Places To Visit Near Chicago In March

As the winter season slowly comes to an end, March is the perfect time to explore the numerous places to visit near Chicago. The city offers a plethora of attractions, events, and activities that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. From world-class museums to beautiful parks and gardens, Chicago’s surrounding areas have something for everyone. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the top places to visit near Chicago in March.

Why Visit Chicago in March?

March is an excellent time to visit Chicago as the weather starts to warm up, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The city’s famous St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place in March, and the Chicago River is dyed green, attracting millions of visitors. Additionally, the city hosts various festivals and events, including the Chicago Gourmet and the Chicago International Film Festival. The mild weather also makes it an excellent time to explore the city’s many parks and gardens.

Top Places to Visit Near Chicago in March

From historic landmarks to scenic attractions, here are the top places to visit near Chicago in March:

• The Indiana Dunes National Park: Located just an hour outside of Chicago, the Indiana Dunes National Park offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. Take a hike through the dunes, explore the beach, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

• The Chicago Botanic Garden: This 385-acre garden is a must-visit during March, as the flowers and plants start to bloom. Take a stroll through the gardens, attend a workshop, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

• The Morton Arboretum: Located in Lisle, Illinois, the Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre nature preserve featuring beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and a variety of plant species. Take a guided tour or explore on your own.

• The Brookfield Zoo: Home to over 450 species of animals, the Brookfield Zoo is a great place to visit with family and friends. Take a tour, attend a show, or enjoy the zoo’s many exhibits.

• The Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor: This historic canal is a great place to learn about the region’s history and take a scenic boat tour. You can also hike or bike along the canal’s many trails. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Mystic Ct)

In conclusion, March is an excellent time to visit Chicago and its surrounding areas. With its mild weather, stunning attractions, and exciting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From historic landmarks to scenic attractions, we hope this article has provided you with the perfect guide to plan your trip to Chicago in March.

Places To Visit Near Chicago In March

Springtime in the Midwest

March is a great time to visit Chicago and its surrounding areas as the weather starts to warm up and the city comes alive with spring festivals and events. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in and around Chicago in March.

Outdoor Activities

As the weather warms up in March, outdoor activities become more accessible and enjoyable. Here are some places to visit near Chicago that offer a range of outdoor activities:

• Starved Rock State Park: Located about an hour and a half outside of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the Illinois River.
• Indiana Dunes National Park: Just across the border in Indiana, Indiana Dunes National Park offers hiking trails, beaches, and scenic views of Lake Michigan.
• Palos Forest Preserve: This forest preserve in Palos Park, Illinois, offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer and turkeys.

Cultural Attractions

March is also a great time to explore Chicago’s cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and performance venues. Here are some places to visit near Chicago that offer a range of cultural activities:

• The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the top art museums in the country, the Art Institute of Chicago features a vast collection of art from around the world, including works by famous artists such as Monet and Picasso.
• The Field Museum: Home to Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever found, the Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world.
• The Chicago Symphony Orchestra: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the top orchestras in the country, and March is a great time to catch a performance at Symphony Center.

Food and Drink

Chicago is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, and March is a great time to try some of the city’s famous comfort foods and seasonal specialties. Here are some places to visit near Chicago that offer a range of food and drink options:

• Girl & the Goat: This trendy restaurant in the West Loop offers a range of creative, farm-to-table dishes, including wood-fired oysters and goat empanadas.
• Black Dog Gelato: This popular gelato shop in Wicker Park offers a range of unique flavors, including honey lavender and strawberry balsamic.
• The Violet Hour: This trendy cocktail bar in Wicker Park offers a range of creative cocktails, including the famous “Paper Plane.”

Events and Festivals

March is a great time to catch some of Chicago’s famous festivals and events, including the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Chicago Gourmet food festival. Here are some events and festivals to check out:

Conclusion

March is a great time to visit Chicago and its surrounding areas, with a range of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and events and festivals to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in nature, art, food, or music, there’s something for everyone in and around Chicago in March. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Hoshangabad)

As the winter snow begins to thaw, March is the perfect time to explore the many amazing places to visit near Chicago. From scenic hiking trails to historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City’s surrounding areas.

In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the top destinations to consider for your next day trip or weekend getaway. From the stunning natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park to the rich history of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, there’s no shortage of exciting and educational options to choose from.

We’ve also covered some of the best festivals and events taking place in March, including the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. Whether you’re interested in art, music, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone in the Chicago area.

So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today and discover all that the Chicago area has to offer in March. With its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting events, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests and leaves you with lifelong memories.

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you on the road soon!

Here are five FAQs related to “Places To Visit Near Chicago In March”:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular outdoor activities to do near Chicago in March?

While it can still be a bit chilly in March, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy near Chicago. Consider visiting the Lincoln Park ZooLights, which typically stay up until mid-March, or take a stroll along the Lakefront Trail, which offers beautiful views of the city and Lake Michigan. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try ice skating at one of the many outdoor rinks in the area, such as Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Gangaikonda Cholapuram)

Are there any festivals or events happening near Chicago in March?

Yes, there are several festivals and events happening near Chicago in March! One of the most popular is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which takes place in downtown Chicago and features floats, marching bands, and plenty of green attire. You can also catch the Chicago Gourmet food festival, which celebrates the city’s culinary scene with tastings, demos, and more. And if you’re a fan of comedy, don’t miss the Just for Laughs festival, which features stand-up performances from top comedians.

What are some good day trips from Chicago in March?

March is a great time to take a day trip from Chicago, as the weather is starting to warm up and there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Consider visiting the Indiana Dunes National Park, which offers beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Michigan. You can also take a trip to the nearby town of Galena, Illinois, which is filled with historic architecture, charming shops, and delicious restaurants. Or, head to the Wisconsin Dells, which is known for its waterparks and outdoor adventures.

Are there any museums or indoor attractions near Chicago that are worth visiting in March?

Yes, there are plenty of museums and indoor attractions near Chicago that are worth visiting in March. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see, with its world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. You can also visit the Field Museum, which features Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever found. And if you’re interested in science and technology, don’t miss the Museum of Science and Industry, which offers interactive exhibits and a coal mine tour.

Can I still enjoy the Chicago food scene in March?

Absolutely! While some outdoor food festivals may be cancelled due to weather, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the Chicago food scene in March. Consider visiting some of the city’s famous restaurants, such as Alinea or Girl & the Goat, which offer unique and delicious dining experiences. You can also take a food tour of the city, which will introduce you to some of the best local eateries and hidden gems. And if you’re looking for a sweet treat, be sure to visit one of the many amazing bakeries in the area, such as Black Dog Gelato or Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.