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27 Jun 2025
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Wisconsin To Chicago Road Trip Trip Itinerary

Wisconsin to Chicago Road Trip Overview

Embark on an exciting road trip from Wisconsin to Chicago, experiencing the charm, culture, and history of the Midwest. Begin your journey in Madison, Wisconsin’s vibrant capital, where you can explore scenic lakes, bustling markets, and the iconic Wisconsin State Capitol building. Next, travel to Milwaukee, a city famous for its lively riverwalk, historic breweries, and impressive museums such as the Milwaukee Art Museum. Continue south to Kenosha, a delightful waterfront city known for its family-friendly museums, lighthouses, and charming electric streetcars. Cross the state line into Illinois and visit Waukegan, offering a blend of arts, entertainment, and beautiful lakeside parks. Then, make a stop in Evanston, home to Northwestern University, which boasts a walkable downtown, unique shopping, and beaches along Lake Michigan. Conclude your adventure in Chicago, one of America’s great cities, where you’ll discover iconic architecture, deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Michigan’s shoreline. This road trip provides an unforgettable way to experience the best of the Midwest’s cities and natural landscapes.


Recommended Activities

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    Madison, Wisconsin

    Madison is known for its vibrant downtown, stunning lakeside views, lively arts scene, and the beautiful University of Wisconsin campus.
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    Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Milwaukee offers a mix of cultural attractions, including world-class museums, a bustling brewery scene, and scenic views along Lake Michigan.
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    Kenosha, Wisconsin

    Kenosha is a charming lakeside city featuring historic streetcars, a picturesque harbor, and family-friendly museums along Lake Michigan.
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    Waukegan, Illinois

    Waukegan features a vibrant arts district, historic Genesee Theatre, and scenic lakefront parks, making it a pleasant stop for culture and nature.
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    Evanston, Illinois

    Evanston is home to Northwestern University, charming downtown shops, unique dining, and beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan.
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    Chicago, Illinois

    Chicago offers world-class museums, iconic architecture, deep-dish pizza, breathtaking views from the Willis Tower, and a lively waterfront on Lake Michigan.
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Restaurants

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    The Old Fashioned

    8.9
    $$$$

    The Old Fashioned

    A tribute to Wisconsin's culinary traditions, this Madison eatery is known for its creative takes on local classics and craft cocktails.
    8.9
    $$$$
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    The SafeHouse

    8
    $$$$

    The SafeHouse

    A spy-themed restaurant in Milwaukee with a secret entrance and quirky, interactive dining experience.
    8
    $$$$
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    Frank’s Diner

    4.7
    $$$$

    Frank’s Diner

    Housed in a historic railcar in Kenosha, this iconic diner serves up hearty breakfasts and lunch with a side of nostalgia.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    The Shanty

    4.5
    $$$$

    The Shanty

    Located just outside Waukegan, this rustic spot is known for its creative twists on seafood and classic American fare in a historic roadhouse.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    The Wiener’s Circle

    4.4
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    The Wiener’s Circle

    A famous and notorious Chicago hot dog stand, this late-night eatery combines delicious classic Chicago dogs with a uniquely irreverent service style.
    4.4
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    The Livingston Inn

    The Livingston Inn

    A charming historic bed-and-breakfast in Madison, offering elegant rooms and unique 19th-century architecture.
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    The Iron Horse Hotel - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    The Iron Horse Hotel - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    A boutique Milwaukee hotel housed in a former warehouse, known for its stylish, motorcycle-themed design and industrial-chic rooms.
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    Apothecary Bed & Breakfast

    4.4

    Apothecary Bed & Breakfast

    A cozy and quirky Kenosha B&B located in a former 1920s drugstore, blending vintage décor with modern comforts.
    4.4
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    The Lotus Suites at Midlane-Gurnee/Waukegan

    4.3

    The Lotus Suites at Midlane-Gurnee/Waukegan

    An all-suite hotel with unexpectedly spacious rooms, located near Waukegan, featuring a peaceful garden atrium and indoor pool.
    4.3
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    Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection

    4.6

    Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection

    A futuristic and art-filled hotel in Chicago that delights guests with quirky décor, robot room service, and a science-inspired theme.
    4.6
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Country Thunder Wisconsin

    Country Thunder Wisconsin

    The event will take place at SHADOW HILL RANCH in Twin Lakes.
    Map IconSHADOW HILL RANCH in Twin Lakes (10.14 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
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    Beastie Boys Tribute: Imposters in Effect

    Beastie Boys Tribute: Imposters in Effect

    Impact Fuel Room TCMBooking present Beastie Boys Tribute: Imposters in Effect Saturday, September 27th!Ages | 21+Doors | 8:30pmShow | 9pm------------------------------------- Imposters in EffectFacebook YouTubeMeet the #1 national touring Beastie Boy...
    Map IconImpact Fuel Room in Libertyville (13.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2025
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    Bon Jovi Tribute: Slippery When Wet

