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7-day Lake Michigan road trip with kids – Wisconsin & Illinois

7-day Lake Michigan road trip with kids – Wisconsin & Illinois

Over 300 miles lengthy and touching three US states, Lake Michigan is the world’s largest lake set in a single nation – so it’s not stunning we spent most of our Lake Michigan street journey with children reminding ourselves that this huge physique of water wasn’t the ocean.

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In the event you drove the entire 1,100-mile route, you may do it in round 15 hours with out stopping however the place could be the enjoyable in that? As a result of it’s definitely not onerous to spend per week (or longer) exploring alongside the Nice Lake’s shores – dubbed the ‘faux-cean’ by a good friend’s daughter.

Whereas there’s loads to tempt on the Michigan aspect, we determined to go up via Wisconsin, beginning in Chicago, passing Wisconsin’s two greatest cities, then heading to fairly Door County on the peninsula between Inexperienced Bay and Lake Michigan. So when you fancy a extra uncommon US street journey with children, right here’s how one can plan a 7-day street journey round Lake Michigan.

In the event you’re planning to rent a automobile in your Lake Michigan street journey with children, certainly one of my favorite websites is Zest Automotive Rental whereas Uncover Automobiles is one other nice comparability web site for automobile rental

Day 1 and a pair of – Chicago

In the event you’re flying internationally (or throughout the US), you’re prone to be touchdown in Chicago – and even when not, you shouldn’t miss a go to to the Windy Metropolis when you’re visiting Lake Michigan.

It’s just about on the southern tip of the lake, so it really works effectively when you’re heading up both the west aspect into Wisconsin (as we did) or the east aspect into Michigan, after which doubling again, or when you deliberate to finish the entire circuit of Lake Michigan.

7-day Lake Michigan road trip with kids – Wisconsin & Illinois

Alternatively it can save you your Chicago time for the top of the journey, or break up the times to bookend your one week Lake Michigan street journey with children.

There are such a lot of issues to do in Chicago with children that you may simply spend your complete week within the metropolis exploring, however when you solely do a number of issues, think about these.

Boat tour

There are few locations higher than the Chicago Riverwalk to walk and benefit from the sunshine. The 1.25 mile path has some nice views of the skyline, in addition to actions and loads of locations to seize some meals alongside the best way – it’s additionally absolutely paved and lined with public artwork.

View of Chicago's skyscrapers on a cloudy evening from the river, during an architecture boat tour - one of the fun things to do with kids on a road trip around Lake Michigan

Or head out onto the water itself with a river tour or some kayaking. This 90-minute structure cruise is family-friendly and you’ll depart from the Riverwalk, whereas there’s additionally a 45-minute structure cruise if you would like a shorter choice with youthful children – effectively price doing, even when you discover it pouring with rain, as we did.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium could not be the biggest aquarium on the planet, however it held that title for years and continues to be one of the vital spectacular with 32,000 animals throughout the aquarium partitions.

You gained’t simply see fish, there are displays with birds, snakes, amphibians, together with sharks. The Amazon Rising Exhibit has glass home windows proper all the way down to the ground, so it’s simple for youthful children to see what’s taking place, from electrical eels and frogs to small monkeys.

Brightly coloured reef fish and corals at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago - one of the great things to do during a road trip around Lake Michigan for families

Or drop by the Abbott Oceanarium exhibit to witness dolphins and beluga whales play, earlier than heading to the Wild Reef Exhibit under for gorgeous corals, sharks and stingrays.

The Polar Play Zone is the proper place for little ones to let off steam whereas enjoying costume up and fake (as penguins, in fact)! Don’t overlook to go to the contact pool to see what starfish and stingrays really feel like too, plus you’re proper by the lake shore too.

Discipline Museum

Dwelling to world well-known 40ft T-Rex skeleton Sue, the expertly curated collections on the Discipline Museum are unmissable for anybody visiting Chicago with children.

The grand entrance and steps at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago - one of the great places to visit in the city during a Lake Michigan road trip with kids

When you’ve mentioned hi there to the 67 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus, essentially the most full T-Rex exhibit on the planet, you may as well see the biggest dinosaur that ever lived, Maximo the Titanosaur.

Then take a stroll to see the mummies and hieroglyphics of the Inside Historic Egypt exhibit, earlier than travelling to the 1800s to go to the Pawnee Earth Lodge, or one of many momentary exhibitions.

