ChicagoLife

Summer Road Trips

Indiana

It’s just a two hour drive from Chicago to Shipshewana in north central Indiana, but you will feel like you have been transported back in time as you experience the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of LaGrange County’s thriving Amish community. Relax and reconnect with family and friends while you savor locally-sourced, farm-fresh foods, shop for unique quilts, fabrics and crafts at the Midwest’s largest flea market, and visit a host of fun-filled attractions and adventures that will set the scene for that perfect selfie moment and precious family memories.

Start planning your trip by going to visitshipshewana.org, and be sure to sign up for the new mobile digital passport, which includes exclusive discounts at nearly sixty curated attractions, shops and restaurants. Accumulate points as you redeem your discounts at each stop along the way. Then select your prizes, including the world-famous donuts at Blue Gate Bakery, recipe cards for authentic delectables at the Auction Restaurant, homemade preserves, sweets, souvenirs and much more.

We recommend at least a two to three day visit in order to get the full Shipshewana experience. Accommodations include handcrafted, rustic Amish log cabins, family-run hotels and B&Bs, fully furnished Amish farmhouses, as well as camping and RV sites. The Blue Gate Garden Inn is just a short walk from downtown shops and features many luxury amenities, including a pool, hot tub, fitness center, complimentary breakfast buffet, outdoor patios with fire pits, and an arcade for the kids.

Begin your sightseeing adventure with a guided Amish horse and buggy tour to working farms, shops and local homes. Or, take a Blue Gate Tour Bus to visit local attractions and sample homemade Amish foods. To learn more about Amish and Mennonite culture, head over to Menno-Hof, built by traditional craftsmen during an old-fashioned barn raising. It features state-of-the-art multimedia presentations, hands-on displays and a simulated tornado that shakes the Menno-Hof theater as the wind blows!

For families with kids, exploring Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park and Stutzman Dairy Farm will create memories to last a lifetime. Just ten minutes from downtown, Dutch Creek features both domestic and exotic animals, including antelopes, water buffalo and zebras, among many others, and a petting zoo where kids can get up close and personal with their favorites and even feed the monkeys! Stutzman Dairy Farm is a working farm where visitors can learn about farm life, watch daily milkings from an upstairs viewing room, and hand or bottle feed some of the farm’s baby animals.

For entertainment, the 1,500 seat Blue Gate Performing Arts Center features world-class music and theater, including the 2nd Annual Buggies & Bluegrass week (Sept. 5-9) with Rhonda Vincent, the Malpass Brothers, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and Old Crow Medicine Show. Vintage car aficionados won’t want to miss the Michiana Classic Car Show at the Michiana Event Center on Aug. 19. And, for those who love horses, The North American Clydesdale/Shire Fall Classic from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3, and the American Dutch Harness Horse Keuring Show on Sept. 29, are must see events. To see a complete lineup of upcoming events, go to thebluegate.com and michianaevents.com.

For outdoor adventure and recreation, southern Indiana simply cannot be beat. Everyone knows that Bloomington hosts thousands of Indiana University students every year, but did you know that the Bloominton area is also one of the most family-friendly destinations in the state for outdoor getaways and vacations?

With almost 11,000 acres of surface-water, Lake Monroe is the largest land-bound body of water in Indiana, providing plenty of space to get away from the crowds and enjoy its pristine beauty and an endless variety of outdoor activities. Bring your boat, canoe or kayak, or save yourself the bother and rent one there.

Lake Monroe Boat Rental offers pontoons, speed boats, jet skis, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, as well as tubes, wakeboards and water skis. Double-decker party boats for groups are also available. And, for absolute beginners, LT Paddle Sports offers lessons in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing.

For the ultimate camping experience, Lake Monroe Village RV Campground offers resort-style amenities, including an outdoor pool, hot tub, and basketball and volleyball courts. And, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, just one mile from Lake Monroe, offers unique activities just for kids, including a kid’s pool with splash area, kiddie train rides and visits from Yogi Bear, Boo Boo and Cindy Bear.

Just a short drive from downtown Bloomington,the Charles C. Deam Wilderness is an ideal destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and primitive camping. With eight trails comprising thirty-six miles, the Deam Wilderness is also a popular destination for climbing and forest bathing.

Need a break from the wilds of nature? Head into downtown Bloomington for some fine dining and entertainment. For music, comedy and theater, you will find a broad selection of venues and events that rivals much larger cities. And with scores of restaurants and entertainment options to choose from, Bloomington has something to suit every taste. To learn more and plan your trip, go to visitbloomington.com.

