Road-Tripping from Buffalo Grove, IL to Wilmette, IL: Explore the Best Museums, Parks, and Landmarks
Looking for an exciting road trip that encompasses art, history, natural beauty, and adventure? Look no further than the journey from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to Wilmette, Illinois. This thrilling road trip of around 20 miles has all the elements that make it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.
Fun fact: Did you know that Wilmette's shoreline is about one-sixth of Lake Michigan's total length? So, while on this road trip, don't miss out on visiting Wilmette's expansive beach and recreational harbor.
Coming off from Buffalo Grove, our halfway point would be Highland Park, IL. This posh North Shore suburb is known for numerous lovely beaches and parks and features a sculpture garden called The Art Center Highland Park, lively downtown, and some excellent restaurants, making it a great brief stopover.
This road trip from Buffalo Grove to Wilmette may be relatively short, but we assure you that these 20 miles will have you covered with the best experiences to relish. Here are our top five places to visit on the journey.
1. Raupp Museum
If you're intrigued by historic houses and antiques, Raupp Museum is a must-visit for you. This fascinating museum features interactive exhibits that detail the life of life during the early 1900s. You'll learn about the importance of growing crops, churning butter, and keeping animals, among others. Visitors of all ages can explore hands-on activities, such as vintage toy games, geo-caching, and a scavenger hunt that takes you around to historical landmarks in Deerfield.
Point of interest: Just about a mile away from Raupp Museum is the Trinity International University, which boasts of incredibly manicured landscapes, scenic walking paths, and a serene lake of about nine acres. It's a perfect spot to unwind.
2. Chicago Botanic Garden
Next up on our list is the famous Chicago Botanic Garden. Stretched over 385 acres, Chicago Botanic Garden is a wonderland for botany lovers with its vast array of plants, flowers, and trees that are impossible to cover in one visit. The garden offers several themed gardens, including the Japanese garden, English garden, waterfall garden, and rose garden. Visitors can participate in a few walking tours, attend workshops, and enjoy some exquisite meals at the Lenhardt Library.
Point of interest: We recommend checking out the garden's Bonsai collection, consisting of some exceptionally unique and rare varieties of plants and trees.
3. Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is a powerful and emotionally moving place to visit, considering the stories the museum preserves about one of the darkest periods of human history. Apart from the exhibitions, the museum is also famous for its survivor's stories, which are told through live performances, films, and interactive media sections.
Point of interest: Right across the street from the museum is the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, a vast open forest that preserves some of the most striking modern sculpture pieces.
4. Gillson Park
Gillson Park is a beautiful lakefront park with some striking views of Lake Michigan. The park features several recreational amenities, including picnic tables, barbeque grills, and areas to lounge on the beach, making it the perfect spot for a family-friendly picnic. The park also features some of the best walking trails in the region, great for long romantic evening strolls.
Point of interest: A few blocks away is the Hubbard Woods - Winnetka, a vibrant shopping district full of locally-sourced foods, unique shops, and art galleries.
5. Baha'i House of Worship
Our final stop on our road trip from Buffalo Grove to Wilmette is the incredible Baha'i House of Worship. Built-in the shape of a lotus flower, the architecture alone of this place is awe-inspiring. This peaceful temple is open to all ethnicities and religions with no clergy and is a perfect place to restore inner peace.
Point of interest: The beautiful Rosewood beach located just a half-mile south of the temple is a serene option, with plenty of parking space, and is perfect for a swim and basking in the sun.
Time flies when you're having fun, and four to five hours later, you have come to the end of your journey. This voyage is a fun-filled exploration of the art, history, and natural beauty of Illinois. We hope you have enjoyed our top five places to visit on the journey and can't wait to hear about your next adventure.