Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Roadtrip from Carpentersville, IL to Lafayette, IN
Are you planning a road trip from Carpentersville, Illinois to Lafayette, Indiana? Don't miss out on some amazing museums, parks, and landmarks along the way! Here are the top five places you need to visit on your trip:
Fun Facts about the Road Trip
Did you know that Carpentersville and Lafayette are 147 miles apart? You can drive this distance in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Crown Point, IN
At the halfway point of your trip, you'll reach Crown Point, Indiana. This little city is full of history and an ideal stop for a quick break. Crown Point is home to the Old Lake County Courthouse which was built in 1878 and still stands today. If you're looking for a bite to eat, you can't go wrong with the famous Crown Point Bulldog Brewery.
Trip Length
The distance between Carpentersville and Lafayette isn't too long, so you can make it a day trip or stretch it into a weekend getaway. Depending on how much time you want to spend at each stop, you can make it there in a couple of hours or take all day to explore.
1. Indiana Dunes National Park
The Indiana Dunes National Park is a must-visit stop on your road trip. The national park has miles of beautiful sandy beaches, hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems. If you're a nature lover, you won't want to miss this national park. Be sure to check out the 3 Dune Challenge while you're there.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Don't miss the stunning views from the top of Mount Baldy, the highest dune in the national park.
2. Chicago Museum Campus
If you're a fan of museums, you'll love the Chicago Museum Campus. The campus is home to three fantastic museums, including the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Spend a day hopping between museums or pick one or two to explore in detail.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Catch a show at the Adler Planetarium's Grainger Sky Theater where you can explore the universe on the seven-story screen.
3. The John Dillinger Museum
The John Dillinger Museum is a fascinating stop for history buffs. This museum, located in Crown Point, Indiana, tells the story of John Dillinger, one of America's most notorious gangsters. The museum features artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, including Dillinger's death mask and wooden gun.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Stop by the world's first drive-thru Starbucks, located just down the road in Merrillville, Indiana.
4. Prophetstown State Park
Prophetstown State Park is a great stop for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, the park has miles of hiking trails, a campground, and a water park. You can also learn about Native American history at the park's Prophet's Rock Museum.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Make sure to check out the park's restored prairie, which has been brought back to its natural state.
5. Tippecanoe Battlefield Park
The Tippecanoe Battlefield Park is a reminder of an important battle that took place in 1811 between the Native Americans and the Americans. Visitors can learn about the history of the battle by visiting the interpretive center and taking a self-guided tour of the battlefield. In addition, there are picnic areas, a playground, and a walking trail.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a quick drive over to Wolf Park, where you can see wolves and other wildlife up close.
Conclusion
Your road trip from Carpentersville, Illinois, to Lafayette, Indiana, can be filled with incredible landmarks, historic sites, and outdoor adventures. Depending on your interests, you can make the trip as long or as short as you like by stopping at these top 5 places along the way. Be sure to take your time to explore all that these locations have to offer!