From Bloomington, head south to French Lick West Baden for a touch of luxury and a whole lot of adventure! With two historic hotels featuring sumptuous rooms, a Vegas-style casino, horseback riding, championship-level golf, swimming pools, spas, activities for the kids, and much more, you can relax and rejuvenate in style.

Head on over to Big Splash Adventure Hotel & Indoor Water Park where the kids can play to their heart’s content in the 40,000 square foot indoor water park. With a retractable roof, the park is open year-round and features lodging, shopping, an arcade, a variety of restaurants and Shotz Lazer Tag and Mini Golf. Then hop in the car and visit nearby Wilstem Wildlife Park, a drive-thru safari park where you can view over 50 species of animals year-round and feed them through your windows. You can also sign up for animal encounters with giraffes, elephants, otters, sloths, grizzly bears and other exotic animals for a truly up-close-and- personal experience. At educational encounters, you will learn about each species with opportunities to touch them and pose for that perfect selfie or photo. Private encounters limited to eight visitors are also available for families or groups. Additional activities include horseback riding and ziplining, guaranteeing a thrilling experience for the whole family. To begin your getaway experience, go to visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com.

From French Lick, head south to Crawford County for adventure and exploration both above… and below ground! For nature lovers and spelunkers, a visit to Wyandotte Caves in O’Bannon Woods State Park is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The caves contain some of the largest passages and rooms of any cave system in the state and feature spectacular formations. Rothrock’s Grand Cathedral is 136 feet high and 330 feet long, and the Pillar of the Constitution, a conglomeration of several stalagmites that have grown together, is 72 feet wide and 36 feet tall! Take a tour to learn how thousands of years ago Native American civilizations explored the caves using hickory bark torches and mined for minerals to make jewelry and tools. Recent upgrades in lighting and access make exploring the caves safer and more enjoyable than ever before. Above ground, Sycamore Springs and Patoka Lake State Parks are ideal for hiking, camping and reconnecting with nature. Additional attractions include horseback riding, golfing, and secluded cabin getaways! To learn more and begin planning your trip, go to cometocrawford.com.

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Summer Road Trips

Great Midwest Getaways

Whether you are planning your next family outing in Chicago or a roadtrip getaway, here are a few outstanding destinations to put on the itinerary.

A trip to the Chicago History Museum is an ideal staycation destination, both educational and fun for the whole family. Now showing through December 31, Millions of Moments: The Chicago Sun-Times Photo Collection, exhibits 150 images from the largest photograph col­lection ever acquired by an American mu­seum. Consisting of 5 million negatives from the 1940s through the early 2000s, the collection tells the story of the city’s dramatic history in pictures depicting labor strikes, racial unrest, immigration, crimes and catastrophes.

On permanent exhibit, Facing Freedom in America reveals how the history of the United States has been shaped by conflicts and struggles over what it means to be free. Chicago: Crossroads of America depicts the city’s rich cultural history. Step into a vintage jazz club, browse fashions from days gone by in a Marshall Field’s display window, and see L Car No. 1 which transported people from the Loop to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Jackson Park. And City on Fire: Chicago 1871 tells the story of the great conflagration through the eyes of those who lived it using hundreds of images and artifacts from the period. For more details and to plan your trip, go to chicagohistory.org.

Chicago is well known for its architec­tural prowess, but did you know that Quincy has over 3,600 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including pristine examples of mid-mod­ern homes, churches and commercial buildings? Abundant Architecture and Mid Mod Quincy provide self-guided walking and driving tours of the area’s architectural treasures which you can download online at seequincy.com. Additional guides include Family Fun, Bike Quincy, and Off Grid Stays, making planning your trip quick and easy.

Situated along the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities have an endless variety of family friendly events and activities that make it a perfect destination for spring getaways. Enjoy a Celebration River Cruise and explore the great Mississippi’s attractions and history. The Captain’s Narrated Lunch Cruise includes a lunch buffet and a guided tour, and the Cap­tain’s Dinner Cruise features dinner, dancing and spectacular evening views on the observation deck. For outdoor adventurers, the QC area offers a host of options for golfing, biking, hiking, boating, kayaking and camping. To see all that the Quad Cities area has to offer, go to visitquadcities.com.

