7 Ideas for a Non-Lame Bachelorette Party in Chicago

Imagine you and your besties spending the weekend at the historic Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin. There’s a private beach and pier, canoeing, tennis, biking, campfires...you name it. Oh, and it’s all highly Instagrammable. Sound like the most epic sleepover ever? It is.

Most bachelorette parties, all anyone brings home is a massive hangover. With Lillstreet Art Center, you get a much better souvenir: a unique work of art you made. Choose a private three-hour ceramics, jewelry or screen-printing class. All art supplies are included, but BYO food and drinks.

Plan a party that’s more detox than debauch. Just two and a half hours north of the city, Destination Kohler combines old-world charm with state-of-the-art hydrotherapy. Nature trails and lakeside yoga make it the perfect girl gang getaway. Visit May 1 to 5 for the Kohler Well-Being Experience, featuring Daphne Oz and Anna Kaiser.

Everyone gets cold feet before their wedding, so work up your nerves with a helicopter ride. Chicago Helicopter Experience whisks you and five of your friends above the city for insane views of the Willis Tower, Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field. Sure beats a trolley ride.

Want to savor wine country, but can’t stomach the airfare? Nine wineries surround St. Joseph, Michigan, just a 90-minute drive from Chicago. For an exceptional chardonnay, head to Contessa Wine Cellars. If sauvignon blanc is your thing, try Round Barn Winery.

When you just need to dance and want to keep it to just the girls, Mazi is just the thing. Book a private hip-hop or dance cardio class. The sequences move quickly, but the instructors keep the atmosphere fun and accessible. Don’t be surprised if you invite yours out to brunch after.

Save your maid of honor the stress of party planning. Godspeed curates unexpected and unforgettable nights out. You might find yourselves at an under-the-radar speakeasy or totally decadent dinner. They even arrange all the transportation...we could get used to this.