Purchase skip-the-line tickets to the Discipline Museum with free cancellation, together with the possibility to go for a one-hour VIP tour and ticketed exhibitions

Benefit from the views

Wherever you’re in Chicago, you’ll be surrounded by town’s well-known skyscrapers, which sprung up after the good hearth within the nineteenth century, and gave it its iconic skyline.

However in addition to seeing them from floor degree (and by boat), you’ll be able to head as much as the highest of a number of to benefit from the views from on excessive.

At 1,450 ft tall, the long-lasting Willis Tower – previously often called the Sears Tower – has unmatched views out throughout 4 completely different states and as much as 50 miles from its glass Skydeck observatory.

Much more thrilling, head to The Ledge to expertise the exhilarating feeling of standing on high-strength laminated clear glass that juts out 4.3 ft from the 103rd flooring, so you’ll be able to look straight down from 1,353 ft up within the air!

Or take a look at tickets to 360 Chicago, previously the John Hancock Constructing Observatory, 1,000ft above Michigan Avenue the place you may as well get tickets for Tilt – leaning towards the glass because it slowly tilts away from the constructing so there appears to be nothing between you and the bottom – as you’ll be able to see from my photographs, the views are nonetheless fairly spectacular even when you don’t fancy that.

Spot The Bean

No journey to Chicago is full with out a cease at Millennium Park. You’ll discover exhibitions and particular programmes of occasions in addition to the stunning gardens, plus the mesmerising Cloud Gate, higher often called The Bean.

It’s price understanding that there are sometimes occasions on in the course of the summer season months, particularly, so the park is barely open to ticket-holders – examine town’s calendar when you actually need to stand up near the Bean as we had been fenced out and needed to be content material with a long-distance peek.

View of the Cloud Gate, otherwise known as the Bean, in Chicago, partly concealed behind roofing for an event in Millennium Park - the city is the start and end point of my week itinerary for a road trip around Lake Michigan with kids

Have some deep dish pizza

Pizza is often a winner with children anyway, however you shouldn’t miss a slice of Chicago’s well-known deep pan pizza pie when you’re within the metropolis.

You gained’t be in need of locations to strive it, though Lou Malnati’s payments itself as Chicago’s finest – it might have been in contrast to every other pizza I’ve had (and I’ve had loads) however I devoured mine. It’s effectively price reserving forward (or get takeaway)… and undoubtedly arrive hungry!

That’s solely a style of a few of our favourites with loads extra issues to do in Chicago with children, in addition to close to town

Day 3 – Chicago-Milwaukee

Wisonsin’s greatest metropolis is barely round 90 minutes from Chicago and whereas it may not spring to thoughts as essentially the most family-friendly place to spend a while, there are some nice issues to do with children.

Catch a ball recreation

Head to the American Household Discipline (previously Miller Park) to see a baseball recreation. The Milwaukee Brewers are top-of-the-line groups round this yr, however whether or not you’re an avid fan or a complete novice, there’s nothing fairly just like the environment, even when (like me!) you’ve by no means seen a single baseball recreation earlier than.

View of the American Family Field in Milwaukee during a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game - one of the fun things to do during a family road trip around Lake Michigan

If you wish to go all out, you’ll be able to guide parking to go tailgating earlier than the sport, though when you aren’t packing tenting chairs and cooking gear, it’s additionally simple to seize some meals inside too. And if there isn’t a recreation on throughout your go to, you may as well have a look round on a tour.

Go to a brewery

Milwaukee has loads of breweries, which suggests loads of brewery excursions and when you may not instantly suppose it’s an amazing concept with children, quite a lot of are family-friendly.

We headed to Lakefront Brewery with loads of households consuming within the bar as effectively. Whereas I wouldn’t take a toddler onto the tour, tweens and youths might discover out extra about what goes into brewing – for sure, they will’t strive the samples included with the tour (adults do want ID) though there are non-alcoholic options.

And there’s loads for grown-ups to strive, each right here and utilizing tokens within the bar. The Bumblebear, made with actual honey, bought the thumbs up from me, though there’s every thing from darkish beer to IPAs to lagers to extra beers than I might identify, in addition to take a look at batches. Or go to for the Friday barbecue, full with polka music (reservations important).

Brewing vats inside Lakeside Brewery in Milwaukee during a brewery tour - one of several things to do during a Lake Michigan road trip with teens

Try a museum

There are many nice museums in Milwaukee as effectively, from the Betty Brinn Youngsters’s Museum, nice for youthful children, to the Milwaukee Public Museum for a style of historical past, from prehistoric occasions to Previous Milwaukee and on.

