Chicago mid August for 9 nights

Question

Could someone advise please.

We have been to the US many times but never to Chicago and have booked flights and the first 4 nights in Chicago itself (Sonder Onterio Apartments)

We have a late afternoon flight back to the UK on the day we leave so am planning to rent a car for 5 remaining days and then drop the car back at the airport the day we fly.

We can change the number of days in Chicago if necessary.

Could people suggest an intinary please for us. We will both be driving and dont want more than 3 hours per day driving although the last day we dont mind up to 4 hours!

I love Motown music and thought perhaps a few days in Detroit. Open to suggestions. We both like cities and nice scenery - hiking etc.

Budget per night approx £250-£300 dollars a night.

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting trip to Chicago and beyond planned! Based on your interests in Motown music, cities, and scenic landscapes, here’s an itinerary suggestion for your 9-night stay, with a focus on driving no more than 3 hours a day (except for the final day). I've also included options in case you want to tweak the itinerary:

Days 1-4: Chicago

Since you’ve already booked your stay in Chicago for the first four nights, here’s a suggested itinerary for your time in the city:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown - After arriving and checking into Sonder Ontario Apartments, take some time to relax and then explore downtown Chicago. Visit Millennium Park, walk along the Chicago Riverwalk, and see the iconic Cloud Gate ("The Bean"). Enjoy dinner at one of Chicago’s famous restaurants, like The Purple Pig or Giordano's for deep-dish pizza.
Day 2: Museums and Architecture - Spend the day exploring Chicago’s world-class museums. You can start with the Art Institute of Chicago, then head to the Field Museum and/or the Museum of Science and Industry. In the afternoon, take an architecture tour along the river to see Chicago’s stunning skyline and learn about the city’s architectural history.
Day 3: Navy Pier and Lincoln Park - Spend the day enjoying Navy Pier and the surrounding area. You can take a ride on the Ferris wheel, visit the Chicago Children's Museum, or walk along the pier. In the afternoon, head to Lincoln Park to explore the zoo and the scenic lakefront paths.
Day 4: Chicago Neighborhoods and Shopping - Explore the neighborhoods like Pilsen (for murals and Mexican cuisine) and Wicker Park (for trendy shops and cafes). If you're interested in shopping, take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's high-end shopping street. You can also check out the 360 Chicago observation deck for stunning views of the city.

Days 5-6: Detroit (2 nights)

After your time in Chicago, you can pick up your rental car and drive to Detroit. The drive will take you about 4-5 hours, but it will be worth it for the Motown experience and the city’s revitalization.

Day 5: Arrival in Detroit - Check into your hotel in downtown Detroit. Visit the Motown Museum, the birthplace of the legendary Motown sound, and take a guided tour. In the evening, explore Detroit’s vibrant dining scene or visit one of the trendy bars in Midtown.
Day 6: Detroit Highlights - Start the day with a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts, which has one of the best collections in the country. You can also explore the Detroit Riverwalk for beautiful views of the river and Canada. In the evening, catch live music at a local venue or check out a performance at the Detroit Opera House.

Day 7: Grand Rapids (1 night)

After Detroit, drive to Grand Rapids (about a 2.5-hour drive). Grand Rapids is known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful parks.

Day 7: Grand Rapids - Spend the day visiting the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a beautiful combination of art, nature, and horticulture. If you enjoy craft beer, Grand Rapids has a thriving beer scene, so visit a few local breweries in the evening.

Day 8: Return to Chicago (1 night)

For your final night on the road, drive back to Chicago (around 2.5-3 hours). Use this time to relax and enjoy the final day in the city.

Day 8: Return to Chicago - On your return, you can stop for a scenic break along the way, perhaps in a smaller town like Kalamazoo or Holland, Michigan. Spend your final night back in Chicago, enjoying dinner at one of your favorite spots or taking in a show at one of Chicago’s famous theaters.

Day 9: Final Day and Departure

Since you have a late afternoon flight, you can take a relaxed morning to explore anything you missed earlier. Consider a visit to the John Hancock Center’s 360 Chicago observation deck for great views of the city or a leisurely walk through one of the city’s many parks before heading to the airport.

Budget Considerations

Your budget of $250-$300 per night should comfortably cover hotel costs in most of the destinations listed, especially in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Chicago. In Chicago, consider booking early to get the best rates for your stay in the city. Hotels in the city center or near the lakefront are ideal for easy access to the main attractions.

Overall, this itinerary gives you a mix of city exploration, Motown music history, and beautiful parks and nature, all within a manageable driving distance. If you’d like to explore different cities or scenic spots, feel free to adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Chicago mid August for 9 nights

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