The Best Road Trips From Chicago

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Best 6 Road Trips

From Chicago

As the second-largest city in the United States, there are many things to do within the boundaries and the surrounding metro. The cultures that come together in Chicago make for a unique experience, and sites like the "Bean" and the Willis Tower are iconic in Chicago, but there's a lot to see within a quick drive of Chicago. We'll dive into six road trip locations in the article below:

1. Peoria

Travel time: 160 miles (2 hours 50 minutes)

Situated on the Illinois River in central Illinois, Peoria is a bustling city of a little over 100,000 people. It is home to a handful of universities, so it has a lot of things for the younger crowd to do.

However, people of all ages can enjoy the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which has something for everyone and changes some of its exhibits every year. Adjacent to the Luthy Botanical Garden sits the Peoria Zoo, which houses rhinos, wallabies, and more. Near the city is the Wildlife Prairie Park, a 2,000-acre zoological center featuring animals native to Illinois like bison and black bears.

Kyte Recommendation

Sedan

Night view of the city of Peoria

2. Rockford

Travel time: 89 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)

Near the Wisconsin border, Rockford has a lot to offer. One of the top spots in Rockford is the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Designed by the same person who designed the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon, it features beautiful grounds and waterfalls where you could spend hours. Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent house is a must-see if you're an architecture fan. The Burpee Museum of Natural History is worth it for adults and kids alike - especially if you like dinosaurs. Every Friday afternoon in the summer, the Rockford City Market features local vendors, drinks, and a guaranteed good time!

Kyte Recommendation

Economy

Birds-eye view of the city of Rockford

3. Indianapolis, Indiana

Travel time: 91 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)

Indiana's state capital boasts many activities and sports, but it's most known for the Indy 500. The Indy 500 is the largest one-day sporting event in the world. But there's so much more to Indianapolis. Staying on the racing theme, you can visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and see historical cars that have won the Indy 500 in the past. The Indianapolis Museum of Art boasts beautiful art inside and beautiful grounds outside. Get a great urban experience by visiting the Central Canal and seeing all that Indianapolis offers.

Kyte Recommendation

Sedan

Birds-eye view of the city of Indianapolis

4. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Travel time: 92 miles (1 hour 40 minutes)

Milwaukee is north of Chicago on Lake Michigan, boasts a rich German-American history, and is well known for its brewing industry, which you can get a glimpse of at the Lakefront Brewery or a Miller Brewery Tour. Milwaukee has some unique museums, such as the Harley Davidson Museum and the Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear. Their Historic Third Ward is a must-visit for great shops and restaurants, especially if you want a pedestrian experience.

Kyte Recommendation

Sedan

Birds eye view of the city of Milwaukee.

5. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel time: 184 miles (3 hours 25 minutes)

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most fun places in the Midwest and perfect for a summertime road trip. Noah's Ark Water Park is one of the more well-known water parks and can offer all-day fun, especially on a hot summer day. Witches Gulch is stunning and a must-see in person. The stone formations will leave you speechless. Wisconsin Dells also has a unique attraction - the Wisconsin Deer Park. You are enclosed with free-roaming deer and get to feed them. (Tip, get there early so you can ensure to be approached by hungry deer!)

Kyte Recommendation

SUV

Birds-eye view of an aquatic park at a Wisconsin Dells Resort

6. St Louis, Missouri

Travel time: 310 miles (4 hours 45 minutes)

St Louis is known as the Gateway to the West, and for a good reason: In the 1800s, it was the starting point for settlers heading west. Louis and Clark started their two-year expedition there, and the Gateway Arch symbolizes this gateway - which should be one of the first things you visit in St Louis.

Next on your list should be the Missouri Botanical Garden and if you're a fan of wildlife, check out the Lone Elk Park, a sanctuary for bison and elk.

Kyte Recommendation

SUV

Sunset view at the city of St. Louis.

Conclusion

See some of the Midwest's best destinations just a few hours away. Let Kyte be your catalyst in getting out of the city and into what other adventures the Midwest has to offer!

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Frequently asked questions

Can I return my Kyte at a different location than my delivery?

Yes! You have the option to select different delivery and return addresses within the same service area when you make your booking. If you want to make a change after booking, let us know via in-app chat or send us a text and we will update that for you!

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