Journey 
Find yourself wanting to travel this summer, but don’t necessarily have the means for it? Well, the next best thing, at this age, is to take day trips! Taking the train to explore the different cities throughout Illinois can be a fun way to spend the summer with your friends or family. Here are some of the most fun, yet convenient locations to travel to:
Wisconsin: Wisconsin may be your friends or family’s best bet for a fun quick trip away from the city and is just three hours driving distance. I recommend checking out Wisconsin’s many state and national forests and parks. It’s the perfect place to hike or bike on nature trails during the summertime. You might want to also check out the Dells and Kalahari resorts.
Indiana Dunes: Looking for the perfect beach for a picnic or wanting to try out hiking? Indiana Dunes National Park is the place for you! Only a 45-minute drive from Chicago, the Dunes is the perfect day trip, offering a plethora of activities for you and your friends.
If you don’t have a vehicle, taking the metra on the South Shore railroad is convenient transportation to Indiana Dunes National Park! Visit the South Shore or Metra website for additional details for reaching the park.
Starved Rock State Park: In Oglesby, IL, is where you will find the gorgeous Starved Rock State Park. From hiking the trails to watching wildlife, this park is a must-visit. What makes this spot so unique is not only its canyons and waterfalls but the opportunity to kayak, boat, or fish on the Illinois River.
Anderson Japanese Gardens: Located in Rockford, IL, just under two hours outside of Chicago, is the Anderson Japanese Gardens. You have the choice between guiding yourself or a guided tour through this botanical garden. Basking in Japanese architecture or feeding the fishes, this garden is the epitome of beauty. According to the “Ultimate Guide to Anderson Gardens’ by ‘travelthefoodforthesoul,’ frequent visitors suggest dining at the Fresco restaurant.
These are just a few places that live on my bucket list for summer 2024. Do you plan on going on day trips this summer? If so, let us know where you go!
By Journey Powell, Freshman, Spelman College
Instagram: journeyaliah
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