Memorial Day Road Trips: 5 Spots Less Than 4 Hours From Chicago

CHICAGO, IL - As America's fallen heroes are honored in towns and cities across the country on Memorial Day, many mark the holiday as the unofficial start of summer in Chicagoland. Make sure to keep the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in mind while you are enjoying your day off, whether that's at your home, in your home town or on vacation. For those looking to branch out of Chicagoland for the day, we have five good options that are just hours from the city. You won't have to book a hotel to visit these gems near Chicagoland.

1. Michigan City, Indiana: One city, just an hour east of Chicago, offers getaway fun for anyone. There's a public beach that has a magnificent lighthouse, a zoo across the street, an outlet mall around the corner and the Blue Chip Casino just down the road from the mall. You'll want to dine at Matey's, Galveston Steakhouse, Patrick's Grille or one of the other great restaurants the town has to offer as well. The town's slogan, "Create. Play. Repeat," is fitting, especially that last word. You'll want to repeat this trip again and again.

Also in the area: If you have time, take U.S. 12 north of the Michigan border to the city of New Buffalo, which boasts a great beach and casino of their own. Heading north from there on the Red Arrow Highway, you might like Warren Dunes. Located in Sawyer, Michigan, this perfect daycation spot offers kayaking, campgrounds and tall dunes to hike up and get great views.

2. Starved Rock State Park: This place is good for hikers and nature lovers who don't need to be by one of the Great Lakes to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Just an hour-and-a-half west of Chicago.

3. Indiana Beach: Need to bring the kids? This is the place to be. There's a popular amusement park and water resort near Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana. Take note of how many windmills you see on I-65 heading down there. You'll probably lose count after awhile.

4. Lake Geneva: See the impeccably clean water in this southeastern Wisconsin lake. Take the scenic route there by staying on Sheridan Road all the way from the North Side of Chicago to the Kenosha/Racine area in Wisconsin. The mansions of the North Shore will make the journey as good as the destination.

5. Clinton Lake: Not all of Central Illinois is farms and cornfields. This lake west of Champaign and southeast of Bloomington-Normal offers a great fishing scene and fun for swimmers and kayakers too. Avoid the I-80 traffic jam near Joliet by taking I-57 south to IL-10.

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Photo: The sun sets on the lighthouse at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City, Indiana / Patch file photo by Tim Moran