Famous for its lakes, cranberries and the site of a notorious FBI shootout, Manitowish Waters is made up of 10 lakes and more than 4,200 acres of Wisconsins Northwoods. Located on the South Side, Rainbow Beach is part of Rainbow Beach Park, which spans 142 acres. The beaches are only open from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, so if a beach vacation is what youre after, then bookmark my guide to the best time to visit Chicago. Whether you are a Wisconsin, Michigan or Illinois family, you know the Chicago area offers the best summer vacations. These seasonal, Chicagos many parks, gardens, and natural areas are gorgeous year round but theyre particularly stunning in the fall. The road trip is 79.7 miles long, and takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes. If youre planning a family vacation, make sure to check out Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook. Enjoy the beautiful community garden, in addition to the natural dune and lovely lighthouse. Within seven hours of Chicago you'll find family-friendly beachfront rooms, romantic suites with fireplaces, and outdoor adventuressometimes all at the same resort. And, while the resort is best suited for teens, it also has accommodations suitable for ages 12 and below. As a travel writer with years of experience exploring the Midwest, Im excited to share this list of the best family resorts near Chicago, IL. The stunning harbor views at Lake Geneva alone are already a winner. In my book, its the best choice for large families who dont want to travel far from Chicago. The elegant restored beach house has impressive breezeways, and you will find beach equipment that you need there as well. These best family resorts near Chicago, IL offer a unique set of amenities and experiences. Dogs love Montrose Beach as much as people do. From $109, Traveling with kids? Also, check out this Chicago packing list for more ideas of what to bring! Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is the best weekend getaway destination near Chicago, according to Axios readers. Battle Creek - 2 hours, 30 minutes. And their kid-friendly activities and fantastic dining options are a cherry on top. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The beach itself includes a nature sanctuary, sand dunes, a small wetland, prairie landscape, woodlands, and plenty of sand and sun. The Lakeshore offers 35 miles of scenic coastline, forests and dunes in northern Michigan. Located along the beautiful lakefront in Lake Zurich, Paulus Park Beach will be open daily starting May 27 and continuing through August. On average, the drive to the resort from Chi-town takes 26 minutes via I-290 W. The length of the journey is just 25.2 miles. From $149, Beach Resort, Complimentary Breakfast, Kayaking, Ages 13+, Bicycles, A slightly longer journey from Chicago is the Lake Shore Resort. This beach is located just a short walk from Navy Pier and all of the fantastic shopping centers of the Magnificent Mile, and is a great place for anyone who just wants a quick dip in the water. Each morning, enjoy a complimentary breakfast, including local baked goods, fruits, juice, and coffee. As a trusted travel writer since 2012, Cole's pieces offer an insider's perspective for unforgettable family adventures in Windy City and Illinois. Relax by the swimming pool, visit the beach, or take a horse and carriage ride around Mackinac Island. Tobey Prinz Beach. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Window Cat, Baby Gosling And Chipmunk At A Fairy House: IL In Photos, The Vine Ready To Open Grayslake's Newest Patio For Business, Grayslake Woman's Non-Profit Brings Hope, Ornaments To Sick Patients, Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year, Lindenhurst Breast Cancer Patient Honored During Bears Game, 80 Years Later, Grayslake Sailor Killed At Pearl Harbor Laid To Rest. This is a great place for families, and its typically not crowded its known for being mellow and low-key. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). With watersports and a beachfront location, the resort is a paradise for nature loving teens. The resort also has other fantastic family-friendly on-site amenities, such as a games room, a restaurant, and a heated swimming pool. Whether youre looking for a leisurely paddle in a kayak or an adrenaline-pumping ride on a jet ski, you can do it all at Chicagos beaches. Omni Chicago All Suites Hotel-Magnificent Mile Magnificent Mile, Chicago - 2,650 feet from beach Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Its just a few steps from the Chicagos Museum Campus in Burnham Park as well, in case you wanted to visit some of Chicagos amazing museums. One of Michigan City's biggest draws, of course, is its proximity to the city: It's just 60 miles away. You can also rent paddle boats, fishing boats, kayaks and paddle boards, enjoy a stroll along the