Top Five Popular Attractions on a Road Trip from Brookings, South Dakota to Bourbonnais, Illinois

Are you planning a road trip from Brookings, South Dakota, to Bourbonnais, Illinois, and wondering what attractions to visit on the way? Look no further! Here are the top five popular attractions to see that will make your trip a memorable one.

Halfway Point: Onalaska, WI

Before we dive into the top five attractions, let's talk about the halfway point of your trip: Onalaska, WI. This charming town sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities to offer. If you arrive in the summer, be sure to visit the Great River Landing and rent a kayak or canoe to paddle down the river. The town is also home to the Onalaska Sculpture Walk, a public art exhibit that features over 20 sculptures throughout the downtown area. And if you're a cheese lover, don't miss the opportunity to stop by the famous Wisconsin cheesemakers and sample some of the best cheese the state has to offer.

Top Five Places to See

1. The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD

The world-famous Corn Palace is an attraction that you don't want to miss when traveling through South Dakota. The exterior of the building is adorned with intricate corn murals that are changed every year, ensuring that you'll always have something new to see. The building also houses a gift shop, a mini-museum, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

2. The Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, IA

If you're a fan of the classic movie "Field of Dreams," you'll want to make a stop in Dyersville, IA, and visit the movie site. You can walk on the same field where Ray Kinsella played catch with his dad, tour the house where the Kinsellas lived, and even buy corn seeds that were grown on the field. It's a unique experience that will make you feel like you're a part of the film.

3. The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, IL

A trip through the Midwest wouldn't be complete without visiting a farm equipment museum. The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, IL, is a top attraction, featuring interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history and innovation of John Deere. It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

4. Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL

If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, Starved Rock State Park is the perfect destination. Located in Utica, IL, the park features 13 miles of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking bluff views of the Illinois River. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the natural beauty of the park.

5. Frank Lloyd Wright's B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, IL

Architecture buffs will want to make a stop in Kankakee, IL, and visit the B. Harley Bradley House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's earliest Prairie-style homes. The house was built in 1900 and has been fully restored to its original design. It's a remarkable example of Wright's influence on modern architecture and a must-see for anyone interested in design.

Best Route for this Trip

Now that you know the top five attractions to visit on your trip, let's talk about the best route to take. We recommend taking I-29 south from Brookings until you reach Sioux Falls, then merging onto I-90 east. Follow I-90 east until you reach Mitchell, SD, where you can visit the Corn Palace. From Mitchell, continue on I-90 east until you reach Dyersville, IA, where you can visit the Field of Dreams movie site. Next, head south on US-151 until you reach the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, IL. From Moline, take I-80 east until you reach Utica, IL, where you can explore Starved Rock State Park. Finally, head north on I-55 until you reach the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, IL.

Overall, this road trip from Brookings, South Dakota, to Bourbonnais, Illinois, is filled with unique and exciting attractions that will make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. So, pack your bags, hit the road and take in the sights and sounds of the Midwest.