Barrington, Ill., offers a tranquil suburban and rural atmosphere, but its location in the Chicago metropolitan area provides convenient access to many weekend destinations. A short drive can lead to a completely different environment, whether you are seeking a bustling urban experience, a quiet retreat in nature, or a journey into the past.
These weekend trips from Barrington IL offer a change of pace and a chance to explore the Midwest's diverse landscape.
Lake Geneva, WI (40 miles)
Lake Geneva is a resort town with a rich history, situated on the shores of its namesake lake. The city is known for its beautiful mansions, historic architecture, and recreational activities. A weekend trip here provides a blend of historical charm and natural beauty.
The town's history is best explored by walking the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 21-mile trail that winds along the shoreline and passes by dozens of historic estates and mansions. These homes, many of which were built by wealthy Chicagoans in the Gilded Age, offer a glimpse into the region's past. The town also has a vibrant downtown with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. A boat tour of the lake provides another perspective, offering a chance to see the mansions and learn about their history from the water.
The town's history is best explored by walking the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 21-mile trail that winds along the shoreline and passes by dozens of historic estates and mansions. These homes, many of which were built by wealthy Chicagoans in the Gilded Age, offer a glimpse into the region's past. The town also has a vibrant downtown with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. A boat tour of the lake provides another perspective, offering a chance to see the mansions and learn about their history from the water.
The Abbey Resort, WI (44 miles)
The Abbey Resort, located in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, offers a comprehensive resort experience focusing on relaxation and recreation. A weekend trip here provides a full-service retreat with a variety of amenities and activities, all in one location. This is one of the more luxurious weekend trips from Barrington IL.
The resort offers a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a fitness center. Its dining options range from a classic steakhouse to a more casual cafe. The resort's location on the lake provides a picturesque backdrop for a stay, and its proximity to the town of Lake Geneva means you can enjoy both the resort's amenities and the local attractions.
The resort offers a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a fitness center. Its dining options range from a classic steakhouse to a more casual cafe. The resort's location on the lake provides a picturesque backdrop for a stay, and its proximity to the town of Lake Geneva means you can enjoy both the resort's amenities and the local attractions.
Milwaukee, WI (73 miles)
Milwaukee is a major urban center with a distinct culture and history. Its location on the shores of Lake Michigan, along with its industrial heritage, provides a unique and engaging urban experience. A weekend trip here offers a contrast to the quieter atmosphere of Barrington.
The city is known for its brewing history, and a tour of one of its historic breweries provides a look into this rich heritage. The Milwaukee Art Museum, with its iconic wing-like structure, is a cultural highlight. The city's Third Ward neighborhood, a revitalized warehouse district, offers a mix of art galleries, boutiques, and a variety of dining options. The city also hosts several festivals during the summer, including Summerfest, a large music festival.
The city is known for its brewing history, and a tour of one of its historic breweries provides a look into this rich heritage. The Milwaukee Art Museum, with its iconic wing-like structure, is a cultural highlight. The city's Third Ward neighborhood, a revitalized warehouse district, offers a mix of art galleries, boutiques, and a variety of dining options. The city also hosts several festivals during the summer, including Summerfest, a large music festival.
Starved Rock State Park, IL (104 miles)
Starved Rock State Park, located in Utica, Ill., is a natural landmark known for its deep canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and sandstone bluffs. A weekend trip here is a destination for those who enjoy hiking and exploring a rugged natural landscape.
The park features 13 miles of hiking trails that wind through the sandstone canyons and along the Illinois River. The trails lead to scenic overlooks and several waterfalls, which are at their most active after a rain. The park also has a lodge that offers accommodations and a restaurant.
The park features 13 miles of hiking trails that wind through the sandstone canyons and along the Illinois River. The trails lead to scenic overlooks and several waterfalls, which are at their most active after a rain. The park also has a lodge that offers accommodations and a restaurant.
