Our planned vacation has fallen apart, not enough days available now
We have been to Chicago but the kids don't really remember it and really want to go, so we're thinking about a day or two in the city and then maybe 3-4 days outside it to have a slower pace, too. Maybe along Lake Michigan? or somewhere in north half of Indiana (we live in west central Ohio). Even going north of Chicago is ok but I'd like to not go more than 1-2 hours north or west of Chicago so that the drive home isn't hateful since we're time tight.
I searched a few ways, didn't see any posts about campgrounds near Chicago that are convenient to just drive in for the day, any suggestions where to stay?
Also suggestions for where to move after a couple of days so that we have a couple of day trips? maybe to a beach or some fun little town to poke around? We like to go out for the day from maybe 9-3 (something like that, not hard rules) and then come back to the campground and hang out for the evening, swim, hike, etc. Ideas appreciated!
Oh, kids are 10 and 13, both good walkers and hikers, will do museums, state parks, etc. too.
Thank you!
Go to Illinois Beach State Park. Great America is very close and amusement parks are fun for all! Another day or two you could use the commuter train to run into Chicago to see a ball game or sight see.
You could also stay in Indiana, first at the Indiana Dunes State Park http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
and take the South Shore Railroad (Chesterton stop) to downtown Chicago for:
- Navy Pier
- Millenium Park
- Sears Tower (whacha' talkin' about, Willis?)
Then move to Wolf's Leisure Time CG on the Wabash River
7414 State Road 25 North
Lafayette, Indiana 47905
765-589-8089
Email: wolfescamp@wltc.org
and visit LaFayette and environs:
- Tippecanoe (and learn about Tippecanoe & Tyler, too!) Battlefield & Museum
- Rent canoes/kayaks on The Wabash River
- Historic Prophetstown
- Purdue University
- And the city of LaFayette.
We stayed at Wolf's and were pleased...sites on the river have no elec/water; it was an OK CG and budget friendly.
Also you really don't want to drive into Chicago. The traffic is horrible, and you really have to be aware of rush hour (6-9 am) and (3-6 pm).
Take the train into the city. Chicago has great public transportation between buses and trains (el's and subway). You might want to check out the museums.
You don't say how you will be camping and that makes a lot of difference.
If you are self contained and can go a couple of days on the tanks, you can hold up in the lot on the east side of the Museum of Science and Industry. There is also a bus lot that will allow you to overnight for a fee, but we have never done that. Other than that, not much near the Loop.
What we have done in hold up the night at the Cabela's in Hammond (Nice, Quiet lit lot...) and then move to Chicago in the morning either before or after drive-time.
Parking anything is a problem in the city.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie
A sailor, his bride and their black dog going to see some dry places that have Geocaches in a coach made the year we married.
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