Top 10 (Road) Trip Ideas for Reading Week

Looking for a little escape from the windy (but, this year, not so wintery) city during reading week? Perhaps it's simply time to move beyond the Hyde Park bubble (yes, we're talking to you first year residential students). Read on to get ideas on where you can go on a tank of gas. 

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10. Springfield

Home of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the State Capital, and lots of Illinois history!

9. Chicago

No time to leave the city? Then, check out some of our local destinations. Chinatown has plenty of great places to check out. There is the can’t miss Illinois Holocaust Museum. If you are looking for great shopping, check out the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. While you are there, hop on over to IKEA!

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8. St. Louis

You could check out Budweiser’s Brewery or check out the Gateway Arch. While you’re there, check out The Hill (one of St. Louis’ happening neighborhoods). If, in the unlikely event, you are a Cardinals fan check out Busch Stadium.

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7. Iowa

You ought to give Iowa a try. You could check out Des Moines. On the way, you could stop at the Amana Colonies. Also, you could take a short drive from Des Moines to Madison County to see a few of their famous Covered Bridges. While you are there, check out John Wayne’s Birthplace.

 

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6. Detroit

More to do here than most of us realize! The Henry Ford Museum is a must see! Want to know what else there is to do in this great city? Ask TC… 

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5. South Bend

Haven’t seen the "Touchdown Jesus"? Well, this is your chance! Take a short trip to South Bend and check out all that Notre Dame has to offer.

4. Green Bay
Lambeau Field. Need I say more?

 

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3. Milwaukee

Home of the Miller Brewery and that’s not all. There are ton’s of other Things to Do in Milwaukee!

 



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 2. Wisconsin Dells/Spring Green

Great place to go for some rest and relaxation. Also a great place to get away from Chicago. Whether you are stopping at the House on the Rock or you are on a Duck touring the Dells, this promises a whole bunch of fun. 

 



  

1. Rockford 

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I may be too biased on this one. But, Rockford is an undervalued destination! You could go camping at Rock Cut State Park or at Lowden State Park (Home of Chief Black Hawk- The Second Largest Monolithic Concrete Statue in the World). While you’re in Rockford, don’t forget to grab a stack of Swedish Pancakes at the Stockholm Inn or to eat at the local favorite Beef-A-Roo. Also in the area is the Union Dairy in Freeport. This is an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor that is still operating using the freshest Ice Cream available from local dairies. If you need another reason to visit, it is adjacent to the site of one of the famed Lincoln-Douglas Debates.