Best Places To Honeymoon Near Chicago

When you think of honeymoon destinations, you likely envision of far-off tropical locales complete with plenty of sunshine, beaches and mixed drinks. If you're short on time or are simply looking for a quick romantic getaway for the weekend, you can still have a relaxing and fun honeymoon by driving no more than about four hours from Chicago. From exploring the great outdoors to lounging lakeside, you'll have plenty of options. Keep the following honeymoon destinations in mind.

Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(800) 345-1020
www.lakegenevawi.com

If your honeymoon destination needs to be fairly close to Chicago, then consider making reservations at Lake Geneva. With luxury inns and bed and breakfasts abound in the area, you and your sweetheart can enjoy some quiet time together post-wedding. If you'd like to get some sunshine, consider hiking or biking in the area. Learn about brewing and sip wine made in the area at the abundance of vineyards in and around Lake Geneva, all of which is about 90 miles from Chicago's downtown.

Madison, Wisconsin
Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau
615 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
(800) 373-6376
www.visitmadison.com

Located about 150 miles from downtown Chicago, the city of Madison, Wisconsin, offers a number of amenities and activities for couples looking for a romantic experience close to home. The city and the surrounding area have an assortment of hotels and charming bed and breakfasts, including Mansion Hill Inn and Arbor House. You and your partner can spend the day exploring the Chazen Museum of Art, relaxing along the lakes, or shopping along Madison's famed State St. At night, watch a live theatrical performance.

South Bend, Indiana
Visit South Bend Mishawaka
401 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 310
South Bend, IN 46617
(800) 519-0577
www.visitsouthbend.com

Although South Bend, Indiana, is synonymous with the University of Notre Dame, the city also has a number of romantic hotels and bed and breakfasts for you and your sweetheart to spend your honeymoon. Browse the museums on Notre Dame's campus, including the Snite Museum of Art, hike trails, or golf all afternoon. Shopping, arts and entertainment all abound in the South Bend area, too. Located about 100 miles from Chicago, the South Bend area is an easy drive for those looking to get away from it all — but not too far away.

Related: Guide To A Three-Day Weekend In Madison, WI

Starved Rock State Park
2668 E. 873rd Road
North Utica, IL 61373
(800) 868-7625
www.starvedrockstatepark.org

For the couple who enjoys the great outdoors, a honeymoon at Starved Rock State Park is in order. The state park offers a number of hotel rooms complete with the amenities you'd expect in a typical hotel, including a flatscreen TV and WiFi. If you're looking for a more rustic location, then consider checking out the park's cabins. A cafe and main dining room is among the dining options, too. While at Starved Rock, you can hike, explore the great outdoors, have a few wine tastings, and even indulge in a massage.

Downtown Chicago
Choose Chicago
301 E. Cermak Road
Chicago, IL 60616
www.choosechicago.com

Who said you have to leave town to have a romantic honeymoon? Whether by necessity or design, you and your partner can have a luxurious time together right in downtown Chicago. Spend a night or two at famed hotels, including The Drake or Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel, catch a theatrical performance at night, and indulge in world-class dining, all within one area. Chicago is the perfect staycation spot for those who want to spend some time visiting museums, catching a game, or watching a live musical performance. Downtown Chicago is also about 50 minutes from O'Hare International Airport, making it the perfect spot to unwind before departing for a longer honeymoon.

Related: Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The Chicago Area

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.