Or Discovery World is true on the shores of Lake Michigan, with loads of likelihood for youths to get arms on among the many science and know-how displays.

And for one thing a bit completely different? How concerning the Harley Davidson Museum, based in Milwaukee – youthful ones will benefit from the creativeness station, whereas teenagers can recognize the historical past and designing their very own customized creation. For one thing severely quirky, you may even head to the Nationwide Bobblehead Corridor of Fame & Museum.

Take a tour

With solely at some point in Milwaukee, there are some enjoyable excursions to introduce you to town. This two-hour tour of Milwaukee mixes a strolling tour and a bus tour, so you’ll be able to see among the highlights shut up in addition to protecting a bit extra floor than you’d handle on foot alone.

Or strive a Milwaukee meals tour, wandering round Downtown Milwaukee as you strive a string of Wisconsin specialities, brats and cheese curds to barbecue, and custard.

Buildings in Downtown Milwaukee on a sunny day - a walking tour to explore the city is a great option during a Wisconsin road trip with kids

Go to a water park

In case your children love water parks, save a while to go simply outdoors Milwaukee to Springs Water Park with an enormous 45,000 sq. ft to take pleasure in, from a chilled-out lazy river to extra thrilling rides, whirlpools and extra.

There’s an amazing splash zone for youths, with water cannons, a 600 gallon dump bucket and extra water play areas, in addition to a lily pad rope stroll in one other space. Set within the Ingleside Resort, it’s round 20 miles from Milwaukee itself, so a straightforward drive to suit into your Lake Michigan street journey with children.

Get extra concepts of family-friendly issues to do in Milkwaukee right here as effectively, together with the zoo and methods to discover the lakefront

Day 4 – Milwaukee to Madison

Round an hour or so additional north is Wisconsin’s state capital, Madison, a college city that’s a beautiful place to walk round and discover.

Begin by trying out the state capitol constructing – the dome is the most important within the US by quantity. It’s open to the general public and there are free excursions, or head as much as the sixth flooring statement deck when you’re visiting throughout summer season. It’s price understanding that when you go to on a Saturday, there’s additionally a well-liked farmer’s market within the sq. across the capitol.

View to the state capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin - one of the cities to visit during a 7-day road trip around Lake Michigan with kids

Then stroll down vibrant State Avenue, which is filled with quirky impartial outlets, plus loads of locations to eat and drink. Preserve an eye fixed out for the fudge shops, in addition to all of the statues of Bucky Badger, the mascot of the College of Wisconsin-Madison workforce.

There’s additionally a sculpture of a badger with its cub, which is slightly extra true to life, proper all the way down to the claws and mini snarl, slightly than the cheery black and white striped ones!

We stopped for lunch at Dotty Dumplings Dowry, which – regardless of the identify – has some nice burgers. Get the cheese curds as effectively, an addictively good Wisconsin speciality.

Then head all the way down to the waterfront and the college Union constructing – anybody is welcome to wander inside. Decide up a cone at Babcock Corridor ice cream, then head out to the brightly colored chairs on the again by the lakeside. There’s additionally a German beer corridor if the climate isn’t so good.

When the solar’s shining, hire a kayak, paddleboard or canoe and discover Mendota or Monona Lake (Madison is certainly one of solely two main US cities to be constructed on an isthmus, set between the 2 lakes), loosen up at BB Clarke park with its sandy seashore, or discover the paths at UW-Madison Arboretum.

If exploring the world gained’t maintain your children entertained, there are many different household points of interest in Madison too – spot polar bears on the Henry Vilas Zoo or take a look at the interactive displays at Madison Youngsters’s Museum.

Or with older children, head out on a spooky Madison: Haunts and Terrors strolling tour to find ghostly happenings and ghoulish tales from throughout town’s historical past.

On the lookout for suggestions in your Lake Michigan street journey with children? Try my recommendation on planning a street journey with children, my street journey packing record, street journey actions for youths and the very best street journey snacks for youths

Day 5 – Madison to Door County

Persevering with additional north, Door County is likely one of the prettiest components of not simply Wisonsin however all of America – lakefront communities the place it’s all about native companies slightly than chains, a chilled-out lifestyle, and having fun with the countryside.

