Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Buffalo Grove to Berwyn
If you're looking for a fun road trip that won't take all day, consider heading out from Buffalo Grove to Berwyn. This route offers a number of great museums, parks, and landmarks where you can stretch your legs and get a taste of Illinois history.
Did you know that Buffalo Grove was originally settled by German immigrants in the mid-19th century? The community has since grown to become a thriving suburb of Chicago, but you can still see evidence of its heritage in local landmarks like St. Mary's Catholic Church and the historic Raupp Museum.
About halfway between Buffalo Grove and Berwyn, you'll find the city of Des Plaines, IL. This town is home to the Des Plaines River Trail, a scenic pathway that stretches more than 30 miles from the Wisconsin border to the Chicago River.
The whole trip from Buffalo Grove to Berwyn is only about 35 miles, so you can easily make it a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. Below are five places along the route that are definitely worth a stop.
- Chicago Botanic Garden - This stunning 385-acre garden in Glencoe features 27 display gardens and four natural areas. From roses to waterlilies to prairie grasses, you'll find an incredible variety of plant life here. Kids will love the Children's Garden, which offers hands-on learning experiences and even a model railroad.
Point of Interest: The garden offers a trolley tour that takes visitors around the perimeter, and the garden is also home to an orchid show in February and March.
- Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center - Located in nearby Skokie, this museum tells the story of Holocaust survivors and preserves the memory of those who perished. Through powerful exhibits and personal stories, you'll learn about this dark chapter of human history.
Point of Interest: The museum offers a variety of educational programs and events for students of all ages.
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio - Architecture buffs won't want to miss this Oak Park landmark, where legendary designer Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked for over 20 years. You can take a guided tour of the home and studio, where you'll see the spaces where Wright created iconic buildings like the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
Point of Interest: While you're in Oak Park, be sure to check out the rest of the neighborhood's historic homes and buildings. This area is known for its Prairie School architecture and is home to one of the largest collections of Wright-designed buildings in the world.
- Cantigny Park - This sprawling park in Wheaton is both a beautiful green space and a tribute to Illinois veterans. It features extensive gardens, two museums, and a former mansion owned by Robert R. McCormick, former owner and editor of the Chicago Tribune.
Point of Interest: Visitors can tour the mansion, which now houses the Cantigny First Division Museum, and learn about the role that soldiers from Illinois played in World War I and beyond.
- Berwyn Route 66 Museum - Your road trip won't be complete without a nod to the most iconic of all American highways. This museum in Berwyn features artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of Route 66, which once ran through the heart of the town.
Point of Interest: Berwyn also offers several annual events that celebrate Route 66, including the annual Car Show and Route 66 Parade.
Overall, this road trip from Buffalo Grove to Berwyn is a great way to explore some of the sights and history of northeastern Illinois. Whether you're looking for natural beauty, cultural icons, or a bit of both, you'll find plenty to enjoy along the way.