Bachelorette party season is here! Everyone want’s to do a destination but it’s not always affordable for everyone in the bridal party. Here are some Midwest destinations that are fun and a bit less expensive than going to Las Vegas or Nashville.
Chicago
Chicago is a beautiful foodie city (bon appetit’s best city for food), with beaches, a vibrant river walk and endless neighborhoods with their own unique vibes and bar scenes. This is a location for your ritzy bride who has bridesmaids that are willing to spend a bit more for the big city experience.
Restaurants: Aba, Untitled, RPM, Quartino, Maple and Ash, Summer House Santa Monica, Hub 51, RM Champagne, Sunda, Mercadito, Pops for Champagne
Clubs/Bars: Studio Paris, Violet Hour
Activities: Nails done at Polish and Pour, rent a boat on Lake Michigan, pole dancing classes at Flirty Girl Fitness or paint and drink at Bottles and Bodega.
Galena
Galena is a small town in northwest Illinois known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings. The Ulysses S. Grant Home was a gift from local citizens to the Civil War general who later became a U.S. president. Galena has multiple vineyards and a very cute downtown area. This is perfect for the small town bride or someone who is looking for a chill party.
Restaurants: Vinny Vanucchi’s, Goldmoor Dining, One Eleven Main, Fried Green Tomatoes
Clubs/Bars: Blaum Bros Distilling, Galena Cellars Vineyard, The Cornerstone, The Grape Escape
Activities: Attend a P.T. Murphy Magic show, go on a ghost tour or do a winery tour.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a resort city in southeastern Wisconsin with Gilded Age mansions, many built by wealthy Chicagoans. There are local beaches which include Big Foot Beach State Park, which has trails and picnic areas. There are tons of outdoor activities available and really cute shops and restaurants in the downtown area. I would recommend this to any bride wanting to spend the weekend at a cabin with their girls and engage in outdoor activities.
Restaurants: Geneva Chophouse, Geneva Inn, Restaurant Brissago
Clubs/Bars: Carvetti’s outdoor bar, Fat Cats, Watershed Saloon
Activities: Horseback riding, creative arts at Board and Brush or Get Artzy, tour of Geneva Lake Brewing Company or a wine tour of Staller Estate.
Madison
Ideas from Beth Warner
A college town in the Midwest known for its fresh foods, CHEESE and beautiful capitol building. Frank Lloyd wright left his mark all over the city. This is a great bachelorette party spot for your college BFF or football and beer loving girlfriend.
Restaurants: The Old Fashioned, Icon (movie theater and tapas), Eno Vino Wine bar, Tornado Room Steakhouse
Clubs/Bars: Blue Velvet Lounge, Five Nightclub, High Noon Saloon, Majestic
Activities: Create your own centerpieces and favors at the crafty project, rent the pontoon porch boat, walk the Madison Square farmers market, take a brewery tour or rent the pub trolly. You could do a pole dancing class at Miss Pole or a show at the Comedy Club.
Milwaukee
Ideas by Courtney Warner
Milwaukee has a youthful vibe with rich German heritage. The city is known for the performing arts, restaurants, bars and the lake. There is a vibe of counterculture in many areas and you will see all walks of life in the downtown area. This is the perfect bachelorette party location for your friend who loves beer, boating and relaxing with friends.
Restaurants: Barnacle Buds for live music on the river. Braise for a nice dinner.
Clubs/Bars: Plum Lounge (Whiskey Bar), Lakefront Brewery is great for summer with live outdoor music. Old world 3rd street and Brady Street are great for bar hopping.
Activities: Edelwiess boat tours (They have unlimited margarita/taco and a beer/brat tour) or Milwaukee food tours (Bloody Mary Brunch, Tacos and Tequila) are the perfect way to start the day. Host an indulgence Chocolate pairings event, Mani/Pedi party at nail bar or a day on the pedal tavern. Bar on a boat would also be a fun option.
Minneapolis
Ideas from Brianna Sook
Minneapolis is just a 1 hour flight from Chicago or a 7 hour drive. There is a vibrant outdoor scene with many rooftop bars, biking paths and beautiful parks and lakes. Their foodie scene is booming so you have your choice of cuisine in a fun atmosphere. This is a great bachelorette party destination for your city girl with foodie tastes!
Restaurants/Clubs/Bars: Chino Latino, Maynards in Excelsior, Betty Dangers, Seven and Psycho Susie’s
Activities: Plan a relaxing spa day at the Ivy hotel and spa, Visit the wineries in Waconia, Peddle pub bar, rent a boat on Lake Minnetonka or go to a stripper show at Seville.
New Buffalo
Planned by Susan Panozzo
New Buffalo is a popular destination 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of Chicago. It is right on the lake and is home to several wineries. This is the perfect bachelorette party destination for the more mature bachelorettes.
There are a lot of large houses in Galena so I would recommend renting one for all of your girls to stay in one place. We rented a house with a pool. The whole weekend was perfect and planned to perfection for our free spirited bachelorette.
Restaurants: Stray Dog
Clubs/Bars: Casey’s is a fun local bar with live music.
Activities: Pool Party and cookout-Had a Butler In The Buff to serve our food, beach day or rent a boat. Wine tastings and limo party bus. Have them plan the itinerary and collect money for wine tastings in advance so you don’t have to settle bills throughout the day. If you want to get a stripper you can get them to come in from Chicago. The challenge is traffic and getting them there if you have a set time.
Book early! House, limo bus, and winery tours all fill up super fast. Especially in New Buffalo!
Don’t forget the bachelorette party essentials!
Free to Wander 