lakefront or visit the nearby Quarry Wakeboard Park and Grill. (312) 742-5121. As you stay at this resort, youll be treated to spectacular views of the sandy shore. The iconic J-slide is still at the beach for photo opportunities only. Continuing down Lake Shore Dr., youll eventually see Ohio Street Beach, also known as Olive Beach. Their 7 resort villas and 11 junior suites are ideal for families that need some extra space. Hours: Forest Park Beach is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily starting May 26 and continuing through Labor Day. Where to Watch Fireworks in Los Angeles for July 4th, 2023, Miraval Berkshires Is the *It* Place for Your Next Company RetreatHeres Why, Everything You Need for the Ultimate Dallas Summer Staycation, We Found the 7 Best Luggage Sets on Sale Ahead of Amazon Prime Day & They're Totally Worthy of First Class, The 7 Fall Vacations You Need to Book Now, The 9 Most Beautiful Places in New York State. This is also a great beach for families and kids, as there are lifeguards on duty in the summer. 10 Best Family Beaches in Illinois for 2023 (Kid Friendly) Related: Beach Among America's 'Top 100 Secret Beaches,' Poll Finds. This is between 11 am and 7 pm daily during beach season, which runs between the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day every year. 4400 N. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60640. You can take a leisurely canoeing or kayaking experience here, although you should keep in mind that during beach season, the Ohio Street Beach can get pretty crowded on the weekends. Here are a few spots you can kick back and soak in the sun at Chicago's beautiful beaches. Moreover, they will enjoy spending a day of gallery hopping and boutique shopping in Lake Geneva. Near the beach, theres a playground and dog park, a natural area popular with migratory birds, and the northernmost point of the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Also known as Leone Beach, this beach hosts many recreational activities. And, did I mention that their on-site restaurant has a child-friendly menu? What to eat: Located right on the beach, 57th Street Grill offers a variety of summer staples, including hamburgers, hot dogs, snow-cones, ice cream, cold drinks, and more. 5 Best Weekend Getaways Near Chicago For Every Traveler - trivago Magazine His articles provide invaluable information on the best family-friendly attractions, resorts, hotels, activities, and restaurants in Illinois. Eaglewood is our go-to family-friendly resort close to Chicago, Illinois. We send expert travel tips & guides that save you money, stress & FOMO: TravelLemming.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. White sand and amazingly pristine waters, along with a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline, make Oak Street Beach one of Chicagos most beautiful beaches. Here are our picks for the best nonstop flights from Chicago to the beach. Go hiking along Lake Michigan or book an extra cozy Airbnb cabin near Chicago in Wisconsin or Michiganwhatever your mood, a host of peaceful options await you. Google Maps | Website | Parking: Reserved parking available for $17-30 | Where to Stay Nearby: Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago. Once youve arrived, relax in the heated pool, eat dinner at a gazebo using the gas grills, and watch the sunsetall without leaving the resort. With 53 public beaches, five state parks, and 300 miles of shoreline, there's plenty of space to get away from it all. Were not here to argue with Conde Nast Traveler, which named Saugatuck, Michigans Oval Beach one of the 25 best beaches in the world in 2015. Chicago. We rounded up a list of the most incredible remote destinations throughout the region, perfect for holing up for a few days and exploring nature. State of play: Every month, we introduce a new tournament to crown the best of Chicago. Is summer truly around the corner? Spend a day on Oval Beach or at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or head to one of dozens of nearby wineries for a change of pace. Theres plenty of room to do that on the beach, whether youre sunbathing or fishing for smelt. Our favorite resorts offer a range of room sizes, complimentary breakfast, beach views, and indoor pools for winter trips. Twilight cost is $7 for residents and $5 for non-residents. Stake out a sandy spot in Culver Park on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee, the second-largest natural lake in Indiana. 