You guys have got to be kidding me? A day trip to Chicago is eminently doable…Amtrak will get you into downtown Chicago by 9am, and back to Champaign after spending the day in a world-class city by 6:15pm for $44 roundtrip. You don’t want, or need a car to get anywhere in the city. Spend the day touring the Art Institute, Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium. Check out the observation deck in the John Hancock tower. Visit Millennium Park, Buckingham fountain. Watch a Cubs or Sox game. Take a seat at the United Center for the Bulls or watch the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks kick some tail. And then be back in Champaign…for dinner.