Getaway Barber Creek, Grand Junction, Michigan

Getaway Barber Creek ranks 1st on the list of best road trips from Chicago. Ever wanted to say, “Screw it all,” get rid of all your earthly belongings, and hole up in a hygge-ified tiny house in the middle of nowhere? Live out all your reclusive fantasies without actually tossing your stuff by booking a weekend in Grand Junction, a pastoral sliver of western Michigan about 15 minutes outside the lakefront hamlet of South Haven. That’s where you’ll find Getaway Barber Creek, a 79-acre dog-friendly glamping-ground outfitted with a handful of secluded cabins complete with parking spots, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and fire pits for all your marshmallow-melting needs. Each matte black hideaway is as practically appointed as it is aesthetically pleasing, stocked with a plush, super comfy bed, gorgeous floor-to-ceiling window, compact table, kitchenette with running water, and full bathroom with a real-deal shower.

Outside the confines of your oasis lies plenty of outdoorsy and less-outdoorsy activities, from hiking the converted railroad Kal-Haven Trail or sand-strewn Van Buren Park Dunes Trail to checking out the historic South Haven South Pierhead Light or stuffing yourself silly at area farm-to-table eateries and top-notch breweries. Getaway is a unique company that offers cozy cabin rentals throughout the United States, most of which are tucked away in nature-rich forests and other beautiful oases that provide genuine rejuvenation. Great Lakes State residents will be thrilled to learn that one of Getaway’s cabins is tucked away right here in Michigan. When you choose to spend a night or two here, you’ll enjoy a woodsy atmosphere and convenient access to nearby attractions like Lake Michigan beaches, hiking trails, local eateries, and so much more.

Miles from Chicago: 133 miles

Suggested round-trip time: 2.5-hour drive

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5