The Top Five Best Places to Visit Between Buffalo Grove and Bloomington
Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo Grove to Bloomington? Don't miss out on exploring the various gems that adorn the route. From delicious food to historic sites, we've compiled a list of the top five best places to visit on your journey.
The Halfway Point: Diamond, IL
Before we dive into our top five picks, let's highlight the halfway point on the journey. Diamond, IL, is a quaint town located right off I-55 South. If you're looking for a spot to stretch your legs, we recommend stopping by the Diamond Banquet Hall and Clubhouse, which offers a nine-hole golf course, sand volleyball courts, and picnic areas. You can also grab some grub at Pat & Nellie's Sweet Shoppe, where you'll find homemade sandwiches, soups, and desserts that will satisfy any hungry traveler.
1. Braidwood Dunes and Savanna
Title: Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
Subtite: Take a Hike in the Great Outdoors
Looking for a place to stretch your legs and explore nature's beauty? The Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve is the perfect stop! This protected area is home to rolling sand dunes, savannas, and prairies. Visitors can hike on the preserve's six miles of trails that take you through a variety of ecosystems. Some popular trails within the preserve include the Powerline Trail, Woodland Trail, and Ghost Train Trail. The preserve also features several overlooks that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Don't forget to snap some pictures of the preserve's diverse wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and red-tailed hawks.
2. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
Title: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
Pay Respect to Our Nation's Veteran
The next stop on our list is the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. This resting place is a memorial to all veterans who have served our country. It's serene, picturesque, and calm surroundings offer a peaceful spot to pay respect to our Nation's heroes. The cemetery sits on 982 acres of land and has two public shelters, a committal shelter, an honors plaza, memorial walk, and a public information center available all year round.
3. Starved Rock State Park
Title: Starved Rock State Park
Get Close to Nature's Beauty
Starved Rock State Park is a must-visit attraction in Illinois and home to several scenic waterfalls, canyons, and towering trees. The park's terrain was formed by melting glaciers tens of thousands of years ago, making it one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Midwest. There are multiple easy-to-follow trails available throughout the park such as the French Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, and Lover's Leap (to name a few). These trails offer opportunities for viewing waterfalls and vistas from atop sandstone outcroppings. The park has several amenities, including campgrounds, cabins, a restaurant, and an inn, making it a great spot to spend a day or a few nights, relaxing in nature's bliss.
4. Barrel Society Brewing
Title: Barrel Society Brewing
Cheers to a Cold Brew
If you're taking a break from hiking or honoring our nation's veterans, head over to Barrel Society Brewing for some excellent craft beers. Located in Burbank, IL, this brewery offers a variety of fresh, homemade craft beer that you won't taste anywhere else. Their collection includes traditional styles, barrel-aged beers, and experiments with new recipes. The brewery's founder takes pride in using only fresh ingredients sourced locally to create unique flavors. If you're lucky enough to visit during the summertime, grab a seat on their outdoor terrace and sample one of their expertly crafted, crisp beers.
5. Funk's Grove Maple Sirup
Title: Funk's Grove Maple Sirup
A Delicious Treat
No road trip would be complete without a stop at a local spot offering some good old-fashioned sweet treats! And that's why we recommend a visit to Funk's Grove Maple Sirup. Located in McLean, IL, this family-owned farm has been producing pure, organic maple syrup for over a century. Visitors can take a tour through the maple groves for a serene and beautiful fall foliage experience. You'll learn how the farmers collect the sap and take part in the syrup-making process, closing off with a syrup tasting where you might try one, or all of their different grades of syrup. The homemade maple syrup is so good that it pumps an average of 500 gallons every season, making it a staple of the area.
Happy Traveling!
Now that you have your itinerary set, are you ready to hit the road for an unforgettable journey? We hope our top five best places to visit between Buffalo Grove and Bloomington take you on a journey full of history, beauty, nature, and deliciousness. Pack your bags, put on your sunglasses, and hit the road, knowing that there are always hidden gems to explore right off the highway. Safe travels!