This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at DePaul chapter.
After a month full of crazy cold temperatures and several feet of snow, Chicagoans are ready for spring more than ever before. Lucky for us, there are so many places to see and visit that are only a few hours away from campus. So pack up your car with all the necessities (food, magazines, One Direction jams) and get ready for a little trip through the Midwest. I mean, after surviving Chiberia, it seems only fitting to get away from the city for a weekend. Without further ado, here is my list of the best road trips to take with your girlfriends to get you through until spring break:
1. Milwaukee, WI – 1.5 hours
A short distance from the city, Milwaukee is a great place to visit without venturing too far from Chicago. Although downtown Milwaukee is nowhere near the size of the Windy City, there are many things to see and do in this city along the lake. From browsing the posh boutiques in the Third Ward to eating from fresh local vendors at the Public Market, Milwaukee has a little bit of everything a girl needs for a relaxing weekend getaway. Another must-do is a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is absolutely stunning! If you go on a Saturday afternoon, you are likely to see newlyweds taking photos on the steps of the museum, with the lake making the perfect background for the occasion.
2. Ann Arbor, MI – 3.5 hours
Visit University of Michigan’s beautiful campus and try to catch a game or stop at the U of M Museum of Art, one of many free things to do in Ann Arbor. From deli sandwiches at Zingerman’s to pizza at Mani Osteria, Ann Arbor has a ton of different restaurants to choose from, all of which have a small-town atmosphere. Also, the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings attracts people from all over town every weekend, although going right when it opens is recommended, especially on game day.
3. Louisville, KY – 4.5 hours
The first thing most people think of when they hear about Louisville is the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, and although it is probably so much fun to attend the races, there are plenty of other things to do in the city. There are an astounding 120 parks in Louisville and over the years the parks have become very popular among locals and visitors alike. To get your shopping fix and dine at local restaurants, visit Fourth Street Live! and Bardstown Road, two popular destinations for both out-of-towners and locals.
4. St. Louis, MO – 4.5 hours
The first stop to take in St. Louis is the Gateway Arch, as cliché as it sounds. You can even take the 650-foot ride to the top and take in all the breathtaking views of the city that you can’t see from any other point. And, if you are of age of course, a visit to the St. Louis breweries is a must, where you can try over 50 different styles of beer and even get a free tour of the brewery.