For those who prefer more luxurious accommodations, Rhythm City Casino and Resort in Davenport includes deluxe king and double queen suites with whirlpool tubs, customized, holistic spa services-including a sauna, cold room, couples massage room, pedicures and more-and gourmet dining at Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood. For entertainment, the Event Center features headliners, such as Tony Danza, performing Standards and Stories with his four piece band on May 13, and Micky Dolenz, The Voice of the Monkees, appearing on May 20. And it is never too soon to make plans to attend the annual Quad Cities Balloon Festi­val, presented by Rhythm City Casino Resort, on August 11 and 12.

On your way to the Quad Cities, be sure to make time to visit Rock Falls, just an hour and fifty minute drive west from Chicago. For nature lovers, the Rock Falls Birding Trail is an opportunity to see vireos, warblers, flycatchers, and many other bird species passing through on their migratory routes along the Rock River. And the RB&W Sculpture Walk, which runs along the river, features a variety of public art sculptures accompa­nied by a virtual guided tour by the artists themselves. The RB&W District Amphi­theater is also the site of the annual Bellson Music Fest, named after legend­ary jazz drummer and Rock Falls native, Louie Bellson. To download the Otocast App for the Sculpture Walk and see the lineup of bands at this year’s festival on June 10, go to visitrockfalls.com.

It is a little known fact that before prohi­bition Illinois was one of the largest wine producing states in the US. Today, over a hundred Illinois wineries produce some of the finest varietals and blends in the country. Effingham is home to a number of top wineries, including Tuscan Hills Winery, modeled after an Italian-style villa and featuring Italian foods, enter­tainment, and handcrafted fine wines with wine tastings available seven days a week. Tuscan Hills Winery also hosts the annual Effingham Artisan Fair, featuring artworks, music and unique creations from the area’s rich makers craft tradi­tion. To learn more and plan a wine tour of the area, go to visiteffinghamil.com. The Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Alliance provides an interactive map of wineries on their website, as well as an app on the Apple App Store (search for illinoiswine). Meet the IGGVA team and sample top Illinois wines at Rosemont Uncorked on June 3 and 4. Go to illinoiswine.com for more details.

For families with children, no trip to downstate Illinois would be complete without stopping in Springfield to experience the History Comes Alive event. From June 2 through August 6, you can take a trip back in time and meet Abraham and Mary Lincoln and a cast of supporting characters as they portray scenes and ceremonies from the past. Listen to Abraham Lincoln deliver some of his most famous speeches at the Lincoln Depot. Watch the Flag Lower­ing Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated, and enjoy live music and talk with the Lincolns as they meet and greet guests at an ice cream social at Edwards Place.

On your way to Springfield, be sure to check out all of the Route 66 and Abe Lincoln attractions throughout Logan County. The young Lincoln lived in New Salem and worked as a store clerk, postmaster, soldier and surveyor. He later traveled the area as a lawyer on the 8th Judicial Circuit, and revisited the area
as a politician in the famous senatorial debates with Stephen Douglas. You can walk in Lincoln’s footsteps, visit historical landmarks and buildings, and learn about his life along the way. Route 66 attractions in the area include the famous neon sign from The Tropics Restaurant, a popular stop along Route 66, and The Mill Museum, home to memorabilia from the restaurant. This year’s Balloons Over 66 festival will take place on August 25 and 26. To plan your trip, go to destinationlogancountyil.com.

A must-see experience for national park lovers! Say goodbye to crowds this year and say hello to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Unique sights, sounds, history, and adventure have combined to make an amazing national park vacation without all the waiting lines. See more colorful badlands than you find in other national parks. The landscape, featuring layers of clay, black coal and burnt orange “scoria” rock—all dotted with prairie dogs and roaming herds of bison—makes this a North Dakota gem not to be missed. Elk, wild horses and bighorn sheep also roam this western North Dakota land-scape. Hiking trails never feel like rush hour. They are popular but offer plenty of breathing room. Gateway cities with inviting hotels, restaurants, and shops are ready to greet you. Now all you have to do is get there! What are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure at HelloND.com.

For a waterfront getaway, head north to Elkhart Lake and enjoy one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful and vibrant lakeside resort towns. Situated on a 292 acre, spring-fed freshwater lake, Elkhart Lake is the ideal destination for watersports, fishing or just relaxing and reconnecting with nature. The Shore Club offers water ski and wake-board lessons, tubing, pontoon rentals and guided party boat rides for group outings and celebrations. At Tie 1 On Wisconsin Fly Fishing Guide Service, you can learn the art and science of fly fishing and fish for Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout on local streams and rivers. And Ecology Outfitters’ Guided Silent Water Tours are a perfect way to explore the hidden nooks and crannies of the lake at a relaxing pace. Kayak, paddle, life jacket and basic skills orientation are included, making these tours perfect for beginners. On May 11 to 13, The Osthoff Resort will host Jazz on the Vine 2023, featuring jazz greats Najee, Spyro Gyra, Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui and many more. And on May 19 to 21, racecar enthusiasts can experience the SVRA Vintage Festival Weekend at Road America, featuring sights and sounds from motorsport’s pioneering age to the modern era. To see all that Elkhart Lake has to offer and plan your getaway or vacation, go to elkhartlake.com.

