Weekend Road Trip Ideas Around and Beyond Ohio
When you need a getaway but are limited in time, road trips are the way to go! Being located in Ohio, we know that weekend trips in the midwest are exciting and adventurous. Continue reading to learn more about our favorite recommendations for quick weekend travel!
Lake Michigan, Michigan
We believe the Great Lakes should be the eighth wonder of the world and we feel so lucky to be located within driving distance of many of them! Lake Michigan in particular is surrounded by several small towns perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. A popular western Michigan travel tip is to follow the lighthouses along the coast! This will take you through the charming towns of Holland, Grand Haven, and Luddington. Complete with pristine freshwater beaches, these boating towns are a little slice of the south up north! Further north lies picturesque beauty in Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, and the Mackinaw City Bridge. Although exploring each and every beach town along Lake Michigan would take more than a short weekend, these destinations are perfect for a much needed getaway!
Our top western Michigan recommendations:
- Holland: Visit the Windmill Gardens and attend the Annual Tulip Festival. On a sunny day, head to the beach at the state park and watch the sunset at Tunnel Park.
- Saugatuk: Go on a sand dune tour and adventure ride, then shop at the adorable boutiques in town!
- Mackinac Island: Bike the island perimeter and take a horse and buggy tour to see the history of the island. Make sure to grab some iconic Mackinaw fudge before you leave!
- Petoskey: Hunt for Petoskey stones along the beach and visit the state park. Enjoy your evening with dinner and a show by the Young Americans’ dinner theater.
Chicago, Illinois
The windy city is full of fun experiences for the individuals, couples, and the whole family! The historical architecture of Chicago is a must see. Architectural tours along the river or walking through the city are perfect for those who appreciate art and design. Also highly recommended are the food tours of Chicago that highlight the iconic bites of the city (Chicago style hot dog anyone?!). Seeking a bit of extra adventure? Take a speed boat ride in Lake Michigan on the Seadog cruises – if you take the sunset tour, you can even catch nighttime fireworks! Chicago is full of museums, art, theater and music, and even elevated shopping experiences. Spend a day exploring the endless shops along the Magnificent Mile and end your evenings with dinner at one of Chicago’s iconic eateries, such as Lou Malnati’s. Make sure to grab the Chicago Mix from Garret’s Popcorn to snack on your trip back home!
Our top Chicago recommendations:
- Hop on one of Seadog’s speed boat tours or architectural boat rides.
- Walk Navy Pier and enjoy shopping, live entertainment, and delicious dining daily.
- Explore the magnificent mile for endless shopping, delicious sips, and iconic Chicago snacks.
- Enjoy an Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour and explore the city through a guided tour of prominent Chicago eateries!
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is only a short two hour drive from our home base of Columbus and is surrounded by endless activities. Home to three major professional sports teams, Cleveland is the perfect town to watch football, baseball, basketball, or even hockey! If you enjoy the arts instead, the Cleveland Museum of Art is a spectacular choice with its countless galleries and exhibitions (bonus points, the museum is free to the public!). Another great choice for art lovers is to catch a show at Playhouse Square, the second largest theater district in the United States. Be sure to snap a picture under the Playhouse Square chandelier, America’s largest outdoor chandelier! Highly recommended along the river is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an exciting museum perfect for a few fun hours with the family, or spend an evening visiting the bustling bars and restaurants in the city’s Flats district! Enjoy the architecture of Cleveland with a river and Lake Erie boat tour during the day and catch a glimpse at the surrounding historical bridges and buildings. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, drive to Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio’s one and only National Park, and explore the calming waterfalls and hiking trails.
Our top Cleveland recommendations:
- Get your art fix with a day at the Cleveland Museum of Art and end your evening with a show at Playhouse Square.
- Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and enjoy a relaxing hike around the waterfalls and forest.
- Spend your time along Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River with a ferry cruise. Right after, walk next door to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for an exciting and interactive adventure into rock and roll history.
Traveling far distances can be challenging with a busy schedule, but these road trip destinations are perfect for a few free days or an entire week off. Not to mention these trips are fun for all ages, and most, if not all, activities are kid-friendly! Exploring lively cities or peaceful nature are wonderful ways to decompress from the hustle and bustle of the work week. Each adventure is an opportunity to enjoy life a little extra, no matter where the journey takes you. Always remember, it’s not the trip itself but what you make of it!
