With summer in full bloom, many of us are left wondering how we can spend the next few months. Whether you work, travel or both, why not take a vacation via car? I have set up a list of interesting and fun places for you and your friends to explore in the car this summer. The time calculated for each trip is inferring that you will be starting your journey in Chicago, Illinois.
1. Mall of America - Bloomington, Minnesota
Time: 6 Hours and 16 Minutes
The Mall of America is a great weekend trip for you and your friends. Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States and features indoor rollercoasters and an amusement park for children. If you left at 8 a.m. on a Friday, you would arrive around 2 p.m. that same day. The Mall of America has a bunch of hotels that surround the mall, including a few waterparks. The area also features a large aquarium and the Official Water Park of America.
2. Cedar Point: The Roller Coaster Capital of the World! Sandusky, Ohio
Time: 4 Hours and 43 Minutes
Cedar Point is a great roller coaster amusement park that offers a large variety of rides and roller coasters. There is also a water park just down the road from Cedar Point, if you would rather take a dip in a pool. The amusement park offers a larger variety of rides when compared to Six Flags Great America, in my opinion. If you have never been to cedar point, then I strongly urge you to get a group of friends and head to Sandusky, Ohio for the weekend! It will be a trip that you will not forget.
3. Starved Rock State Park
Time: 1 Hour and 41 Minutes
Starved Rock State Park is unlike anything you will find in the Midwest and especially the prairie state of Illinois. Starved Rock has a vast number of canyons and breathtaking waterfalls that will make you feel like you are in a different state. With Starved Rock being an hour or two away, it is hard to find a reason not to see it for yourself! Starved Rock is a great camping trip and you will be able to find many hiking trails. 
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Time: 6 Hours and 10 Minutes
Mackinac Island is a truly unique city and island in the state of Michigan. This island is busiest during the summer months and becomes a vacation destination for many people in the midwest. It is perfect distance for a week or weekend trip with friends and family. The island has banned all cars, therefore it is most likely that you will have to rent a bike to get around on the island. Mackinac Island is also only reachable via ferry, since there is no bridge that goes onto the island. Although, there is a very beautiful, large bridge called Mackinac Bridge in the distance. The island offers many cute restaurants and boutiques for all ages.
5. Wisconsin Dells: The Waterpark Capital of the World
Time: 3 Hours and 11 Minutes
Wisconsin Dells is a must visit if you are new to the area and not from the Chicagoland area. "The Dells" is one of the greatest memories I have as a kid growing up in the Chicago suburbs, since it is only three hours away from the city. The Dells is a cluster of well known waterparks that include the Wilderness and Kalahari Resorts. This is one of the best places to go to for the weekend with friends and offers a ton of fun for all your friends.
