The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Broadview, Illinois and Hammond, Indiana

Broadview, Illinois and Hammond, Indiana, are both situated within just a few miles of each other, and offer remarkable tourist attractions conveniently located within driving distance. Tourists who embark on a road trip from these two destinations can expect to experience an excellent blend of natural beauty, urban excitement, and local charm. Along the way, they can make a stop at the halfway point, Chicago, Illinois, which is known for its iconic architecture, world-class museums, and rich culinary scene. The round trip can be completed in a day or two, depending on the preference of the traveler. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Broadview, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.

Embrace Nature at The Morton Arboretum

Located in Lisle, Illinois, The Morton Arboretum is a beautiful nature reserve that offers an opportunity for visitors to experience autumn's explosion of colors, winter's tranquility, spring's awakenings, and summer's breezy joys. The site boasts 1,700 planted acres and more than 200,000 plant specimens, including 4,100 unique species of trees. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, or relax at Meadow Lake. It is an excellent place for families, friends, and even solo trips.

Interestingly, the arboretum has more than 16,000 cataloged maps and charts of countries from around the world, as part of their research program.

Get Creative at The John G. Shedd Aquarium

The John G. Shedd Aquarium, located in Chicago, Illinois, is home to 32,000 animals from around the world, displayed in 80 habitats. From sea otters to beluga whales, visitors can experience the wonders of aquatic life in a state-of-the-art facility. A 90-minute tour provides an introduction to the aquarium's collection and trademark architecture. Visitors can also try on scuba gear to swim with the fishes in the "Wild Reef" exhibit.

Interestingly, the aquarium is renowned for its conservation efforts, including research, wildlife rehabilitation, and education to encourage sustainable fishing practices.

Explore The Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

The Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, is a unique blend of dunes, wetlands, forests, prairies, and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, camping, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors. An exploration of the park's nature center, with its interactive exhibits and knowledgeable rangers, is also a highlight.

Interestingly, the dunes are a result of winds blowing sand inland from the Lake, forming towering hills that can reach up to 200 feet.

Experience History at The Pullman National Monument

The Pullman National Monument, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a historic site that showcases the Pullman Palace Car Company, the Pullman Historic District, and its role in shaping America's transportation industry, urban planning, and labor history. Visitors can take walking tours of the restored Pullman factory and grounds, ride on vintage trains, or visit the visitor center to learn about the site's history.

Interestingly, the Pullman National Monument was established in 2015, making it one of the newest national parks in the United States.

Shop and Dine at The Village of Downers Grove

The Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, is a charming downtown area that offers visitors a unique shopping and dining experience. Visitors can explore a historic Tivoli theatre, modern boutiques, antique stores, and a variety of restaurants that offer a range of culinary delights. The village has won several awards and is designated as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its preservation efforts.

Interestingly, the Tivoli Theatre, built-in 1928, is a rare example of the Moorish Revival style and features a Wurlitzer pipe organ that is played before every movie.

This road trip offers an excellent mix of natural beauty, culture, and history. It covers a distance of approximately 126 miles one way from Broadview, Illinois, and Hammond Indiana, and can take about five hours to complete without factoring in attraction visits. However, each attraction offers a unique experience that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day to explore. One can spread the road trip over two to three days and enjoy the sites at a leisurely pace.