Top 5 Weekend Getaways from Gurnee (And the Best GMC to Get You There)

July 3rd, 2026 by

Quick Overview

One of the best things about living in Gurnee is how much is within an easy drive, lakeshores, waterparks, state-park canyons, and charming small towns are all a road trip away. The right vehicle makes the journey part of the fun. Here are five favorite getaways from Lake County and the GMC or Buick we’d pick for each, plus how to shop summer deals at Woody Buick GMC of Gurnee before you hit the road.

In this article:

  • Lake Geneva, for a lake weekend
  • Wisconsin Dells, for family fun
  • Starved Rock, for hikers
  • Milwaukee, for a city escape
  • Galena, for a scenic retreat
  • How to shop summer deals

1. Lake Geneva, WI – Best Pick: GMC Yukon

Just a short drive north, Lake Geneva is the classic Lake County escape, boating, lakeside dining, and resort relaxation. For a trip like this, the full-size GMC Yukon is hard to beat. It seats up to eight, swallows everyone’s gear, and, when properly equipped, tows up to 8,400 pounds, so the boat or jet skis can come along.

2. Wisconsin Dells – Best Pick: GMC Acadia

The waterpark capital of the Midwest is a couple of hours away and made for families. The midsize GMC Acadia is the sweet spot here: three rows seating up to eight, up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space for all the bags and pool gear, and an easy-to-manage size for the drive up and the resort parking lot once you arrive.

3. Starved Rock State Park – Best Pick: GMC Terrain

For waterfalls, canyons, and miles of trails, Starved Rock is a favorite day or weekend trip southwest of Gurnee. The compact GMC Terrain is an ideal companion, right-sized and efficient for the highway run, with available all-wheel drive for confidence and room for your hiking gear. It’s the easygoing choice when it’s just a couple of you and a trunk full of daypacks.

4. Milwaukee, WI – Best Pick: Buick Enclave

Less than an hour up I-94, Milwaukee delivers museums, a beautiful lakefront, and great food. For a refined city weekend, the redesigned Buick Enclave brings premium three-row comfort, a quiet cabin, and modern technology, so you arrive relaxed and travel in style. It’s the luxury-leaning pick when comfort tops the list.

5. Galena, IL – Best Pick: Buick Envision

Historic Galena, with its rolling hills and Main Street charm, makes a scenic retreat in the state’s northwest corner. The Buick Envision is a comfortable, right-sized luxury crossover for the longer cruise, easy on the highway, easy to park downtown, and roomy enough for a weekend’s worth of finds on the way home.

How to Get Summer Ready at Woody Buick GMC of Gurnee

Whichever escape is calling, summer is a great time to find your next adventure vehicle. Start with our current new-vehicle specials to see what’s available, browse the full new GMC and Buick lineup, or value your trade before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best GMC for a family road trip from Gurnee?
For maximum space and towing, the full-size GMC Yukon. For a three-row family SUV that’s easier to maneuver, the midsize GMC Acadia (up to eight seats). For smaller crews, the compact GMC Terrain.

Which vehicle is best for towing a boat to the lake?
The GMC Yukon, which can tow up to 8,400 pounds when properly equipped, plenty for most trailerable boats headed to Lake Geneva or Lake Michigan.

I want luxury for a city or scenic weekend – what should I consider?

The redesigned Buick Enclave offers premium three-row comfort, while the Buick Envision is a right-sized luxury crossover ideal for two-to-five travelers.

How far are these getaways from Gurnee?
All are within an easy drive, from under an hour to a few hours each way. Times vary with traffic and route, so plan ahead and check current conditions.

Where can I shop GMC and Buick deals near Gurnee?

At Woody Buick GMC of Gurnee, 5589 Northridge Dr. Check current specials online, then visit or call to take a test drive.

Start Your Summer at Woody Buick GMC of Gurnee

Adventure is closer than you think. Visit Woody Buick GMC of Gurnee at 5589 Northridge Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031, or call Sales at (847) 693-4799 to find the right GMC or Buick for your summer plans. We proudly serve families across Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville, Lake County, and the northern Chicago suburbs. Browse our current new-vehicle specials, explore the new vehicle lineup, and value your trade to hit the road sooner.

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