Starved Rock State Park
Another of the best short road trips from Chicago is a day trip down to Starved Rock State Park. Virtually everyone who lives in Chicago and loves the outdoors has made this journey at least once.
Starved Rock has lots of hiking and camping opportunities, but it has so much more than that. There are waterfalls, sandstone cliffs along the river, and rock formations that are millions of years old.
Reserve your campground in advance because Starved Rock gets popular during the summer. If youre so inclined, you could even ditch the vehicle and reach Starved Rock via a 108-mile bike route from Chicago. Whos up for a bicycle road trip?
Amazing Winter Fun And Magic Sleigh Rides At Ma & Pa’s Cabin In Burton Oh
- The cost is $110 weekdays and $150 weekends for two-night stay.
1.5 hours
Are you looking for memorable winter fun, a fabulous sleigh ride, and a unique off-the-grid cabin rental in the woods? You will get this unique experience and much more, while staying at Ma & Pa’s in the village of Burton, Ohio.
Nestled in the mature woods, away from the busy city life, with a gas fireplace, fire pit, wrap-around deck, home amenities, and private hiking trails, this winter getaway will make your childhood dream come true!
Cincinnati Ohio: 5 Hours
If you want to try and hit every major city in Ohio, consider adding Cincinnati to your weekend getaway from Pittsburgh considerations! Visiting Cincinnati also means on Monday when you go back to work you can tell people you visited Kentucky too! Cincinnati is located right on the border of Ohio and Kentucky , so why not pay it a visit to both!
Cincinnati is home to one of the top zoos in the country , unique cuisines like Cincinnati chili, sports teams, and tons of fun museums! Like Cleveland, Cincinnati reminds us of Pittsburgh. Its an older city with its revitalized communities, so there are tons of interesting things to explore.
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Gettysburg Pennsylvania: 3 Hours
For the history buff, Gettysburg Pennsylvania is an exciting destination to visit! Gettysburg National Historic Park is a great place to learn about American Civil War history. Here, you can tour the museum, visit the preserved battlefields, and countless monuments and memorials. Throughout the year, you can take guided tours of the battlefield, experience living history, and go on spooky ghost tours.
Downtown Gettysburg also attracts visitors for its charming downtown dining, shopping, and craft beer scene. Being in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania, youll get a slice of the countryside by going on a weekend trip to Gettysburg.
Stunning Getaway To Hawks Nest State Park In Wv
- The cost for tram rides starts at $6.
3.5 hours
If you are looking for a scenic getaway, consider Hawks Nest State Park in West Virginia. What makes the park special is the scenic overlook of the beautiful New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below.
Couples, families, groups of friends and outdoor lovers will be excited to explore great hiking trails, nature museums, aerial tramways, and jetboat rides. Also, whitewater rafting experiences here are really special!
If you are looking for a scenic getaway, consider Hawks Nest State Park in West Virginia. What makes the park special is the scenic overlook of the beautiful New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below.
Couples, families, groups of friends and outdoor lovers will be excited to explore great hiking trails, nature museums, aerial tramways, and jetboat rides. Also, whitewater rafting experiences here are really special!
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Boston Massachusetts: Drive Time 5 Hours 56 Minutes
Boston is a city full of history. This is another big city I visited before kids but we havent visited as a family. The New England Aquarium is a must do and there are many historic buildings to discover.
I suggest adding a day in Springfield, MA to explore the Dr. Seuss museum. This is on the way from Rochester to Boston, and a great stop for families.
Check deals for Boston hotels!
Here Are The 10 Closest Beaches To Pittsburgh
From the Andy Warhol Museum to Mt. Washington and more, there is a lot to love about Pittsburgh, PA! However, when you get the urge to escape your day-to-day routine, there are plenty of beaches nearby for you to relax and unwind. Read on to discover 10 of the closest beaches to Pittsburgh, PA.
Of these 10 places, Geneva-on-the-Lake is the closest beach to Pittsburgh, PA. When you are ready to plan your next beach vacation, remember to ! Our guide includes over 100 recommendations on wineries, restaurants, outdoor recreation, and things to do in the area!
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New York City New York
While the big lights of New York City are sure to inspire you , theres about a 6 hours worth of non-stop driving from Pittsburgh. Plus, additional traffic time that the route is notorious for. So, travellers usually prefer hitching Megabus rides to rid themselves of the pain of negotiating so much traffic. Once inside, NYC will be the most pleasing mishmash of chaos and wonder, which might even get overwhelming for some. Cruise down the Hudson River for some calm. Else, head up to admire scintillating views from the top of Lady Liberty. You can spend hours admiring the collection housed in NYCs many museums and/or exploring the glam-district, Upper East Side . Other than that, theres always a casual stroll along Central Parks shaded walkways that you can take.
