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Family Friendly Nature Road Trip from Chicago - 7 Days

Day 1: Explore Urban & Lakefront

Chicago, IL

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yolk

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Yolk to fuel up for the road trip ahead.
Head to Yolk located in Streeterville.
£20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Navy Pier

Visit Navy Pier for family-friendly attractions like the Centennial Wheel and Chicago Children's Museum.
Drive to Navy Pier for a day of fun activities by the lake.
£25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Portillo's

Enjoy a classic Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich at Portillo's.
Head to Portillo's for a delicious lunch.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chicago Botanic Garden

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens and exhibits at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Drive to Glencoe to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden.
£30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Giordano's

Indulge in Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza at Giordano's for dinner.
Head to Giordano's for a delicious dinner.
£40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Milwaukee & Lake Michigan

Milwaukee, WI

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue's Egg

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Blue's Egg, known for its pancakes and omelettes.
Head to Blue's Egg in Milwaukee for breakfast.
£25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Milwaukee Art Museum

Explore the stunning architecture and art collections at the Milwaukee Art Museum overlooking Lake Michigan.
Drive to the Milwaukee Art Museum for a cultural experience.
£20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lakefront Brewery

Enjoy a brewery tour and lunch at Lakefront Brewery with a view of the river.
Head to Lakefront Brewery for lunch and a tour.
£30, 2 hours

3:00PM

Discovery World

Visit Discovery World for interactive science exhibits and freshwater aquariums.
Drive to Discovery World for educational fun.
£15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mader's Restaurant

Enjoy traditional German cuisine at Mader's Restaurant for dinner.
Head to Mader's Restaurant for a taste of Germany in Milwaukee.
£35, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Experience Scenic Beauty in Door County

Door County, WI

8:00AM

Breakfast at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant

Start your day with a unique experience of breakfast among goats on the grass roof at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant.
Head to Al Johnson's for a quirky breakfast setting.
£20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Peninsula State Park

Explore the trails and scenic overlooks at Peninsula State Park for outdoor adventures.
Drive to Peninsula State Park to immerse in nature.
£10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fred & Fuzzy's Waterfront Bar

Enjoy lunch by the water at Fred & Fuzzy's Waterfront Bar with a view of Lake Michigan.
Head to Fred & Fuzzy's for a relaxing lunch by the lake.
£25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cave Point County Park

Witness the stunning sea caves and limestone cliffs at Cave Point County Park through a hiking trail.
Drive to Cave Point County Park for breathtaking views.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pelletier's Restaurant & Fish Boil

Experience the traditional Door County fish boil at Pelletier's Restaurant for a unique dining experience.
Head to Pelletier's for a flavourful and cultural dinner.
£30, 2 hours
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Day 4: Explore Nature Trails in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hell's Kitchen

Start your day with a decadent breakfast at Hell's Kitchen known for its delicious brunch options.
Head to Hell's Kitchen for a tasty breakfast.
£30, 1 hour

10:00AM

Minnehaha Regional Park

Explore the beautiful Minnehaha Regional Park with its iconic waterfall and hiking trails.
Drive to Minnehaha Regional Park for outdoor exploration.
£5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Birchwood Cafe

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Birchwood Cafe featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Head to Birchwood Cafe for a sustainable and delicious meal.
£20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chain of Lakes

Stroll around the Chain of Lakes area for picturesque views and recreational activities.
Drive to the Chain of Lakes for a relaxing afternoon.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bachelor Farmer

Indulge in Nordic-inspired cuisine at Bachelor Farmer, a trendy restaurant in Minneapolis.
Head to Bachelor Farmer for a unique dining experience.
£40, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Water Adventures in Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells, WI

8:00AM

Breakfast at Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty before a day of water adventures.
Head to Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty for a filling breakfast.
£15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Noah's Ark Waterpark

Spend the day at Noah's Ark Waterpark, enjoying water slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions.
Drive to Noah's Ark Waterpark for a day of fun in the sun.
£40, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Monk's Bar & Grill

Grab lunch at Monk's Bar & Grill, known for its burgers and casual dining atmosphere.
Head to Monk's Bar & Grill for a laid-back lunch.
£20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Jet Boat Adventures

Experience an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Wisconsin River for a thrilling adventure.
Head to the jet boat adventure location for an adrenaline-pumping activity.
£50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at High Rock Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at High Rock Cafe offering local and seasonal dishes in a cosy setting.
Head to High Rock Cafe for a farm-to-table dining experience.
£35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Wisconsin Dells

Day 6: Historical Charm of Galena

Galena, IL

8:00AM

Breakfast at Otto's Place

Start your day with a homely breakfast at Otto's Place in Galena.
Head to Otto's Place for a cosy breakfast.
£20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Galena Historic District

Explore the charming Galena Historic District with its 19th-century architecture and quaint shops.
Stroll through the Galena Historic District for a step back in time.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fried Green Tomatoes

Enjoy Southern-inspired cuisine at Fried Green Tomatoes for a taste of the South in the Midwest.
Head to Fried Green Tomatoes for a delicious southern lunch.
£25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ulysses S. Grant Home

Visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home to learn about the life and times of the Civil War general and 18th President of the U.S.
Explore the Ulysses S. Grant Home for a historical insight.
£10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Log Cabin Steakhouse

Indulge in a hearty steak dinner at Log Cabin Steakhouse, a rustic restaurant known for its grilled meats.
Head to Log Cabin Steakhouse for a satisfying dinner.
£50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Natural Wonders at Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park, IL

8:00AM

Breakfast at Starved Rock Lodge

Start your day with a breakfast at Starved Rock Lodge overlooking the scenic landscape of the park.
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge for a perfect start to the day.
£15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking Trails

Embark on hiking trails at Starved Rock State Park to discover waterfalls, canyons, and stunning rock formations.
Begin your adventure on the hiking trails for a day of exploration.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lone Buffalo

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at The Lone Buffalo by the park, serving craft beers and delicious dishes.
Head to The Lone Buffalo for a locally sourced lunch.
£30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Canyon Boat Tours

Experience the beauty of Starved Rock from the water with a Canyon Boat Tour for a unique perspective.
Embark on the Canyon Boat Tour for a scenic cruise.
£25, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Pink Chihuahua

End your day with dinner at The Pink Chihuahua, a Mexican restaurant offering vibrant flavours and margaritas.
Head to The Pink Chihuahua for a lively dinner experience.
£40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Starved Rock State Park
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