Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the beginning of the summer travel season, and, despite the high gas prices this year, millions of people will still be getting into their cars and heading out of town for the weekend. This short guide will help you plan your own weekend getaway this summer by pointing out just some of the resources available online for learning about the places to go and things to do in and around Chicago.

Illinois

Enjoy Illinois
Your first stop for local travel should be this website for the Illinois Board of Tourism. The site includes a calendar of events from around the state, lists of top places to visit and free brochures that can be ordered online. Be sure also to check out their features that focus special interest travel, such as "Illinois Wine Country" or "Antiquing Across Illinois."

Ramble the Rock
This website is a portal to places to visit and things to do around the Rock River Valley region in northwestern Illinois.

Southeastern Illinois
This is your official guide to the "eight jewels" of Illinois -- the state's southeastern counties.

Southernmost Illinois
The official website for the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau includes links to attractions, events, lodging and more.

Illinois Historic Sites Map
If you're interested in educational travel this summer, take a look at this historic sites map from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. From Lincoln's Tomb to the Rose Hotel, each listing includes background information about the site plus directions, maps and other information.

StayIllinois.com
Finally, this website from the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association will help you find accommodations during your road trip. Search by city, region or look for a specific hotel.

Indiana

Enjoy Indiana
Like its Illinois counterpart, Enjoy Indiana is the official website of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development and your one-stop place for information on travel within the state. The site includes trip ideas, listings for festivals and events, and an interactive travel guide.

Michigan

Michigan.org
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation brings us this guide to travel in Michigan. Check out attractions, events, shopping, dining, tours and more.

West Michigan Tourist Association
Provides your complete guide to events and attractions across the western half of the state. You may search by event type or browse by city.

Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
This site provides a select listing of entertainment, lodging and businesses in southwestern Michigan.

Wisconsin

Travelwisconsin.com
Stay... just a little bit longer... Travel Wisconsin is the official website of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Explore maps, events, tours and attractions from across the state.

Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions
This website provides an exhaustive list of all the tourist traps in the state with contact information and links to the appropriate websites. Anyone ready to visit Hayward's National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame?

Native American Tourism of Wisconsin
For a unique Wisconsin travel experience, check out this guide to native places and tribal events around the state.

General

Roadside America
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention Roadside America, a complete online guide to the wackiest tourist attractions across the country. Search by state to find the most offbeat places in the Midwest.

You can spend all day browsing the sites listed here, and this is just the tip of the iceberg of what is available. Have fun making your own plans to get the heck out of town this summer!

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