Chicago and where else?

Question

My family is heading to Chicago for a week mid July and we want to spend our second week somewhere different, a bit more chill but can’t decide where. Should we go for Michigan beach towns or Lake Geneva? Assuming it’s a bi t much to do both in a week. Anywhere else we must see? Travelling with 14 and 16 year old kids who love the outdoors. Would be great to plan in some boat / riding / kayaking trips maybe. Where is best to base ourselves? Tha ks

Answer

It sounds like you're looking for a mix of relaxation and outdoor adventure, which is great! Both Michigan beach towns and Lake Geneva can offer you a chill, nature-focused escape after your time in Chicago. Here's a breakdown of both options and some other suggestions for a memorable second week.

Michigan Beach Towns:

Character: Michigan's beach towns, especially those around Lake Michigan, have a laid-back vibe and offer plenty of outdoor activities. Popular spots include Saugatuck, Holland, and Grand Haven, which are known for their charming downtowns, scenic beaches, and cool outdoor experiences.
Things to do: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating are all options along the lake. The dunes in places like Saugatuck Dunes State Park or Warren Dunes State Park offer great hiking and stunning views. You can also explore the nearby vineyards and enjoy some downtime at the beach.
Family-friendly activities: Take a boat tour, rent bikes to explore the coast, or spend a day at the beach. Many of these towns also have local shops and dining options that are perfect for families.

Lake Geneva:

Character: Lake Geneva is more of a classic, relaxing resort town with a beautiful lake surrounded by the rolling hills of Wisconsin. It's a bit quieter than the Michigan beach towns but still has plenty to offer, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Things to do: You can take boat tours, rent kayaks, and enjoy water activities on Lake Geneva. The area is also known for hiking and biking trails (Geneva Lake Shore Path is a favorite). There's also horseback riding, which could be a great outdoor activity for your teens.
Family-friendly activities: You can also visit the Black Point Estate & Gardens, which is accessible by boat or a scenic drive. The town has a great downtown area with shops, restaurants, and ice cream spots, perfect for a chill family evening.

Should You Do Both in a Week?

It’s probably better to choose just one location to give yourselves more time to explore and relax. A week is a good amount of time to enjoy one area without feeling rushed. Both Michigan's beach towns and Lake Geneva are wonderful, but you might find that splitting the time between them can lead to too much driving.
If you choose to visit both, it's best to spend about 3-4 days in each area, but factor in travel time between them.

Other Places to Consider:

Door County, Wisconsin: This is another great option if you want a more scenic, outdoor adventure. It's known for its charming small towns, outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking, and beautiful coastline along Lake Michigan. Plus, it's a great place for water sports, and you can visit the many lighthouses along the coast.
Northwestern Michigan (Traverse City Area): If you're willing to drive a little further, you might consider heading to Traverse City. It’s a little more remote but offers fantastic outdoor activities, including kayaking, hiking, and even wineries, if you want a bit of adult downtime while your kids enjoy the outdoors.
Madeline Island, Wisconsin: If you want to go somewhere truly unique, consider a visit to Madeline Island in the Apostle Islands (though this is a longer drive). It's a relaxing, scenic place with a laid-back vibe, perfect for nature lovers.

Where to Stay: Depending on which place you choose, here are some tips:

If you go to the Michigan beach towns, you can stay in places like Saugatuck or Grand Haven, where there are great vacation rentals, beachside resorts, and cabins.
For Lake Geneva, you might want to look into staying near the lake (there are several family-friendly resorts), or even rent a house on the lake for a more relaxed vibe.
In Door County, you can find cute bed-and-breakfasts, vacation homes, or stay in one of the small, charming resorts.

Overall, Michigan beach towns and Lake Geneva are both fantastic options for a family vacation with teens, and you can’t go wrong either way. But if you want to keep it more relaxed and less busy, Lake Geneva might be the better choice. Either way, both locations offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, and your teens will likely love the water activities and adventure options!

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