Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to Northfield, Illinois
Have you ever taken a road trip through the beautiful suburbs of Illinois? If not, then you're missing out on a breathtaking experience. This article highlights five unexpected places to stop when driving from Buffalo Grove to Northfield. The route is approximately 15.4 miles and takes at least 30 minutes on a clear day. So, prepare yourself for an exciting trip filled with surprises, amazing food, and unforgettable experiences.
Halfway Point: Deerfield, IL
Deerfield, IL, is halfway between Buffalo Grove and Northfield. It's a suburban gem with tons of attractions that will make your drive worth every minute. This picturesque town radiates charm, and its history is still visible in its unique architecture and landmarks. Deerfield Historic Village is a must-visit attraction, where you can take a guided tour through nine historical buildings and learn about Deerfield's rich history, from its founding in the 1800s to present day. The village also hosts several educational programs, including "The American Civil War Comes to Deerfield" and "History Detective: Uncovering the Past."
Suppose you're looking for some outdoor fun. In that case, a visit to Deerfield's Maplewood Park, equipped with baseball/soccer fields, volleyball courts, four tennis courts, and a picnic area with grills. You can also indulge in a game of miniature golf at the Deerfield Family Golf Center, which features a fantastic mini-golf course, virtual driving ranges, and batting cages.
Now let's explore the five unexpected places to stop when driving from Buffalo Grove, IL, to Northfield, IL.
1. The Botanic Garden in Glencoe
The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is a fantastic place to stop when driving from Buffalo Grove to Northfield. It's the perfect place to unwind, relax and connect with nature. The garden covers more than 385 acres and holds over 4,500 plant species, which make for an excellent experience for visitors of all ages. The serene Japanese Garden, the peaceful oasis at the Aquatic Garden, and the Fragrance Garden are the highlights of the Chicago Botanic Garden. There are also several walking trails, including the Pullman Trail, the Youth Learning Garden, and the Green Roof.
The Botanical Garden features several on-site eateries, including The Garden Grille and Café, serving American cuisine, and the seasonal Baker Miller Bakery and Cafe, specializing in fresh pastries, and coffee. A perfect spot to enjoy your lunch or dinner while taking in the stunning view.
2. Skokie Lagoons
The Skokie Lagoons, between Glencoe and Northfield, offer a wonderful opportunity to go kayaking, biking, or even fishing. The lagoons consist of ten bodies of water, making it an ideal stopping point for recreational activities. You can rent kayaks from the Chicago Kayak Rental, located on the shore of the North Lagoon. The bike trails around the lagoons are also worth exploring, with several scenic spots to take in the view and rest, including the Forest Preserve at Tower Rd. You can enjoy a picnic on the lush green grass, or fish for bass, pike or crappie. Pack a fishing rod, as there are several amazing fishing spots along the lagoons.
No food is available at the Skokie Lagoons, so consider taking a packed lunch or stopping at one of the local eateries before embarking on this destination.
3. Northfield's Historic Village and New Trier Township High School
Northfield boasts an impressive historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places. You can take a self-guided walking tour of Northfield's History Village, which contains over a dozen locations, including old churches, mansions, and schools, dating back to the 1800s. The district encompasses several famous mansions, including the Henry Demarest Lloyd House, the Carl Schurz House, and the John R. Copeland House. The New Trier Township High School, founded in 1901, is also an essential stop when visiting Northfield. The high school is an example of Colonial Revival architecture and features several notable statues and sculptures.
When it comes to food, the Happ Inn Bar and Grill is a must-visit restaurant when in Northfield. This family-owned restaurant offers new American Cuisine and features a cozy, warm interior. Customers rave about their juicy burgers, fresh seafood, and mouth-watering steaks.
4. Lake Forest Beach and Montrose Beach
Lake Forest Beach and Montrose Beach are nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, perfect for some vitamin sea. Lake Forest Beach spans over 28 acres and features pristine sandy beaches, a picnic area, and various water activities, including sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach is also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Montrose Beach is located 20 minutes from Lake Forest and sits on 22.5 acres of land. This stunning beach offers exclusive beach volleyball courts, a bird sanctuary, and a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline. A visit to either Lake Forest or Montrose beach will be an exciting experience with a refreshing breeze.
For food, consider indulging in some of the Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza at Gino's East of Chicago - Lake Zurich. Perfect for a quick bite if you're running low on time.
5. Lake Bluff Brewing Company
Lake Bluff Brewing Company is an excellent destination for beer lovers when driving from Buffalo Grove to Northfield. The brewery is locally owned and operated and offers a taste of local flavors. Visitors can sample the brewery's handcrafted beer selections, which include Blue Sky Berry Wheat, Murphy's Law Red Ale, and 131 East ESB, named after Lake Bluff's address. The brewery also offers brewery tours, a solar panel-lit beer garden, and live music on specific days of the week. Lake Bluff Brewing Company is the perfect stop when looking for a refreshing glass of beer.
When it comes to food, consider their signature Bavarian pretzels paired with their nutty Doktoberfest beer. It's a perfect combination!
As you can see, there are several exciting and unexpected places to stop when traveling from Buffalo Grove to Northfield. These five places mentioned in the article offer an excellent balance of history, nature, and local flavors. Be sure to take your time and enjoy every destination to the fullest.
In conclusion, this road trip promises to be full of incredible experiences that will never be forgotten. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, exploring historic buildings, or indulging in local cuisine, Buffalo Grove to Northfield is the perfect route to travel when looking for a scenic, historical, and fun-filled road trip.