Chicago getaway guide: 4 road trip destinations in the Midwest

With the cost of gas trending downward and the cost of air travel going up, you may be thinking of a road trip this weekend or this summer.

What's happening: Our Axios Midwest cities have all collaborated on "weekend getaway guides" to help you navigate quick trips to cities in close proximity.

• Here are four great ideas for a summer road trip.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio, gives you a nice mix of urban and college life. It's the home of Ohio State University.

• Axios Columbus' Tyler Buchanan tells us what we should experience in this great Midwestern city, which is less than a six-hour drive from downtown.

What he's saying: "Head to the Arena District for lunch at our historic North Market, catch some pro soccer or minor league baseball (Wednesday is dollar night!), and then end the night with a drink and a stroll."

• If you're looking to beat the heat, peek inside King Tut's tomb at nearby COSI — our award-winning science museum perfect for kids and adults alike."

More: Everything you need to know about Columbus.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a short five-hour trip, and it gives us cozy Great Lake vibes. Whether you are taking in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or a Guardians game, there is plenty to do.

• Axios Cleveland's Sam Allard also plays up the dining scene.

What he's saying: "Doug Katz is Cleveland's hottest chef right now. Both the Mediterranean-inspired Zhug in Cleveland Heights and the low-lit Indian fusion Amba in Ohio City are appointment eating."

More: Everything you need to know about Cleveland.

Detroit

Detroit dazzles the eye with its mixture of urban beauty and art. It's a quick four-hour jaunt from here, and it features many cool attractions, including sculptures and downtown stadiums.

• Pro tip: Go see the Tigers and cheer on Javy Baez.

Axios Detroit's Annalise Frank shares some must-see places:

What she's saying: "Hit up the legendary Eastern Market for local gifts, fresh produce and grub from food stands.

• "Then enter the nearby mural-lined Dequindre Cut at Orleans and Wilkins streets, and walk or ride a rental bike to the riverfront.

• "You'll find a nearby hill with a view of downtown and Canada."

More: Everything you need to know about Detroit.

Indianapolis

The closest of the getaway destinations, you can make it to the Indiana State Capitol in just under three hours.

• Indianapolis provides great scenery, bars and restaurants and a world-class children's museum for you and your family.

Axios Indy's Arika Herron wrote up a thorough guide for visiting, including some choice nature options.

What she's saying: "We're hosting a ton of great concerts this summer, many of them right downtown at the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park.

• "The park is also a great place to walk along the river and a gorgeous manmade canal that runs through the heart of downtown.
• "You can also rent a bike and ride the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which connects to a handful of the city's coolest neighborhoods, including Fountain Square."

More: Everything you need to know about Indianapolis.

One last thing: We did one, too. It's for the other cities, but you might be able to get something out of it, or at least tell us what we missed.