Car Rental in Chicago

If you want to step away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago for a day, hop in your rental car and head out of the city.

If you love the outdoors, take the hour-and-a-half drive to Oglesby, Illinois for your day trip. At the Vermillion River, you'll find the best rafting opportunity within a reasonable distance of Chicago. Spend a few hours on the water to enjoy the gorgeous views. There are 14 rapids along the 9.5-mile trip, but most of them are Class I and Class II; you shouldn't have a difficult time navigating them, and the kids will love the dash of excitement!

Want to feel like you've left the United States? Just about two and a half hours from Chicago, you'll find Holland. Holland, Michigan, that is. This Dutch town boasts beautiful European architecture. Performers in traditional clogs will delight you with their dancing. Enjoy delectable food and beautiful sights. Go to the town's Big Red Lighthouse to watch the sunset.

It takes about three hours to drive to Madison, Wisconsin from Chicago, and the time in the car is more than worth it. This exciting college town offers great cheese and amazing beer, but there is even more to love. There are plentiful opportunities for lakefront recreation, too. Rent bicycles to get around the city just like the locals.

Springfield, Illinois is another destination you should put on your list of day trips from Chicago. It takes about three hours to get to Springfield, but you should allow more time for your journey because you'll have to stop at some of the Route 66 roadside attractions along the way. The Paul Bunyan Hotdog Statue is a can't-miss photo op! Once you reach Springfield, check out the local zoo and the Lincoln Tomb, which is where the 16th president of the country was laid to rest.

Well over two and a half million people call Chicago home, and the dense population leads to heavy traffic conditions. Try to avoid major byways between four and five in the afternoon, which is when congestion tends to be the worst. Traffic is particularly bad in the summer, which is construction season. Make sure you have some great music playing in the car to get you through the wait.

When is the best time to visit Chicago? Every season has its charms. Holiday shopping along the Magnificent Mile is some of the best you'll find anywhere, but the weather can be cold and snowy during winter. Summer is humid and hot, but there are plenty of places where you can cool off, such as air-conditioned museums and water attractions. Fall and spring offer the mildest weather.

Where should you stay in the city? There are several neighborhoods to choose from. Hotels on the Loop are a bit pricy, but the area offers a convenient location that makes it easy to access all of the city's best attractions, such as Grant Park and the Willis Tower. The Westside is another great option. It is more affordable than downtown, and there are tons of ethnic restaurants in the area that are sure to delight your taste buds. Uptown, just north of downtown, is a cultural and artsy haven with tons of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment. If you want to stay in a quieter neighborhood, consider the area around O'Hare International Airport. As the third-most populated city in the country, Chicago is a brilliant metropolis that offers fun for everyone in the family. Explore the heart of the city, and then hop in your rental car to take in the charms of the Great Chicago area. It will be a trip you'll never forget!