4 Best Beaches Near Chicago For A Weekend Getaway Hot and humid condition sure in the forecast Friday though a few rain showers and storms are possible Friday afternoon and evening. You can, One of the best parts about winter in Chicago is the array of charming ice rinks that pop up all across the city. 9 Best Family Resorts Near Chicago, IL (2023) - All Ages Love! That also means youll get an up-close view of some iconic Chicago buildings, like 875 N. Michigan Ave. and historic The Drake Hotel. You might know Chicago as the birthplace of the skyscraper, the home of deep dish pizza, or as one of the largest urban cities in the country. What to do: On the beach, youll find bike rentals, chair rentals, volleyball courts, and plenty of space to swim and spread out in the sand. Pro Tip: There are migratory birds that flock towards southern parts of the beach in the spring and autumn, so try not to leave any snacks lying around unsupervised. You can take advantage of a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a circular beach house that resembles a shore club. Its renowned for its gorgeous architecture, museums, and of course, the deep-dish pizza. We were surprised, too.). I use these questions to assess the dining options of every property. Saugatuck, Michigan: 2 hours 15 minutes from Chicago. 5 Best Weekend Getaways Near Chicago For Every Traveler Sometimes we all need a break from the urban chaos, so we whipped up the best weekend getaways near Chicago and included hotels in each destination. This beach is the official location of the Chicago Full Moon Jam, which takes place once a month during the summer months. For hikers, there are 50 miles of trails over the park's namesake, (this is the hometown of the Ringling brothers), but you're here for, Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, offers rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities across 203,000 acres. Devils Lake State Park is Wisconsins most popular state parkand, you guessed it, theres a lake there. But you might not know that were home to miles and miles of sandy shoreline, where you can swim, bike, kayak, boat, jet ski, paddle board, sip cocktails on the waterfront, and more. There is a fenced-off dog area for your furry friend to run around and swim. There is a small fenced-in spray park next to the beach, a bathhouse and a concession stand. With its favorable location, Eaglewood makes a terrific alternative to some of the top family Resorts in Chicago. Simply head west on I-290 W from downtown Chicago, then take the I-88 W exit toward Aurora. 7020 Grand Geneva WayLake Geneva, WI 53147(262) 249-3400 Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. However, the rates can be expensive, especially during peak season. 12 Best Hotels in Galena, IL The Top-Rated Hotels to Stay At! Montrose Beach offers one of the only official dog beaches in the city, with a fenced-off section on the northern end of beach where pups can swim and run free without a leash. 2. Fans of bustling urban beaches, this ones for you. With access to a full inventory of bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs, and even umbrellas, youll satisfy even the most adventurous family member (though this resort is ages 13 and up). Its also dog friendly, if you want to bring your four-legged friend after a day at the dog beach. Pheasant Run Resort. Thank you! Having grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she enjoys seeking and finding all of the best-kept secrets that any area has to offer. This article will not only bring the best tips, but Ive also ranked them based on their amenities, kid-friendly activities, and overall value. Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago | Cond Nast Traveler Your email address will not be published. 269 Fontana BlvdFontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125(262) 275-6811Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Beaches in Illinois Try these fun weekend getaways from Chicago all within a five hour roadtrip from the city. During our stay at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, we had a chance to watch a fantastic performance in their on-site theater. 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive (Oak Street and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive). Choose from one or two room suites with amenities like fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, king-sized beds, and spa showers. Chicago Beach Hotels The 10 Best Beach Hotels in Chicago, USA Check out our selection of great beach resorts in Chicago See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. The 10 best beach hotels in Chicago, USA | Booking.com Located on the northern end of Lake Shore Drive, its a fairly small beach with many great amenities, such as a fishing pier and volleyball court. Google Maps | Website | Parking: No on-site parking, parking available at 1020 West Ardmore Avenue, and limited street parking | Where to Stay Nearby: Chicago Getaway Hostel. The resort is 161.7 miles from Chicago via I-90 W and US-20 W/US Hwy 20 W. The drive usually takes 2 hours and 46 minutes. Best Place For A Beach Day In McHenry Co., Chicago Area, Antioch Police Probe Shooting Near Trevor Creek Subdivision, Driver Fatally Strikes 2 Horses In Grayslake, Leaves Scene: Police, July 1st Parade & Fireworks 2023: Fox Lake, July 1st Fireworks 2023: Round Lake Beach, July 2nd Parade & Fireworks 2023: Crystal Lake, July 4th Parade, Concert & Fireworks 2023: Vernon Hills, July 4th Concert & Fireworks 2023: Libertyville, In-Home Caregiver for Disabled Young Female Adult, Fatal I-90 Crash | Best Beaches | Cocaine Deal At Mall, Best Place For A Beach Day In Lake County, Chicago Area. Everywhere you look is a stunner. THE 10 BEST Chicago Spa Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Twilight rate (after 5:30 p.m.) is $4 for residents and $6 for non-residents. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. And, there are plenty of activities for all generations at this resort. Get out on the water with a paddleboard and kayakor jet ski rentals. There are so many options in terms of sports equipment rentals, including pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis. At Montrose Beach, you can also rent paddleboards, jet skis, and kayaks. 10 Best Beaches In Chicago You Must Chill At, On Your Trip! Travelocity.com Find & compare beach hotels in Chicago, IL from $80 Check-in Check-out Guests Seize Your Someday with our amazing deals for the whole family! Value for Money: This is used to evaluate the value of money provided by the resort. However, after considering all these options, I can confidently say that The Abbey Resort is the best of all. But the faint Chicago skyline, which can be seen from the Michigan City Beach on a clear day, is the only indicator that you're anywhere close to the city. Illinois Beach State Park Set on 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, you can enjoy picturesque stretches of sand, dunes, marshes, forests and hiking trails before heading to the campground in. Spoiler alert: It turns out all the lakes around here are pretty great. Take your pick between the north and south beaches (or the smaller, pet-friendly beach at the southwest side), and prepare to be gobsmacked by the scenery everywhere you turn. Sept. 2, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. 24 Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago Hike along Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on your next weekend getaway from Chicago. Cost: Free for residents, $10/person for non-residents. Just as important: Dont forget that the Mars Cheese Castle on I-94 is just a 25-minute drive to the north, and well worth the extra time to stock up on fresh, squeaky cheese curds, not to mention the precious suds of New Glarus beer, sold in Wisconsin only. And after a splashy adventure, feed their grumbling stomach with some classic American food at the on-site restaurant. Learn how your comment data is processed. 1. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? Cost: $16 for non-residents and $10 for residents. Pop on up to the Wisconsin border to enjoy Illinois Beach State Park, where the beaches themselves may be on the rockier side in spots, but the views are well worth the short trip from Chicago: imagine wildflowers galore, prickly pear cactus in the wild, and more opportunities for Lake Michigan fishing. So get your sunnies and read on for the best beaches in and near Chicago. Hours: The beach's hours vary and can be found on the beach's website. What did you like about this post? You may also hit their large pool nestled in an atrium with gorgeous palm trees. (Getty Images) Known as. The laid . For hikers, there are 50 miles of trails over the park's namesakedunes but you'll also encounter wetlands, prairies, rivers and forests. 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive (North Avenue and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive). The Saugatuck and Douglas region is mostly famous as a summertime destination, which makes sense: With 10 spectacular miles of Lake Michigan . Keyesport Beach. Are there lifeguards at the swimming pools? Similarly, it offers beach towels, chairs, bicycles, and complimentary breakfast in bed. No problem, the Marina Grand Resort provides guests with beach towels, chairs, bicycles to get around town, and complimentary breakfast in bed. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. What to do: Head to the 31st Street Harbor to find Chicago Water Sports Rentals, where you can rent jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. 32 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget - U.S. News Travel Centered around the largest man-made lake in the state, Carlyle Lake, this beach in southern Illinois is fun for the entire family. Try another? Few destinations can stand up to Chicago, but sometimes we all need a break from the concrete, crowds, and traffic. These escapes-including Amish Country, Indiana; Galena, Illinois; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin-are within a one- to three-hour drive and offer a variety of activities that will recharge your life.