You possibly can pace up the freeway however you’d be lacking out, so take the street to Manitowoc and Two Rivers, earlier than following the coast previous Alaska and Algoma in the direction of Sturgeon Bay – cease to stretch your legs right here, seize some lunch at Sonny’s Pizza, and stroll down third Avenue for extra souvenirs, espresso and window purchasing.

In the event you’ve bought time, you may look in on the free Door County Historic Museum, the place children can lock one another within the jail cell, in addition to discovering a bit extra concerning the space. Or hike a part of the Sturgeon Bay part of the Ice Age Path, which begins right here and stretches for 1,200 miles – look out for the mammoth statue by Sonny’s.

Then cross from the lake shore over to the bay shore heading in the direction of Egg Harbor, and proceed north via Fish Creek. In the event you fancy a break, take a look at the family-friendly Door County trolley excursions – there’s a 30-minute choice in Egg Harbor.

In the direction of the northern tip, Ephraim and Sister Bay are simply two of the prettiest locations to remain, with some nice locations to eat in Sister Bay – attempt to go to outdoors peak season although, when the crowds descend.

Brightly coloured sign showing ice cream cones and the words 'Life is sweeter in Sister Bay' during a visit to Door County, part of our 7-day Lake Michigan road trip with kids

We stayed throughout late Could after Memorial Day weekend when the climate was attractive and in all places had opened up after the winter however peak season hadn’t fairly begun. From mid June, when the US colleges break up, till round October when the final leaf peepers have headed house, you’ll be able to count on to must share these little communities with loads of others.

And when you suppose your children is perhaps bored away from the cities, there’s loads to do – actually, like my daughter, you’ll be wishing you’d stayed longer.

Nowhere is simply too far-off, so it’s simple to begin exploring after arriving from Madison, plus you’ll have time over the subsequent two days, together with a go to to Washington Island (see under), earlier than heading again to Chicago.

Cave Level

As soon as, way back, this space of Wisconsin was deep below water on the equator – pushed north over tens of millions of years, immediately you’re getting a take a look at historic seabed by the shores of Lake Michigan.

Worn away by the crashing of the waves, Cave Level is a implausible place to discover with children – simply certainly one of my daughter’s favourites – with jutting rock ledges, some attractive viewpoints and trails main via the woods. You possibly can even spot fossils within the rocks as you go.

It goes with out saying to watch out if the climate’s unhealthy or if in case you have youthful children. In the event you’re visiting with older children, you’ll be able to kayak round Cave Level (this tour is open to all ages, however because it lasts 2 1/2 hours, I wouldn’t strive it with little ones personally).

Cease in at Bailey’s Harbor on the best way there or again – there are some nice locations to eat and a few cute outlets to select up souvenirs

Eagle Tower, Peninsula State Park

Towering 60 ft above the Peninsula State Park, Eagle Tower is a good way to take in the views out over Inexperienced Bay and in the direction of fairly Ephraim.

There are 96 steps up, or an 850 foot accessible ramp with info boards dotted alongside: we selected to stroll up the steps and stroll down the ramp to get the very best of each worlds.

Peninsula Park has some simple trails to observe via the woodland, together with a two-mile loop from the parking zone by Eagle Tower, plus shorter trails, in addition to extra viewpoints dotted round too. You’ll want a allow to go to, however you may get day passes to the state park (at present $13 for the day for autos with out of state license plates).

If you wish to see Peninsula State Park from one other angle, head out on a kayaking tour from Ephraim, operating alongside Eagle Path to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse – appropriate for all ages, though once more, I’d counsel it with older children as you’d kayaking via Inexperienced Bay to get there

Play mini golf

I’m undecided the place I’ve seen so many mini golf programs in such a small house – Sister Bay has a number of, Fish Creek has its personal, as does Ephraim. My daughter is a large fan, so we performed a pair throughout our keep.

Pirates Cove in Sister Bay was simply the very best – actually enjoyable, simply difficult sufficient with out being too irritating and loads of pirate theming throughout the 18 holes.

Pirates Cove adventure golf course in Sister Bay, Door County, Wisconsin - one of several fun mini golf courses to try during a Lake Michigan road trip with kids

The 18-hole Evergreen course at Fish Creek is wheelchair accessible, which is a good contact, and has spinners with additional challenges and obstacles each few holes, in addition to the potential of knocking a number of factors off your rating.

