Last Blast of Summer: Great Last Minute Getaways and Day Trips in the Waukegan Area for Labor Day Weekend

Sep 1, 2022

If you’re a Last-Minute Larry when it comes to vacation planning, you’re certainly not alone! Today’s post is all about convenient weekend and day-trip getaways that you can book in a jiffy. You’ll find all manner of entertainment and excitement on today’s list, and of course, we welcome your own suggestions in the comments section on all our social media. Check it out and be well on your way to rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation for this last blast of Summer fun!

Out of State Excursions

Wehr Nature Center, Wisconsin is a 220 acre nature preserve in Hales Corners Wisconsin outside of the Milwaukee area. It’s located inside the 660 acres of Whitnall Park, and has 5 miles of meticulously maintained trails which loop in, around, and through different regions. Choose from the Lake Loop, Woodland Trail, Family Friendly Trail, Red Trail-Grasslands Trail, and the Wetland Trail. They’re rated by difficulty, so you can choose the option that best suits your experience as a hiker and trail rider. It’s a beautiful area that has planted prairie land and savannas filled with waving tall grasses, flowering herbs and plants, and plenty of spaces for birds, furry critters, and more to call it home.

Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa, WI is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages to come and get an up-close look at the forest landscape of Wisconsin! Its purpose is to educate the community about sustainable forestry, educational programming, and first-hand experiences through immersive trail walks and exploration. It’s 1-mile trail loop is also wheelchair accessible, which is a wonderful option for inclusive travel needs. The facility has both indoor and outdoor events at its interactive science center through its exhibits and rotation of programming.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin is a bite-sized dose of natural wonders! This award-winning botanical garden consists of 16 acres of impeccably groomed outdoor gardens and walking paths, and The Bolz Conservatory which is a 10,000 square foot indoor tropical garden. You can check out the sunken garden, herb garden, tower garden, perennial garden, rose garden and so much more!

Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin is a woodsy, outdoorsy state park which sees 3 million visitors a year! You’ll find ample opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, as well as swimming, fishing, and other watersports. Those who prefer to remain on land can enjoy hiking the many trails to scenic overlooks such as the 500-foot quartzite bluffs, or taking their bikes on a challenging trail ride. You can stop in for the day, book a cabin or hotel offsite, or check out the campgrounds at the park itself.

Killsnake Wildlife Area, Wisconsin is seated between multiple counties and spans a vast 7,000 acres between them! If you’re looking to enjoy an immersive nature experience with less crowds and quieter foot traffic, this is the spot for you. With plenty of landscapes to choose from such as prairie grasslands, uplands with wetland-grassland areas, a hardwood forest, cedar swamp, agricultural landscape, wetland restoration projects, and even a bog, you’ll have lots of variety for exploration. As for activities, you can enjoy birding, canoeing, hiking, hunting (if in season, please adhere to posted signage and check WDNR resources), trapping, gathering of wild edibles, and plenty of opportunities for nature photography.

In State Adventures

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois is located along the Illinois river, and home to gorgeous sandstone canyons created by glacial melts hundreds of thousands of years ago. You can enjoy wildlife watching and birding, hiking, river cruises, trolley tours, and swimming. Depending on the rainfall and the season, you can also enjoy multiple waterfalls in the following canyon areas: St. Louis, French, and Wildcat canyons. Looking for scenic views? Check out Lover’s Leap Overlook! It’s peaceful, tranquil, and a majestic site to visit that your whole family will enjoy.

Morrison Rockwood State Park, Illinois is a gorgeous place for family and friends to gather and drink in the last days of Summer! With nearly 100 camping sites and the ever-popular Lakeview Picnic Area, it’s a fantastic place to meet up with loved ones for a picnic meal, and get some fresh air and detox from electronics, screens, and the rat race of the work week. You can enjoy ample activities such as hiking and biking trails, boating and fishing, horseback riding, and then some. And if you’re looking for spacious blue skies, crisp, clean air, and a little solitude you’ll certainly find it on any of the 1,164 acres of this gorgeous Illinois State Park area.

Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Illinois is a 1300 acre preserve area within the Illinois State Parks system. If you’re into fishing and hunting, you’ll be in heaven at this state park; adhere to posted state and local area guidelines for what’s in season to hunt or fish. Take in the wildlife at the Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, or head out onto the lake for an afternoon of boating and fishing. Hike any of the beautiful trails along the shores and into the forests. Be sure to check the rules for specifics on watercraft, as there are limits to what type/size can be used.

Galena, Illinois is a fantastic place to stop over for those who aren’t so interested in Nature and the Great Outdoors. You’ll have a blast jumping back in the past by touring places such as Ulyssess S. Grant Home, the Jo Daviess County Historical Society, Galena Museum, Old Blacksmith Shop, and many more historical sites. Enjoy the finer side of life with a trip to Galena Cellars Winery, Blaum Bros Distilling Co., and take in the fine art at the Chicago Athenaeum. If you’re looking for unique places to shop for yourself or even to find fun things for gifting during the upcoming holidays, the downtown area is full of unique nooks and interesting shops! It’s a quaint little town rich in history, culture, and fun.