Madison, WI (120 miles)
Madison, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city with a distinct culture, mainly due to its status as a major college town. The city, which is situated on an isthmus between two lakes, offers a blend of natural beauty, urban amenities, and a progressive atmosphere. A weekend trip here is a chance to experience a different urban environment.
The city's downtown is centered around the State Capitol, a significant architectural landmark. The State Street pedestrian mall connects the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. This area has bookstores, cafes, restaurants, and unique shops. The Dane County Farmers' Market, which takes place on the Capitol Square, is one of the largest in the country. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities on its lakes, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.
The city's downtown is centered around the State Capitol, a significant architectural landmark. The State Street pedestrian mall connects the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. This area has bookstores, cafes, restaurants, and unique shops. The Dane County Farmers' Market, which takes place on the Capitol Square, is one of the largest in the country. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities on its lakes, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.
Galena, IL (137 miles)
Galena, Illinois, is a historic town known for its 19th-century architecture and connection to Ulysses S. Grant. The town's downtown, with its well-preserved buildings and charming main street, provides a journey into the past. A weekend trip here combines history, culture, and scenic beauty.
The town is situated on the Galena River and has a downtown that is a National Historic Landmark District. The main street has unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. The Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, the former home of the 18th U.S. president, is a popular attraction. The surrounding area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and hot air balloon rides.
The town is situated on the Galena River and has a downtown that is a National Historic Landmark District. The main street has unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. The Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, the former home of the 18th U.S. president, is a popular attraction. The surrounding area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and hot air balloon rides.
Saugatuck, MI (185 miles)
Saugatuck, Mich., a small town on the shore of Lake Michigan, is a destination known for its art scene, beautiful beaches, and charming downtown. A weekend trip to this coastal town provides a peaceful and scenic retreat, focusing on leisure and relaxation. This is one of the more picturesque weekend trips from Barrington IL.
The town's downtown area has independent art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The Oval Beach, which is known for its rolling dunes and beautiful sand, is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. A chain ferry, the last hand-cranked ferry in the country, takes you across the Kalamazoo River to the beach. The Saugatuck Dune Rides offer a fun and engaging way to see the area's natural landscape.
The town's downtown area has independent art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The Oval Beach, which is known for its rolling dunes and beautiful sand, is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. A chain ferry, the last hand-cranked ferry in the country, takes you across the Kalamazoo River to the beach. The Saugatuck Dune Rides offer a fun and engaging way to see the area's natural landscape.
Northwoods, WI (320 miles)
The Northwoods of Wisconsin is a region of dense forests, thousands of lakes, and small, charming towns. A weekend trip here is a destination for those who enjoy fishing, boating, and a rustic, natural environment. This area provides a complete escape from suburban life.
The region is known for its abundant lakes, which offer opportunities for fishing for musky, walleye, and bass.
The towns of Minocqua and St. Germain are popular hubs with a variety of restaurants, shops, and resorts. The area also has a network of trails for hiking and biking. A stay here provides a chance to relax in a secluded environment, with a focus on outdoor recreation and a connection to nature.
The region is known for its abundant lakes, which offer opportunities for fishing for musky, walleye, and bass.
The towns of Minocqua and St. Germain are popular hubs with a variety of restaurants, shops, and resorts. The area also has a network of trails for hiking and biking. A stay here provides a chance to relax in a secluded environment, with a focus on outdoor recreation and a connection to nature.
Work With the Real Estate Experts in Barrington
With over two decades of experience and a track record as Barrington’s top REALTOR for closed volume since 2010, John Morrison and the Morrison Home Team deliver the expertise, strategy, and results you need. Leading the area’s most successful real estate team — outselling every Barrington brokerage since 2019 — John combines deep market knowledge with clear communication, personalized guidance, and a proven system to navigate any market.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a luxury property, or selling for maximum value, work with John Morrison and the Morrison Home Team to achieve your Barrington real estate goals with confidence.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a luxury property, or selling for maximum value, work with John Morrison and the Morrison Home Team to achieve your Barrington real estate goals with confidence.