Take a ship tour

Together with the kayak excursions, there are some nice boat journeys to discover Door County from the water. This 90-minute boat tour round Peninsula State Park consists of some historical past of the world, in addition to a bit on the geology of the Niagara escarpment (because it’s recognized) plus some nice views. For a shorter choice, this hour-long cruise from Fish Creek takes you to the Strawberry Islands.

Or head out on a two-hour cruise from Sister Bay in the direction of Plum Island Lighthouse and the notorious ‘Dying’s Door’ crossing, which provides the county its identify.

Eat some cherries

You’ll drive previous limitless cherry orchards as you discover Door County – go to in early Could and you’ll see them in blossom, or journey later within the yr and you’ll choose your individual.

Cherry trees in bloom in Door County, Wisconsin aligned in rows with a trail between them - whether you see the blossom or the ripe fruit on the trees, kids will love the cherries on a Wisconsin road trip

Everytime you go to, there are farm outlets galore to select up every thing from cherry pie to cherry salsa.

Spot the rooftop goats

Preserve an eye fixed out for the goats grazing on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay – the sloping roofs are grassed over, and when you go to throughout daytime whereas the restaurant is open, you’ve bought a great likelihood of recognizing a number of of the herd nonchalantly munching away.

We cherished the Swedish pancakes on the menu inside too, though when you handle to go away with out shopping for a fluffy memento goat in your children, you’re doing higher than I did!

Go to a vineyard

Door County is on the same latitude as northern Portugal, an space well-known for its wines. And whereas wine rising is loads newer right here, there are an entire string of wineries to cease off and luxuriate in a number of tastings when you fancy.

Not a fan of wine? There’s additionally cider, beer and whisky brewed and distilled round right here too.

Day 6 – Washington Island

Certainly one of my favorite days out in Door County throughout our Lake Michigan street journey with children was heading to its northernmost level, Washington Island.

It’s solely a brief drive from Ephraim and Sister Bay to the ferry from North Level over to the island, with some beautiful views in the course of the 30-minute journey (they pack the automobiles in tight, so hop out quick if it’s busy!). Or you may get the passenger ferry from Gills Rock.

View of the small ferry which runs between Washington Island and the mainland of Door County - one of the lovely places to visit on a 7-day Lake Michigan road trip with kids

There are bikes and golf buggies to rent on the island, or it’s simple to drive round when you’re taking your automobile. There’s additionally the Washington Island Cherry Prepare Excursions, which has at the very least three stops and guided commentary, lasting as much as two hours.

Don’t miss Schoolhouse Seaside with its completely clean curved stones – nice for skimming, constructing cairns or simply lobbing into the extremely clear turquoise water! Or take a wander alongside the quick Heritage Mountain climbing Path within the woods, which could be very child-friendly.

You’ll additionally go a lavender farm as you discover the island, and you’ll have a look contained in the outdated Publish Workplace too, earlier than grabbing one thing to eat or drink – burgers and ice cream at Albatross Drive In, espresso and baked items at Crimson Cup, whereas throughout the island Jackson Harbor Soup has nice views and (as its identify suggests) nice soup!

Permit at the very least half a day, together with loads of time for the ferry crossings, however you might also be capable to slot in some extra of the issues to do round Door County when you head again to the mainland.

For extra concepts of issues to do throughout a day on Washington Island with children, take a look at this submit

Day 7 – Door County

In case you have time earlier than setting off, benefit from it by visiting a number of extra Door County points of interest from the Day 5 record above.

Received extra time? As a substitute of heading south from Door County straight again to Chicago, take the street north from Inexperienced Bay to cross over to Michigan and its forests and state parks. Go to Mackinac Island and take the bridge throughout the Straits of Mackinac to the east aspect of Lake Michigan, the place you’ll discover Traverse Metropolis (additionally well-known for its cherries) and Grand Rapids, amongst different stops.

The drive again to Chicago airport takes round 4 hours, relying on visitors, so if in case you have an in a single day flight house, you’ll be able to nonetheless match one thing in earlier than hitting the freeway south or alongside your route.

Alternatively, you may plan your Chicago days on the finish of this street journey round Lake Michigan, while you’re over the jetlag, so that you’re again within the metropolis within the run-up to your flight.

For one more street journey from Chicago with children, take a look at my itinerary for a Midwest street journey

Disclosure: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own, based mostly on our personal Lake Michigan street journey with children

Foremost picture/Downtown Milwaukee/cherry bushes courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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