Chicago area where do you go?
Question is for Chicago are campers. Where do you go for weekends? I am not looking to go hang out at a campground I am looking for places/things to see. I know about Starved Rock and have no interest...
Forum Discussion
From the Chicago area, we got tired of driving north (WI) and fighting traffic, or driving south and east (IN and MI) and fighting traffic, so we decided to explore out West (I-80, I-88). There are a few state sites elec only (White Pines, Morrison-Rockwood) north of 88. We full time at Sunset Lakes Resort, which is the second to the last exit before you get to the Iowa state line. It's a perfect distance from us in the Western Suburbs, and a fast drive to anything you'd want to see in the Quad Cities.
John Deere Commons...free museum in downtown Moline (20 minutes). Climb over all the tractors and see exhibits about agriculture. Visit the gift shop! And while you're in downtown Moline, be sure to stop at Lagomarcino's, an old-timey ice cream shop (original location since 1908). Great home made sandwiches and fabulous candies, too. OR you can visit Bier Stubbe for lunch - great German food and beers. In the summer, walk to the river from there and catch the Channel Cat. An open air boat that takes passengers to 4 stops along the Mississippi. Suggest you hop off at the Village of East Davenport - historical village dating back to 1851. Nice shops and restaurants and bars. When it's real hot in the summer, would take the grandson with me and we'd just ride the Channel Cat and not get off - to catch the fresh air on the river!
On the north side of the river (another 20 minute drive from the campground) is LeClaire, Iowa, first exit off the bridge. If you're a fan of American Pickers, this is for you. Lots of shops, antiques, restaurants and of course the home of Antique Archaeology. If the guys are there, they'll sign autographs, etc. Buffalo Bill Museum is in town and a must-see also.
A little further west on 80 is the Biggest Truck Stop in the World - Iowa 80. The trucking museum is phenomenal. Plus the truck stop is fun to visit...it's just so massive...and so many truck things to buy!
Other little trips from that campground:
Bishop Hill (about 90 minutes) founded by Swedish immigrants in 1846
Niabi Zoo (45 minutes) in Coal Valley. Cute little zoo.
Kewanee and Good's Furniture (can't explain, you just have to see it)
Quad Cities also boasts museums and restaurants...annual events. There's always something happening, for instance, in August they shut river traffic on the Mississippi for "TUG FEST." Illinois vs Iowa form teams and tug a war over the river. Huge festival and fundraising.
That's how WE fill our weekends from Chicago.
John Deere Commons...free museum in downtown Moline (20 minutes). Climb over all the tractors and see exhibits about agriculture. Visit the gift shop! And while you're in downtown Moline, be sure to stop at Lagomarcino's, an old-timey ice cream shop (original location since 1908). Great home made sandwiches and fabulous candies, too. OR you can visit Bier Stubbe for lunch - great German food and beers. In the summer, walk to the river from there and catch the Channel Cat. An open air boat that takes passengers to 4 stops along the Mississippi. Suggest you hop off at the Village of East Davenport - historical village dating back to 1851. Nice shops and restaurants and bars. When it's real hot in the summer, would take the grandson with me and we'd just ride the Channel Cat and not get off - to catch the fresh air on the river!
On the north side of the river (another 20 minute drive from the campground) is LeClaire, Iowa, first exit off the bridge. If you're a fan of American Pickers, this is for you. Lots of shops, antiques, restaurants and of course the home of Antique Archaeology. If the guys are there, they'll sign autographs, etc. Buffalo Bill Museum is in town and a must-see also.
A little further west on 80 is the Biggest Truck Stop in the World - Iowa 80. The trucking museum is phenomenal. Plus the truck stop is fun to visit...it's just so massive...and so many truck things to buy!
Other little trips from that campground:
Bishop Hill (about 90 minutes) founded by Swedish immigrants in 1846
Niabi Zoo (45 minutes) in Coal Valley. Cute little zoo.
Kewanee and Good's Furniture (can't explain, you just have to see it)
Quad Cities also boasts museums and restaurants...annual events. There's always something happening, for instance, in August they shut river traffic on the Mississippi for "TUG FEST." Illinois vs Iowa form teams and tug a war over the river. Huge festival and fundraising.
That's how WE fill our weekends from Chicago.
