The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Brookfield and Mount Prospect, Illinois

Brookfield and Mount Prospect might be small suburban towns, but they offer many things to do for those who prefer the outdoors and exploring nearby cities. They are also conveniently located 25 miles away from each other, making it perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. At the halfway point between them lies Elmhurst, IL, a charming city worth adding to your itinerary.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Go Hiking at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a beautiful 2,492-acre preserve located in Darien, IL, just a few miles from Brookfield. It offers 11 miles of hiking trails, including a 9.5-mile loop around Argonne National Laboratory. The highlight of the preserve is the waterfall located near the entrance, where visitors can take beautiful pictures and enjoy a picnic.

Interesting fact: Waterfall Glen has over 740 species of plants, including seven that are considered endangered.

2. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States, with a collection of more than 300,000 works of art. It is located in the heart of Chicago, just 14 miles from Mount Prospect. Visitors can admire famous paintings, sculptures, and architecture from different cultures and periods, such as Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Marc Chagall's "America Windows."

Interesting fact: The museum has a pair of bronze lions that flank the Michigan Avenue entrance, which have become iconic symbols of Chicago.

3. Explore the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of America's most famous architects, and his home and studio in Oak Park, just a few miles from Brookfield, are open for public tours. Visitors can see where Wright lived and worked for 20 years, and how he designed the house, which became the foundation for his architectural philosophy.

Interesting fact: Wright's Oak Park home has over 100 art glass windows, a feature that became a signature of his work.

4. Have Fun at Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America is a popular amusement park located in Gurnee, IL, about 43 miles from Mount Prospect. It offers over 45 rides and attractions, including 17 roller coasters, three water rides, and numerous shows and events. Visitors can enjoy different themes, such as DC Comics and Looney Tunes, and get their adrenaline pumping on thrilling rides, such as the Maxx Force, the fastest and tallest roller coaster in North America.

Interesting fact: Six Flags Great America's first roller coaster, The Great American Revolution, was the world's first modern looping coaster when it opened in 1976.

5. Relax at Lake Arlington

Lake Arlington is a peaceful park located in Arlington Heights, about 14 miles from Mount Prospect. It offers a scenic lake, fishing and boating opportunities, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll on the walking and biking paths, enjoy the gardens and the wildlife, or watch the sunset from the pier.

Interesting fact: Lake Arlington is home to many aquatic animals, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegills.

Conclusion

Overall, the road trip from Brookfield and Mount Prospect is full of exciting and relaxing activities, from hiking in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve to exploring the Art Institute of Chicago and Six Flags Great America. The trip takes about 45 minutes of driving, making it ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Don't forget to add the charming city of Elmhurst to your itinerary and discover its hidden gems, such as Wilder Park Conservatory and Elmhurst Art Museum.