    Bon Jovi Tribute: Slippery When Wet

    Impact Fuel Room & TCM Events present Bon Jovi Tribute: Slippery When Wet Saturday, October 4th!Ages | 21+Doors | 8:30pmShow | 9pm------------------------------------- Slippery When WetWebsite Facebook InstagramSlippery When Wet The Ultimate Bon Jovi...
    Map IconImpact Fuel Room in Libertyville (13.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Oct 2025
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    The Four C Notes: Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

    The Four C Notes: Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

    Impact Fuel Room & TCM Events present The Four C Notes: Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons on Sunday, October 5th!Ages | 21+Doors | 3:00 pmShow | 3:30 pm-------------------------------------The Four C NotesFacebook Website Watch on YouTube...
    Map IconImpact Fuel Room in Libertyville (13.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Oct 2025
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    Whiskey Friends: The Morgan Wallen Experience

    Whiskey Friends: The Morgan Wallen Experience

    Impact Fuel Room & TCM Events present Whiskey Friends: The Morgan Wallen Experience Friday, October 10th!Ages | 21+Doors | 8:30pmShow | 9pm------------------------------------- Whiskey Friends: The Morgan Wallen ExperienceFacebookWhiskey Friends The ...
    Map IconImpact Fuel Room in Libertyville (13.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon11 Oct 2025
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    Foreigner Tribute: Feels Like The First Time

    Foreigner Tribute: Feels Like The First Time

    Impact Fuel Room and TCM Events present Foreigner Tribute: Feels Like The First Time Saturday, October 11th!Ages | 21+Doors | 8pmShow | 8:30pm------------------------------------Feels Like the First TimeWebsite Facebook YouTube Feels Like The First T...
    Map IconImpact Fuel Room in Libertyville (13.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Oct 2025
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    Tributes to Green Day and Weezer featuring American Idiots and Weeze

    Tributes to Green Day and Weezer featuring American Idiots and Weeze

    Impact Fuel Room and TCM Events present Tributes to Green Day (American Idiots) and Weezer (Weeze) Saturday, October 18th!Ages | 21+Doors | 8:30pmShow | 9pm------------------------------------- American IdiotsFacebookWeezeWebsite Facebook Instagram
    Map IconImpact Fuel Room in Libertyville (13.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Oct 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Whether you enjoy traveling by ... to road trips! ... A subreddit for discussing travel within the United States and its territories. ... A local subreddit for the State of Wi...

    Day trip from Chicago to Wisconsin?

    Whether you enjoy traveling by ... to road trips! ... A subreddit for discussing travel within the United States and its territories. ... A local subreddit for the State of Wi...

    /r/chicago
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    That area has lots of off-road trails to explore if you have a capable vehicle. ... You have to check out Door County in Wisconsin and stuff yourself with cheese! And more imp...

    Road trips from Chicago?

    That area has lots of off-road trails to explore if you have a capable vehicle. ... You have to check out Door County in Wisconsin and stuff yourself with cheese! And more imp...

    /r/roadtrip
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    Wisconsin has tons of great small towns that could give you exactly what you are looking for. ... Yeah skip Milwaukee and head right for Madison / Baraboo etc. A lot of ppl wi...

    Italian seeking advice on 3.5 days Chicago -> Milwaukee -> Green Bay -> Minneapolis -> Chicago Road Trip

    Wisconsin has tons of great small towns that could give you exactly what you are looking for. ... Yeah skip Milwaukee and head right for Madison / Baraboo etc. A lot of ppl wi...

    /r/AskChicago
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    If you want to spend time on the road, I would recommend considering a trip around Lake Michigan. Head north from Chicago through eastern Wisconsin, through the UP (Michigan),...

    Chicago road trip ideas

    If you want to spend time on the road, I would recommend considering a trip around Lake Michigan. Head north from Chicago through eastern Wisconsin, through the UP (Michigan),...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm planning a trip from Chicago up along the coast of Lake Michigan (Wisconsin side). The trip is around 7 days and I would love to hear some input

    Must-see places on Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan?

    I'm planning a trip from Chicago up along the coast of Lake Michigan (Wisconsin side). The trip is around 7 days and I would love to hear some input

    /r/travel

Music for Your Journey

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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat, classic road trip anthem perfect for hitting the open road.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Captures the excitement and freedom of travel, ideal for a road adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    An empowering rock song that encourages exploration and independence.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah - Lake Shore Drive

    Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah - Lake Shore Drive

    A Chicago classic celebrating drives along the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Uplifting tune with infectious rhythm, perfect for keeping spirits high.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Robert Johnson - Sweet Home Chicago

    Robert Johnson - Sweet Home Chicago

    A blues standard that pays homage to your final destination.
    Listen on Spotify
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    St. Lunatics - Midwest Swing

    St. Lunatics - Midwest Swing

    A lively track that captures the energy and vibe of the Midwest region.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    A reflective song about journey and discovery, fitting for a cross-state trip.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Twenty One Pilots - Ride

    Twenty One Pilots - Ride

    A modern, feel-good song that encourages you to enjoy the journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Laid-back classic rock perfect for cruising down the highway.
    Listen on Spotify
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