Sugar Creek Ohio: 2 Hours
If youre looking to get away from the city and experience country life, consider taking a weekend trip to Sugar Creek Ohio! This small town in the Amish Country of Ohio is full of quaint markets, shops, and local cuisine. Sugar Creek Ohio is also known as the Little Switzerland of Ohio because of its historical Swiss heritage! Here, you can see the Worlds Largest Cuckoo Clock!
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Perfect Getaways For Pittsburgh Families
Summer has reached its midpoint, but theres still time to sneak in a long weekend or quick day trip with the family. From classic coasters to outdoorsy adventures, hit up one of these destinations and indulge in a relaxing escape before jumping back into school schedules. You can get from Pittsburgh to each of these perfect family getaways on a single tank of gas.
Be sure to pack lots of snacks, and factor in a potty break or two! When you return, share your photos on our .
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park, Erie
A quick trip north to Erie lands you at Splash Lagoon, an 80,000-square-foot indoor water park featuring nine water slides and one of the largest indoor wave pools in the United States.
The kid zone includes a Tiki Tree House, Monkey Shines Island Kids Area and Adventure Bay.
While the park is close enough to Pittsburgh to make it up and back in one day, its also connected to three hotels, convenient for an overnight trip.
Deep Creek Lake, McHenry MD
For outdoor recreation and plenty of fresh air, head two hours southeast to McHenry, MD, where the manmade Deep Creek Lake offers boating and other water fun including jet-ski rentals, water trampolines and inner tubing.
The 65 miles of shoreline at Deep Creek Lake feature cove areas for families to fish and swim. And surrounding the 3,900-acre lake are beautiful hiking areas like Swallow Falls State Park, home to three waterfalls in one mile-and-a-half trail.
Great Wolf Lodge, Sandusky, Ohio
Hershey Park
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Drivable Weekend Getaways From Pittsburgh For Any Time Of The Year
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Searching for the best weekend getaways from Pittsburgh? Keep reading for 15+ weekend getaways near Pittsburgh!
Sometimes a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh is needed!
While Pittsburgh is a lively city with tons of fun and exciting things to do, you may want to spend the weekend away as a city escape, or just explore somewhere new and cool! Surprisingly, there are TONS of interesting cities and destinations to explore that are close to Pittsburgh, making them great, drivable weekend getaways from Pittsburgh!
Destinations like Pittsburghs neighboring major cities like Erie, Cleveland, Washington DC, and Columbus make for some of the most popular weekend trips from Pittsburgh. Since were from southwestern Pennsylvania and lived in West Virginia for over 5 year, weve explored most of Pittsburgh and its surrounding regions!
For this list of weekend getaways from Pittsburgh, we decided to select places that were within easy driving distance from Pittsburgh and places that offer activities for any time of the year! Our list also includes weekend destinations for those who are looking to explore anything from new cities to getting lost with no phone service in forests to off-the-beaten-path destinations near Pittsburgh
Here are our favorite weekend getaways from Pittsburgh that are within 5 hours away from the city!
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Oklahoma Kansas & Kansas City
Who would take a road trip from Chicago to Oklahoma and Kansas? *Raises hand* I did this exact trip a few years back. Why? Because Id already visited the other places on this list, and my wanderlust could not be contained!
Plus, I love small towns and quirky roadside attractions. This trip landed first in Kansas City, Missouri, which has a ton of unusual sights, like the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, and the worlds largest shuttlecocks.
Oklahoma City, meanwhile, offered more offbeat fun, including a museum of animal skeletons, another dedicated to the banjo, and another all about cowboys and western life. This trip required around 7-8 days to complete.
Columbus Ohio: 3 Hours
I know, people from Pennsylvania dont really like Ohio, especially Columbus but college football teams aside, Columbus is a city very reminiscent of Pittsburgh. Columbus has tons of museums, a great beer and bar scene, and quirky local neighborhoods that Pittsburghers would appreciate. Columbus is a great weekend getaway from Pittsburgh if youre looking to explore a new city!
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Acadia National Park/bar Harbor Me574 Miles
One of the most visited national parks, Acadia National Park boasts the nickname, Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast. There are plenty of things to do in this region such as hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, whale watching, and sailing. Many feel the best time to visit is late August when the weather is warmer.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Looking for more lake beaches nearby?
Why not take a short drive to Moraine State Park in Portersville?
Home to an extensive 3,225-acre lake, this park boasts a couple of incredible beaches: Lakeview Beach and Pleasant Valley Beach.
Besides their cool waters, these beaches also have long sandy shorelines and are fitted with facilities, like snack stands and showers.
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Lake Arthur And Mcconnells Mill State Park Pa
50 minutes from Pittsburgh
Why you should visit: Lake Arthur is the nearest notable trip from Pittsburgh and is a favorite for both long-distance tourists as well as locals.
Lake Arthur, PA is particularly well-known for its boating and fishing spots. The lake offers activities for all ages throughout the year, regardless of the season.
