- Alton, Illinois, is a cool day trip from Chicago with a riverfront, amusement park, and eateries.
- Ameristar East Chicago has over 1,400 video gaming machines and table games.
- The Hollywood Casino in Joliet has more than 500 video gaming machines.
Illinois and Indiana may not be known for casino gambling on a global scale, but there are plenty of gaming options inside of a three-hour drive from Chicago. Some of them are worth the trip just to see the casino itself (e.g., the tallest indoor waterfall in the western hemisphere), while others have attached resorts that turn a gambling trip into a weekend getaway.
On top of the casinos, there are numerous small towns within a short drive of Chicago that are worth visiting all by themselves. I grew up an hour south of Chicago, and we would often take weekend trips to small towns like Galena or St. Charles just to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Whether you’re looking to gamble or not, there are endless things to do inside of a 3-hour radius of Chicago.
Ameristar East Chicago
When people ask me which casino just outside of Chicago I’d recommend, my first answer is nearly always Ameristar East Chicago. Yes, it’s in Indiana, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but their gaming floor is among the best in the state.
Ameristar offers free valet parking and has over 1,400 video gaming machines across two floors. They also have 40+ table games, a full sports betting area, a poker room, and a high-limit room.
If you’ve never been to this particular casino, their website describes the interior as “Italian renaissance revival” architecture, complete with a 50-foot tall indoor waterfall (the tallest in the western hemisphere, per their site).
They also note that celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Jim Belushi, Julia Roberts, and former President Bill Clinton have dined at the casino’s fine dining restaurant , which serves contemporary American cuisine alongside fantastic views of Lake Michigan.
Even if you don’t gamble, it’s somewhat worth the drive just to see the interior/exterior of the building and enjoy a nice dinner with a view.
Fun fact: Ameristar East Chicago was the first casino in northwestern Indiana to offer both live and online sports betting.
Hollywood Casino Joliet
The Hollywood Casino in Joliet is another popular casino option located just outside of Chicago, albeit on the other side (north/south). This casino has been open since 1995 and underwent a major renovation back in 2017.
As of now, they have more than 500 video gaming machines, 50 hotel suites, four places to eat, and a full calendar of upcoming events.
One unique thing about this casino is that it’s connected to the Mokena Minutes Airport (1N7). If you get a room near the runway, you’ll be able to see small planes land right outside your window!
Fun fact: The Hollywood Casino Joliet hosts regular concerts and shows from big-name artists in their concert venue. In the past, they’ve had people like Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Kathleen Madigan, Drew Carey, Jay Leno, and Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman) perform there.
Argosy Casino Alton
Argosy Casino Alton, Illinois, is another great option if you’re looking for something just outside of Chicago.
This riverfront casino has everything from slot machines and video poker to Spanish 21 and mini-baccarat. They also have a full sportsbook, live entertainment, and several places to eat.
In terms of the surrounding area, Argosy Casino is a short walk from the Great River Road, which leads to numerous charming towns and cities along the Mississippi River. You could easily make a day or weekend trip out of seeing the small towns between Chicago and Alton/St. Louis.
Fun fact: The Argosy Casino Hotel Alton used to be called the Rock Island Harbor Hotel & Conference Center beforeargesy casino bought it in 2006. Before that, it was called the Rock Island Harbor & Marina, Inc., which opened its doors in 1983.
Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
Located just west of Chicago, the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois, has more than 500 video gaming machines, live table games, a sports bar, and a full-service deli. This casino also offers gift cards for their games, which can be redeemed immediately at the promotions booth.
While I haven’t spent much time in Elgin, Illinois, the city looks charming, and it’s easy enough to make a day trip out of the Grand Victoria Casino and the town itself.
Fun fact: The Grand Victoria Casino used to be called the Grand Army of Republic Building before it was purchased and renovated into a casino in August of 1993. The GAR Building was named after the Union army veterans group that met there; the GAR disbanded in 1963.
Harrah’s Casino Joliet
Harrah’s Casino in Joliet, Illinois, is one of the bigger casinos on this list, featuring more than 1,100 slots and video poker machines, 50 table games, a sportsbook, a piano bar, and multiple places to eat.
If you’ve got the itch to travel a bit farther, Harrah’s is connected to the Route 66 Casino in Planeville, New Mexico (about four hours south of Joliet). I’ve stayed at the Route 66 Casino before, and the rooms are quite nice (especially considering how cheap they are).
Fun fact: Harrah’s Joliet Hosts Club is named after a ferryboat from the late 1800s/early 1900s called the Iron Island Queen, which shuttled people between Joliet and Chicago.
Hollywood Casino Aurora
The final casino on our list is the Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois, which sits right next to the Fox Valley Mall. While this casino is smaller than most (~500 video gaming machines), it’s still a decent stop on your trip.
