My favorite, although a little far away is from Galena either up or down the Mississippi. If you go up, either go as far as LaCross or merely take state road 11 back east. You won't believe your in the Midwest. If you go south, go as far as 88. Then come back into town. If you live in the southern part of Chicago. Take 88 to the river. Have lunch in Galena and keep going to LaCross. Then come home.