Chicago is an amazing city, don’t get us wrong, but sometimes it’s great to escape the chaos and take in the sights around this great metropolis.
That’s why we’ve devised a list of alternative family-friendly destinations to get away to that won’t break the bank this Memorial Day. So, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, shop ‘til you drop, or take the opportunity to explore the region’s history and culture, we’ve got a treat for you.
Our first suggestion sees us heading north from Chicago along the coast of Lake Michigan to the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin. For anyone fascinated by history or looking to teach their kids about the significance of Memorial Day, then a trip to Kenosha’s Civil War Museum is a must. Located near the waterfront, this fascinating museum is packed with authentic artifacts, clothing, and models of life-size soldiers. The Civil War Museum is also dedicated to the over one million men from the seven states of the upper Midwest who served in the Union army.
Additionally, Kenosha also has one of the most retro-looking public transportation systems in the country, and it’s a lot of fun to ride. The kids will love taking a trip on these beautifully restored electric streetcars, which glide around the 2-mile loop of the city. Wheelchair accessible, these stylish 1951 electric street cars are the perfect way to commute around downtown Kenosha and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan.
Be sure to visit Kenosha and stay at the Best Western Executive Inn Kenosha / Pleasant Prairie, and for a delicious meal out, head over to the Waterfront Warehouse American grill.
Staying in Wisconsin, our second suggestion for Memorial Day weekend 2023 is the state capital, Madison. If you’re looking to escape with the family for a low-cost break, there is plenty to do here in Madison, starting with a trip to Henry Vilas Zoo. Free to enter, Henry Vilas Zoo is home to your favorite animals like lions, tigers, and giraffes… but also the chance to meet a giant polar bear and endangered white rhino before getting up close to their resident piranha fish.
Another favored Madison destination is the Memorial Union Terrace, with its stunning views across Lake Mendota. If you’re in the mood to relax, you can grab an ice cream and take in the scenery. However, if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not hit the water and rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak from the team at Outdoor UW.
When you’re staying in town, be sure to visit Sardine, Madison’s best French restaurant on the lake, before enjoying a great night’s sleep at the Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to escape the city and surround yourself with nature this Memorial Day weekend, then Indiana Dunes National Park could be just the ticket. Located just to the east of Chicago with 15 miles of sandy coastline and over seventy miles of hiking trails, Indiana Dunes is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to unwind. If you’d like to see some wildlife on your travels, try the incredible Heron Rookery Trail, which follows the Little Calumet River and features over 100 Great Blue Heron nesting sites.
After a day of hiking, you can also take advantage of the fantastic beaches for a day of R&R and enjoy the amazing views of the Chicago skyline across the lake. However, if you’re also a keen angler, you can head out on the water with the crew at Brother Nature for an action-packed day of fishing on Lake Michigan.
Whatever you decide to do while you’re in Indiana Dunes, enjoy a stay at the Best Western Indian Oak, and if you’re looking for a hearty meal after a day of hiking, stop off for a bite at the Round the Clock Restaurant.
Our next suggestion will appeal to those who love to shop among you as we head to the northwest corner of Illinois and visit Galena. Famed for its 19th-century buildings, Galena has been voted one of “America’s Best Main Streets” by Parade and Fodor’s Travel. After taking in the picturesque views and the obligatory shopping session, stop to eat at Fried Green Tomatoes restaurant on Main Street to recharge the batteries.
Of course, a visit to Galena would only be complete with a visit to the Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. on the outskirts of town, brewers of regional whiskeys, gins, and vodkas. While you’re there, take the 45-minute interactive tour, where you touch and taste the raw ingredients before trying out the final product in the brewery’s tasting room and cocktail bar.
Enjoy your trip to Galena even more with a comfortable night’s sleep at the Best Western Galena Inn & Suites.
Our final 2023 Memorial Day weekend destination is geared towards sports and culture enthusiasts by heading to central Illinois and the city of Champaign-Urbana. As part of the University of Illinois campus, Memorial Stadium is a fitting attraction for this weekend and the home of the Fighting Illini football team. With its 60,670-seating capacity, the stadium was built to memorialize the university students who died during the first World War, and you can find their names engraved on the nearly 200 pillars decorating the stadium’s exterior.
Staying on campus, we also recommend you visit the Krannert Art Museum, famous for its vibrant collections of fine art, sculptures, and exhibitions from around the world. Here you can spend several hours exploring artworks from the United States, South America, Africa, and the Mediterranean in Illinois’s second-largest fine art museum.
Enjoy your visit to Champaign-Urbana by staying at the Best Western Plus Champaign/Urbana Inn, and also be sure to visit Farmhouse Restaurant for some of the best locally grown foods from the region.