Starship Travel’s Top Ten Weekend Escapes ~ Just Hours from Highland Woods
For more than 40 years, Starship Travel has been helping families plan everything from international vacations to quick getaways close to home. As a locally owned agency, their team knows that sometimes the best memories are made just a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a romantic overnight, or a refreshing change of scenery, these destinations are all within a few hours of Highland Woods—and Starship Travel can arrange the details to make your trip seamless and stress-free.
Lake Geneva, WI
Just under two hours from Highland Woods, Lake Geneva is a year-round favorite. From lakeside resorts and boat cruises in the summer to cozy restaurants and winter festivals in the colder months, there’s always something to enjoy. An overnight stay allows you to explore the charming downtown shops, relax by the water, and take in the atmosphere that has made this community a favorite for generations.
Just under two hours from Highland Woods, Lake Geneva is a year-round favorite. From lakeside resorts and boat cruises in the summer to cozy restaurants and winter festivals in the colder months, there’s always something to enjoy. An overnight stay allows you to explore the charming downtown shops, relax by the water, and take in the atmosphere that has made this community a favorite for generations.
Green Lake, WI
Green Lake, WI is a cozy lakeside town that’s perfect for relaxing and getting outdoors. Golf lovers can check out Tuscumbia Golf Course, the oldest course in Wisconsin, with beautiful fairways surrounded by trees. It’s a great spot to play a round and then kick back by the lake.
Green Lake, WI is a cozy lakeside town that’s perfect for relaxing and getting outdoors. Golf lovers can check out Tuscumbia Golf Course, the oldest course in Wisconsin, with beautiful fairways surrounded by trees. It’s a great spot to play a round and then kick back by the lake.
Cedarburg, WI
Just north of Milwaukee, Cedarburg offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and cultural experiences. Known for its historic downtown filled with specialty shops, art galleries, and inviting cafés, this picturesque stop makes for a wonderful weekend away. Golf courses nearby add another layer of relaxation and activity for those looking to spend time outdoors.
Just north of Milwaukee, Cedarburg offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and cultural experiences. Known for its historic downtown filled with specialty shops, art galleries, and inviting cafés, this picturesque stop makes for a wonderful weekend away. Golf courses nearby add another layer of relaxation and activity for those looking to spend time outdoors.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is an easy drive from Highland Woods, offering a lively city atmosphere without the hustle of Chicago. Spend a weekend exploring the Milwaukee Public Market, visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum, or catching a baseball game. The Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory and the Milwaukee Art Museum are worth stopping at. With its mix of neighborhoods, riverwalk, breweries, and restaurants, Milwaukee makes an ideal spot for couples, friends, or families wanting a fun and varied itinerary.
Milwaukee is an easy drive from Highland Woods, offering a lively city atmosphere without the hustle of Chicago. Spend a weekend exploring the Milwaukee Public Market, visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum, or catching a baseball game. The Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory and the Milwaukee Art Museum are worth stopping at. With its mix of neighborhoods, riverwalk, breweries, and restaurants, Milwaukee makes an ideal spot for couples, friends, or families wanting a fun and varied itinerary.
Door County, WI
Door County is a one-of-a-kind getaway packed with charm and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy world-class fishing, a round of golf at Peninsula State Park, shopping in quaint boutiques, and exploring historic lighthouses along the shore. Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Whitefish Bay, Bailey’s Harbor, and Fish Creek each offer their own unique mix of scenery, dining, and small-town character. In the fall, the peninsula transforms into a colorful wonderland—perfect for crisp hikes, cozy fireside evenings, and scenic drives through the stunning foliage. In the spring, stroll through blossoming cherry orchards, hike the fresh trails, and enjoy the waterfront coming back to life.
Door County is a one-of-a-kind getaway packed with charm and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy world-class fishing, a round of golf at Peninsula State Park, shopping in quaint boutiques, and exploring historic lighthouses along the shore. Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Whitefish Bay, Bailey’s Harbor, and Fish Creek each offer their own unique mix of scenery, dining, and small-town character. In the fall, the peninsula transforms into a colorful wonderland—perfect for crisp hikes, cozy fireside evenings, and scenic drives through the stunning foliage. In the spring, stroll through blossoming cherry orchards, hike the fresh trails, and enjoy the waterfront coming back to life.
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Even when snow falls outside, Wisconsin Dells shines with indoor waterpark escapes that feel like a tropical getaway—perfect for families or anyone needing a warm, splash-filled break.
