Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brookfield, Wisconsin and Naperville, Illinois

If you're looking for a quick getaway, a road trip is an excellent option. Wisconsin and Illinois are two neighboring states that offer a diverse range of scenic drives for travelers. One route that's often overlooked is the drive from Brookfield, Wisconsin, to Naperville, Illinois. This drive takes around 3 hours. However, if you're looking to make the journey more interesting, there are several unexpected places that you can visit along the way. In this article, we will highlight five places you can stop at during your drive.

Halfway Point - Gurnee, IL

Gurnee, Illinois marks the halfway point of your drive. It's a small town, known mainly for being home to Six Flags Great America, a popular amusement park. However, there are a few other places in Gurnee that are worth stopping by. Firstly, you can check out the Gurnee Mills Mall and do some outlet shopping. Secondly, the James Lovell Federal Health Center, a Veterans Affairs hospital, offers tours of a decommissioned naval training facility.

1. Bristol Renaissance Faire

If you're a history buff, then you'll love the Bristol Renaissance Faire. This attraction is based just off I-94 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, but it's well worth the slight detour. The faire is a re-creation of an English village set between 1574 and 1582. Visitors can enjoy over 1,200 performers, a variety of food vendors, games, and shops. The faire is only open for a few months of the year, making it a unique experience. If you're visiting, you must try the turkey leg - it's a staple food at the faire.

2. Jelly Belly Factory

The Jelly Belly Factory is a must-stop destination if you're traveling with kids. Located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, this family-owned candy factory offers tours that provide an inside look at how Jelly Belly jelly beans are made. During the tour, you'll learn how the company creates its unique flavors, watch their candy-making process, and even taste-test some of Jelly Belly's newest flavors. The cappuccino flavored jelly bean will surprise you with its bold flavor.

3. Frank Lloyd Wright's SC Johnson Administration Building and Research Tower

If you're into architecture, don't miss the SC Johnson Administration Building and Research Tower located just off I-94 in Racine, Wisconsin. This expansive building, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is considered one of the most iconic modernist structures in the world. You can take a guided tour through the building, where you'll learn about its unique design features, including cantilevered desks, mushroom-shaped columns, and the 43 miles of Pyrex tubing used to house the company's cleaning products. There's no food at this location, but you can stop by The Guardian Cafe for a cup of coffee and a croissant.

4. Volo Auto Museum

Car lovers, this place is for you. Located in Volo, Illinois, the Volo Auto Museum features one of the largest collections of vintage and muscle cars in the country. The museum houses over 33 different exhibits ranging from military vehicles, cars from the silver screen, and classic American cars. You'll also find related displays, such as jukeboxes, gas pumps, and slot machines. The museum comes with a diner, where you can grab a burger or a hot dog.

5. Fermilab

Fermilab is a little off the beaten path, located near Batavia, Illinois. The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is a Department of Energy facility, which focuses on particle physics research. Visitors can tour the lab and see the giant machines scientists use to study particles and physics. Science lovers will appreciate the opportunity to learn more about how the universe works. The cafeteria at Fermilab is the perfect place to carb up before continuing on with your journey. Try the soft pretzels and cheese.

Conclusion

If you're looking to take a quick trip and drive from Brookfield, Wisconsin, to Naperville, Illinois, there are several places that you can stop at that break up the journey and add a bit of excitement. From Renaissance Faires to expansive modernist buildings to candy factories and auto museums, there's something on this list for everyone. Not to mention some delicious foods to try along the way. Consider taking a detour from your usual route and exploring one of these places on your next road trip.