The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Glenview, Illinois
Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Glenview, Illinois are vibrant suburbs located North of Chicago. These communities have an abundance of shopping, food, and entertainment options. However, sometimes it’s nice to leave the familiar sights and sounds of home and explore. The neighboring town of River Forest, Illinois serves as a perfect halfway point between these two cities. Along the way, there are incredible hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are the top 5 things to do on a road trip between Buffalo Grove and Glenview.
Road Trip Highlight: Open lands.org
Before arriving at the first destination, River Forest, Illinois, take a short detour to visit Open Lands. This organization helps preserve natural habitats and ecosystems throughout the Chicagoland area. It's worth taking a moment to park, walk around, and stretch your legs in this beautiful setting before continuing on to your next destination.
Visit The Frank Llyod Wright Home and Studio
If you're a fan of architecture, visiting The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is an absolute must-see. This attraction, located only a few blocks away from the main stretch of River Forest, was built in 1889 and is the most famous of Wright’s Prairie-style houses. This site tells the story of Wright’s early career. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about his life and architectural philosophy while admiring the stunning design of his home.
An interesting fact:
Did you know the Frank Lloyd Wright home was built when he was only 22 years old?
Get Creative with the Painted Penguin
Be creative and take a break from traditional entertainment options at Painted Penguin. There are 8000 different ceramic pieces available to paint ranging from animals to mugs to piggy banks. This unique spot provides a fully customizable experience that's perfect for family or friends. After you're done painting, the staff will fire your piece and you can take it home or give it as a gift.
An interesting fact:
The Painted Penguin has been in operation since 2002 and has paint studios in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
Terrific Eats at the Railcar Modern American Kitchen
Not to worry foodies, there's no shortage of delicious eateries on this road trip- one of the standout places to eat is The Railcar Modern American Kitchen. This classic restaurant offers a diverse menu with modern twists on American dishes. Fresh ingredients make for flavorful and incredibly tasty meals. Plus, the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming, perfect when you need a break from the road.
An interesting fact:
The Railcar was previously used as a real railcar and is over 100 years old!
Get Spooked at Bachelor's Grove Cemetery
For those who love scary stories and a good fright, Bachelor's Grove Cemetery is sure to satisfy. This abandoned burial ground is known for its ghostly sightings and folklore. The cemetery is located deep in the forest and has an eerie atmosphere with its broken headstones and creepy trees. Visitors usually report feeling a sense of discomfort or even unease when visiting this site.
An interesting fact:
Bachelor's Grove Cemetery was originally established in the 1830s and was last used for burials until the 1960s.
Relax at Swallow Cliff Trail
Swallow Cliff Trail is a fantastic spot to hike when you need to slow down and appreciate mother nature. There are three hiking trails to choose from ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate. The views are stunning from all three trails, and you'll see towering trees and deep valleys. The Swallow Cliff stairs have a total of 125 stairs that are a great workout and provide an exciting challenge.
An interesting fact:
Swallow Cliff Trail is part of Cook County Forest Preserves and has over 150 miles of recreational and natural areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a road trip from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and Glenview, Illinois has quite a few hidden treasures not to miss. From exploring a piece of architectural history with Frank Llyod Wright's Home and Studio to getting spooked at Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, this route has something for everyone. Visitors also have the chance to get creative and come away with a one-of-a-kind experience from painting ceramics at The Painted Penguin. Finally, the Swallow Cliff Trail provides a relaxing outdoor escape for those who are nature enthusiasts. Overall, this route takes around an hour to complete without stops, and there are plenty of choices for entertainment and food breaks to make it worth your while.