Road Trip Adventure: Exploring Campton Hills and Wheaton, Illinois!
Campton Hills and Wheaton, two beautiful towns situated in Illinois, are perfect gateways to enjoy a perfect road trip adventure. The beautiful roads, scenic landscapes, and rolling hills offer visitors with breathtaking views and an array of recreational opportunities. The trip from Campton Hills to Wheaton takes approximately 30 minutes, and a quick stop at the halfway point, St. Charles, IL, brings in even more wonders. So, if you're up for a road trip, buckle up and get ready to explore these towns and their surroundings.
Top Five Things to Do
Visit the Fabyan Windmill
The Fabyan Windmill is an iconic landmark that is a must-visit attraction in Kane County. Built-in the 1850s, the windmill stands at 68 feet and still operates to this day. Visitors can take a tour of the windmill and learn about the milling process of grains. The site also offers a lovely picnic area, gardens, and a museum. A unique fact about the Fabyan Windmill is that it is one of the few windmills in the United States that still uses the millstones to grind grains to produce flour.
Explore the Cantigny Park
Located just a few minutes away from Wheaton, Cantigny Park is a vast 500-acre park that has everything to offer. The park consists of a golf course, a museum, beautiful gardens with colorful flowers, picnic areas, and a playground. One can also visit the McCormick House Museum, which was once the home of Robert R. McCormick, the former publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Did you know that Cantigny Park is one of the largest public gardens in Illinois?
Step back in time at Naper Settlement
History buffs cannot skip the Naper Settlement, an outdoor museum that takes visitors back in time to the 19th century. Set on 12 acres of land, the museum provides a glimpse into the early days of Naperville. Visitors can explore 30 historic buildings, including the Martin Mitchell Mansion, the oldest public building in DuPage County, moving depictions of how life was during the settlement era, and the Paw Paw Post Office, which is the smallest post office in Illinois. A fun fact about Naper Settlement is that the buildings are original and were moved to the museum from their original location.
Visit the historic Arcada Theatre
The Arcada Theatre is one of the most iconic landmarks in St. Charles and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture. Opened in 1926, the theatre still showcases classic movies and live performances today. The theatre's grandiose facade, ornate architecture, and stunning murals are a sight to behold. Visitors can indulge in the theatre's charming ambiance and experience the magic of its authentic atmosphere. Did you know that the Arcada Theatre has hosted artists like Eddie Money, Kenny G, and George Thorogood?
Get outdoorsy at the Danada Forest Preserve
The Danada Forest Preserve is an adventurer's paradise with trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding, making it an excellent destination to get in tune with nature. The preserve boasts over 800 acres of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands and is home to a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can also explore the historic Danada House, which was home to Daniel and Ada Rice and their world-famous Danada Equestrian Center. The preserve has a unique trout fishing pond that offers an excellent opportunity for anglers to enjoy their favorite activity. A fun fact about the Danada Forest Preserve is that it was once a part of an extensive estate that included a horse-breeding farm.
Now that we've covered the top things to do in Campton Hills, St. Charles, and Wheaton let us take you through the journey. The route from Campton Hills to Wheaton takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It is best to embark on the journey early in the day to avoid delays. The halfway point of the journey, St. Charles, offers several recreational options, including the Fox River, the St. Charles History Museum, and the Pheasant Run Resort. The entire road trip from Campton Hills to Wheaton can take anywhere from four to five hours, depending on how much time you spend at each attraction.
So, pack your bags, grab your map, and hit the open road, because exploring Campton Hills and Wheaton, Illinois, is an adventure that you won't forget!