Between Chicago And Madison Is Wisconsin's Charming City With A Walkable Downtown And Riverfront Views

You'd be surprised at how many of your travel-related conundrums would be solved just by thinking outside the box when it comes to picking a destination. Say you're looking for a scenic, riverside escape, but feel like the noise and chaos of places like San Antonio or Savannah defeat the purpose of planning a tranquil getaway in the first place. That's when you turn your eyes toward a small, charming Wisconsin gem by the name of Beloit. Home to 36,000 people, according to Data Commons, the city seems to offer the perfect balance of quiet riverside recreation and a lively, visit-worthy downtown.

Beloit is also located almost perfectly between Chicago and Madison, and with I-90 running right alongside it, you can rest assured that driving in and out of town will be a breeze. Fliers will be spoilt for choice, too. Chicago Midway, Madison's Dane County Regional Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport are all within driving distance. Most travelers, though, tend to choose the latter as their entryway. While not the closest, it's still America's "most connected airport" and a bustling Midwest gateway to just about anywhere. That translates to more flights and better prices.

Sadly, looking at Rome2Rio, there don't seem to be any direct public transportation options for the more than 83-mile trek. The best way to travel from the airport to Beloit and back is usually getting a rental. These start at a modest $20 a day, and chances are you'll want to explore Beloit beyond its walkable downtown anyway, so try to get your hands on a car. You can even use Beloit City's handy guide to check out all of your parking options in downtown Beloit.

Find a nice, shady parking spot downtown because this part of the city is best explored on foot. The historically preserved center is not only home to the most charming collection of stores, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries, but it's also the spot where everyone gathers for the iconic Farmers' Market. According to Visit Beloit, it's the second-largest of its kind in Wisconsin, promising everything from fresh produce to live music. The market is open every Saturday between May and October, and it draws in thousands of visitors, so try to get there as early as possible.

Just a five-minute walk from the Farmers' Market, you'll find Ironworks Hotel, a great boutique hotel whose amenities include (but aren't limited to) pet-friendly rooms, free Wi-Fi, free parking, an on-site restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center. It's located right on the banks of the Rock River, so its rooms have fantastic views. The staff is very friendly, too.

When you want to eat someplace great yet cheap outside the hotel, you'll want to head over to Lucy's #7 Burger Bar. Known for its stuffed burgers and fun, lively atmosphere, this is the place you go for a classic, all-American meal at just $10 to $20 a person. Some other menu standouts include the cheese curds, sweet potato fries, and every type of shake. When you feel like you've seen the heart of Beloit, why not drive the 30 minutes to Rockford for a change of scenery? Illinois' "City of Gardens" has outdoor thrills, endless recreation, and stunning green spaces.

Beloit's location right alongside the Rock River makes a trip here that much more varied and well-rounded. Water sports lovers will be happy to learn that they can do just about everything, from fishing and paddling to powerboat racing. For those who want to take in all the waterfront allure from dry land, on the other hand, Riverside Park is a must-see. Spanning over 23 acres, this is a space where visitors can play tennis, have a scenic picnic, and walk, run, or bike on the three-and-a-half-mile paved path. You can even rent a tandem bike. The park is open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The park is probably best known for hosting Beloit's Music at Harry's Place, an outdoor concert series that runs every Friday evening in the summer. Entrance to the park is free during the event, just like it is the rest of the year, giving travelers the (rare) opportunity to enjoy themselves on a tight budget. For an even more outdoorsy experience in Beloit, you might want to walk along the Rock River Trail. This is a path that extends over 300 miles across Wisconsin and Illinois, but the Beloit section, in particular, stands out for its several water access points and fantastic nature-watching spots.

If time allows, you can always take things up a notch by planning a couple of day trips. First, you can go to Janesville, "Wisconsin's park place" with botanical gardens, renowned waterski shows, and art festivals just 20 minutes away. South Beloit (IL), being one of the closest neighboring cities at under 1.5 miles away, is another excellent choice. It also boasts soft, sandy beaches; vibrant blue waters, and waterpark amenities.