In the Midwest, Labor Day weekend marks the last true weekend of all things summer, including barbecues, swimming, and warm weather. The weekend is also a much-needed break as the school year starts to ramp up.

There are many different, unique weekend getaways across the Midwest within driving distance of Indianapolis.

Starting off the list is Chicago. There is so much to explore in Chicago, including its top-tier sports teams, great food, and even great colleges for juniors and seniors to tour. 

Chicago has a rich history of sports. During Labor Day weekend, there are so many opportunities to catch one of Chicago’s baseball teams in action. The White Sox play a series against the Yankees over Labor Day weekend, while the Cubs face off against the Atlanta Braves at home. 

Graham Klezmer ‘28 explained, “I enjoyed watching the Cubs at Wrigley Field and going to the Willis Tower.” Willis Tower also offers a cool experience to see the city from the clouds.  

If sports are not your thing, there are tons of world-famous museums and great restaurants all in downtown Chicago. The Field Museum has an array of natural history exhibits, and the Museum of Science and Industry is a must-see for anyone interested in science. There are many kinds of restaurants, from Michelin-star experiences to hole-in-the-wall joints. A classic Chicago favorite that will not disappoint is Al’s Italian beef.

Juniors and seniors can explore the many universities in the Chicagoland area, including Loyola Chicago, which is a Jesuit university with a great view of Lake Michigan, the University of Chicago, DePaul, and Northwestern.

Next up on the list of the best places to visit over Labor Day weekend is New Buffalo, Michigan. With its many vineyards and sunny beaches, sometimes it is hard to believe that New Buffalo is in the Midwest.

Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan and less than a three-hour drive from Indianapolis, New Buffalo has so much to offer for kids and adults alike.

Some activities that you can do are going to New Buffalo beach, driving up to Warren Dunes State Park, eating dinner and tasting wine at Tabor Hill Winery, or taking a drive up Red Arrow Highway to watch the sunset over the lake.

The final destination on the list is Louisville. There are so many activities to do in Louisville that there will surely not be a dull moment during your weekend.

Dylan Herrmann ’28 visited Louisville this past summer, and when asked about his experience, he stated, “I enjoyed the rich athletic culture surrounding the city.”

Visitors can experience baseball history at the Louisville Slugger Museum, take a tour around the legendary Churchill Downs, or take a ride on a replica early 20th-century riverboat on the Ohio River. 

Louisville offers many outdoor experiences, including some of the best catfishing in the country, and Mammoth Cave National Park is only an hour and a half away, making it a perfect day trip from Louisville. 

Chicago, Illinois, New Buffalo, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky, are just a few of many great weekend destinations around the Midwest.