Just north of Milwaukee along Lake Michigan, the picturesque towns of Ozaukee County offer beautiful lakefront beaches and ports with irresistible small town appeal. In Port Washington, you will experience a touch of New England charm with its Art Deco lighthouse, boat-filled harbor and certified Clean Marina. Whether you are interested in fishing, boating, hiking or golfing, Port Washington is the perfect destination. Explore the history of the town with a self-guided walking tour and visit the local museums, including the 1860 Light Station Museum, where you can hear the stories of a 19th century lighthouse keeper. Cedarburg is known as the “Antiques Capital of Wisconsin,” with antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants along the Washington Avenue Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And, Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Grafton is one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land overlooking the lake. The park features modern amenities and ample opportunities for bird watching, fishing, hiking and picnicking. To plan your trip go to ozaukeetourism.com.

While events take place in Kenosha all year long, the calendar is especially full in the late spring and summer months. There’s something going on every weekend and even during the week! June 3 and 4 features the Outta Sight Kite Flight at Kennedy Park; the Monster Truck Throwdown at Wilmot Raceway, which is located at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds; and it’s Free Fishing Week-end in Wisconsin. Jerry Smith Produce & Pumpkin Farm offers many events, including Babies on the Farm, June 10-11 and June 17-18, Sunflower Fields for many weeks, and the Sweet Corn Fest August 12-13. July 2, the Firecracker 5K, 10K, 1 Mile happens in Downtown Kenosha and along the lakefront. It’s also the day of the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade in Downtown Kenosha. July 3 and 4, the Celebrate America festival takes place along the lakefront with fireworks on the Fourth of July. For details, go to VisitKenosha.com.

Most Chicagoans know about Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan, the former Dutch settlement’s renowned springtime festival, happening May 6 to 14. Many may not know, however, about its delightful summertime celebrations. Juneteenth Freedom Festival on 17th welcomes all to dance, savor local BBQ and connect over conversation. On June 23 and 24, the Celtic Festival brings together Scottish clans for ancient athletic competitions and features Celtic music, food, and libations. That same weekend, Holland’s 20th Pride hosts a family-friendly celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, along with evening events for adults.

Theatre fans will want to visit between June 8 and August 18 for a Hope Repertory Theatre award-winning experience. 2023 highlights include Boeing-Boeing, a comedic tale of a man engaged to three flight attendants at once, and the season’s musicals feature classics by Bob Marley, 80’s rock bands, and Billy Holiday. All performances are within walking distance of Holland’s historic downtown, so an excellent evening of dining and theatre is easily arranged. As spring turns to summer, there’s no better time for a getaway to Holland, Michigan. Find all the Holland highlights at holland.org.

Bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.                                Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism Department.

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Summer Road Trips

On the Road with Honest Abe

Holland

No matter if you like watching the action or being in action, Holland, Michigan has the events to spring you into 2023’s next season.

The fun kicks off March 11th with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Settle into a sunny spot to watch Irish dancers and bagpipers stream by, or don some Kelly Green, grab a flag, and join the procession. Afterwards, 8th Street celebrations continue into the evening at Curragh Irish Pub, Hops, and New Holland Brewing.

Need more Irish festivities? The following weekend hosts the 5k Leprechaun Chase. Sprint or jog your way through downtown Holland to Windmill Island Gardens and back. Irish costumes, though highly encouraged, are optional.

May in Holland means Tulip Time. Between the 6th and 14th, spectators can experience the whole town blooming with five million tulips, Dutch Dancers, and, of course, parades. This year’s Volksparade will feature the world-famous Bicycle Show-band Crescendo. Imagine 50 Dutch musicians in traditional Volendam costumes, balancing on bikes, playing their instruments—all while peddling in wooden shoes!

If you prefer running shoes to klompen clogs, no problem. Complete both a Tulip Time Run and one of the Holland Haven Marathon races in September to earn the first-ever Double Dutch Challenge medal. (Just in case you enjoy a more leisurely pace, there are also delightful historic walking tours available anytime.) Ready, set, go! It’s time to run, jog, or march your way to holland.org/events.