How to get there: Take Interstate 579 north from Pittsburgh, then take exit 96 and follow PA-488 east to Lake Arthur. To get to McConnells Mills State Park, take US-19 after Exit 96.
Our highlights: To get out on the 3,225 acres of water, you can rent your own boat from Crescent Bay Marina and get exploring the many tributaries of the lake.
Lake Arthur is only one small part of the much bigger Moraine State Park, which is Pennsylvania’s fourth biggest State Park. Take a hike or drive around to experience the natural splendor of the place.
To secure the catch of the day, have a go at reeling in the northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill fish that inhabit the waters. Try McDanels Boat Launch, which is a tried and tested spot to park up with your line.
If you visit the McConnells Mill State Park, hunt out the Mill and Dam, a set of man-made historical structures that stand in scenic contrast to the surrounding nature.
Our travel tips: If you want to use your own boat in Lake Arthur, you must have a launch permit from the state authorities.
Magical Resort Getaway At Oglebay Resort In West Virginia
- The cost starts at $119 per night.
1 hours
Searching for your next family getaway destination? Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a perfect place for every age, interest, and energy level. Great for your special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or honeymoons.A large array of activities and places to eat, a spa, a huge outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, skiing, and ice skating in winter, and the gorgeous scenery will make your stay special!
Searching for your next family getaway destination? Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a perfect place for every age, interest, and energy level. Great for your special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or honeymoons.A large array of activities and places to eat, a spa, a huge outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, skiing, and ice skating in winter, and the gorgeous scenery will make your stay special!
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Outer Banks Nc384 Miles
Those who like the water but want a different scene from the Jersey Shore can take a ride south to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. These quieter beaches allow families to truly unplug. Besides the beautiful beaches, visitors might see wild horses. Additional sites include nearby lighthouses and a sea turtle rescue center.
Embrace summer fun at Virginia Beach. Photo by Jon Abrahams, courtesy of Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Wilds In Cumberland Ohio
About 4 hours from IndyIf theres one place I want to return to when my kids are a tiny bit older, its The Wilds in Cumberland. Think Jurassic Park meets African safari. We took two toddlers and an infant and had a fine time, but its best suited for families with elementary school-aged kids. Look for opportunities to camp or stay on site. Its amazing!
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Morgantown And Coopers Rock State Forest Wv
1 hour 20 minutes from Pittsburgh
Why you should visit: West Virginia University’s hometown is known for its stalwart football support along with all the fun of being a vibrant college town.
For fans of quaint small towns, Morgantown is a must-visit. You can dabble in water sports, hiking, and get out into the breathtaking nature nearby, or hang around in the city and browse the tourist shops.
How to get there: Drive west from Pittsburgh on I-376. Follow I-76 south and take exit 155. Drive to Morgantown via US-19S, or take I-68 east to get to Coopers Rock State Forest.
Our highlights: Get into the college spirit and visit WVU Coliseum, the stadium that’s the home ground to the WVU Mountaineers. Try to catch a game of baseball or volleyball and experience the electric atmosphere.
Take in some culture at WVU Art Museum, which houses historic and modern artworks as well as a selection of art representing Morgantown itself.
Stop by Morgantown Brewing Company and choose from one of their 8 unique craft beers. The Morgantown Brewing Company is the town’s oldest brewery and it is not surprising that it’s one of Morgantown’s most popular tourist attractions!
For a manageable hike, try the Raven’s Rock Trail at Coopers Rock State Forest. This popular 1.5-mile trail begins and ends with scenic views of the Cheat River and Gorge.
Our travel tips: Coopers Rock has limited phone service, so plan ahead.
The 31 Most Awesome Road Trips From Chicago: Day Trips Weekend Getaways And Longer Excursions
Road trippers of Chicago, consider yourselves fortunate! A huge percentage of the USA is accessible within a 12-hour drive from the Windy City, so you can go just about anywhere in the Midwest or East Coast in just a day or two.
During my years living in Illinois, I took numerous road trips from Chicago. They included short trips to nearby cities like Milwaukee and Indianapolis, and longer drives to places like South Dakota and the Smoky Mountains.
Chicago may be the best city in America to take road trips from, so there are endless possibilities for car vacations. Even New York City and the west coast are within reach. It just depends how far youre willing to drive and how much time you have!
Here, Ive gathered 31 of the best road trips from the Chicago area for adventurous travelers. Some of these road trip suggestions will be obvious, like Indiana Dunes, Rockford, and Wisconsin Dells. Others may be destinations youve never considered, such as Ohios Amish Country and Kentuckys Mammoth Cave National Park.
This list of trips from Chicago is broken down into short day trips, long weekend getaways, and extended 7- to 10-day excursions.
TIP: Before hitting the road, check our list of road trip necessities. Make sure to have a dash cam and emergency road kit! And heres a post about the best food and snacks to take with you on the road.
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Where Should We Vacation Within A ~day Drive Of Pittsburghapril 11 201: 15 Pm Subscribe
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