Best Wisconsin Getaway Destinations 3-6 Hours From Chicago

One great perk of living in the thriving metropolis of Chicago is the ability to reach the rich rural landscapes of Wisconsin at a moment’s notice. In summertime, Wisconsin lures its Illinois neighbors to the sparkling lakes and quaint vacation towns it is known for. Enjoy a long wooded walk with the vibrant fall colors singing all around? Wisconsin in Autumn is a marvel. Chicago-dwellers can take a break from the urban grind by planning a short weekend getaway or sequestering themselves in nature for an extended break. Even a well-planned weekend in Wisconsin can be restorative for Chicagoans seeking a little R & R.

Tomahawk, WI

Known as the gateway to the Northwoods, Tomahawk is a charming town where nature-seekers can have their fill. In all seasons, it is a hiker’s paradise, with any number of inviting trails and dense forests to explore for the day. The fall colors are reason alone to bundle up and visit Tomahawk as the seasons change. Just make sure to grab a coffee at Northwoods Cafe and Coffeehouse before setting out to the breathtaking views of Trim Hill and beyond. Whether fishing in the abundance of freshwater lakes known for their abundance of Bass and Walleye, water skiing in summer or cross country skiing in the pristine Wisconsin snow, travelers can rest assured they will find the vacation of their dreams in Tomahawk.

Door County, WI

Flanked by Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is dotted by small towns, each with its own restaurants, shops, parks and beaches. It is also a hub of culture, with numerous art galleries, chamber music and summer theater. Visitors seeking calm waters can relax in Peninsula State Park on sheltered Nicolet Beach, while those seeking more exciting waters might dock their boats in Gills Rock with its breathtaking sunsets and limestone cliffs. Cherry orchards line the quiet highways, and fudge is a favorite. Whether hiking in the pristine wilderness of Newport State Park with its abundance of trails, dining at one of Wisconsins’s famous supper clubs or paddle boating off of sandy shores, Door County is a vacationer’s paradise.

Mercer, WI

Mercer identifies as the “Loon Capital of the World” for a good reason. Over any of its 214 serene lakes you might see a cry of Loons flying overhead in the summer, swimming at sunset, and calling to one another at dusk. Mercer’s natural surroundings are unsurpassed, with 74,500+ acres of public land and a 14,300+ acre body of water known as the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. In every season, nature puts on a spectacular show, drawing visitors to this gorgeous region in droves. There are any number of ways to explore the outdoors, whether by ATV, snowmobile, camper, boat, cross-country or water skis or on foot.

Minocqua, WI

A five hour drive is well-worth it when you are heading up to the Northwoods for a vacation in the charming town of Minocqua, WI. The fresh air of the northern Pines alone is enough to give Chicagoans a feeling of having stepped into a different dimension. Add to that wildlife sightings, gorgeous forest trails, and sunsets on any number of pristine lakes, rivers and streams, and you have a wilderness wonderland. Cozy cabins abound, and the local community is thriving, with famous Friday Fish Frys, the best in breakfast and boardwalk fudge, ice cream and gelato. With year-round fishing, ample trails for hiking, hunting and boating, It’s no wonder Minocqua has been a popular destination for visitors for over a hundred years.

Eagle River, WI

Just 35 minutes east of Minocqua is Eagle River, a town of 1,628 residents situated in Vilas County. Known as the “Snowmobile Capital of the World”, visitors can delight in over 500 miles of groomed trails in this winter wonderland. But that isn’t all Eagle River has to offer. Chicago visitors can drive six hours from their dense urban landscape to enter a wide expanse of undisturbed nature, where they can engage in snowshoeing, ice fishing, fat tire biking, or cross-country skiing. Eagle River draws nature enthusiasts to witness and luxuriate in its 28 sparkling connected lakes, where watersports reign supreme. The quaint downtown area is a nice place to relax after a day on the water or on the snowy trails.