What makes this location neat is that Aurora, Illinois, is a neat town in its own right. My family would often visit the Chicago Bears training camp when it was held in Aurora during the summers of the early 2000s. We’d spend the day walking through training, getting autographs, and eating at local restaurants.
Fun fact: Hollywood Casino Aurora, Illinois, used to be called the Meskwaki Bingo Casino before it was purchased and renovated in 2006. Before that, it was called the Fox Valley Grand View Casino, which opened in 1993.
Best Small Towns Near Chicago
In addition to those six casinos, there are plenty of small towns within a three-hour drive of Chicago that are worth visiting in their own rights. Here are a few suggestions to check out the next time you’re looking for a day/weekend trip.
Galena, Illinois
Galena, Illinois, is a National Historic Landmark District with dozens of buildings dating back to the 1800s. The town is situated in the Driftless Area of Dubuque County, Illinois, which was untouched by glaciers and features rolling hills, deep valleys, and limestone bluffs.
Some notable things to do in Galena include:
- DeSoto House: America’s oldest operating hotel, built-in 1855
- Ulysses S. Grant Home Site: Birthplace of the 18th President of the United States
- Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery: Family-owned winery established in 1970
- Gramercy Galley: Unique food hall with six independent restaurants
- Galena River Trail: Walking trail along the Galena River
Notable people from Galena include:
- Ulysses S. Grant (18th President of the United States)
- Earl Stanfield (fictional character from Michael Mann’s Alien and Miami Vice)
- John Deere (inventor of the steel plow)
- Galen Rowell (mountaineer, wilderness photographer, environmentalist)
- Steven Allan Patterson (American stand-up comedian)
Galena is roughly three hours west of Chicago along US-20.
Great Free Video Poker Games You Can Play Online | WinkSt. Charles, Illinois
St. Charles, Illinois, is a city in Kane and DuPage counties located approximately 40 miles west of Chicago. With a population of around 33,000 people, St. Charles is the largest city in both Kane County and Tri-Cities.
Some notable attractions in St. Charles, Illinois, include:
- Pottawatomie Community Park: 271-acre park featuring a zoo, splash pad, ball diamonds, etc.
- Arcada Theatre: An art deco theater built-in 1926, known for its classic movie screenings, concerts, etc.
- Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens: A historic house museum showcasing life in the 1800s/early 1900s
- River Corridor: 45-mile stretch of the Fox River that stretches from Oswego to Ottawa
- Downtown St. Charles: Charming downtown district filled with bars, restaurants, shops, etc.
St. Charles hosted the beginning of Abraham Lincoln’s famous debate series with Senator Stephen Douglas during his campaign for the United States Senate in 1858. It’s also the hometown of Vince Lombardi (pro football player and coach), Herbert Scott Johnson (inventor of the first practical insecticide), and Mike Royko (Chicago columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner).
You can reach St. Charles, Illinois, via US-20 or I-88/I-355.
Galena, Wisconsin
There is, of course, another Galena on this list, but don’t let that confuse you too much.
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Galena is a village within the Town of Genesee in Walworth County. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,315.
Some fun activities in and around Galena, Wisconsin, include:
- Fontana-on-Geneva Lake: A city near Geneva Lake with lots of restaurants, shops, boat tours, etc.
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area: Home to the world’s largest collection of military aircraft on public display
- House on the Rock: Unique attraction with various collections of art, carvings, architectural oddities, etc.
- Taliesin: Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio located on a hill overlooking the Talliesin Springs
- Apple Barn Family of Restaurants: Multiple restaurants serving fresh apple products
Notable residents/people from Galena, Wisconsin, include:
- Alexander Wadsworth (“father of the modern Olympic Games”)
- Elijah Buritt (US Representative from New York)
- Joseph McCarthy (US Senator from Wisconsin)
- Harold Brodt (American football player)
To find your way to Galena, Wisconsin, hop on I-43 and head north for ~90 miles.
online casino bonussenNauvoo, Illinois
Located in Hancock County, Illinois, Nauvoo is a city with a population of approximately 12,500 people.
Nauvoo is perhaps most famous as the original West Point of the United States Army and the birthplace of former President Harry S. Truman. Other notable aspects of Nauvoo include:
- Historic Carriage Tour: Guided tour of the historical sites in Nauvoo
- Nauvoo State Park: 1,543-acre park that borders the Mississippi River
- Nauvoo Temple: Active LDS temple completed in 2002
- Riveside Boulevant: Scenic road overlooking the Mississippi River
- Blackhawk Collegiate Conference: Four-year public university founded in 1839
Other notable figures from Nauvoo include Joseph Smith (founder of Mormonism), Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, and Thomas Bullock.