Kalamazoo

Legendary soprano, Renée Fleming, and piano virtuoso, Evgeny Kissin, will collaborate for a performance with The Gilmore on May 27 at the Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo. Among the most acclaimed singers of our time, Renée Fleming has sung for world leaders and occasions as varied as the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and the Diamond Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. She has captivated audiences with a repertoire spanning opera and the classical tradition to jazz and contemporary pop and was recognized by President Barack Obama with the National Medal of Arts. In November, Fleming will star in the Metropolitan Opera’s world-premiere staging of “The Hours,” based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Evgeny Kissin is one of the most gifted classical pianists of his generation, in demand by many of the world’s great conductors and orchestras. During the 2021-2022 season, he performed the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin throughout Europe and Asia. Musical awards and tributes include the Edison Klassiek in The Netherlands, and the Diapason d’Or and the Grand Prix of La Nouvelle Academie du Disque in France. His recordings have won him two Grammys for Best Instrumental Soloist. Kissin’s talent inspired Christopher Nupen’s documentary film, “Evgeny Kissin: The Gift of Music,” and his autobiography, Memoirs and Reflections, was published in 2018. For more information, check out thegilmore.org.

Kenosha

Spring in Kenosha is a time of year when many seasonal attractions reopen. You can explore the area from the treetops at Boundless Adventures, an outdoor aerial adventure park that also includes axe throwing. Reserve a seat with Lakeshore Pedal Tours to have a fun, open-air, pedal-powered, memorable rolling party through Downtown Kenosha. Fish on Lake Michigan for salmon and trout with the Kenosha Charter Boat Association. Climb the 1866 Southport Lighthouse tower, which is part of the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum, or take a self-guided tour of the maritime museum to learn about nearby shipwrecks. Kenosha has two lighthouses and five museums! Enjoy dirt track car races and other fun events at Wilmot Raceway, which is located at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds. In May, the year-round farmers’ markets, Kenosha Harbor Market and Kenosha Public Market, move back outdoors. Also, the bicycle race season begins at the oldest operating velodrome in the country—the Washington Park Velodrome. The track opened in 1927, and it’s the only one in the state. Memorial Day weekend, the Kenosha Kingfish baseball season opens at historic Simmons Field. The Kingfish are members of the Northwoods League featuring elite collegiate baseball as well as family-friendly entertainment. This is the same venue where the Kenosha Comets of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League played. As summer approaches, stand up paddleboard, kayak, and duck-themed pedal boat rentals are available to use in the harbor from the Kenosha Community Sailing Center. For more information, go to visitkenosha.com.

Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s annual Art in Bloom celebration of art, flowers and the arrival of spring will kick off on Thursday, April 20 and run through Sunday, April 23, this year. Art-inspired floral creations from the region’s top designers will be on display throughout the galleries with floral inter-pretations of works of art in the museum’s collection. Festivities will include a Zoom-In Scavenger Hunt of featured works, Scents and Sounds in Windhover Hall, where you can stop and smell the flowers while listening to live music, and the Floral Fashion Party on Friday, April 21, showcasing wearable art and floral-inspired designs from local designers. You can try your hand making floral-designed art at Kohl’s Art Studio on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Timed tickets are required. To learn more and purchase tickets, go to mam.org/events/bloom.

Madison

Madison’s 2023 Brat Fest runs from Friday, May 26, through Sunday, May 28, on Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center, just five miles from the University of Wisconsin campus. Billed as The World’s Largest Brat Fest, the festival includes live music from Kristie Kraus, Rick Monroe, Tone Loc, Shallow Side, Wayland, and many more. The Kid’s Zone has lots of high-energy activities for the little ones, and the Kid’s Art Zone includes free paint classes led by Expressively You. Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways Carnival has 35 attractions including kiddie rides. For adults, the Sports Zone is a perfect place to enjoy a game of Brattyball, the Brat Fest’s version of volleyball. And don’t miss the Brat Fest Mad-City Cornhole Tournament on Sunday. You can purchase craft beers and the world’s finest brats from celebrity cashiers, and benefit a host of worthy nonprofit organizations that are supported by Brat Fest. To learn more and plan your trip, go to bratfest.com.

Renée Fleming and Evgeny Kissin

Holiday fun in Holland!                  Photo by Mike Lozon.

More Travel Destinations

Summer Road Trips

On the Road with Honest Abe

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