A day trip from Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago: Milwaukee, Starved Rock and other options
From Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago you can take several straightforward day trips: ride Amtrak to Milwaukee in about 90 minutes for museums and breweries, drive or join a tour to Starved Rock State Park (about 91 miles) for hiking and waterfalls, or choose closer options such as Lake Geneva, Indiana Dunes, Oak Park, or Gurnee’s Six Flags. Return to downtown Chicago in the evening and relax at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar or in your room (examples include 1 King Bed, Deluxe or One Bedroom Ambassador Suite).
In this guide
- Getting started from Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
- Milwaukee by train: a quick lakeside city escape
- Starved Rock State Park: canyons and waterfalls
- Lake Geneva, Indiana Dunes, Oak Park and other nearby options
- Practical tips: transport, timing and what to pack
- Return and evening options back at the hotel
- Tips for families and groups
Getting started from Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is at 221 N Columbus Dr in the Lakeshore East / Loop area, occupying the hotel floors of the Aqua Tower. The hotel is connected to the Chicago Pedway system and within easy walking distance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk and Grant Park.
Before you leave for a day trip, check services at the hotel: the concierge can arrange transfers or tours, and the Urban Fee includes Tier 1 Wi‑Fi and access to fitness and pool facilities if you want to use them after you return.
- On-site concierge for tour/transfer bookings
- Public transport nearby: CTA and Metra access within walking distance; Millennium Station is a short walk
- Pack light: guests can use luggage storage at the hotel if you plan a late return
| Hotel Practicalities | What to check |
|---|---|
| Check-out / Check-in | Check-out 11:00 AM; check-in 4:00 PM (hotel policy) |
| On-site dining | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (breakfast, lunch, dinner) |
| Pools & fitness | Indoor lap pool year-round; seasonal rooftop outdoor pool |
Milwaukee by train: a quick lakeside city escape
Milwaukee is a common day-trip choice from Chicago. Amtrak service takes roughly 90 minutes each way, making it possible to spend most of a day exploring without driving.
Popular sights in Milwaukee include the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and a growing craft-beer scene. If you prefer not to drive, an Amtrak round-trip keeps logistics simple; check schedules in advance.
- Travel time by Amtrak: about 90 minutes each way (typical)
- Top picks: Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, local breweries
- Plan: early train out and evening train back to maximize time
| Sample Milwaukee timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| Depart Chicago (morning) | Arrive in Milwaukee mid-morning |
| Midday | Museum/beer tour/lunch |
| Late afternoon | Walk lakefront or visit local shops |
Starved Rock State Park: canyons and waterfalls
Starved Rock State Park is about 91 miles from Chicago and is known for its canyons, waterfalls (seasonal), and roughly 13 miles of hiking trails. It’s a popular choice in the warmer months and during fall foliage.
Because it’s a drive of more than an hour, consider a rental car, a guided day tour, or joining a small-group shuttle. Trails can be steep and uneven in places; wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
- Distance: about 91 miles from Chicago (day-trip driving distance)
- What to bring: sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, water
- Best time: late spring through fall for waterfalls and foliage
| Trail options | Notes |
|---|---|
| Short canyon loops | Good for short hikes and family groups |
| Longer hiking routes | Allow more time; bring snacks |
| Waterfall viewpoints | Seasonal flow — stronger after rains and in spring |
Lake Geneva, Indiana Dunes, Oak Park and other nearby options
If you want variety, consider Lake Geneva (Wisconsin) for lakeside walking and historic lake homes, Indiana Dunes National Park for beaches and sand dunes less than an hour’s drive away, or Oak Park for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture reachable by 'L' train.
Gurnee’s Six Flags Great America is about an hour by car and can be a quick family day trip. These options are good when you prefer to drive or rent a car rather than take a train.
- Lake Geneva: summer lake activities and historic charm (about 80 miles NW)
- Indiana Dunes National Park: 15 miles of shoreline and dunes, under an hour by car
- Oak Park: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio accessible by 'L' train from downtown
| Destination | Travel style |
|---|---|
| Lake Geneva | Drive or charter; lakeside strolls |
| Indiana Dunes | Drive; beaches and trails |
| Oak Park | Public transit; architecture and museums |
Practical tips: transport, timing and what to pack
Plan your day trip around transit schedules (Amtrak or regional trains) or the hotel concierge can suggest and help book guided tours or car service. If you drive, remember downtown Chicago traffic and parking when returning.
Weather in the region varies by season: late spring and early fall often offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor day trips. Winters can be cold and snowy, which affects trail conditions and lake activities.
- Check Amtrak and regional schedules in advance for departure and return times
- If driving, allow extra time for traffic returning to downtown Chicago
- Pack layers, comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and a small daypack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Late spring / early fall | Light layers, rain jacket |
| Summer | Sun protection, water |
| Winter | Warm coat, traction footwear |
Return and evening options back at the hotel
After a day away, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar at the hotel serves dinner and weekend brunch; Blu Bar and the lobby Lavazza coffee bar are convenient for a late snack or coffee. If you booked a room such as 1 King Bed, Deluxe or One Bedroom Ambassador Deluxe Suite, you’ll find city views from many rooms.
You can also use the hotel’s indoor lap pool year-round or the seasonal rooftop pool when it’s open. The hotel’s fitness and spa partners can arrange in-room Windy City Massage treatments if you want to relax without going back out.
- FireLake hours: breakfast/lunch/dinner service at the on-site restaurant (hours published by the hotel)
- Pools: indoor lap pool open year-round; rooftop outdoor pool seasonal (check availability)
- Spa: in-room Windy City Massage available by concierge arrangement
| After-trip choices | Where / how |
|---|---|
| Dinner at FireLake | On-site restaurant, reservations via OpenTable |
| Swim or soak | Indoor lap pool or seasonal rooftop pool (weather permitting) |
| In-room massage | Arrange through concierge / Windy City Massage |
Tips for families and groups
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago welcomes guests of all ages and provides services such as cribs on request and kids' meals at FireLake. For family day trips, choose destinations and trails suited to children’s stamina and interests.
If you’re traveling with pets, note the hotel’s pet policy and contact the hotel directly to request a pet-friendly room. For group outings or larger private transfers, the hotel’s events or concierge team can help coordinate transport.
- Children 17 and under are included in family rate policies (hotel policy)
- Cribs available on request; kids' meals offered at FireLake
- Pets allowed for a fee—contact hotel to arrange a pet-friendly room
| Group size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Couple or solo traveler | Amtrak to Milwaukee or short drive destinations |
| Family with kids | Indiana Dunes, Six Flags, or easy Starved Rock trails |
| Large group | Coordinate private transport or a guided group tour via concierge |
