A Wonderful Road Trip: Top Five Popular Attractions between Carol Stream, IL and Middlebury, IN
Do you love road trips and exploring new places? Here's a treat for you! Here are the best five popular attractions you cannot miss on a road trip between Carol Stream, IL and Middlebury, IN.
The Route and the Halfway Point: Chesterton, IN
The route linking Carol Stream, IL and Middlebury, IN is full of captivating sites and beautiful landscapes. The distance between the two cities is approximately 166 miles via I-80 E. We suggest adding a midway stop at Chesterton, Indiana, a beautiful town nestled between the southern shores of Lake Michigan and the eastern edge of the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Chesterton will give you a chance to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and explore some of the town's incredible gems. The town's rich history and scenic beauty make it an excellent destination on your road trip. Plus, it has lots of nature hikes, art galleries, museums, and unique festivals and events, making your stop here worthwhile!
Top Five Places to See List
Here are the top five captivating sites you don't want to miss between Carol Stream, IL and Middlebury, IN.
1. Indiana Dunes State Park
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Indiana Dunes State Park, a spectacular park nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park features beautiful hiking trails, swimming, and incredible bird watching. Come experience one of the gorgeous virgin sand dunes that make up the Indiana Dunes, which is an unparalleled leisure activity. This conservation area reserves about 2,000 acres of beaches, forests, prairies, and wetlands. Take a picnic or buy treats at the many snack bars scattered around the park. Don't forget your camera! You'll have the best snaps here.
2. Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market
Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is one of the most unmissable attractions in the midst of Indiana's Amish country - Shipshewana. The Auction and fleamarket is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from May through October. You'll get lost in the vastness of this fascinating market. There's something alluring about hand-crafted furniture and the feeling of going back in time. Don't forget to buy some Amish specialties, including fresh bread, cheese, pies, and homestyle meals.
3. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
Spend some heartwarming and educational family time at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary. Here, you'll have an up-close experience with the exotic and rare animals that call the sanctuary home. Learn about Black Pine Sanctuary's commitment to providing expert medical care, high-quality food, and excellent housing conditions to the animals. You'll have the chance to interact with animals you'd only see on TV: wildlife, big cats, primates, and more. This is a venue you don't want to miss; you won't find anything like it anywhere else.
4. Illini State Park
Illini State Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering rugged terrain that's perfect for a hike. The park is home to one of the most captivating stretches of the Illinois River. Illini State Park has a lot to offer: gorgeous river views, excellent fishing, picnic areas, camping sites, and playgrounds. It's a great place to have a relaxing break or a fun-filled day with family or friends.
5. Goshen Farmers Market
Finish up with a remarkable shopping adventure at the outdoor Goshen Farmers Market. The market opens on Saturdays, and you'll love exploring the local farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and crafty items on display here. Taste freshly-baked bread, artisanal cheeses, meats, and local honey while engaging with the farmers themselves, getting to know the land and soul of the area.
The Best Route for This Trip
This road trip is a little over 3 hours long, and the recommended route is via I-80 E. We suggest leaving Carol Stream, IL, in the morning and making the midway stop at Chesterton, IN. Take a relaxing stroll around this alluring town, then continue your journey, making stops at these top five popular attractions. Finally, the recommended route from Middlebury, IN, is via the US-20 W or I-94 W.
Get ready for an incredible time exploring this unique, historically significant, and festive part of the Midwest. See unforgettable scenic landscapes, get educated about animals, and make lasting family memories on this friendly, fun, and informational road trip. Enjoy!