Day trips from Chicago..any suggestions?

[Empidonax]

I'll also throw in the artsy town of Baraboo, a bit north of Madison, and very close to Devil's Lake State Park (as mentioned by L.O.K.).

[Tex?Il?]

is Baraboo really that artsy?
Maybe I just didn't see the artsy part.
I've been to Devils several times, such as this past fall.

[Empidonax]

Baraboo is indeed quite artsy, but in a middle-class, laid-back, and car-oriented way. There are quite a few galleries and workshops scattered around the city, and the downtown area has quite a reasonable concentration of places to visit. But the downtown is also rather sedate, and mostly appeals to baby boomers and elders. It isn't dolled up like Galena, or artsy-urban like trendy Chicago neighborhoods, but is nonetheless a rather attractive and homey small city with a high percentage of artist residents who wanted to live in a tranquil, semi-suburban/semi-rural setting. A car is a must for getting around.

[pastel_fly]

I am just here to give my feedback about the travels (many) to Starved Rock and the surrounding areas for you all to get my opinion. While Starved Rock is a beautiful area and the history about it has been glorified somehow, there is so much more to know before you attempt to travel here. I am a professional photographer and I have just put together the first unbiased dining guide for Ottawa (the closest big city to Starved Rock. The average soul does not realize that on the weekends, the place is more like Disney Land. If you enjoy the comfort of safety and crowds of people, you will have a blast. The Lodge is beautiful but usually booked one year in advance. They do offer lots of fun events and enough hiking trails to tire you. Even you... There is a park right next door within the same woods which most people never even see. Matthiesson State Park! Even more glamorous waterfalls and almost as many trails to be seen. Peace, solitude, away! Check it out on your next adventure.. The lodging: On any prime weekend in the summer, you will usually have a very hard time finding lodging. So consider alternative lodging. A bed and Breakfast. There are three in Ottawa that are usually offering a special or atleast have great personal service. My favorite is Fox River Bed and Breakfast in Ottawa but closer to a little town called Wedron, IL. It is a very secluded location and can only accomodate 12 guests at any given time. So you will have peace. 17 acres surround it and the Fox River is just right there.
There is one other I reccomend and that is Marcias Bed and Breakfast in Ottawa. She is just turned 81 years old and sharp as a tack. She offers a very unique round house which is an old corn bin converted into a hobbit sort of place. Try them both on your next adventure to Starved Rock. As far as the dining guide. Well that means I have put my lens right into the sauce on top of Woody's petite cut filet and didnt mind licking it off the lens. Albertos is the best for Genuine Northern Italian. The rooting hog is casual small diner with personal service. Mi Pueblo is Authentic Mexican but no atmosphere. Thai Cafe is just thatbut authentic. China Inn has a great buffet.
In Utica,there are three wineries. I prefer Illinois River Winery which has won the silver in the world and the gold in the us for the best blush.
Shakers Lounge in Ottawa is a meat market with lots of bands and fun going on all the time and then there is the Silver Slipper, a strip club with many exotic women for those inclined to see nature in the raw.

Tracys Row House is where the Politicians and such hang out but a variety of folks can be found there as well... So for a fun getaway, an adventurous getaway, a romantic getaway at an affordable price, Check out the Starved Rock area...Chow