Nauvoo is approximately 200 miles southwest of Chicago, so it’s a decent haul, but well worth the trip if you’ve never seen it.
Stockbridge, Michigan
Stockbridge is a village in Jackson County, Michigan, with a current population of roughly 1,100 people. The total area is 1.03 square miles, of which 1.01 square miles is land, and 0.02 square miles is water.
So, why should you care? Good question.
Stockbridge is home to Mystery Kingdom, which was originally known as Jerry Eagle’s Magic Towne USA. Mystery Kingdom features magic acts from around the country and the world, including illusionists, escape artists, magicians, ventriloquists, and more.
Other things to do in Stockbridge, Michigan, include:
- Stockbridge Buttons: Museum dedicated to collectible celluloid buttons
- Hudson-Maben Farm: Working farm with animals, tours, school programs, etc.
- Stockbridge Village Park: Playgrounds, picnic areas, baseball diamonds, etc.
- Antique Shops: Several antique stores throughout town
- Dairy Queen & Subway: Because you need fast food, obviously.
To get to Stockbridge, head south on MI-108 for ~150 miles.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Okay, so Yellowstone is around 600 miles from Chicago, making it a bit further than I typically go for a day trip, but you could reasonably make a long weekend out of it (like I did a few years ago).
10+ Online Casinos in Pennsylvania - PokerlistingsYellowstone National Park spans wireless montana, idaho, and wyoming. The park covers 2.2 million acres and includes over 10,000 geothermal features, such as Old Faithful, hot springs, and geysers.
Yellowstone National Park is also home to hundreds of animal species, including bison, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, and gray wolves.
Some of the must-see spots inside Yellowstone National Park include:
- Old Faithful: Erupts every 91 minutes or so and shoots water 121 feet into the sky
- Grand Prismatic Spring: Third-largest hot spring in the world and the largest in the United States
- Lower Geyser Basin: World’s second-largest concentration of geysers
- Lamar Valley: One of America’s best places to see wolves in the wild
- Hayden Valley: Great place to spot bison, elk, wolves, bears, and other large mammals
Yellowstone National Park draws around 4 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The road from Chicago to Yellowstone mostly follows I-90/I-25, so it’s relatively straightforward.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is a city in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties in the US state of Michigan. It’s located on a bay of Lake Michigan, which helps explain its population of nearly 50,000 people.
A couple of my fondest childhood memories took place in and around Traverse City, Michigan, including picking blueberries at a local u-pick farm and staying at a cabin on Long Lake. Some other fun things to do in Traverse City, Michigan, include:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park: Beautiful park with hiking trails, beaches, sand dunes, etc.
- Historic Warehouse District: Dozen of restaurants, breweries, wine tasting rooms, etc.
- Front Street: Main street through downtown Traverse City
- Clinch Park Beach: Nice beach on West Grand Traverse Bay
- Interlochen Center for the Arts: Summer camp and arts education center
Notable people from Traverse City, Michigan, include:
- Dan Neil (motorsports writer for The Wall Street Journal)
- Dave Barr (professional ice hockey player)
- James B. Macdonald (former President and Chief Operating Officer of General Motors)
- Paul Hilfilt (American football tight end)
- Tom Nemickas (former White House Press Secretary)
To get to Traverse City, Michigan, take I-94 to US-31 North to Traverse City. It’s around a 300-mile trip, depending on where in the Chi-town vicinity you’re starting.
South Bend, Indiana
Home of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, is a medium-sized city located approximately 90 miles east of Chicago.
In addition to the university, South Bend is home to several interesting attractions, including:
- Potawatomi Zoo: The fourth-oldest zoo in the United States
- St. Joseph River: Great place for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities
- University of Notre Dame: Established in 1842, ranked #15 in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges
- Heritage Trail: 15-mile multi-purpose paved trail connecting South Bend neighborhoods
- Morris Performing Arts Center: Venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, etc.
Famous people from South Bend, Indiana, include:
- Joe Kenda (Homicide Hunter)
- LaWarren Williams (American track and field athlete)
- Josh Duke (professional basketball player)
- Michael Jordan (obviously)
- Rudy Ruettiger (real-life inspiration for the movie Rudy)
Like Traverse City, South Bend is a ~90-mile drive from Chicago, so it’s a decent size trip that doesn’t take up your entire day. To get to South Bend, take I-80/I-90 to either I-69 or US-31, then follow those roads to South Bend.
Top Photo: Inside the Argosy Casino Alton
J.W. Paine is one of the most diverse writers at GamblingSites.com. He covers numerous topics including cinema, music, sport, gender issues, and more. As an Italian living in China, J.W. brings a unique perspective to the team.