern Illinois Wine Trai

Secure Your Campervan From Chicago and Get Rolling

No matter where you end up wanting to explore, Escape Camper Vans has a depot perfectly situated to get you out of Chicago and onto the open road with ease. Snag it today to plan a road trip for the books!