6 Quietest Small Towns Near Chicago
All sorts of things make Chicago unique. Its lakefront skyline, along with a dense transit network, influences daily life in ways that few other American cities can compare to. But let's be honest. Chicago is a very busy place. Every now and then, you can get the craving to find someplace a little more mellow instead. With the city close to an assortment of different states, planning a getaway is actually easier than most people expect. For example, Wisconsin is just north of the city, while Indiana extends across the southern border of Lake Michigan. This geography gives an opportunity to access options such as harbor towns and orchard country without a long journey from the city. These six places suit travelers looking for quieter streets and slower nights while still sticking close to Chicago.
Long Grove, Illinois
When traffic is just right, you can make the trip to Long Grove from downtown Chicago in under an hour. It strikes a balance, far enough to offer a change of scenery, but without that long road trip feeling. When you head through Historic Downtown Long Grove, you are smack in the middle of brick paths and an old-style covered bridge. After, be sure to try the Long Grove Confectionery for old-school fudge or caramel apples. For lunch or dinner, try Enzo & Lucia Ristorante’s Italian classics, or pop into Corked, where you can grab some fine dining or sip on a cocktail or wine.
Craving some sunshine? Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is east of town, so cyclists and anyone wanting a solid walk get tons of paths to discover while the sun’s up. As the light fades, you will likely spot deer or sandhill cranes winding through the brush. After, head over to the Sock Monkey Museum, which boasts hosting the planet’s largest stash of Sock Monkeys. It even has two floors to see! Long Grove does not have a lot of traditional hotels, so head over and stay at the Deer Path Inn over in Lake Forest, with its stylish English décor, as it stands out as a popular pick.
Beverly Shores, Indiana
South of Lake Michigan, Beverly Shores is only about an hour from Chicago. Not many people live here the entire year, which keeps things calm and low-key no matter what month it is. You also have the Indiana Dunes National Park wrapping around the town, and it helps shape how everyone uses their free time, whether they are wandering the trails or soaking up the views of the lake. For this and many reasons, families from Chicago have been heading out here to get away from it all for over a century. If you are thinking about coming through, plan a weekend retreat with beach time at Kemil Beach, where boardwalks cut through tall grass and open onto wide sand.
Another option, the Dune Succession Trail, sits in the West Beach area of the Indiana Dunes National Parkand and climbs past oak savanna for a view over Lake Michigan. Back in town, catch some Americana history over at the Century of Progress Homes, sleek experimental houses built for modern living, which were moved here from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Looking for a place to stay? Book a room at the Spring House Inn in nearby Porter if you want quick entry to Indiana Dunes National Park. Or, campers craving bonfires should grab a spot at Dunewood Campground, just a couple of minutes from Beverly Shores.
New Buffalo, Michigan
This town was founded during the 1830s near a frontier trading post known as Buffalo. Although the first Buffalo is gone, the town kept the name in its honor. Nowadays, it is a quiet, calm town, especially after Labor Day when crowds thin out, and the marina scene quiets, giving people in the region access to a peaceful place for relaxing. A fun weekend retreat here centers on the waterfront. So when you come, walk the New Buffalo Public Beach at sunset and watch freighters cross the horizon. After, follow the riverwalk toward Whittaker Street, where you can turn off for good coffee at Issa Vibe Café or keep going to have lunch at Stray Dog’s Back Porch.
Step outdoors and visit Galien River County Park, which contains the elevated boardwalks and platforms that give an opportunity to walk beside the Galien River. Alternatively, for an experience a tad different, enter the Harbor Country Museum of History and Rail, a small museum that shows regional history together with restored railcars. Complete your day by having dinner at the Bentwood Tavern, where the patio views point toward the marina. If you want to reserve a room, think about the Marina Grand Resort. It also overlooks the harbor, and the evenings there end with dock lights reflecting over the channel.
St. Joseph, Michigan
People hurry out to St. Joseph for weekends packed with Lake Michigan adventures and everything you can get up to near the water. Stop at Silver Beach County Park, where you will find over 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Michigan. It is also home to two famous lighthouses that pull in eager photographers and curious souls. Heading into town beside the lake, the Silver Beach Carousel rolls back the years with hand-carved animals and a full band organ spinning out tunes while riders take their lap beneath the twinkling lights inside the Shadowland Pavilion.
State Street is home to a lot of the downtown action here in town. It has things like tastings at White Pine Winery, which sits near the Krasl Art Center, while the Curious Kids’ Museum draws families off the beach for hours of good family fun. History is the story at the Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, learn all about the time when French traders and settlers left their mark near the river. When you arrive in town, settle down for the weekend at The Inn at Harbor Shores, which is only a short walk from the water and all the downtown restaurants.
Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Sitting over on Geneva Lake, this town is only an hour and a half north of Chicago, luring weekend crowds who flock to its boat docks and bright sunsets. This scenery ignites the marina and old summer cottages perched on the rises above the water. Step into the weekend at Williams Bay Beach; the broad grass rolls right down to Geneva Lake, and sailboats float past swimmers relaxing in its waters. Next, you can wander uphill toward Yerkes Observatory, where the town’s huge telescope and Romanesque stone buildings hand Williams Bay an unexpected attraction.
Once you have checked out the observatory, head back down to the water and jump on a section of the Geneva Lake Shore Path. At first, the public path slips past estates and boathouses, but then you are suddenly wandering along quiet bits of lakefront with waves splashing just short of your feet. When you return to town, take a seat at the Belfry Music Theatre, a longtime popular venue, with comedies and musicals that keep weekend audiences coming over and over. Want a place to crash? Stay at the Harbor View Cottages, which include vintage cabins situated by the lake that provide a much more personal experience than chain hotels and keep every destination within a short drive or even a walk.
Three Oaks, Michigan
Three Oaks is over in southwest Michigan, just a few miles from the border. Developed during the late 19th century, the town started as a railroad stop that served the surrounding orchards and timber businesses. After years of gradual decline, Three Oaks got renewed vitality with food tourism and arts becoming a big reason behind new growth in town. Nowadays, it attracts travelers on the weekends from Chicago as well as western Michigan. A good weekend revolves around food and live music at Journeyman Distillery inside the restored Featherbone Factory. Take a walk through the production floor, then have dinner at the Staymaker, located directly on site.
Once the weekend hits, visit the Froehlich bakery, where you will see individuals from the neighborhood waiting in the early morning for cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread. Pack a treat and drive beyond city limits to the Warren Dunes State Park, just 15 minutes away, with its windswept dune alongside sprawling lake views. When it is time to find your hotel, the Sycamore Guest House is a handy choice on Elm Street, giving you a smooth stroll to the sights around town.
Chicago energy fades fast once the road bends toward dunes and lake towns. These nearby getaways offer easy-going mornings and quiet sunsets, all without needing a marathon road trip. All of these towns are close enough so that you can leave Friday night and breathe deeply by Saturday morning with coffee outside. So, if the city noise is driving you a bit crazy, do not wait around. Drive out and visit these nearby quiet towns. You won't regret it.