The Wilderness Resort, with its four heated indoor parks—including the sunlit Wild WaterDome, which lets you catch rays even in winter—offers endless slides, wave pools, and swim-up bars.
From cozy soaking in indoor/outdoor hot tubs to racing down thrilling tube slides, Wisconsin Dells' waterparks turn even the chilliest winter days into warm, memorable adventures.
Even when snow falls outside, Wisconsin Dells shines with indoor waterpark escapes that feel like a tropical getaway—perfect for families or anyone needing a warm, splash-filled break.
The Wilderness Resort, with its four heated indoor parks—including the sunlit Wild WaterDome, which lets you catch rays even in winter—offers endless slides, wave pools, and swim-up bars.
From cozy soaking in indoor/outdoor hot tubs to racing down thrilling tube slides, Wisconsin Dells' waterparks turn even the chilliest winter days into warm, memorable adventures.
Amish Country, IN
For a slower pace and a truly unique experience, Indiana’s Amish Country is worth the trip. Here you’ll find horse-drawn buggies, handmade goods, and an opportunity to experience a lifestyle rooted in tradition. Driving through the countryside is especially enjoyable in summer, but any season brings a peaceful reminder of simpler living.
For a slower pace and a truly unique experience, Indiana’s Amish Country is worth the trip. Here you’ll find horse-drawn buggies, handmade goods, and an opportunity to experience a lifestyle rooted in tradition. Driving through the countryside is especially enjoyable in summer, but any season brings a peaceful reminder of simpler living.
Galena, IL
Step back in time with a visit to Galena, a historic town filled with 19th-century architecture, boutique shopping, and locally owned restaurants. Only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, Galena is a perfect weekend trip. Families love renting homes in the area for holidays, while couples and small groups can enjoy the charm of the DeSoto House Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. With rolling hills and a welcoming main street, Galena makes you feel like you’ve traveled much farther than you have.
Step back in time with a visit to Galena, a historic town filled with 19th-century architecture, boutique shopping, and locally owned restaurants. Only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, Galena is a perfect weekend trip. Families love renting homes in the area for holidays, while couples and small groups can enjoy the charm of the DeSoto House Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. With rolling hills and a welcoming main street, Galena makes you feel like you’ve traveled much farther than you have.
Starved Rock State Park, IL
Just a couple of hours from Highland Woods, Starved Rock is one of Illinois’ natural treasures. With dramatic sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and miles of trails, it’s perfect for hiking and nature lovers. The historic lodge offers comfortable rooms, rustic cabins, and a restaurant with views of the park, making it easy to turn your outdoor adventure into a relaxing weekend away.
Just a couple of hours from Highland Woods, Starved Rock is one of Illinois’ natural treasures. With dramatic sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and miles of trails, it’s perfect for hiking and nature lovers. The historic lodge offers comfortable rooms, rustic cabins, and a restaurant with views of the park, making it easy to turn your outdoor adventure into a relaxing weekend away.
Wakefield, MI and Ironwood, MI
Skiing at Indianhead (now Jackson Creek Summit) in Wakefield, Michigan offers a true Midwest ski experience, with a long history and wide-open runs perfect for families and seasoned skiers alike. Just a few miles away in Ironwood, Michigan, Big Powderhorn Mountain delivers fresh Lake Superior snow, fun terrain, and a cozy Bavarian-style village atmosphere. Together, these Western Upper Peninsula resorts give you some of the best winter skiing in the Midwest, with slopes that keep you coming back year after year.
Skiing at Indianhead (now Jackson Creek Summit) in Wakefield, Michigan offers a true Midwest ski experience, with a long history and wide-open runs perfect for families and seasoned skiers alike. Just a few miles away in Ironwood, Michigan, Big Powderhorn Mountain delivers fresh Lake Superior snow, fun terrain, and a cozy Bavarian-style village atmosphere. Together, these Western Upper Peninsula resorts give you some of the best winter skiing in the Midwest, with slopes that keep you coming back year after year.
Planning a weekend trip may seem simple, but arranging the right lodging, finding the best routes, and tailoring the experience to your interests takes local expertise. Starship Travel has been doing exactly that for four decades. Linda and her staff can take you from Highland Woods to your next favorite memory—just a few hours from your front door. You’ll have the confidence of working with a trusted, locally owned agency that has been connecting families to new experiences for 40 years.
Contact Linda Schreiber at 847-394-1155 or linda@starshiptravel.com. Check out their website at StarshipTravelAgency.com, Instagram and Facebook @Starship_Travel.