Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burlington, Iowa to Merrillville, Indiana

Are you feeling restless and looking for a road trip? Well, there's no better way to clear your head and enjoy some time on the road than to drive from Burlington, Iowa to Merrillville, Indiana. The journey is around 335 miles long and takes approximately five hours, making it the perfect weekend getaway for those with a passion for travelling.

The halfway point of the journey is Princeton, IL, a lovely town filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are five unexpected places to stop at on your drive from Iowa to Indiana:

1. Dixon, Illinois

Dixon, Illinois is the birthplace of America's 40th president, Ronald Reagan. The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitors Center showcases thousands of unique items, including his childhood home, family photos, large greeting cards sent to the President, and awards that depict President Reagan's significant impact on the nation's history. Visitors can even view his personal yearbooks from Dixon High School. Once you've completed your tour, you can grab a small bite at the Hellos Food & Fuel, where the friendly staff will serve you delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, and pizza.

2. Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, Illinois

If you are looking to add a natural touch to your road trip, stop by Starved Rock State Park, which covers more than 2,600 acres of land along the Illinois River. You can enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, and taking in the stunning views of the park's waterfalls, canyons, and beautiful foliage throughout the year. For a quick snack to recharge yourself, stop by the park's restaurant, the Lodge Restaurant, for delicious American cuisine amid a gorgeous ambience.

3. Valparaiso, Indiana

Take a quick detour to the City of Valparaiso, Indiana, and enjoy a vibrant downtown area that offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. The city is known for its cultural sites, including a collection of art galleries, live theatre, and music venues. Grab a sandwich at Lincoln's Log Sandwiches, a creative family-run sandwich shop that caters to all types of dietary requests.

4. Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, Indiana

Just a short drive from Valparaiso, Indiana Dunes National Park offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and acres of sand and forests. For anyone who wants to add adventure to their trip, hiking, camping, and exploring the stunning landscape will create lasting memories. When you are ready to take a break and grab a bite to eat, head to Bartlett's Gourmet Grill & Tavern, which offers a diverse menu of upscale American fare with an extensive wine and beer list.

5. Gary, Indiana

Gary, Indiana, is all about jazz music and hosting passionate fans of the genre. For music lovers, the city is home to several jazz festivals, themed bars, and an entire museum dedicated to jazz, the LeMoyne House, dating back to the early 1900s. Satisfy your appetite with a dinner at the Miller Bakery Cafe, where the chef creates a daily menu of fresh bread, pastries, and American fare.

Why Take the Trip?

If you are seeking a journey filled with adventure, history, natural beauty, scrumptious food, and some good ol' fashioned road trip fun, then a drive from Burlington, Iowa to Merrillville, Indiana, is a perfect trip for you. These five unexpected destinations along the route create an experience like no other and are located in easy to reach locations. So pack your bags and hit the road, it's a trip like no other!