Michigan City, IN

If you’re car-less, this small city is a perfect option for a day trip from Chicago. Hop on the Amtrak at Union Station and you’ll be in Michigan City in just over an hour. Or, take the South Shore Line and you can hop off right at the Indiana Dunes National Park, 15 miles of gorgeous sand dunes on the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

Spend some time strolling around Washington Park and Beach in Michigan City. The park has a ton of family-friendly activities and is located on a section of Lake Michigan shoreline just outside of town. The Old Lighthouse Museum is a good choice if you're looking for something more engaging. In the warmer months, you can also go kayaking and taking boat tours on the lake.

If you're hungry, head over to Shoreline Brewery, a hidden gem of a microbrewery with tasty pub fare and a changing menu of beers on tap. Fiddlehead offers high-quality comfort food, such as fried lake perch and grass-fed beef burgers, as well as a chance to experience regional flavors.

• Did You Know? Washington Park is home to Indiana’s only working lighthouse.
• Distance from Chicago: 1.25 hours
• Michigan City Website: https://www.michigancitylaporte.com/